Greens in the glass

Sharmila Chand

Once you dig your fingers in the miniature landscapes, several landscapes of creativity spread in front of you. The minute you surrender to the charm of green in glass, it is the beginning of a passionate affair with terrariums. Neatly packed plants in glass containers of different shapes that can either be hung or placed in your living or dining room or the balcony is what terraium gardening is all about.

One can create a terrarium in an open or closed container depending on the plants used. Sun-loving plants should be given an open container, whereas plants that thrive in high humidity should be put in a closed container. The whole exercise begins with laying a layer of colourful chips, stones or plain gravel in your container.  The gravel acts as a drainage for excess water from the  layer of soil above.

The next step involves covering it with cacti or potting soil to make a base for your plants to set their roots in. A thin layer of charcoal can also be added. After this select the plants (succulents and certain cacti are best suited for terrariums). The plants should be slow growing and requiring less water. Take care that all plants should have similar environmental needs. These should be arranged as per a plan with taller and’ bushy’ ones being given requisite space to spread their glory.

Depending on the size of the container you can create small mounds or hills  or moss pathways “adorned” with small wire fence or figurines to convey a story or create a scene.  Thereafter, if you want, you can put the top layer of sand or fine gravel.

How to take care of your terrarium

Terranium plants are generally well behaved and do not demand too much care and maintenance. However, there are certain points to remember: 

Avoid too much light: Terraniums do not need too much light, and since they are in the glass, temperature can get really hot inside the container so it is best to keep these miniature gardens away from direct sunlight.

Avoid placing too close to heaters: Do not let any extra heat get inside your jar as your plants definitely don’t like that idea.

Pruning & pinching is a must: Keep pruning your plants as they should not outgrow the container. Also, if a plant is looking bad or is wilting in your terrarium, get rid of it fast before it spoils the entire look. Digging out the unwanted plants is necessary. 

Keep the container clean: Clean the glass of your terranium from inside and outside regularly. Use a damp piece of newsprint or a soft cloth. 

Avoid over watering: Over watering is a big no no for terraniums. Try to use a spray bottle instead of directly pouring water.  

Avoid over fertilising: Most terraniums do not need any fertiliser really. As the plants have to be kept at a certain limited size, they shouldn't be over fed. It will only cause new growth and the plants will quickly outgrow their restricted space.

Choose the right plants: It is important to keep plants which need special conditions together. For example, drought-loving succulents should not be mixed with moisture-loving ferns. 

Aesthetics in decoration: Create a theme combining your plants with nice-looking moss and stones or other natural objects. It gives a mini-landscape décor, which is absolutely essential in a modern house. 

Keep it simple: Do not create a complicated jumbled look. Less is more when it comes to terraniums.