Tam-Tam's Blog

Terrariums-The Basics Part One
Dec 15, 2007 | 6:53 PM PST
Tags: terrariums , container ideas , basics

The Basics Part One:
Now that we know the history and the why and how of terrariums, we can move on to the basics.

Any transparent container with a tight fitting cover or lid can become a terrarium.  It can be glass or clear plastic, and any size from very small bottles to very large cases with heating cables and special fluorescent lighting and sliding glass panels to control the levels of heat and humidity.  You can even use the left over clear glass or plastic jars and bottles from your food containers such as your mayo jar or pasta sauce jar to old or new aquariums.  Make sure the opening and the neck of the bottle or jar is big enough to gently push plants through, and the recycled containers are thoroughly washed out.  Even the thick glass or lightly tinted clear jars and bottles can be used for shade loving plants.  Just remember that a terrarium must be able to be sealed.  If the lid or cover is left off then you basically have a Dish Garden.  These can be really nice to, think brandy snifter.  Without a cover it is a dish garden, with a tightly sealed cover it becomes a terrarium. 
   
Before you decide what you will use for a terrarium take a moment to decide where you will be displaying it.  You want to place your terrarium where it will look nice.  Also keep in mind that the terrarium should not be put on or near a heating unit, or in an area where it will be subjected drafts,(warm or cool). 

If you are not providing a light source other than the natural light in the room, make sure not to put the terrarium in direct sunlight.  Doing so will cause the temperature inside the terrarium to rise and the plants will not survive it.  North windows that do not receive direct sunlight would be a great location.  Actually you can use any window sill as long as the sunlight is diffused by passing through a curtain or slatted blinds.  All terrariums must get enough sunlight to stimulate plant growth and support photosynthesis.

Aquariums usually have a light source built into its cover, therefore you can place it anywhere you wish, depending on the size.  Some of the smaller ones are ideal for book shelves.  You may have to have a piece of glass cut for the top and put the cover on top of it if the light source/cover has holes or sections already punched out for the filters and heaters.  Your local hardware store can help you with this.

Some Container Ideas:
aquariums
assorted shapes and styled bottles with a large enough opening for plants
brandy snifters w/ a cover of clear plastic or cut glass
glass domes
goldfish bowls w/ a cover
jars- glass or plastic-like peanut butter, mayo, pasta sauce, or mason jars w/lids
clear canister jars-plastic or glass
clear decorative vases that can be covered
thick glass or lightly tinted clear glass bottles or jars for shade loving plants