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It is easy to replicate a natural environment by growing plants in a terrarium.  Any glass container, like a fish tank, preferably without drainage holes will work well.  Begin by putting a layer of drainage material about 1” to 2” thick in the bottom. Any type of rocks or pebbles will work fine.  Then add your potting medium, peat is generally acceptable for most plants. It is easier to work with if potting medium is damp, putting the soil in a bucket or bowl and adding water can achieve this. Spread in terrarium 2” to 3” deep depending on the size of your container.   Normally, having the soil slope upwards towards the back of the terrarium provides the best overall light and viewing of the plants inside.  Next add your plants of choice and some rocks for decoration.  Keep the soil moist and place in a bright location near a window.  Artificial light can be used alone, but is generally best when used in conjunction with the natural light from a window.  A lid will help retain humidity but should be ventilated periodically to allow some fresh air in.

 

 

Plants Suitable for Terrariums: African Violets, Artillery Plant, Baby Tears, Begonias (small leaf varieties), Bromeliads, Carnivorous Plants, Coleus, Creeping Charlie, Croton, Ferns, Fittonia, Gold Dust Draceana, Goldfish Plant, Grasses (small varieties), Hedera Helix Ivy, Hypoestes, Maranta, Moss, Neanthe Bella Palm, Peperomia, Pilea, Orchids, Oxalis, Seaginella, & Tillandsia.

Mays Greenhouse ©2010