Creativity and hobbies come in hundreds if not thousands of different shapes, and something one person likes doing can be completely and utterly different from what somebody else enjoys. The most common and fan-favorite activities include utilizing your imagination and being creative, that is, making beautiful items that you can use in your own home, gift somebody you care about, or even sell if you are good enough.
Considering most people enjoy nature and like to have plants in their garden or inside as a part of the décor, gardening and taking care of flowers and trees has always been popular. Since the dawn of civilization the bond between plants and humans has been dominant and important. Nowadays there are new types of hobbies you can do if you like plant life, especially succulents. The best way of doing this is by making and maintaining your own terrarium.
If you already have succulent plants in your home or if you like plants in general, this article will surely be interesting for you. Moreover, if you are thinking of picking up a new thing to do in these crazy times when we have to spend more time at home, terrariums are a truly wonderful and rewarding choice. To learn more about terrariums and succulent plants in general, make sure to check out succulentmarket.com.
What is a Terrarium?
Terrariums are beautiful little decorative containers that represent an enclosed environment that houses plants. They can either have a single plant or a few smaller ones. The containers used as terrariums can vary in shape, size, and style, but the unique thing for most is that they should absolutely be transparent. The full effect of this amazing little ornament is only achieved if you can clearly see all the layers of the plant including the soil and everything in it.
Equally important is the opening through which you can care for the plant and water it. It also serves as a source of fresh air, important for the proper lifecycle of any plant life. Terrariums are almost always unique as enthusiasts make it a challenge each time around to create something new nobody else has. You can even develop your own style and theme when making them, something that will clearly point out your signature. Now that you know what they are, let us talk about the most important tips and advice for making your own little creation at home.
1. Correct Planting Process
Without the right supplies it will be hard and nearly impossible to achieve anything. This is why you should make sure to get everything you need as it makes life easier and the whole process more enjoyable.
First of all, you need a bunch of different stones and pebbles. You can use any colors you like, just make sure to design it just like you like as it will be tough to change it later. This layer serves as drainage for the plant. Next comes activated charcoal, which will be there to keep the water fresh for longer as well as to battle bacteria that may end up inside. A thin layer should be fine, and also make it more appealing. Here is a tip: avoid too many black stones and pebbles since charcoal will also be black.
A thicker layer of quality potting soil comes next. While any mix will do since succulents are not that demanding, there are special mixes for both cacti and succulents that will give them all they need. To have a thriving plant, it is smart to pick one of these. The soil layer has to be deep enough for the root to advance over time, at least 2 or 3 inches.
Finally, it is time to put in the plant(s). If you have one that is larger than the resto, we suggest putting it in first. Carefully prune the roots and burry them in a large enough hole in the soil. Next, arrange the smaller plants around in the way you like. Finally, finish things off with another layer of colored pebbles or stones for a neat decorative touch. There are now special ones you can get at florists in all shapes, sizes, and colors, picked specifically for terrariums.
2. Watering and Keeping
Succulents do not require too much water since they hold onto it for a long time. Therefore, there is no need to constantly worry about their wellbeing and overwatering them constantly. They thrive with little water and in increased humidity, which is guaranteed if your terrarium has but a small opening on the top. This prevents too much water from evaporating too quickly, giving the plant a nice and humid home all the time. Glass containers are the best since they allow enough light and enough heat through.
Water it just lightly once every two weeks in the colder periods, and once or twice a week in hot and dry conditions. It would be much better if you prevent your home from being too dry, since humidity is your friend with most house plants. You can achieve this by letting in some fresh air a few times per day, or with water that will evaporate from the heaters. There are numerous devices you can use for this and your succulents will be more than grateful.
Regarding the place where you should put the succulents, mind that they enjoy at least 6 hours of sun per day. Windows in your home facing south or east are ideal for them, and they double as a great source of fresh air when you open them. This is not all, as most heaters and radiators are below the windows, meaning the plant has everything it needs in one and the same spot.
3. Tools and Supplies on Standby
Regular gardening tools will prove too big for your small home terrarium, which is why you should invest in something smaller. You will need the correct tools to get in there and do the work. They should be handy enough and easy to control, and they will help you with all sorts of gardening work apart from terrariums. Whenever you need something delicate you can use a small shovel or a miniature hoe.
Apart from the tools themselves, it is smart to have extra pebbles, stones, charcoal, soil, and an empty terrarium ready to go. These are all small enough not to get in the way, meaning they are easy to store. Since terrariums are glass, they will surely break if knocked over. If you have extra tools and supplies around, transferring the plant into a new home will be a breeze.
