Part 1: Setting up your own tropical terrarium
Are you planning to make your own tropical terrarium for your cuttings, plants and/or reptiles? Then this blog is definitely worth reading.
For this blog we invited guest blogger Ymkje from Friesland to share her passion for plants and terrariums with you. First of all, of course, you need materials to set up your terrarium, so let's start with drawing up a shopping list;
Requirements
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Bucket or a large container
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Mediterranean Potting Soil (universal is also possible)
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Perlite
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wood chips
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Sphagnum moss
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Hydro granules
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Activated Carbon for Terrarium (against mold and bad odours)
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Laundry nets (the number depends on the size of your terrarium)
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plant sprayer
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Grow light(s) (optional)
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A piece of wood (optional, but always rinse with boiling water before use)
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Hydrometer (optional, to monitor the humidity)
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Heating pad (optional)
Grab your bucket or bin and put you there potting soil in. It is better to use a little too much than too little, as you will need even more later when planting. To make a good mix with the potting soil, add some carbon, wood chips, 2 hands perlite and moist (not wet) sphagnum moss Bee. Mix everything together well.
Now first sprinkle a layer of 3 to 4 cm hydro granules on the bottom of your terrarium and then put some more activated carbon on top. Then cut your waxes and put it over the layer hydro granules† You do this so that the potting soil mix cannot get between the hydro grains.
Now sprinkle a layer of 4 to 5 cm potting soil mix in your terrarium. The potting soil use so that the roots of your plants can grow nicely. You can now also use a piece of wood for decoration and place it between your potting soil.
Now your plants can be placed. Use the previously made potting soil mix† If all goes well, your mix will be a little moist. If not, moisten it a little more using your plant sprayer. Put the potting soil well around the roots of your plants. Place them where you would like to keep them, but keep in mind whether your plant is a soil plant, a climber or a hanging plant.
Are you satisfied with the furnishings? Then place a small layer sphagnum for your plants. Spray the sphagnum moist with your plant sprayer. A terrarium works best with plants that like high humidity. These are higher temperatures than in an average household, because you have to imitate a habitat that is as natural as possible. If you succeed, you will see that your plants will grow very quickly.
—- ADDITIONAL TIPS! †
- If you notice that the temperature is not high enough, you can choose to use a heating mat. Please note that not all brands of mats are suitable for use in a terrarium, with the result that the glass can break. So be well informed about this.
- Grab your plant sprayer (almost) daily and spray your plants. Make sure the sphagnum is moist but not wet or you will get root rot. Are you in doubt? Look especially at your plants, how they are doing and whether they look happy. Better too little than too much water. By spraying the plants every day or every other day, the terrarium is also aired.
Hopefully this blog has helped you to set up your terrarium.
