I recently started making terrariums, or mini-ecosystems – and now I can’t stop! Here is why…
I have loved plants for my entire life. I think my love of plants started as a kid in the garden with my grandmother. Living in Texas, now, I’ve found the heat and climate to be really rough on my favorite plants. It’s hard to foster a love of plants in my children when none of us are terribly blessed with a green thumb!
Terrariums are able to conserve water and keep plants humid! This makes them very hands-off, compared to most planters. Perfect for when I get too busy to remember to water the plants every day.
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What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a small semi or fully enclosed garden. Most terrariums are small enough to be fit into large bottles or jars, but some can be as big as a display shelf! A good terrarium is a fully functional micro-ecosystem. Their natural ecosystem means that they are low maintenance! A terrarium functions on water cycle, so it is a really great opportunity to introduce earth sciences to young ones!
It is really easy to make your own terrarium, at home! We recently showed off the adorable growing Dinosaur garden – you can even include that in a terrarium!
Types of Terrariums
Nearly all terrariums are made out of glass. This allows light in, but also traps moisture released by the plants. They can be flat panels that are attached to one another or single pieces of glass such as a vase or jar.
The most common type of terrarium is used to keep delicate exotic plants safe and humid. Tropical plants can be very difficult to care for outside of the humid environment and natural ecosystem of a terrarium.
Succulent Terrarium
A succulent terrarium is perhaps the lowest maintenance version of a terrarium that exists! Succulents thrive best when left alone in a sunny place.
This makes them extra perfect for short attention spans. They require minimal watering and typically grow so slowly that they do not often need to be trimmed or repotted.
If you have a little one that is not yet ready for live plants, but loves the look of succulents, check this out! Its a way to make a felt succulent garden!
Succulents do not do well in closed terrariums. An open terrarium for succulents is still absolutely gorgeous! I have plenty in my decor!
Moss Terrarium
This variety of terrarium is also low maintenance, like the succulent terrarium. It is much more vibrant and green, though. The moss grows slowly and is very happy in most types of light. Keep in mind, it needs to be watered often with distilled water. A wonderful work around, here, is the type of Terrarium I’ll talk about next!
Closed Terrarium
A closed terrarium is truly the lowest maintenance way to go. Seriously, just set it up, make sure it isn’t too wet or dry, and go! Find a spot in your house for it to live and be admired!
You water a closed terrarium one time, and then close it. After that, the water cycle takes over. Condensation forms on the glass as the plants breathe, and that water then waters the plants so they continue to live.
Terrariums for Sale
Don’t have the time to build your own terrarium? That is completely ok!
You can enjoy the beauty and education of a ready-made terrarium from TerraLiving! They make and sell beautiful glass terrariums that already have their own established ecosystem! So, within their wide variety of sizes, you’ll be able to find a fully planted terrarium that you love!
Mini-ecosystems are a wonderful and educational decoration. Here are some of my favorite terrariums from TerraLiving:
Have you ever had a terrarium? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Source: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/683/terrariums/
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