A terrarium is, in most cases, a sealable container that contains soil and plants within. These containers are most frequently made of glass. They are used as ornamentation, decoration, and as an easy way to bring greenery to areas that might not typically have it. Terraria aren’t new – in fact, they’ve been around since the mid-1800s. However, in recent years, it has become much easier to gain access to the different aspects that come together to create the thriving indoor or outdoor terraria you know and love.
Wagner Greenhouses is happy to be your one-stop-shop for all things terrarium. All of our retail locations have a wide variety of different accessories, plants, containers, and soil for you to use in the creation of your dream terrarium.
How do I decide what types of plants to use for my terrarium?
Always feel free to contact us with any plant-based decisions. You can online or talk to one of our in-store experts to have your questions answered. That aside, we have a few tips for anyone looking to put together their very first terrarium.
First off, there are two main different types of terraria that require different care methods: closed terraria and open ones.
Closed Versus Open
- A closed terrarium is best suited for tropical plant varieties since the enclosed nature of these terraria (through a glass cloche or similar close-topped container) imitates the humid environments that these varieties of plant thrive in. Types of plants that thrive in closed terraria include air plants, ferns, mosses, and orchids. The mixture of soil you use must also be appropriate for these types of plants. They need a special blend to lessen the chance of microbial damage and promote healthy growth. To make care easy, you can frequently buy the blends you need pre-mixed. Water still circulates in these types of terraria, and you’ll need to water them from time to time. If you have a closed terrarium, open it up at least once a week for a few hours. This allows excess built-up moisture to escape so there is no opportunity for mold to grow. It’s very easy to be the parent to a beautiful closed terrarium. All you need is the right container, plants, soil, and care.
- An open terrarium, like the ones made inside of terra cotta pots you may see on a neighbor’s deck or in their front yard, is more suited to dry plants, such as the ever-popular succulent or various types of cactus. Closed terraria are very moist. Inversely, an open terrarium is for plants that don’t need a wet environment and instead prefer more sun and air.
Stop in today to one of our retail locations to take a look at the wide variety of things we offer at Wagner Greenhouses to can help you build your dream Minnesota terrarium.
