5
Next add your plants. Look
for plants that are small, slow-
growing, and do well in humid
environments. How you arrange the
plants will depend on the size and
location of the terrarium. If you will
be viewing the terrarium from one
side, then place the tallest plants in
the back and shortest plants in the
front. If your terrarium will be viewed
from all sides or you plan to rotate it,
plant the tallest plants in the middle
and the shorter plants along the
outside.
There is a wide range of plants to
choose from. Most garden centers
have an area reserved for indoor
plants and you can usually find a
variety of plants in 2 to 4 inch pots.
Experiment with different plants.
If they appear to grow too much or
don't do well with the humidity, take
them our and try something new. You
can also try growing plants from seeds
and cuttings.
6
In addition to plants, you
can also be creative and add
other objects to create mini-
landscapes. For instance you can
add decorative rocks, small animal
figurines, small bridges or mirrors to
look like mini ponds.
7
After planting, attach the
container lid or cover with
plastic. Place the terrarium in
a windowsill with indirect lighting or
under grow lights. Do not place it in
strong direct sunlight or water will
evaporate too quickly and plants
may scorch.
Observe your terrarium
closely for the first few days
to make sure you have the
proper moisture level. You'll
know that the terrarium
contains the right amount of
water if the sides and top get
misty with water droplets when in
bright light. If there is no moisture
along the sides, then you need to
add some more water. If the sides
are always very wet and it is hard to
see the plants, then there's too much
water and you should remove the
top for a few hours and allow some
of the excess water to evaporate.
Once you get the perfect balance,
your terrarium won't need too much
attention.
8
Check on your terrarium every
once in a while. Trim or remove
plants that are growing too big.
You want to avoid plant leaves touching
the sides of the container as much as
possible to prevent the water from
sitting on the leaves. Also check on the
moisture levels, as some water may
be lost over time. When the weather
get's warmer, your sunny window may
be too hot and your plants may dry
up. Then it's a good idea to move your
terrarium to
a less sunny
spot.
Send us a picture of your
terrarium and we'll feature
it (and you!) in a future issue
of Official Kids Mag! Send to
krice@officialkidsmag.com
Did you
make it
?
African violet
Artillery fern
False aralia
Jade plant
Miniature peperomia
Nerve plant
Oxalis
Pink polka dot plant
Prayer plant
Small ferns
Small peace lilies
Small philodendrons
Spider plant
Strawberry begonia
Swedish ivy
some
recommended
plants to use
include:
these are just
a few suggestions.
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