Terrarium Time!

When I was a teenager, I was a terrarium making maniac!
I'd make secret worlds using those little statues made for aquariums -
you know, bridges, walls and castles.
I'd lay in mirrors to make "lakes" and "dry river beds" of tumbled stones.
After looking at my collection of various glass vases and jars,
I decided to whip up a few for old times sake.



Here's a quickie tutorial on how to make your own.
First line the bottom of your jar with stones - these help with drainage.



Then, if making an enclosed terrarium, put in a layer of charcoal.
This helps keep the air fresh inside the closed jar.



Over that, put a layer of moss - preferably spaghnum moss -
but this is all I had (crossing fingers).
I believe that'll be just fine.
The moss helps keep the soil from settling into the rocks below.





Use small indoor houseplants - about $2 each at the home stores.
You can easily separate those into even smaller plants though.
No worries about harming the plants - they're really tough!

You can also use succulents - but be sure to use a cactus mix soil instead of potting soil.



After planting, spray with a mister to clean off the plants and glass.
Wipe down the glass and add decoration.



You can use all sorts of things to make pretty and unique.
Try colorful mosses, pebbles, painted stones, small statuary or figurines,
crystals, silk flowers, shells, pools of sand - go wild!



To water, mist every few days for open terrariums and way less often for closed ones.



And just for giggles - here's the desk I'm writing you from.
I'm having wood floors installed in some rooms, so I'll be hanging out here all week!