DIY Dish Terrarium

Preparation

• 1

  Choose your terrarium container by determining whether you want a partially covered or completely covered environment for your garden, then select the appropriate vessel. Consider a brandy snifter, a fishbowl, a glass dish, a jar or an aquarium.

• 2

  Decide where you will display your terrarium; the amount of light determines plant selection. Make sure you have easy access to the terrarium for periodic care and maintenance.

• 3

  Select plants that grow in compatible environments, taking into consideration light, soil and watering needs. Choose compact, slow-growing plants that can be controlled by pinching back new growth and pruning. Consider plants of differing height, foliage texture and color. Decorate the landscape with small items such as little glass globes, decorative marbles, or miniature driftwood.

• 4

  Arrange your plants before adding them to the terrarium to determine the best positioning. Place tall plants in the center if the terrarium will be viewed from all sides, with smaller plants surrounding it. Put tall plants in the back if the terrarium will be against a wall, and group shorter plants in front.

Installation

• 5

  Layer the bottom of the container with about an inch of pea gravel or small stones, to ensure proper drainage. Add more material -- up to 3 inches -- if your container is large or if you are creating a desert terrarium.

• 6

  Spread a thin layer of Spanish moss over the gravel to prevent soil from sifting down into the drainage area.

• 7

  Add potting soil on top of the moss layer. Read the bag to determine whether sand has been added to the mixture. If not, add a small amount of sand to the soil, increasing the amount for desert-themed terrariums. Adjust soil levels to create hills and valleys, as desired.

• 8

  Use a spoon to dig holes in the predetermined areas of the container, allowing sufficient space around the plants. Remove plants from pots and set into the holes. Cover roots with soil and firmly pat down.

• 9

  Water the plants lightly, being careful not to overdo it, and cover the container with a glass lid if a closed terrarium setup has been selected. Closed terrariums create their own humid environment, decreasing the amount of water needed.

Maintenance

• 10

  Prune, pinch back or replace plants as they grow too large or if they become brown or diseased.

• 11

  Water only if there is no condensation on the glass, and then do so gradually over a period of days, checking for new condensation along the way.

• 12

  Dry out an enclosed terrarium -- when there is too much condensation on the glass -- by removing the lid.