How to Make a Terrarium in Five Simple Steps

If you want to practice your green thumb but don’t have the time to start making and taking care of your own indoor garden, there’s a solution for you – terrariums!

Not only are terrariums easy to make, but they’re also really easy to maintain while adding a certain outdoor quality to whatever they’re set on, whether it’s nightstands or tables at home. Here’s how you can make your very own miniature garden to spruce up your HDB flat in Singapore:

  1. Choose your container

A terrarium is a bit of a mix between a simple potted plant and an indoor garden. And because of the “miniature garden” aspect, the best choice for you would be a deep glass container that gives enough room for your plants to take root while still allowing you to see them. You can choose from aquariums, to bell jars, to even vases and goldfish bowls. Just keep in mind that if you don’t have an airtight container, you will have to water your terrarium regularly.

  • Choose your plants

There are a lot of cheap, fast-growing plants you can choose for your terrarium, but because you want ones that last, here are a few qualities that you need to look for:

  • It stays small – You can make your terrarium big enough to house bushy plants, but this can be more difficult and expensive
  • It prefers shade – Sun-loving plants kept in the dark will wither and die, so terrarium plants need to be tolerant of low light
  • It prefers high humidity – Terrariums can get humid quickly, so small tropical plants are your best bet
  • Choose a location

Because your terrarium is low-maintenance, all you really need is enough sunlight and water every few days. To do this, you need to place them somewhere in your HDB flat that gets enough light and heat. You also want that particular area to be stable and level (i.e. not on easily damaged furniture) and away from high traffic where it could be easily knocked over.

  • Choose the soil

Your potting soil should be light to promote drainage. To check this, lightly wet the soil and hold it in your fist – if it falls apart, you’re good. You should also add sheet moss and activated charcoal when lining up the bottom of your terrarium. They help to both absorb excess water and keep the soil fresh, and a few added pebbles to the mix can both work as drainage and decoration at the same time.

  • Put everything together

Once you have all your materials, it’s time to assemble your terrarium! Start with your moss and activated charcoal first, and add some pebbles for better drainage. Next, add your soil, and finally, arrange your plants. Give it a light spritz of water and you’re done.

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