How To Build A Moss Terrarium In 6 Easy Steps
At times, we simply want to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of a garden without pruning, mowing, and putting fertilizers. If you fancy a bit of greenery in your office or home, but you are not skilled in attending a high-maintenance plant, a moss terrarium is a perfect choice for you. It's hassle-free and a bit of greenery that you practically have to try. Terrariums are famous thanks to their fuss-free maintenance, elegance, and minimal space requirement. Before making one, consider where you will put it in your home. But, how to build a moss terrarium, you ask? Keep reading to learn more about how to start a moss terrarium and moss terrarium care.
Things You Need in Making a Moss Terrarium
Before making a moss terrarium, consider first where it will live in your home. You'll want to have a spot that receives indirect sunlight because the plant's glass container will amplify the sunshine (you also should not put the plant where there's no sunshine, like in the basement).
Once you've found the perfect spot, you will need the following supplies on how to build a moss terrarium.
- Glass container
- Rocks (polished pebbles, marbles, sea glass, etc.)
- Sheet moss or sphagnum
- Soil
- Plants that don't overgrow. Some good choices include sun-loving plants like boxwood, croton, pineapple verbena, Joseph's coat, and twiggy spike moss. For shade-loving plants, you can choose gnome ivy, Irish or Scottish club moss, golden club moss, and miniature ferns.
- Basic tools such as spoons or a funnel to place the soil, long tweezers to put materials into the container, scissors for clipping, and cotton swabs or paper towels for cleaning the glass.
Steps on How to Build a Moss Terrarium
Now that you have your supplies and tools, here are the steps on how to build a moss terrarium.
Step 1. The first step on how to build a moss terrarium is to pick a glass container. It can be a reused pickle jar or a vintage vase. Just make sure the glass container is clear and not colored, as this could hinder growth. Consider the size of the container's opening as well. Making a terrarium from a vintage perfume bottle may seem like an artistic idea, but the small opening may be a problem when putting the greenery inside. For starters, use a container with a wide opening that can fit the width of your hand to place and move your materials as needed quickly.
Step 2. Set a handful of rocks at the bottom of the glass container. This layer will help shape the area while supporting drainage and aeration. Modify the thickness of the layer by the size of the vessel. The smaller the container, the thinner the layer of rocks; leave enough "headspace" at the top of the terrarium so that the set up won't look cramped when you're done.
Step 3. Soak dried the sheet moss of sphagnum in water for several seconds and squeeze out any excess liquid. Put the slightly damp moss onto the layer of rocks, tapping it down, so it fills the entire surface and creates a barrier that keeps the soil from sinking into the rocks.
Step 4. Fill the container with several inches by scooping the soil into a funnel. The greenery you will be planting will determine the type of soil you should use. For moss, a peat moss mixture that will less likely mold is a perfect choice. For others, the non-moisture-control potting mix will do. If a plant's nursery tag designates the specific soil it needs, then use that. Remember that this layer does not have to be completely flat. Hills and valleys provide the landscape character. Don't fill the container with soil too high as you will want to have sufficient "headspace" for the greenery to flourish.
Step 5. Plant your plants. If you're using a moss that you took from nature, make sure first to debug it by giving it a blast of pesticide. Use scissors to snip it into shape and lay it into the glass container. Make sure to press it down tightly to prevent air pockets. For other kinds of plants, plant them as you would in your garden. Free the root ball and place it in a shallow layer of soil. Add some soil around it, and pat it down.
Step 6. Supply the plant some water to prevent transplant shock. Keep in mind that the container does not have drainage holes as potted plants. The layer of rocks will help with drainage.
Conclusion
Learning how to build a moss terrarium is easy, and maintaining it requires minimum effort and time as well. For the majority of terrariums, a light mist or spray of water every 2 to 4 weeks would suffice. You don't have to overwater your terrarium. If you see some condensation on the sides, then it's already moist enough.
So if you are planning on making a moss terrarium, consider these steps so you can create that tiny outdoor beauty inside your home. Get more tips on terrariums.