- 1). Select an appropriate container. Although you can use plastic, glass usually works better. It may be an open or a closed container.
- 2). Thoroughly wash your terrarium with a bleach solution to kill any organisms that grow on it.
- 3). Place an inch thick layer of gravel on the bottom of your terrarium for drainage.
- 4). Cover the gravel with about 1/2 inch of activated charcoal, like you would find in an aquarium, on top of the gravel to absorb any odors in the terrarium.
- 5). Cover the charcoal with a piece of nonmetallic screen or sphagnum peat moss. This layer will prevent the soil from sifting down into the drainage layer and charcoal.
- 6). Place a layer of sterilized potting soil down so it is about 1/3 the depth of the terrarium.
- 7). Choose several terrarium plants that will do well in bright light. If you want a cool temperature terrarium, choose Moss sandwort (Arenaria verna), Oxalis (Oxalis spp) or Sweet olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus). If you want a warm temperature terrarium, choose Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia sandersii), Bloodleaf iresine (Iresine herbstii), Bunny-ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys), Croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Dwarf pomegranate, (Punica granatum nana), Freckle-face / Pink polka dot (Hypoestes panguinolenta), Miniature sweet flag, (Acorus gramineus variegates), Parrot leaf (Alternanthera spp) or Satin pellionia (Pellionia pulchra).
- 8). Create a pleasing look in your terrarium by arranging the plants, starting with the largest first, before planting them.
- 9). Water your terrarium. It is important not to over water the terrarium.
- 10
Although your terrarium needs bright light, it needs very little direct sunlight. Find a spot near a window with a southern exposure to place your terrarium and enjoy.
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