A Terrarium as an Indoor Garden

There is a solution for you if you love the look of plants indoors but don’t have the time

or a green thumb to take care of them. A terrarium is a self-contained plant habitat.

Once you have set-up the terrarium and closed the lid (on the jar or other container you

have chosen) the plants inside create their own eco-system – all you have to do is enjoy

The choices for terrarium containers are only limited by your imagination. Traditionally

a smaller aquarium is used with a lid but a glass jar or other container will work nicely

too. Plastic will work as well, just make sure that it is a clear plastic or you won’t be able

to admire your handiwork once it is completed. Whatever size or material you choose for

your terrarium the most important factor is that it does not leak. You need the water and

moisture to stay inside for it to work and you don’t want a mess inside your house.

The plants that you choose should all thrive in similar conditions and grow well in a

humid environment. Popular plants to put into a terrarium are carnivorous (Venus Fly

Trap, sundew, or pitch plant) or rain forest plants (chamaedorea palms, small ferns or

fittonia).

Terrariums are a low-maintenance indoor garden. They need indirect sunlight (not too

bright) and no water is needed after the initial water is added. The heat from inside the

terrarium evaporates the water and then it condenses on the lid falling back down to the

plants. This process will continue keeping your plants alive. If there is too much water

present, you may need to vent the terrarium (with a vented lid or opening the top a small

amount) just be sure to keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level (not too wet or dry).

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