How to easily build your own indoor terrarium!Although there are many/many varieties of terrariums they can be categorized into three different types: Open Air Terrarium - This is a type of terrarium that is not enclosed. It has no top and it often has no sides. This type of terrarium is the easiest to make and can usually be done in less than an hour. The dish terrarium is the most common way this type is made. Self-contained Terrarium - This type of terrarium is completely enclosed so it has its own unique bio system. This type is more difficult to make and to maintain. It is more of a challenge. Several factors make this more of a challenge such as making sure it has the correct amount of water inside and that it gets the right amount of sunlight. This terrarium also often has only a very small top opening which makes it a challenge to get all the plants and materials inside. An Animal Terrarium - This type of terrarium is more of a showplace for a pet such as a lizard or a turtle. The goal of this type of terrarium is to mimic the type of natural environment the animal would live in. Often times this type has either a jungle or a desert motif.
1. Selecting a container - The container can be almost anything at all. You can choose something dish like to create an open air container or something bottle like to create a closed environment terrarium which is a bigger challenge to make and to maintain. 2. A Layer of course sand or pebbles is placed in the bottom of the container. This allows for good drainage of the water in the terrarium. 3. Activated Charcoal - If you are making a closed container terrarium you should next place a layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles/sand layer. In a closed environment this charcoal will filter the air and keep it fresh. This is the type of charcoal used in aquarium filters so you can purchase it at any pet shop with aquarium supplies. If you are making an open top terrarium there is no need for this charcoal. 4. Add a layer of Spaghnum Moss on top. This prevents the soil in your terrarium from settling down into the pebbles. It is kind of a like a filter that will allow the water to filter down but not the soil. If you don't have spaghnum moss a very fine screen will work well here but over time the screen will rust and need to be replaced. 5. Add Soil - Regular potting soil works fine. There is no need to try a fancy mix. But if you are creating a desert scene and using cactus you may want to get potting soil specifically designed for them. 6. Add the plants and or seeds. Care should be taken in this step. You want to arrange things in a way that is pleasing to the eye. You may want to make sketches before you plant. Or you may want to dig some small holes and move the plants around -trying different locations and arrangements. 7. Finishing touches - Add ornaments or other decorations. These add a nice touch to your terrarium. Copyright© Kalif Publishing and StormtheCastle.com This information was kindly provided by Wilf Kalif at You could also grow herbs or medicinal plants in your terrarium! Wilf also has some very good instructions about how children easily can build a terrarium from a large soda bottle. Fascinating stuff to keep the litle fellers busy through the holidays, and to teach them about plants!
I've always liked terrariums, but never tried to build one, now I have the information Im going to do just that! By the way, if you like dragons and all thing fantastical, visit Wilf's website anyway. It's great! Cheers, Patrick ps. If you plant a green tree in your heart, perhaps a singing bird will visit.
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