How to start a terrarium what do you need and how to setup?

What you’ll need:

1. A glass container: This can be anything from a large jar to an old fish tank, even the old gold fish bowls or go all out for a purpose-built terrarium. opt for clear glass to maximise light for your plants. A lid is useful for creating a humid environment or as some call a self sufficient eco system, but not essential.
2. Drainage layer: Small stones, pebbles, or horticultural grit to prevent waterlogging.
3. Activated charcoal (optional): Helps to filter the air and prevent mould growth.
4. Potting mix: Choose a well-draining mix suitable for the plants you’ve chosen.
5. Plants: Select small, slow-growing plants that thrive in humid environments such as
   Fittonia (Nerve Plant): These colourful, low-growing plants love humidity and come in a variety of colours.
   Peperomia: This diverse genus offers a variety of textures and colours, with many compact varieties perfect for terrariums.
   Pilea: These small, easy-to-care-for plants add a touch of whimsy to any terrarium.
   Ferns: Small ferns, like the Button Fern or Holly Fern,
   Asparagus Fern (setaceus) has all the qualities of a great terrarium plant, as it thrives in humidity and has an elegant, tree-like structure that lends itself to the miniature garden look of some terrarium designs thrive in the humid environment of a terrarium.
   Spike Moss (Selaginella): These moss-like plants create a lush, green carpet in your terrarium.
   Hypoestes: Also known as the Polka Dot Plant, this option adds a splash of colour and pattern.
   Baby’s Tears: This delicate, creeping plant creates a beautiful, cascading effect.
   Moss: A closed terrarium is the perfect habitat for moss, which needs constant moisture and indirect sunlight to thrive
   Arrowhead vine (Syngonium): a wide variety of arrowhead vines to choose from, with leaves in different colours and shapes. They are easy to care for and thrive in very low light.
   Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera): Confusingly this plant is a saxifrage rather than a begonia, Saxifraga stolonifera is a creeping plant with round olive green leaves with silver spots along their veins.
   Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura): named after its habit of folding up its leaves at night, as if in prayer. Most varieties have beautiful midrib splotches and red veining on the leaves. It’s ideal for terrariums as it thrives in humidity but needs light or leaves stay closed.
   Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): virtually indestructible house plant, and therefore perfect for a beginner terrarium grower. It thrives in low light, doesn’t need much watering and does well in a humid environment But it does grow fast and will need pruning back.
   Earth star plant (Cryptanthus bivittatus): is a tropical bromeliad that is native to Brazil. It is a popular houseplant and is often grown in terrariums.
   
6. Decorative elements (optional): Small stones, moss, figurines – get creative!
7. Tools: Small trowel, long tweezers, scissors.

Setting up your terrarium:

1. Clean the container: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen container to prevent any unwanted bacteria or mould.

2. Add the drainage layer: Create a layer of pebbles or grit about 1-2 inches deep at the bottom of the container. This will allow excess water to drain away from the plant roots.

3. Add activated charcoal (optional): Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the drainage layer.

4. Add potting mix: Fill the container with potting mix, leaving enough space for your plants and any decorative elements.

5. Plant your plants: Carefully remove your plants from their pots, loosen the roots, and plant them in the terrarium. Use a small trowel or your fingers to firm the soil around them.

6. Add decorative elements: Now for the fun part! Arrange your moss, stones, or any other decorative elements to create your miniature landscape.

7. Water your terrarium: Mist the terrarium lightly with water. The soil should be moist but not soggy.

8. Find the right spot: Place your terrarium in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.

Tips for success:

• Choose the right plants: Research plants that thrive in a humid environment and won’t outgrow your container quickly.
• Don’t overwater: Terrariums are self-regulating ecosystems, so they don’t need frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and kill your plants.
• Monitor your terrarium: Keep an eye on your plants and remove any dead or dying leaves. If condensation builds up excessively, open the lid for a while to allow some of the moisture to escape.

With a little care and attention, your terrarium will thrive and provide you with a beautiful, miniature world to enjoy.