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Terrariums: Growing Tips on the Latest Trend

Terrariums: Growing Tips on the Latest Trend

The latest trend in the plant community is one of our favorites. It involves maintaining a little ecosystem in your home. You guessed it… terrariums! We’re pretty big fans of terrariums here at Soltech because they’re great gifts and you get to be super creative when building your own little plant family. If you’ve never had a terrarium, I would highly recommend one! We’re going to give you the scoop on all you need to know about this new fun trend. One of the best parts about terrariums is that they can be created with pretty much any little plant you like! Succulents, cacti, or tropical plants make great options. They’re typically in a glass orb, kind of like their own little self-contained universe. In fact, terrariums can last for years if properly cared for. With the right tips, these little landscapes with thrive under your care. First off, there are two types of terrariums. Open terrariums are the most common and our favorites because they’re the easiest to maintain. These can be in a glass orb or vessel with an opening that lets your plantscape breathe. Closed terrariums are tricky because the hole is not large enough to regularly care for your plants. Due to the fact that they are self-sustainable, closed terrariums require a lot of specific knowledge when setting up.

Succulent Terrariums

These are definitely the most common type of terrariums out there. This is probably because succulents have thick stems that store water, making them perfect for compact enclosures. Succulents also do not need a lot of space to grow their roots. Many tiny species remain small, allowing these ecosystems to live for years. Succulent terrariums thrive best when planted in a sand or gravel mixture soil. Sun: Most succulents prefer direct light. Brighter areas will work best for these types of terrariums. Do keep in mind that glass intensifies the sun, so your plants may burn if placed in an area with too much consistent sunlight. Watering: As mentioned above, succulents do not require a lot of watering. They’re likely to get root-rot with too much watering. Especially because there are no drainage holes in glass terrariums, water this terrarium type rarely. Watering should take place when the soil is dry or almost dry, which will be about every 3-6 weeks. We recommend using a spray bottle when you notice the leaves curling in.

Cacti Terrariums

Not all succulents are cacti, so the process of caring for this type of terrarium is a bit different. You may use the succulent terrarium instructions as a guide, but consider these factors as well: Sun: Cacti are desert plants; therefore they need a lot of sunlight to survive. These terrariums should be placed in direct sunlight. Watering: Keeping in mind their native environment, cacti do not need a lot of water. In fact, they are even more likely than succulents to rot. Hey, that makes them even easier to care for, right?

Tropical Terrariums

Tropical terrariums are amazing because they bring a glimpse of tropical paradise into your home. However, these terrariums require a totally different routine. Knowing the end result of these terrariums will grow beyond of the glass, I recommend finding plants that are easy to transplant. For example, ferns or philodendrons work great because they love moisture and are low maintenance. Sun: Tropical plants enjoy indirect sunlight; so consider this when deciding where to place your terrarium. They will burn with too much direct sun, especially being in glass that magnifies the intensity. Watering: Although they are tropical, terrariums in general do not need a lot of watering because it is partially enclosed. I recommend watering the roots with a spray bottle when the top of the soil is dry. On occasion I will add humidity to the terrarium with a mist of water.