Nurture Your Nature: Terrariums

You don’t exactly need to have a green thumb to care for your terrarium. It’s notoriously one of the easiest ways to introduce the beauty of plant life into your own world without too much of a commitment. They’re playful and artistic, and they add some interesting character to any space. Whether it’s on your office desk or the entryway table, however, you need to give it some attention — maybe not what your lavish flower beds outside require, but a little bit of maintenance is needed, nonetheless.

So what kind of babysitting are we talking about, exactly? The good news is there’s nothing extreme needed. Never fancied yourself much of a gardener? No worries. Not sure you’ve ever raised a plant to old age? There’s a first time for everything. Here’s how to make sure your terrarium thrives and looks its best.

Lighting

Most terrariums don’t require direct sunlight, but they do need some light. It’s best to place them where they’re exposed to indirect light. If that’s not possible, you can use some type of artificial source, such as a fluorescent or grow light, to keep them in the right space. Avoid excessive brightness, which can cause the plants inside to burn if the glass starts to heat up.

Watering

The terrarium’s watering needs depend largely on the type that you have. Enclosed terrariums don’t need much watering. To avoid going overboard, use a spray bottle and very lightly spritz the inside. Do you see water gathering among the pebbles at the base? That’s an indication that it’s too wet. You can use a paper towel to gently dab and soak it up. You should water your open terrarium at least weekly, but practice a similar method — gently water with a spray, and watch for overwatering by checking the pebbles periodically.

Cleaning

Given that the plants live in a glass bowl, you need to make sure this environment remains clean. Not only does that contribute to a healthier living space, but your terrarium will simply look better as a result. Avoid using chemical-based cleaning sprays, as those could affect the health and vitality of the plants. Instead, lightly wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth about once every couple of weeks to keep it clean and free of dust.

Fertilizing

Because the plants are contained within a relatively small space, fertilizer is not generally necessary. You should only feed them a small amount if the plants in your closed terrarium appear in need of some nourishment. An all-purpose house plant product suffices for this purpose. You can use the same in your open terrarium, but keep an eye out for overgrowth. Prune occasionally to prevent this.

With a little bit of time and attention, the plants in your terrarium have the potential to look their best for years to come. This stylish accent is destined to bring consistent style, beauty, and good energy to your home or workplace, so it’s well worth taking the time to nurture it.