Where to find plants<\/h4>\n
A great resource for plants is Simply Succulents\u00ae<\/a>. Simply Succulents\u00ae grows and sells a variety of hardy and exotic succulents and living garden art created with these beautiful, versatile plants. Their succulents plants include sempervivums, sedums, sempervivum arachnoideum and jovibarba rollers and jovibarba heuffelii.<\/p>\n Easy to make with a few simple tips and techniques, we\u2019re encouraging you to join in the fun, but\u2014as a fair warning\u2014once you create your first mini indoor garden, you\u2019ll be hooked. (They make great gifts, so don\u2019t worry about what you\u2019ll do with them all.)<\/p>\n With the help of a few terrarium experts and a touch of our personal experience, let us welcome you to the wondrous world of low-maintenance, indoor garden creations.<\/p>\n Remember, there are no real rules, so let your creative juices flow and get planting.<\/p>\n Succulent and plant terrariums require a solid foundation to grow and flourish in your space. Megan George, author of Modern Terrarium Studio<\/em><\/a> and mastermind behind The ZEN Succulent, outlines the basic layering materials needed for the entire living landscape.<\/p>\n These simple ingredients allow your plants to adapt comfortably to their new home.<\/p>\n First layer<\/strong>: sand and\/or stones\nSecond layer<\/strong>: activated charcoal\nThird layer<\/strong>: cactus and succulent soil mix\nFourth layer<\/strong>: plants and decorative elements<\/p>\n The sand\/or stone layer is important for drainage. Terrarium containers lack drainage holes (we\u2019ll talk containers later), which means that as responsible plant parents, we must give terrariums a way to remove water so the plants\u2019 roots won\u2019t rot.<\/p>\n Sand or stones, such as gravel or pebbles, provide a natural way to accomplish water removal in succulent, cacti and moss terrariums.<\/p>\n Step one<\/strong>: Fill the bottom of your vessel with a 1 to 2-inch layer of small rocks for drainage.<\/p>\n The activated charcoal layer is for a fresh scent. \u201cThrough terrariums, you bring the outdoors into your own indoor space, but it\u2019s important to leave the damn, murky woodland smells outside,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n The charcoal absorbs chemicals in the soil, water and air, which can build up inside your terrarium and damage your plants. The odors from decomposing soil and plant material, as well as mold and mildew, are taken care of with a thin layer of activated charcoal.<\/p>\n Step two<\/strong>: Add a thin layer of charcoal on top of the drainage layer.<\/p>\n Cacti and succulents thrive in soil that drains easily and doesn\u2019t retain too much water, so cactus and succulent soil mix is vital to your terrarium\u2019s drainage and nutrients.<\/p>\n Avoid gardening soil, which retains moisture. Opt instead for a premixed soil blend such as a cactus and succulent mix or a cactus, palm and citrus potting mix. They contain a boost of nutrients, which encourage root growth and bloom development. Traditional potting soil would work as well.<\/p>\n Step three<\/strong>: Add a thick layer of soil.<\/p>\n The final layer is the plants, of course. Dig spaces big enough in which to place each plant, so that they\u2019re snug but visible. Add decorative elements and accents to enhance the natural beauty of your chosen plants.<\/p>\n \u201cAdding natural-colored sand and a handful of pebbles can transform your cactus terrarium into a desert oasis. Adding a few sea shells and a sea fan to a terrarium with an air plant usually found in the rainforest changes the mood of the terrarium from tropical to beachy,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n Step four<\/strong>: Place your plants in the soil, largest to smallest, and lightly pack the soil around the bases of your plants.<\/p>\n Now it\u2019s finished and beautiful but what type of maintenance does it require?<\/p>\n Plants: cacti and succulents<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cModern and minimalist, with an appearance straight out of a science-fiction movie, desert terrariums require a lot of light, an open container, and dry soil in order to thrive,\u201d Rooted in Design<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>(Ten Speed Press)\u00a0authors Tara Heibel and Tassy de Give said.<\/p>\n Light<\/strong>: full sun from a south or west-facing exposure, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day\nWater<\/strong>: check for watering every 7 to 14 days and only water if soil is dry, 1-inch down or if you see signs of shriveling\nHumidity<\/strong>: do not mist<\/p>\n Plants: ferns and mosses<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWoodland terrariums are the most natural-looking terrariums because they appear as if you just picked the plants from your backyard \u2026 Don\u2019t forget to mist your woodland terrarium on a regular basis! You want to create that dewy, woodland realm vibe,\u201d Tara Heibel and Tassy de Give, authors of Rooted in Design<\/em>, said.<\/p>\n Light: bright, indirect light from north or east-facing exposure or at least 10 feet away from a west or south-facing exposure\nWater: check for watering 1 to 2 times per week. Only water if the top of the soil is dry or if you see signs of shriveling\nHumidity: mist every couple days<\/p>\n Plants: ferns and mosses<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cEnclosed terrariums require little care. They provide plants with the perfect refuge from a cat who can take down a fern in five minutes flat. They also inhibit curious kids, resist temperature fluctuations, and keep plant pests at bay,\u201d Tara Heibel and Tassy de Give, authors of Rooted in Design<\/em>, said.<\/p>\n Light: bright, indirect light from north or east-facing exposure or at least 10 feet away from a west or south-facing exposure\nWater: check for watering every 10 days; only water if the top of the soil is dry. Once you create the right balance of moisture, you should leave the terrarium closed with no need to water for months.\nHumidity: if more than 25 percent of the glass is covered with condensation, remove the lid to allow some of the moisture to dissipate<\/p>\n Glass containers make for a terrarium dream. The visibility allows every inch of your little creation to be seen and enjoyed and you can find glass bowls and other vessels almost anywhere: your local department store, gardening center, pet store, yard sale, china closet \u2026 the possibilities are limitless.<\/p>\n Use an old, loved cookie jar or purchase a cool, geometric glass container with brassy accents to keep in trend.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll give you some ideas for what types of containers work and where to find them, so keep your eyes peeled for your terrarium\u2019s safe haven.<\/p>\n Maria Colletti, terrarium designer and store manager for the Shop in the Garden<\/a> at The New York Botanical Garden, composes a great list of glass vessel options in her book Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass,\u00a0such as:<\/p>\n Fish bowls, footed glass vessels, and cylinders\nLidded cookie jars and apothecary jars\nHanging ceramic planters, glass globes, and teardrops\nCloche displays and lanterns\nCake stands, compote dishes, and footed fruit bowls<\/p>\n Easy to use and easy to find, fish bowls are a convenient, inexpensive container to work with. The low, round vessels look wonderful sitting on coffee tables, bookshelves and kitchen counters. A lovely addition to a cubicle or reception desk, restaurant table setting d\u00e9cor or small business owner\u2019s studio, they work in just about any space.<\/p>\n There are a variety of size options when choosing a fish bowl\u2014from super small to extremely large and inbetween. For a \u201cbigger than big\u201d fish bowl, Colletti suggests, \u201cplant low in the bowl using only a small amount of planting medium \u2026 either choose plants that can grow very low and can be viewed from above or plants that can tower over the others and fill the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n What about extremely small bowls? Fill with, \u201csand, shells, and a small air plant (Tillandsia) tucked inside.\u201d<\/p>\n Lidded fishbowls can create the issue of too much condensation buildup, which results in a too wet, too dry, lid on, lid off cycle. It is doable but not desirable if you want an environment that is virtually maintenance-free.<\/p>\n Footed glass vessels add a height component, which works very well for a bit of a wilder aesthetic\u2014spilling out the top, soft weeping leaves hanging over the edges. The foot also allows for a bottom view of the terrarium, so be sure to pick out attractive drainage material like colored sand to compliment the color of the plants, bark chips for a woodland feel or sheet moss for a simpler look.<\/p>\n Food containers meant to hold flour, sugar or cookies double as cozy garden homes. \u201cThe glass jar lids have a slight movement to them and therefore allow just enough hot air to escape while keeping the inside comfortable, warm and humid,\u201d Colletti said, who imagines it is, \u201cmuch like Baton Rouge, Louisiana on a hot summer day.\u201d<\/p>\n Modern apothecary jars have that same amount of wiggle room, which keeps the moisture level healthy for the plants. They in turn don\u2019t require any watering, cleaning or pruning for months.<\/p>\n Vintage or at least vintage-looking apothecary jars are so cool that they actually, \u201celevate what is inside them to a sophisticated status.\u201d<\/p>\n Round sphere, teardrop, long pear shape, oh my. The sizes and shapes of hanging terrariums are so versatile you can use them in homes, suspended over dining tables like chandeliers, as window displays, in restaurants and more.<\/p>\n Experiment with how high or low you want them to hang, and whether they\u2019ll be hung alone or in a group. Make combinations using moss, sand, rocks, or bark chips.<\/p>\n Cloches and lanterns are terrarium head-turners. They command attention in a soft, prominent manner. Their elegant aura (combined with Beauty and the Beast nostalgia) turns your plant into something really special.<\/p>\n Keep it very minimal or let it be an \u201cextravagant display of nature.\u201d Whichever you choose, the vessel itself can make anything look good.<\/p>\n For more container ideas, grab a stool and check out what\u2019s on that shelf you never can reach, filled with pieces you never really use. Old cake stand or fruit bowl? Sturdy, thick glass? Inexpensive heirloom piece? Perfect.<\/p>\n Fill a footed parfait bowl with soil and plants and let it reflect your love for entertaining.<\/p>\n Colletti reminds us that when using any covered dish, we should keep in mind that they produce more humidity and need plants that can withstand the increased dampness.<\/p>\n Succulents that grow horizontally would be ideal for the deep space of a footed compote dish. You can even create interesting layers with some colored sand or pebbles.<\/p>\n Needles + Leaves blogger, Tawni Daigle uses succulents for just about anything you can imagine, from placecards to wreathes. She finds ordinary objects to house the little creations in her book DIY Succulents. We\u2019re sharing our favorites with you.<\/p>\n Planting succulents in old teacups is an easy and fun way to put those extra teacups that are stacked on your high shelf to use. If you are better than most of us and don\u2019t have at least a few extra teacups to spare, you can find them at most thrift stores.<\/p>\n The options for this craft are endless: add a few teacup succulents to your kitchen windowsill, make one for a friend as a last minute gift idea or host a craft night.<\/p>\n A great way to add a natural, rustic element to your home is with Birchwood, which is easy to find at most garden centers or home stores. This project could double as a centerpiece for a wedding or an event too.<\/p>\n Looking for a new way to display your tiny succulents? \u201cLook no further. Tiny terra cotta pots are the cutest way to show off your babies. Itty-bitty pots are the cutest in their own right, but when paired with darling little succulents, the cuteness factor is off the charts,\u201d Daigle explains.<\/p>\n These are super simple to create. Make them as a gift for a teacher, neighbor or friend.<\/p>\n To see the DIY instructions to these and others, check out\u00a0the books referenced here or visit Simply Succulents<\/a> for ideas and plants.<\/p>\n Ideas for creating mini gardens indoors even if you don’t have a green thumb<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3769,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58,56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spring-2016-features","category-spring-2016"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3572"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3572\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4231,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3572\/revisions\/4231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Getting started<\/h4>\n
![\"Photo-credit_simplysucculents.com.Terrarium-Bowl-Mag\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Photo-credit_simplysucculents.com_.Terrarium-Bowl-Mag.jpg\")
The Basics<\/h4>\nCare For Your Terrarium Type<\/h4>\n
Desert Terrarium<\/h5>\n
Woodland Terrarium<\/h5>\n
Enclosed Terrarium<\/h5>\n
![\"Modern-Terrarium-700\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Modern-Terrarium-700.jpg\")
Variety of Vessels: Finding a Home for Your Garden<\/h4>\nFish Bowl Frenzy<\/h4>\n
Jars That Let You \u201cPut a Lid on it\u201d<\/h4>\n
Hang \u2018Em Up<\/h4>\n
Cloches and Lanterns<\/h4>\n
Top Shelf of the Kitchen Cupboard<\/h4>\n
More Creative DIY Ideas<\/h4>\n
![\"teacups-Modern.Terrarium\"](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/teacups-Modern.Terrarium.jpg\")
Succulents in Teacups<\/h4>\n![\"Logplanter.](\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Logplanter.ModernTerrarium.jpg\")
Birch Log Planter<\/h4>\nTiny Terra Cotta Magnets<\/h4>\n
Some of the information in this article has been excerpted with permission from:<\/h6>\n
Excerpted from DIY Succulents: From Placecards to Wreaths, 35+ Ideas for Creative Projects with Succulents<\/a><\/em>\u00a0Copyright \u00a9 2015 by Tawni Daigle and published by F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Photography by Tawni Daigle.<\/h6>\n
Excerpted from Modern Terrarium Studio<\/em><\/a> Copyright \u00a9 2015 by Megan George and published by Fons & Porter Books, a division of F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Photography by Megan George.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"