How Do Plants Survive In Terrariums?
If you’ve taken the time to read this far, then you’re probably wondering how do plants survive in terrariums? While most people don’t have a problem with this, some are more than a little concerned. After all, what kind of pet would they get if they couldn’t stand the lights, or even the soil in their new terrarium? The answer is simple, they would die.
terrarium plants are actually very easy to care for. In fact, most are very low maintenance, requiring only water, a good dose of light, and the occasional misting to keep them green and new. There is one important rule to remember when caring for these plants. The rules are simple: the better the light (either fluorescent high wattage bulbs, or standard incandescent light bulbs), the healthier your plant leaves will be. They will grow lush and colorful, but they will also be healthier because they will receive more moisture and exposure to oxygen.
One reason that terrarium plants are so easy to care for is that you can add just about anything to them, including just about any organic material. So, while the basic principles of keeping them healthy still hold true, your options are endless. Plants such as driftwood, wood chips, or recycled material are great additions and will greatly benefit your plant life. Another useful addition is to use a soil-based pH balance product, like Trace Elements. These products work with your plants to create a healthy environment.
Another thing that makes terrarium maintenance easy is that gravel is often the first addition. It can be easily added to the bottom or the top of your containers. Gravel will not only provide plenty of drainage, but it will also dramatically increase the amount of light that reaches your plants. A dark green, mossy soil is best for these plants, so always check the pH balance before adding any gravel. A good idea is to mix the gravel into your existing soil, to help the soil settle and get ready for new plants. Once you have planted your gravel, you can repot your plantings a few times a year, if needed.
Another way to create the right environment for your plants is to introduce a second, shallow layer of soil. This layer should be slightly acidic, for plants that prefer alkaline conditions. The purpose of this layer is twofold. It will create an environment in which your plants can thrive, and it will prevent your soil from being too heavy or compacted for your plants to establish roots.
During the winter months, it is important that your plants take full advantage of the warmth of the terrarium. In order to make sure that they do well, you should expose them to the sun just as much as you do in the summer. This is because the leaves of plants are mostly water, so the higher the temperatures are, the more water the leaves will be getting. Too much heat, however, can kill your plants so be very careful.
Watering is another important part of caring for your indoor plants. If your plants are getting enough water, they will be healthy and strong. However, many indoor plants are accustomed to being watered only at night. To solve this problem, you will need to take your time and learn how do plants survive in terrariums.
Humidity is important in both the winter and the summer. When the terrarium temperatures start to get too high, you should try to bring the humidity up a bit. The best way to do this is by placing the pot on a humidifier or using a water spray bottle with water that is room temperature. You may also buy an inexpensive hygrometer, which measures the moisture level in the air and can be placed near your plants or on the terrarium floor.