I found this Wardian Case terrarium at the flea market on Saturday for a grand total of 4 euros. Dusty, dirty and full of potential, I spent the rest of the afternoon researching DIY terrariums.
Luckily, the garden centre just outside of town is one of the only places in Germany open on a Sunday. So we packed up the kids and off we went. I knew that I wanted to do succulents, and there were plenty to choose from. Safely transported home, I went to wsork.
For the most basic terrarium, you will need:
A glass container, even a fish bowl will do.
River rocks, or other small rocks, for drainage.
Potting soil.
Plants. I went with succulents and cacti, but ferns and moss are equally beautiful.
Start by layering the bottom of your vessel with the stones.
A glass container, even a fish bowl will do.
River rocks, or other small rocks, for drainage.
Potting soil.
Plants. I went with succulents and cacti, but ferns and moss are equally beautiful.
Start by layering the bottom of your vessel with the stones.
Top with a good layer of soil
Arrange your plants around the centre of the vessel, trying not to let them touch the sides. The humidity in there could make your plants rot if you're not careful, and it's better not to have them all mushed along the sides.
Top with more soil where needed, and then give it a good misting. DO NOT water it like a regular plant. It will just get mouldy and smelly.
Et Voila! Put your terrarium in a sunny spot and give it a spray when it starts to look sad. Avoid direct sun as that glass is going to become an oven and you don't want to cook your plants. This project took only a little bit of time to put together. We "borrowed" the rocks from a neighbour, used leftover potting soil and bought the plants for less than five euros together. Grand total came in at around 10 euros, and I'm happy to have a bit of living art grace our flat.
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