Let's talk terrariums.

Let's talk terrariums. So far, I've only made open terrariums and with VERY little idea of what the fuck I was doing. I'm sharing what I've learned here so that you don't make the same mistakes.

My three pretty geometric glass terrariums:

And this was-going-to-be-a-basket-but-knitting-it-was-a-bitch-so-I-improvised soft hanging terrarium with glass bowl, and hanger for a small plant:

So since planting the top ones up, I've realised that I will have to replant most of them some time because what I've planted in them is going to eventually be TALL (looking at you, Gollum jade). If you bought a plant that helpfully describes itself as "foliage" or "green plant" then consider downloading a plant identification app on your phone. I use Picture This, which has a free trial before the subscription kicks in, but it is worth the money for all the super information it gives you on your new friends.

So Rule 1 of terrarium building: know your plants and what their future selves will feasibly look like, BEFORE you get carried away.

I've also realised (through a most painful loss) that just because you ensure adequate drainage, don't overwater, and plant like plants together; does NOT mean one won't be oversensitive to water and shit the bed within a month. There's no real rule for this, but be prepared for not quite everything to go to plan. This also leads us nicely onto:

Rule 2 of terrarium building, which is about drainage. My three top examples have gravel covered with slate at the bottom, and a custom cactus/succulent potting mix (3 parts all purpose potting soil, 2 parts sand, 1 part Perlite) topped with tiny cute polished gravel pebbles. This means that excess water can be SEEN dripping into the bottom of the terrarium (hint: easier to add than take away - go SLOWLY and watch the bottom for drips) and the gravel keeps the top from drying out too fast and stops the plants from coming into contact with wet soil, AND it looks pretty. 

Rule 3: pretty containers and hangers may kill your plants. Many hanging displays for airplants in particular are made from copper alloys. Too much copper over time will poison and may even kill your plants. Similarly, if you are using a glass container that is not specifically made as a terrarium, watch that it is not fused at points with solder, copper plated, or has any other exposed metal. If you are using bare metal containers, it's easy enough to spray the inside with a transparent lacquer that will weatherproof your container AND stop the container from killing your plants. If in doubt, seal that motherfucker up or it may kill your plants.

Rule 4: have fun and accessorise! I'm going to be experimenting with plaster molds to make some awesome accessories for my terrariums, and the results will be painted and sealed with Plastikote so that they won't get ruined by their environment and so that they won't ruin what's in their environment. Use crystals and geodes for decoration, shiny things, driftwood, the skulls of your enemies - go nuts.

General advice: For terrariums like this, water gingerly every 7-14 days IF the soil has dried out. Learn what colour the soil shows as at different moisture levels through the glass for an easy way to judge, or invest in a water meter to be able to know for sure. Succulents and cacti dislike being (looks around for Caz who hates the word) moist. Also, don't mist them unless that is very specifically in their care profile.

Have fun and enjoy making your terrariums!