Terrarium Building and Maintenance:
An absolutely exhaustive guide
"People will throw stones at you. Don't throw them back.
Collect them all and build a terrarium."
- Unknown
Collect them all and build a terrarium."
- Unknown
Introduction
Terrariums: little botanical worlds within containers, brought indoors to grow and to be enjoyed. These spaces can either be sealed or not sealed, and come in many different shapes, sizes, and forms. A terrarium's transparent walls allow heat and light to enter, which creates a unique environment perfect for plant growth. A miniaturized water cycle forms within sealed containers, creating a moist environment for more tropical plants, and open containers are used to provide an arid environment for cacti and succulents.
A Little Background
As with all botanical trends, the history of terrarium building is an interesting, creative, and somewhat ugly one. It began all the way back in 1829, when physician and amateur botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward was doing an observational study of a moth chrysalis in an enclosed bottle. The moth never ended up emerging, though a fern spore took the opportunity to germinate in the soil. Naturally, the young botanist took credit for the occurrence of this natural process, and named the invention that followed after himself. Thus, the Wardian Case was born. Nathaniel marketed and sold his new invention, and even wrote about the enclosed mini-ecosystems in his publication, On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases (1842). Although this discovery is usually romanticized and touted as being the original terrarium, another lesser known inventor, Allan Alexander Maconochie, had created something similar about a decade earlier.
As with all botanical trends, the history of terrarium building is an interesting, creative, and somewhat ugly one. It began all the way back in 1829, when physician and amateur botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward was doing an observational study of a moth chrysalis in an enclosed bottle. The moth never ended up emerging, though a fern spore took the opportunity to germinate in the soil. Naturally, the young botanist took credit for the occurrence of this natural process, and named the invention that followed after himself. Thus, the Wardian Case was born. Nathaniel marketed and sold his new invention, and even wrote about the enclosed mini-ecosystems in his publication, On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases (1842). Although this discovery is usually romanticized and touted as being the original terrarium, another lesser known inventor, Allan Alexander Maconochie, had created something similar about a decade earlier.
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From these beginnings, the practice of keeping plants within enclosed environments boomed. It was now possible to transport more tropical plant life back by ship from the far reaches of the world. The impact that Wardian Cases had on the agricultural and botanical industries cannot be understated. These cases even had an impact on African colonization, which at the time had hit a brick wall due to the many diseases that were quickly wiping out any explorers. About 40% of those who traveled to Africa perished from diseases. Central Africa was known as the 'White Man's Grave'. The tonic Quinine was the answer, though transporting enough material from Cinchona trees and shrubs back home for processing was proving difficult, and attempts at bringing live specimens back for cultivation had all failed. Enter the Wardian Case, protector and transporter of budding plant life.
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With this new technology, it was now possible to mass-produce Quinine, which allowed explorers, settlers, and merchants to travel back and forth to the central African region without as much fear of contracting a deadly disease. The ugly truth of the matter is that Wardian cases made colonizing Africa possible, and colonizing other continents much more profitable. It was the fuel that world colonization needed to continue its deadly course. These botanical enclosures also found their place back home in Europe, as bastions of verdant life in an oftentimes drizzly, drab environment. Many Wardian cases were placed in windowsills as signs of wealth (and they also helped to block out unsightly views). These enclosures also provided busywork for high-class Victorian housewives. Many women got very into keeping these cases, as it was deemed an appropriate hobby for young ladies of the time. Over the years, terrarium-keeping has waxed and waned just like any hobby, taking advantages of new technologies and the creativity of those who engaged in the process. There was a large boom in the terrarium-building industry in the 1960's and 1970's, alongside the Flower Power and anti-establishment movements of the time. Since then, the industry has transformed even more, given a boost of interest during the stay-indoors era that was our most recent pandemic. Nowadays, terrarium culture has grown into a burgeoning industry. There are many different techniques being perfected and practices being improved, all driven by a large body of knowledge that continues to grow each and every day.
'Arium' Madness
There are many different variations of the classic terrarium, named for their components, which can also include animal life. The suffix '-arium' is derived from the Latin word for 'container' or 'room'. Terrariums are the original contained environments, and include substrate and plants. They also contain a bit of water, but just enough to keep plants alive. These enclosures are usually self-sufficient, save the addition of extra water to open terrariums to replace water lost to evaporation. There are many different types of terrariums, named for their internal contents. For example, a mossarium is a type of terrarium that includes only moss and the objects on which the moss grows. Other types of -ariums include:
There are many different variations of the classic terrarium, named for their components, which can also include animal life. The suffix '-arium' is derived from the Latin word for 'container' or 'room'. Terrariums are the original contained environments, and include substrate and plants. They also contain a bit of water, but just enough to keep plants alive. These enclosures are usually self-sufficient, save the addition of extra water to open terrariums to replace water lost to evaporation. There are many different types of terrariums, named for their internal contents. For example, a mossarium is a type of terrarium that includes only moss and the objects on which the moss grows. Other types of -ariums include:
Aquariums
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Oceanariums
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Paludariums
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Vivariums
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Insectariums
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Formicariums
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Ripariums
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Penguinariums
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Jarrariums
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Rivariums
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Orchidariums
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Building a Terrarium
As you read this section, keep in mind that every single terrarium is different, and there are myriad ways to create them. Personal creativity is one of the most important skills to develop during the process. Creating a terrarium is not a simple task; to support the activities of an entire ecosystem is quite an undertaking. There are some materials and tools considered integral for every terrarium, including a container, plants, moss, various planting mediums, a large spoon or other utensil, and a spray bottle. Materials vary in quality and price, so make sure to do a lot of research before purchasing anything. Getting into building terrariums is not a one-day process; there is a lot of learning to be done along the way.
Container
There are many different choices to peruse when looking for a suitable container for a terrarium. The main takeaway is that the container needs to let enough light through to maintain the ideal climate and exposure for the plants inside. Clear options include glass and plastic, though plastic is not used widely due to the fact that as it degrades, it gets less and less transparent, which is not as great for light needs or for the aesthetic quality of the terrarium. As a rule of thumb, glass is best. There are many shapes and sizes of glass terrariums, listed and described below.
There are many different choices to peruse when looking for a suitable container for a terrarium. The main takeaway is that the container needs to let enough light through to maintain the ideal climate and exposure for the plants inside. Clear options include glass and plastic, though plastic is not used widely due to the fact that as it degrades, it gets less and less transparent, which is not as great for light needs or for the aesthetic quality of the terrarium. As a rule of thumb, glass is best. There are many shapes and sizes of glass terrariums, listed and described below.
The Geometric Terrarium
Chances are if you've perused Pinterest's terrarium ideas, you've stumbled across more than a few examples of this type. They come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, and can have a lid or not. Ensure that these types are water-tight before building; many cheaply made pieces are more decorative than useful for the purposes of terrarium creation. |
The Fishbowl Terrarium
These containers are widely available from pet stores and though secondhand sales of used pet supplies. Fishbowls are great for beginners, though they do not always come with lids. Great options for enclosing these containers are pieces of glass larger than the opening at the top. Custom lids can be purchased on sites like Etsy, or thrifted from elsewhere. Fish tanks also make great terrariums, though they are larger and therefore require a more work to create and maintain. |
Carboy or Demijohn Terrariums
These vessels were originally created to ferment and store liquids. Carboys originated in Persia and are more cylindrical, whereas Demijohns hail from France and have more rounded forms. These containers were used widely in the 1960's and 1970's to contain ecosystems, and are the reason why terrariums are sometimes called 'Bottle Gardens'. These vessels require utensils to plant, as the openings are usually quite small. and are also pretty expensive to acquire. |
The Mason Jar Terrarium
A budget-friendly option for a terrarium container is a simple mason jar. These come with airtight lids, which is very helpful in creating a mini-ecosystem. These jars also tend to be smaller than other options, making them great for beginners and those dealing with limited space. Grouping smaller terrariums together in a display looks fantastic. |
The Wardian Case
Widely considered to be the 'vintage' terrarium style, this type of container is usually relatively large and is meant to be a real display piece, even on its own. Wardian cases, due to the craftsmanship required to create them, are typically on the upper end of the price spectrum for terrarium containers. |
The Cloche Terrarium
These Beauty-and-the-Beast style containers are both beautiful and fully enclosed. The issue with purchasing these containers is locating one with a bottom that is deep enough to accommodate enough soil for adequate plant root growth. These containers are great for growing moss and other plants with minimal roots (like epiphytes). |
The Bottle Terrarium
These containers are similar to Carboy or Demijohn containers, and are pretty widely available (especially if you drink spirits and want to recycle some of your bottles). Creating these terrariums is not for the easily frustrated; the process requires some skill and patience. |
The Hanging Terrarium
These containers are ideal for those who are tight on space. These types are perfect for growing succulents or air plants, and can really make a statement when displayed in a prominent location. |
One of the more fun and exciting parts of building your terrarium will be picking the container. You can really make a terrarium out of any clear container, even an old soda bottle if you're the thrifty type. Upcycling containers found at yard sales, consignment stores, or online can also be a really fun experience. Open or closed containers will do; in open containers, more succulent type plants are grown, and closed-environment terrariums are great for more tropical plants like Orchids and Pothos.
Substrate
Unlike all other planting containers, terrariums are designed with no drainage holes. To prevent roots from becoming waterlogged, layers of different substrates are laid at the base of the container. Typically, there are five layers of differing textures that will take up between a quarter and a third of the height of the container:
Unlike all other planting containers, terrariums are designed with no drainage holes. To prevent roots from becoming waterlogged, layers of different substrates are laid at the base of the container. Typically, there are five layers of differing textures that will take up between a quarter and a third of the height of the container:
The Drainage Layer
Also called a 'false bottom', this layer resists compaction, supports the layers above it, and provides space for excess water to drain into. This layer is about 1-2 inches deep and consists of sea glass, pebbles or rocks, aquarium gravel, or materials like volcanic rock or lightweight expanded clay aggregate (leca). |
The Barrier Layer
For the drainage layer to function properly and not become inundated with smaller particles drifting down from the upper layers via gravity, a barrier is needed. This barrier is typically made of mesh (that is water-resistant and won't rust) or sphagnum moss. Mesh is much lower-profile; usually a good depth of sphagnum moss is needed to be functional, which is not always aesthetically pleasing. |
The Activated Charcoal Layer
A chunky layer of activated charcoal can help to purify the water in the terrarium. Activated charcoal is preferred for this layer over horticultural charcoal. This layer should be between |
The Sand Layer
This layer is optional, but does add a bit of beauty to a terrarium. Any color of sand can be used to compliment the plants and other aspects of the terrarium. The color of the sand can also match the general hues of the interior design of a space, as well. |
The Soil Layer
This layer is where most of the roots will be growing in the terrarium, and should be a bit deeper than the largest root ball of any plant that you install to allow for healthy root growth as the plants get established in their new home. Soil layers can be sloped to accommodate for different size root balls, as well. For most terrariums with tropical plants, a light, chunky mix is required. For succulents, use a sandier mix that is very well-draining. |
After substrates have been layered in the container, it looks a bit like this:
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The Living Layer
Plants
There are many types of plants to choose from when filling a terrarium. The main rule of thumb is to have all plants in a terrarium be of the same requirements humidity, light, and soil moisture-wise. The first main choice to make when choosing plants is whether the terrarium you are keeping will be open or closed.
There are many types of plants to choose from when filling a terrarium. The main rule of thumb is to have all plants in a terrarium be of the same requirements humidity, light, and soil moisture-wise. The first main choice to make when choosing plants is whether the terrarium you are keeping will be open or closed.
