COLUMNIST: jordan TRAINER
Terrariums are miniature gardens that are typically planted into a glass container and sealed with a cork, lid or left open at the top. They create a small ecosystem that can be self-sustaining and require little to no watering as the transpiration and condensation provides enough water for the plants to grow and thrive.
Many houseplants which struggle indoors or are known to be tricky to grow. thrive in terrariums due to the high-humidity that is produced. I have been creating these glass gardens for many years and hosted lots of different terrarium workshops which has narrowed down my list of the easiest and most reliable tropical plants to add to a terrarium.
Choosing the correct soil and drainage substrate is vital for the success or failure of a terrarium. As most glass containers do not have a drainage hole it is important to firstly add a thin layer at the bottom of the container. There are many different options however, I prefer to use small clay pebbles also known as LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate). Unlike gravel, rocks, and sand which can also be used, LECA is lightweight, porous, and much better for air-circulation.
The next stage is the soil. It is best to create your own soil using a mixture of materials. I typically start with a houseplant-specific soil then add a handful of orchid bark for drainage, perlite for aeration, activated charcoal to help with any unwanted smells and absorbing any impurities, and some sphagnum moss to aid soil aeration and drainage. Mix all these components together and you will have an excellent terrarium soil that your plants will love.
The next stage is choosing the correct plants. These are my top five favourite plants to grow together. For a medium sized container I tend to use between five to seven plants. You can choose to add more or less, depending on how full or spaced out you want your arrangement to look.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant) is an excellent tropical plant to add to a terrarium. They provide great ground cover and come in variety of different colours from bright orange to deep pink. Fittonia really stands out and its slow growing habit makes it a great choice.
The Boston Fern is a great air-purifying houseplant that has a reputation of being difficult to grow - however in a terrarium it will thrive. As this plant prefers a humidity range of 50% or more, a terrarium is the perfect vessel to grow this plant in.
Begonia varieties such as the Begonia Rex and Begonia maculata are popular houseplants grown for their attractive foliage or flowers. They will definitely stand out and add a pop of colour to your bottle garden. Begonias prefer a humidity range of between 70-90% making them an excellent choice for a closed terrarium.
The English Ivy is a popular outdoor, evergreen shrub but it also thrives indoors and will happily survive in an open or closed terrarium for many years. It has a great trailing habit and is very easy to plant and propagate. You can take cuttings from this plant outdoors and plant it straight into a terrarium and it won’t take long to start growing.
The spider plant can add more charm to your miniature garden with its narrow and long leaves with green and white variegation. Spider Plants produce an abundance of small baby plants that hang from the main mother plant. If you know anyone that has one make sure to ask for some cuttings!
Once your terrarium has been planted you can add some colour with some decorative moss, driftwood or rocks. You can easily collect these types of materials if you have a garden or visit any parks or woodland areas. Just make sure to wash anything you find to help reduce the risk of pests entering your newly made terrarium.
Once your terrarium has been created it’s best to position it somewhere bright but away from direct sunlight. Too much sun hitting the glass will burn the plants inside so keep it at least a few metres away from a window. Regular misting with water will help to boost humidity as your terrarium starts to grow. You can also add a small amount of water every 10-14 days if you notice the soil is drying out. This can happen in the early stages so check regularly and water if required.
Want to create your very own tropical terrarium? I will be hosting a beginners step by step terrarium workshop at Cottiers in Glasgow on Sunday 9th July. The cost is £35 per person, and I’ll be hosting multiple classes throughout the day. All materials are provided and you’ll leave with your very own handmade terrarium.
To book please get in touch or email PartickPopUpMarket@gmail.com
Jordan Trainer is Glasgow-based, plant enthusiast, and business owner of Partick Mini Market. With a passion for houseplants, he has been growing and collecting them for almost 10 years.
In his column for Scotland Grows, Jordan recommends his favourite houseplants for beginners.
Keep up with Jordan on his Instagram and Facebook feeds, or pop into his shop at 286 Dumbarton Road, Partick, G11 6TD.