Can someone help me make a terrarium?

Question

First, if you need to know the size that I'm using, check out the newest video at www.threadbanger.com

I want to make a small decorative terrarium, most likely in a glass canister/canning jar.

I just have some question for anyone who can answer them.

~Where can I find activated carbon? I know that you can find it in large bottles in the fish section of a pet store, but I don't need that much. If I rip open an aquarium filter insert, can I take activated carbon out?

~How many plants should I stick in the one canister? Is two too many? They do need enough room.

~Can you recommend any plants to go in it?

Anything else that might help is welcome! Thanks!

Answer 1

I love terrariums! I purchased my charcoal in the garden section. You'll want to use horticultural charcoal. I think that it was Scott's brand. It was way too much for one terrarium but when you have success with one you'll want more.

You can start with as many plants as you can fit in. I like at least three for different textures and colors. There will be time in the future to weed out any crowding.

As for plant selection, try to find dwarf tropicals. Mini begonias , mini ferns and mini african violets are nice. Avoid house plants, ivy and larger ferns, they will outgrow your container in no time.

First layer about 1/2" of horticultural perlite (better draining than and lighter than gravel) next layer it with just enough charcoal to cover the perlite and then add you planting media. (try sloping it for effect) The best soil media is 50% peat moss, 30% potting soil, 10% perlite and 10% vermiculite. If you make your own, be sure to pasteurize it covered in a microwave on medium for about 20 minutes.

My terrariums get watered three or four times a year. You might want to add a houseplant fertilizer once a year (but not at planting)

A nice addition is tumbled glass, marbles or rocks. Stay away from any wood products, you will get mushrooms.

Make sure that they get 12-16 hours of indirect or fluorescent light a day and enjoy!