A nature lover but don’t have time to take care of plants?
Discover how to create a miniature ecosystem that thrives with minimal effort. A touch of green for your home or office that practically takes care of itself.
Imagina un jardín encapsulado en cristal, un pequeño mundo verde que florece en tu escritorio o estantería sin necesidad de riegos constantes ni cuidados exhaustivos.
Suena a magia, pero es la simple y fascinante ciencia de un terrario autosustentable. En este artículo, te guiaremos para que construyas el tuyo en tan solo cinco minutos, una promesa de verdor y vida con una inversión mínima de tiempo.
The Charm of an Ecosystem in Your Hands
A closed terrarium is a small, sealed ecosystem that functions autonomously.
Through the miniature water cycle, the plants water themselves. Water evaporates from the substrate and leaves, condenses on the glass walls, and falls back as “rain” to nourish the garden.
This fascinating process makes it the perfect plant companion for busy people, frequent travelers, or those just getting started in the world of gardening.
What You’ll Need:
To assemble your self-sufficient garden, gather the following items:
- A clear glass container with a lid: A mason jar, an old candy dish, or any glass container that can be sealed tightly will work.
- Gravel or small stones: For the drainage layer
- Activated charcoal: Essential for keeping water fresh and preventing odors and mold.
- Potting soil: A good-quality mix that retains moisture.
- Small plants: Choose species that thrive in humid, low-light environments.
5-Minute Creation: Let’s Get Started!
Once you have your materials, follow these simple steps to bring your terrarium to life:
- Drainage Layer (1 minute): Place a 1 to 2 cm layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the container. This will prevent the plant roots from becoming waterlogged.
- Filtration Layer (30 seconds): Add a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel. This is the secret to a healthy, odor-free terrarium over the long term.
- Substrate Layer (1 minute): Add a layer of potting soil about 5-7 cm deep, depending on the size of your container and the plants you’ve chosen.
- Plant Your Garden (2 minutes): Carefully make small holes in the soil and place your plants in. Make sure not to overcrowd the space; plants need room to grow.
- Initial Watering and Sealing (30 seconds): Lightly mist the inside of the terrarium with water. Don’t overdo it; the soil should be moist, not soggy. Close the lid and you’re done!
The Easiest Plants for Your First Terrarium
To ensure the success of your mini-ecosystem, choose plants that love humidity and don’t require direct sunlight. Here are some foolproof options:
- Ferns: Small varieties like the maidenhair fern are perfect for their love of humidity.
- Moss: Creates a lush, green base that retains moisture.
- Phytonia (Nerve Plant): Its colorfully veined leaves add a vibrant touch.
- Pilea (Chinese Money Plant or Friendship Plant): Easy to care for and very decorative.
Benefits Beyond Beauty
Having a self-sustaining terrarium goes beyond a simple decorative element. These small bottle gardens offer multiple benefits:
- Improves Air Quality: Plants purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Reduces Stress: Contact with nature, even on this small scale, has a calming and relaxing effect.
- Encourages Creativity: Designing your own miniature landscape is a creative and rewarding activity.
- Minimal Maintenance: Forget about daily watering. A well-balanced terrarium can go for months without needing to be watered.
Common Problem Solving: Quick Guide
Although they are self-sufficient, it’s good to keep an eye on your terrarium to ensure it thrives.
- Too Much Condensation? If the walls of the container are constantly fogged up, it means there’s too much water. Simply remove the lid for a few hours or a day to allow the excess to evaporate.
- No condensation? If you never see water droplets on the glass, your terrarium probably needs a little more humidity. Add a small amount of water with a spray bottle.
- Mold growing? Mold can appear if there is too much moisture or decaying organic matter. Remove any affected leaves and ventilate the terrarium as described above.
Creating a self-sustaining terrarium is a quick and easy way to connect with nature and add a touch of life and color to any space. Dare to build your own garden in a bottle and enjoy the magic of a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Different Types of Terrariums
