It’s created with plants and organic and decorative materials sealed inside a glass container.
The structure establishes its own watering system which, along with sunlight, turns the terrarium into a mini-ecosystem.
Self-sustaining means they can last indefinitely and are extremely low maintenance.
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Here are simple instructions for making a closed terrarium.
How to Build a Self-Sustaining Terrarium
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A funnel directs the flow of materials, including water, into the container.
Small scissors work well for necessary pruning and trimming plants to fit.
Use clean sterile tools.
Good plants for terrariums feature multiple broad or ovate leaves.
Ferns are efficient for raising humidity and available moisture.
Small or compact plants with colorful, variegated leaves add spark and interest.
Here are a few plants well suited to self-sustaining terrariums.
No and constant light would damage plants.
Consider your terrarium a mini-ecosystem with typical 24-hour cycles of day and night.
Four to six hours of bright, indirect light daily is sufficient to keep it thriving.
This depends on the size and growth pattern of the plants and the size of the container.
Give each plant sufficient space for good air circulation and choose ones with appealing leaf shape and color.
The Science Behind Closed Terrariums: Understanding How They Work.Tropical Glass
