Love gardening but short on outdoor space? A terrarium is the ideal solution. Discover the types of terrariums and master the art of making your own with this expert guide.
The History of the Terrarium
France has a deep passion for gardening—9 out of 10 French people have a small plot to tend, even without a full garden.[1] Terrariums offer a perfect indoor alternative for plant lovers lacking outdoor areas.
Today's vast array of plants, vegetables, and fruits—70 to 80% from distant lands[2]—owes much to explorers. Long sea voyages once doomed plants to wither, until English botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward revolutionized transport in the Victorian era. His sealed wooden box with glazed panels created a self-sustaining microclimate, birthing the modern terrarium.
Types of Terrariums
There are two main types, tailored to specific environments:
How to Build Your Terrarium
Materials Needed
Ready-made kits simplify the process—just follow the instructions.
Key Tip: Select compatible plants. Match them to desert or tropical setups for long-term health and beauty.
Step-by-Step DIY
Decide on desert or tropical first.
Desert Terrarium
Use cactus/succulent potting soil for dry conditions, then layer substrate. Feature succulents and cacti—they're low-water stars. Add decor like bark, stones, or logs.
Tropical Terrarium
Line with chosen soil, add substrate, then plant. Moss and lichens cover the base; ferns add height. Include epiphytes, decorative foliage, or carnivorous plants that thrive in humidity.
Opt for small, slow-growing plants with compact roots.
Stay Protected During DIY
Hands-on projects are rewarding but risky. The Better Being mutual offers preventive health support for safe crafting.
Helpful Apps for Maintenance
Terrariums need minimal care, but apps assist: Plantbook advises on watering and light; PlantNet identifies plants via photo to check terrarium compatibility.
Versatile and low-maintenance, terrariums suit expert gardeners and beginners alike, endlessly customizable for beauty.
Source:
https://www.jardindion.com/2019/01/12/la-creation-dun-terrarium-dinterieur/
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/economie/emploi/metiers/restauration-hotellerie-sports-loisirs/le-jardinage-une-passion-francaise_2726643.html
https://www.botanix.com/blogue-experts-botanix/creer-propre-terrarium#:~:text=Du%20gravier%20de%20diff%C3%A9rentes%20sizes,in%20fabricating%20a%20in%20paper
https://monjardinmamaison.maison-travaux.fr/mon-jardin-ma-maison/plantes-par-type/plantes-dinterieur/tuto-faire-terrarium-182379.html#item=1
https://www.gerbeaud.com/jardin/fiches/plantes-terrarium,2093.html
https://www.cdeco.fr/choisir-pour-maison/fleurs-et-plantes/histoire-terrariums
[1] JT France 2
[2] Rustica Editions
