Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Terrariums – Gardens within Glass

Two glass terrariums with plants.

Image via Wikipedia

by Adam Fulford

Imagine a miniature garden in a crystal ball or a glass jar: a glass-enclosed oasis of a woodland scene, or a tropical garden, or an orchid garden. Living plants will reside in the landscapes that you create, could be little hills amongst rocks, lichen, or even sea shells, or it could be a water world.

How Terrariums Work

Closed Terrariums don’t need to be watered much; they trap water inside. When the water evaporates, it condenses against the sides of the terrarium and falls down again. Terrarium plants can go for weeks, even months, without being watered.

Most terrarium are best placed in indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can overheat and harm the plants. Only desert terrariums should be placed directly in the sunlight. A well-placed and nicely set-up terrarium thrives with little maintenance and adds beauty to any setting.