The life of a self-contained terrarium is fascinating.
In a carboy of a few liters, here is a simplified version of the ecosystem of our planet.
The water circuit follows its loop: absorbed by the roots of the plants, it is rejected by the leaves at the hottest hours, the water vapor condenses on the glass walls and trickles towards the ground.
Plants, on the other hand, consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen by carrying out their photosynthesis in daylight, then they emit carbon dioxide at night, which recreates the gaseous balance they need.
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The uniformity of the mode of culture of the plants is fundamental for the success of this microcosm, and the easiest way is to choose plants of tropical origin with slow growth or cover ground.
A succulent will not survive among the tropical ones because of too high humidity, even if it loves heat, while some orchids and carnivores will be welcome.
The composition we undertake includes: a ginseng ficus, a dwarf palm, a hair of Venus hair, a red fittonia, a plant with pink ephelides and moss.
You will also need a large glass jar with a stopper, soil for potted plants or special terrarium, a draining substrate (akadama or pozzolan, clay balls, etc.).
You will find all this in garden centers, the equipment used here was provided by Botanic.
Know that you can find original containers in flea markets.
If the soil does not contain charcoal, add biochar, a perfect horticultural product to limit the proliferation of mold.
A few tools make the work simpler and more pleasant: a small shovel, fine pliers, a mini-rake and a telescopic mini-shovel, a brush, long scissors.
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1 Set the scene
Pour 2 cm of akadama at the bottom of the jar and level with the rake.
Mix the biochar with the soil and form a layer of at least 5 cm.
Untangle the rootlets with the pliers without breaking them then plant the plants using the mini shovel.
Add potting soil without covering the collar of the plants and tamp.
Place the foam.
If you want to customize with pebbles or pieces of wood picked up during your walks, sterilize them by boiling them for 15 minutes to destroy pests.
If you introduce figurines, just wash them.
Water with demineralised water to prevent lime build-up.
Clean the walls with a brush and put the lid on.
2 Maintain your creation
Expose your terrarium to light but not direct sunlight.
Turn it over from time to time.
If the condensation appears at least once a day, it's a good sign, he's breathing.
Water when the soil is dry and open the lid if the walls are completely fogged.
Remove the fallen leaves, cut those too stuck to the walls.
Contemplate!
Our opinion
Making a terrarium is simple, it only requires a little dexterity, if the opening of the jar is narrow.
The choice of plants is fundamental to success;
do not hesitate to seek advice from specialists.
Consider integrating a small LED lamp if your home is dark.
A closed terrarium requires very little maintenance: it is the ideal compromise between the best decorative effect and the minimum of effort!