Enclosed Terrariums

The concept of a self-contained, controlled ecosystem has always fascinated humanity, and this ambitious desire has found expression in several works of fiction in the modern times. A tale of man's Promethean aspiration, Scott Russell Sanders' futuristic novel, The Terrarium, explores the perils of mankind abandoning nature for a network of cities with controlled environments.

Honey, we've shrunk the terrarium!

However, the common enclosed terrarium is a microcosmic, self-contained ecosystem of plants, not humans. While the terrariums in works of fiction are larger than life, the enclosed terrarium in reality is a small covered container where plants can be grown and displayed. Usually made of clear glass or plastic, it recycles moisture through evaporation and condensation, and doesn't require watering for months, or sometimes years.

Your very own enclosed terrarium

Sterilize your container by washing with hot, soapy water, and make sure it's dry before you start planting. Add the following items to the container.

• Half to one inch of coarse builders' sand, gravel, or pebbles. This is the drainage layer that will retain moisture.
  
• A thin layer of charcoal granules to keep odors from developing.
  
• A layer of Sphagnum moss which keeps the soil from seepingﾠinto the drainage layer.
  
• Half to one inch of well-draining, fertile potting soil. There is no need to add fertilizer as potting soil contains enough nutrients for the plants.
  
• Rocks and landscaping as desired.
  
• Make aﾠsmall hole and set or tip your plant in and make sure all roots are in the hole. Fill soil on and around the roots, and tamp down lightly. Keep enough space between plants.

When neglect is the best care

After planting, mist the sides of the container to clean off excess soil. Spray a couple of ounces of water, depending upon the size of the container. Then, close the container and check it daily for the first few days. Add a little water if the soil appears dry, and take the lid off to allow evaporation if the soil appears too moist. Normally, the closed terrarium will not need water for four to six months.

Plants you can grow in an enclosed terrarium:

• Pilea (Aluminum plant)
• Ardisia
• Podocarpus (Buddhist pine)
• Aeschynanthus (Lipstick plant)
• Baby Tears
• Very small ferns
• Miniature African violets
• Coffee plant
• Creeping Charlie
• Boxus (Boxwood)
• Creeping Fig
• Mosses