Though you might have heard and read that keeping Terrariums are for the lazy ones, and it doesn't require much of a maintenance, still there are few things which you have to keep in mind to make sure your Green Forest Ecosystem in a Tiny Jar is Healthy and Thriving.
Caring for your Terrarium :
Sunlight: Place your Terrarium in a bright area with indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill. Because the Terrarium is a closed system, it can get too hot if it is in direct sun and the plants may burn.
Watering: A properly maintained Terrarium can go for weeks or months without needing water. As the Terrarium heats up, water will be pulled up from the rocks and soil to the top of the container where it will form a mist and then drip back down to water the plants. You should be able to see some mist on the sides of the container as well as some fog inside; however, if the sides are constantly wet, and there is so much condensation that you cannot see your plants, then you will need to open the top of the container temporarily to allow it to dry.
Pruning: Plants may need to be pruned to keep them small enough to fit the container. You can do this with a pair of scissors.
Fertiliser: You should not add any fertiliser to your Terrarium. The goal is to keep the plants very small, so you do not want to encourage rapid growth. The plants will get the nutrients they need from the soil.
Caring for your Kokedamas :
Sunlight: Kokedama can be kept or hanged indoors in a bright-lit area or a place with some indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill or on a table next to a window. Or they can also be hanged outdoors in a balcony making sure there's no direct or harsh sunlight falling, because its a moss ball and keeping them under a direct sunlight might completely dry the soil or the plants may burn.
Watering: Properly maintained Kokedamas can go from a few weeks to a month without needing water, specially during winters when the water loss due to evaporation is very less.
Kokedamas can be watered using a few different techniques :
1.
2.
NOTE : The watering frequency will vary depending on the season, type of plant and the location where its placed.
Pruning: Plants may need to be pruned to keep them in shape, this can be done with a pair of scissors.
Fertiliser: The kokedamas don't need any specific fertilisation, as the goal is to keep the plants small, so you do not want to encourage rapid growth. The plants will get the nutrients they need from the ball of soil.
Few basic tips in short !
Do not place near a heat source or under direct sunlight.
Indirect light is best.
Keep the soil moist.
Do not over water as that can lead to mold and rotting.
Terrarium - FAQ
Q. What are terrariums? A. They are a small, enclosed environment for certain plants. Think of it as a mini-greenhouse. The containers for terrarium gardens are typically transparent, such as glass or plastic.There are two types of terrariums, sealed and open. Sealed terrariums have a removable lid while the open terrarium does not.
Q. How do terrariums work? A. They are indoor gardens in a sealed container. The plants and the soil in the terrarium release water vapor – essentially recycling water. The vapour is then collected onto the walls of the vessel and trickles down to the soil. Terrariums are self-nourishing, which is why they require little maintenance, if sealed.
Q. What are the benefits of terrariums? A.
Helps you reduce Anxiety/Stress
Sharpen mental focus
Lifts moods and boosts creativity.
Purify and Humidify Air.
Lowers Heart rates and Blood Pressure.
Higher levels of Quality of Life.
They help grow plants that would be difficult to grow in dry air.
They provide a confined space for a garden – a ‘mini garden.’
You can use artificial light, such as LED or fluorescent very efficiently.
Terrariums don’t need to be watered often.
Q. How do you care for terrariums? A. Terrariums are low maintenance for the most part but we do have some suggestions to keep your terrarium long lasting and healthy.
If you choose to grow ferns, trim leaves to prevent them from overgrowing.
Make sure to remove yellow and brown leaves from any plants in your terrarium. This is typically a sign of disease or pest.
If you have an open terrarium, monitor for pests such as gnats or mealy bugs.
If you have closed terrarium, you may want to remove the lid every now and then to let in some fresh air.
Q. What happens if my terrarium gets bugs? A. We recommend buying insecticidal soap from your local gardening store and applying it to infected plants. You can also buy pebbles or rocks to deter gnats and avoid over-watering. But, if all else fails and the plant is still infested, it’s best to remove the entire plant. Plants for terrariums are typically inexpensive and keeping a sick plant in a terrarium could easily harm other plants close by. While buying plants for your terrarium, check for bugs prior to purchasing to save yourself time and money.
Q. Do you have to water terrariums? A. Yes, but not as frequently as typical indoor plants. The types of plants found in terrariums tend to be hardy plants that don’t require frequent watering. Also, the greenhouse-like structure of terrariums recycles water instead of evaporating water into the ambient air with normal indoor plants.
Q. How often do you have to water terrariums? A. If closed, you might be watering them (on average) once a month but this will vary depending on a variety of factors. Open terrariums benefit from being watered every 3-6 weeks. Rather than watering on a schedule, check the soil to see if and how much water your plants need.
Q. Do terrariums need sunlight? A. Most need either direct or indirect light but artificial light may also be used. There are three types of light you can provide for your terrarium.
Direct sunlight
Indirect sunlight
Artificial light
It is recommended to use fluorescent or LED bulbs. Avoid incandescent bulbs. If you choose to place your terrarium in direct sunlight, you may want to remove the lid on a closed terrarium because it might get too hot for the plants with the lid on.
Q. Do terrariums need to be airtight? A. Terrariums are fine if they are airtight, but we suggest removing the lid periodically (about once a week or even daily) to allow fresh air into your garden.
Q. How long do terrariums last? A. Terrariums can last anywhere from several years or even longer, if well maintained.
Q. Do terrariums need air? A. Yes, but plants in airtight, or closed terrariums, recycle air. During the day, sunlight promotes the growth of sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, releasing it into the terrarium. In a closed terrarium, you may want to remove the lid to let fresh air into the terrarium, but a closed terrarium will not damage the plants.
Q. What are hanging terrariums? A. Indoor plants (houseplants) are typically used in terrariums. However, most plants chosen for terrariums are slow-growing and many are plants that are otherwise difficult to grow without high humidity or high light.
Q. Do terrariums make good gifts? A. Of course they do! Not only are they low maintenance, but they’re a beautiful addition to any home, apartment or business.
Q. Do terrariums smell? A. In general, no. They actually smell quite nice with an “earthy” odor. But, if yours happens to smell rotten, it’s most likely a sign of root rotting or over-watering.
Kokedama - FAQ
Q. What are terrariums? A. They are a small, enclosed environment for certain plants. Think of it as a mini-greenhouse. The containers for terrarium gardens are typically transparent, such as glass or plastic.There are two types of terrariums, sealed and open. Sealed terrariums have a removable lid while the open terrarium does not.
Q. How do terrariums work? A. They are indoor gardens in a sealed container. The plants and the soil in the terrarium release water vapor – essentially recycling water. The vapour is then collected onto the walls of the vessel and trickles down to the soil. Terrariums are self-nourishing, which is why they require little maintenance, if sealed.
Q. What are the benefits of terrariums? A.
Helps you reduce Anxiety/Stress
Sharpen mental focus
Lifts moods and boosts creativity.
Purify and Humidify Air.
Lowers Heart rates and Blood Pressure.
Higher levels of Quality of Life.
They help grow plants that would be difficult to grow in dry air.
They provide a confined space for a garden – a ‘mini garden.’
You can use artificial light, such as LED or fluorescent very efficiently.
Terrariums don’t need to be watered often.
Q. How do you care for terrariums? A. Terrariums are low maintenance for the most part but we do have some suggestions to keep your terrarium long lasting and healthy.
If you choose to grow ferns, trim leaves to prevent them from overgrowing.
Make sure to remove yellow and brown leaves from any plants in your terrarium. This is typically a sign of disease or pest.
If you have an open terrarium, monitor for pests such as gnats or mealy bugs.
If you have closed terrarium, you may want to remove the lid every now and then to let in some fresh air.
Q. What happens if my terrarium gets bugs? A. We recommend buying insecticidal soap from your local gardening store and applying it to infected plants. You can also buy pebbles or rocks to deter gnats and avoid over-watering. But, if all else fails and the plant is still infested, it’s best to remove the entire plant. Plants for terrariums are typically inexpensive and keeping a sick plant in a terrarium could easily harm other plants close by. While buying plants for your terrarium, check for bugs prior to purchasing to save yourself time and money.
Q. Do you have to water terrariums? A. Yes, but not as frequently as typical indoor plants. The types of plants found in terrariums tend to be hardy plants that don’t require frequent watering. Also, the greenhouse-like structure of terrariums recycles water instead of evaporating water into the ambient air with normal indoor plants.
Q. How often do you have to water terrariums? A. If closed, you might be watering them (on average) once a month but this will vary depending on a variety of factors. Open terrariums benefit from being watered every 3-6 weeks. Rather than watering on a schedule, check the soil to see if and how much water your plants need.
Q. Do terrariums need sunlight? A. Most need either direct or indirect light but artificial light may also be used. There are three types of light you can provide for your terrarium.
Direct sunlight
Indirect sunlight
Artificial light
It is recommended to use fluorescent or LED bulbs. Avoid incandescent bulbs. If you choose to place your terrarium in direct sunlight, you may want to remove the lid on a closed terrarium because it might get too hot for the plants with the lid on.
Q. Do terrariums need to be airtight? A. Terrariums are fine if they are airtight, but we suggest removing the lid periodically (about once a week or even daily) to allow fresh air into your garden.
Q. How long do terrariums last? A. Terrariums can last anywhere from several years or even longer, if well maintained.
Q. Do terrariums need air? A. Yes, but plants in airtight, or closed terrariums, recycle air. During the day, sunlight promotes the growth of sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, releasing it into the terrarium. In a closed terrarium, you may want to remove the lid to let fresh air into the terrarium, but a closed terrarium will not damage the plants.
Q. What are hanging terrariums? A. Indoor plants (houseplants) are typically used in terrariums. However, most plants chosen for terrariums are slow-growing and many are plants that are otherwise difficult to grow without high humidity or high light.
Q. Do terrariums make good gifts? A. Of course they do! Not only are they low maintenance, but they’re a beautiful addition to any home, apartment or business.
Q. Do terrariums smell? A. In general, no. They actually smell quite nice with an “earthy” odor. But, if yours happens to smell rotten, it’s most likely a sign of root rotting or over-watering.
Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it - Rumi