Terrariums…and how to make them

During Roman times Terrariums were used to transport plants from one part of the vast Roman Empire to another on large ships. These voyages would take many months to complete.

Terrariums, also known as Wardian cases were introduced by Dr. Nathaniel Ward, a London physician, in the 1820’s.

Living in London, with its’ extreme air pollution, made him wonder if he could get plants to grow better in this poor environment.

He then came up with the idea of the Wardian case, or terrarium.

These cases allowed plants to grow well in hostile environments, but were instrumental in bringing exotic plants from all over the world to England

A descendant of the Wardian case is the terrarium. It can be used for… A quarantine site for diseased plants. A quarantine site for diseased plants. A propagation site A propagation site A teaching tool to study anatomy of plants A teaching tool to study anatomy of plants A gift item and decorating accessory A gift item and decorating accessory

If the terrarium is properly constructed and the correct balance of soil, moisture, and plant material is made, a true closed terrarium is rarely watered. Let’s examine the rain cycle to see how this happens.

The rain cycle… Water is taken up by the root system of the plant. The moisture goes up the stem, and into the leaves. The excess moisture is expelled from the leaves through the stoma, and released into the air. This process is transpiration.

Now the moisture becomes a gas as it evaporates into the air. With the addition of heat (room temperature or sunlight), the evaporative (gas) rises to the top of the container. This gas (water and oxygen) becomes condensation forming on the lid of the container. Droplets grow, and fall back to the soil. This is called precipitation. The process repeats over and over.

Here’s what is looks like.

There are two different designs - Terrarium- a covered or closed container used for growing plants.

A dish garden is An open container or dish that can be planted with a variety of types of plants.

Things we need to remember when making terrariums The container chosen should be made of clear glass or plastic. The container chosen should be made of clear glass or plastic. Make sure your container is clean. Make sure your container is clean. Choose plants that have similar cultural requirements. (light, water, and humidity) Choose plants that have similar cultural requirements. (light, water, and humidity) The water requirement for plants is the most important of these three. The water requirement for plants is the most important of these three.

There are 4 different environmental groups for terrariums. They are… First, Woodland plants- organic soil, shade loving plants. High humidity and high water needs.

Second, Cacti and/or succulents This type of terrariums require little organic matter, porous, well drained soil (cactus mix or sandy soil). They require high light and low humidity.

The third type of terrariums is Tropical Plants. These plants require a sandy soil, with some organic content, high humidity, and shade.

The fourth type of terrariums is Bog and carnivorous plants. Out of their native habitat, these plants can be difficult to grow successfully. They require high humidity, some shade, and lots of porous organic matter like mosses and barks.

Here are the five layers found in terrariums and dish gardens. The first and lowest layer is pea gravel. This is used for drainage. It should be ½” to 3/4” inches deep. Aquarium gravel works great.

The second layer of your terrarium or dish garden is Sphagnum moss- this organic material is usually found in swamps. It is sterilized and dried. The moss is used as a separator to keep the soil and plant roots out of the drainage material. Sphagnum moss- this organic material is usually found in swamps. It is sterilized and dried. The moss is used as a separator to keep the soil and plant roots out of the drainage material.

The next layer is Horticultural grade charcoal. Charcoal is used to reduce odors caused by oxidizing (decomposing) plant material.

The fourth layer is The Soil. The type of soil you use is dependent on the type of plants in your terrarium or dish garden.

The last layer is Top dressing. This top dressing can be done with bark or gravel, depending upon the type of terrarium or dish garden you have. Its’ main function is to keep moisture in the soil.

To finish the project, it is fun to add decorations like Sea shells Images Small toys, like butterflies or even amphibians

You must… Remember to: Clean your container before grading. Clean your container before grading. Make sure plants are planted well, with no root balls showing. Make sure plants are planted well, with no root balls showing. Clean leaves of all dirt and debris. Also, remove any damaged or dead foliage. Clean leaves of all dirt and debris. Also, remove any damaged or dead foliage. Include top dressing for appeal and water retention. Include top dressing for appeal and water retention. Completely mist entire project with water to start the rain cycle. Completely mist entire project with water to start the rain cycle.

Have fun!!!!! Have fun!!!!!