I have an aquarium that I'm thinking of making into a terrarium, but since I've never done a terrarium before, I'm somewhat at a loss from that point on. I've got a book that covers the basics (layers to put in the bottom, etc.), but I'm still dithering on a lot of things. What kind of plants to put in it? It's tall and narrow (a hex tank 2' tall and 15' across), so it needs either a tall plant or decoration in the middle. Or a tall plant sitting on a decoration. Or something. *sigh*
Suggestions, anyone?
Terrarium newbie (help?)
blackjungle.com has a good site. I like how they secure specialty woods to the back of the tank and tuck plants in the holes. It may give you some ideas. Maybe since it's a hex shape you could put some wood in the middle to tuck miniatures in. Click on their terrarium supplies link.
Excellent! Thanks. :)
Last fall I started my first terrarium in a 35 gal. aquarium. I had charcoal and good gravel on hand from it being a real aquarium so layered those, added good potting soil mix and then put Spanish moss on the top and along the front edge to cover the dirt that was showing. I had a large rock with lots of holes in it from the original aquarium and set that up in one back corner. In the other back corner I put a small stand (don't know what it's original use was) that I found at a thrift shop. I just used the original tank top and light.
I purchased my plants at Home Depot and stuck with very small varieties. They have an entire section of tiny plants and I suppose that Wal-Mart and Lowe's would also. I added an African Violet from my stock on hand. On the stand I put a round shallow clear plastic dish-like container filled with dirt and a small-leaved variety of ivy. Then I just stood back and waited.
I was so new at this way of "gardening" that I asked a million questions here on DG. I was in the hospital for several months and the terrarium almost did not survive my absence. My family was caring for things and either drowned things or let them dry out--but they tried.
But now............the African Violet has more than tripled its original size and I have since added a second one that is just as happy. My little fern is bouncing back and is looking quite nice in front of the big rock. The ivy on the stand is so busy running all over the place that I am constantly trimming it. I am now training it to run through the holes in the big rock in the other back corner of the tank. I have to water that ivy more than anything else because it has such a shallow root area.
I stick my fingers into the dirt to determine when to water. The tank top has holes in the back, so I never have accumulated excess water drips anyplace. I added a couple of variegated plants to replace something that did not make it. It's very pretty in my living room and I have really enjoyed having it. Did not spend much money on it because I had some things on hand. I did not add any wildlife because I didn't want anything else to feed, and because I have the holes in the top.
I have also started two mini-terrariums in glass jars that I found at a thrift shop. Put the same charcoal and dirt in those. I have a mini-African Violet in the smallest one and the large one has an AV and some ivy. They have tight lids, so have to watch the watering, but they almost never need any. I can't even remember when I watered them last, and they are growing beautifully. The mini-AV was dying and that was my last chance to save it. They sit in a window that gets bright light and maybe 10 minutes of early morning sun. I have one more large jar that has the dirt and charcoal in it all ready to go, but haven't decided what plants to add. It's been sitting there for a couple of months already!!
I am only relating my own experience. Have no idea what would work for anyone else. I just know that I am glad the fish went on to better lives at my friend's house, and I am especially glad to have these lovely and basically care-free plants to look at. Don't be afraid to try things. You can add rocks, dishes, whatever--but I would clean them well first. Once you get it started, don't add new plants that you have not quarantined or that are not from what you already have on hand.
Since you have such nice height to work with, you could really have a good time finding the perfect taller tropical. Have a good time with it, play with it, move things around. Post pictures as you can. Read all you can here on DG and Google terrariums. Good luck!!
Diane
Edited to add: what about some of those tall orchids?
This message was edited Apr 9, 2007 7:18 AM