Try creating an air plant terrarium if you want to add a bit of nature to your house. Both kids and plant lovers can enjoy making terrariums because the technique is straightforward and entertaining. It’s as simple as purchasing a glass terrarium and then decorating it with rocks, sand, and other accessories. Due to their hardiness, air plants don’t need much upkeep. Create your terrarium, furnish it, and then allow it to add life to your house.
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How To Make Air Plant Terrarium？
It’s no surprise it’s an more and more famous trend. What higher way to liven up a window pane than with a floating terrarium?
There’s greater to reflect on consideration on for certain (you don’t favor a terrarium falling on your head), however, that greater effort certainly can pay off.
Not one of ours however these seem so awesome!
How about combining crafts and growing a macrame hanger?
For greater practice test out our deep dive article on putting terrariums.
Just take into account that whilst (let’s be honest) air plant life can appear a little bit, er… unalive, they are dwelling and will want a spray of water each as soon as in a while, so make positive you can without problems attain it.
If you don’t pretty fancy yourself a DIY wizard however nevertheless choose your terrarium up high, a wall-mounted task is a way to go.
Simply hold your terrarium on a wall the way you would a painting!
There are some awesome professional containers reachable that have built-in wall fixtures to make this method as convenient as possible.
What To Put In An Air Plant Terrarium?
Air Plants
First, you’re going to want some flora (duh).
And your desire is an incredible probability to put your special stamp on your project.
After all, air flora comes in all varieties of shapes, textures, sizes, and colors.
For my terrarium, I used a fluffy Tillandsia magnusiana, a chunky Tillandsia capitata, and a spiky unnamed Tillandsia.
Most however no longer all types of air flowers are from the Tillandsia genus, so it’s a superb location to begin your search. There are SO many to select from – I especially like the outstanding curly varieties.
Oh, and test out Tillandsia ionantha for some loopy crimson and red shades!
Terrarium Container Options
Air plant terrariums are most typically constructed in open containers, however, the plant life themselves truly thrive in excessive humidity and would be blissful in a closed terrarium setup too.
The desire is yours to make, and that will inevitably have an effect on your container choice.
I’ve chosen to go with an open terrarium with this unique concept, so that’s what I’ll be referring to in this article, however, experience free to take a look at our information on closed terrariums if you’re selecting a typically closed build.
Either way, there are loads of interesting open and closed containers.
How about a globe or a Wardian case? If you’re deciding on an established or striking project, you may desire an expert piece!
It doesn’t want to be expensive. I’m upcycling a wonderful geometric case that as soon as held a candle as a terrarium wedding ceremony centerpiece!
Other Elements
With all types of terrariums, it’s the hardscape that certainly brings it to existence and provides scale. But with air plant terrariums, it additionally affords nooks and crannies to plant (or as an alternative prop up).
You should use a textured rock like dragon stone or a gnarled department as I have.
Check out our respective courses on terrarium rocks and wood for greater assistance with this.
I chose this piece of aquascaping driftwood. It has lots of possibilities to assist my plant life for innovative “planting.”
Accent Notes
Just about whatever goes with your creation. Simplicity is key with air plant terrariums, however, including a little something greater can carry stability to the look.
Some notable picks are:
- Adding preserved moss to supply it with a luscious residing aesthetic.
- Experimenting with some sand artwork (like I have).
- Use aquarium gravel or pebbles as floor cover.
- Popping in crystals, shells, or collectible figurines – something your coronary heart desires!
How To Choose The Right Base For Air Plant Terrarium?
For the base, you can use preserved reindeer moss, ornamental sand, small rocks, seashells, bark, marbles, etc. The chances are limitless when it comes to colorations and textures of sand and rock for terrariums so have excitement with it! You don’t want soil for your air flora to thrive, so do want to encompass it here. In truth, the majority of air flora ought to NOT be planted in soil. You can without problems layer moss, sand, or rock to create variants and textures in your terrarium.
You do not prefer your air flora sitting in opposition to any moisture in their terrariums or holders, so make positive anything base you use is definitely dry.
Another component to maintain in thinking is the form and dimension of the terrarium you are building. Where will this terrarium be displayed? Is it placed or will it sit down tabletop? Answering these questions needs to assist you to figure out what substrate to use in your terrarium. Moss as a base layer may additionally be higher for striking terrariums on account that moss isn’t as heavy as sand and will be much less probable to shift round and purpose a mess if the terrarium sways a bit.
Little portions of bark or driftwood can supply a particularly rustic appearance as a base or accent in your terrarium, however, make positive that something timber you use is free of pests. We like to use orchid bark that you can discover at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Be cautious in the usage of bark or sticks that you may locate outside, as they may additionally have pests or bugs in them that ought to damage your plant.
Read about: Air Plant Bloom: What You Want To Know
How To Mke An Air Plant Terrarium?
Design A Terrarium
Choose up to 3 Tillandsia plants for your glass flowerpot. The aerial plants called Tillandsia can grow in various sizes, so it’s worth choosing what you want before choosing air plant terrariums. Many of them can grow to 5 inches (13 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. However, some varieties can grow up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) long and cannot be kept in air plant terrariums for too long. If you are not sure how many you want, start with 1, and then add more if there is space.
Some good varieties of air plant terrariums include Laurie flower, white Echinacea, and white Echinacea. Tillandsia stricta will be larger than others, so you may not be able to hold more than one in an air plant terrarium.
Tillandsia is sometimes sold as a block. Cluster refers to the growth of multiple plants together to form a ball. Lumpy plants tend to be stronger than individual plants. With proper care, they may continue to grow. If you lack space, this may be a problem.
You can order aerial plants online. They are well preserved during transportation, but if you are worried about not buying good plants, you can find some at home and garden centers.
Choose a ventilated air plant terrarium to place your plants. Once you decide on the size of a factory, find a quality container to match. These containers come in various sizes and styles, so remember what you want the finished air plant terrariums to look like. Round air plant terrariums are suitable for most small air plants, but make sure your top or side is open. Teardrop-shaped and pyramid-shaped containers are suitable for strict Tillandsia, but make sure that there is a panel for ventilation on the top or side.
The size of the exhaust port can vary according to the air plant terrarium you choose.
Think about where you want to put the air plant terrariums. Some containers should be placed on a flat surface rather than hung up. If you want to hang your air plant terrarium, make sure you have one with a rope or hook!
You can also reuse glass bowls or bottles. Most will be about 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter or more. As long as there is enough air in, your air plants will be safe.
Containers, as well as surplus supplies for air plant terrariums, are available online and in most home and garden centers.
If you are a beginner, small air plant terrariums will be easier to take care of. In addition, they are usually cheaper.
Choose sand, pebbles or other air plant terrariums at the bottom. Choose something that is light and won’t retain much moisture. If you are looking for a simple choice, you can choose some rough aquarium or sandbox sand. Aquarium Gravel or polished pebbles can bring some color to your glass aquarium. Use decorative moss or crushed recyclable glass to make your air plant terrarium unique.
Air plants do not need soil. The soil will absorb water and cause plants to rot, so you’d better avoid it.
Try layering different foundations to make your air plant terrariums more stylish. For example, you can mix white sand, colored pebbles, and broken glass.
If you want to decorate air plant terrariums, you can buy bark, shells, and other items. These decorations are not necessary, but they are useful for filling the space in air plant terrariums. Many decorations, such as bark and branches, can be found outdoors, but before putting them into air plant terrariums, make sure they are dry and free of insects. Spread some colors around decorative moss or aquarium shells. Through careful decoration, you can make your glass flowerpot look like a small piece of nature.
When choosing decoration, remember how much space your air plant terrarium has. Choose appropriate decoration to avoid too many air plants.
To make sure your air plants are safe, buy some decorations instead of putting them outdoors. For example, you can buy orchid bark from a hardware store.
Read about: How To Choose Bathroom Hanging Plants Efficiently
Construct The Terrarium
Fill air plant terrariums with a layer of sand at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick. First, pour the sand into the air plant terrarium so that it forms a base that you can build on. Try making a cheap base out of plain, regular-colored sand that works well with most air plant terrarium designs. Then rub the sand flat with your hands
You can also use other colors of sand. For example, you could replace it with blue sand and then decorate it with shells or other plants to give the air plant terrariums a sea theme.
If you don’t plan on using other types of substrates for decoration, you can fill air plant terrariums with more sand. However, make sure there is plenty of room for air plants to grow.
Polish the air plant terrarium with a layer of colored sand or other material. Sand comes in a variety of different colors that you can use to turn your air plant terrariums into something vibrant and unique. If you’re looking for something different, lay a 1-inch (2.5-cm) thick layer of rock or recycled glass. Rock and glass add variety, which is a great choice if you don’t want your air plant terrarium to look like a miniature desert or beach
For example, you can use colored sand and regular sand alternately to customize air plant terrariums with patterns. Try using your favorite color to make your air plant terrariums stand out!
As long as you leave enough room for plants and any other decorations you want to add, the extra layer can be as thick as you want.
For the forest theme, place some scrap wood around the air plant terrarium. Take a few pieces of driftwood and spread them throughout the air plant terrarium. Make sure there is enough space between the timbers to accommodate the air plants. You can turn a piece of wood upside down and install air plants on it to integrate the decorations in another way. The waste wood is matched with black, brown, or plain sand for a natural appearance
Small scraps of wood also work well next to two shells placed on ordinary sand.
Use shells to create a beach theme for your air plant terrariums. After filling the air plant terrarium with regular or colored aquarium sand, choose two beautiful shells that you like. Make sure they are small enough to fit comfortably inside an air plant terrarium. Place them in the sand, near where you plan to plant air plants. It makes the air plants look like they grew naturally out of the sand, rather than being placed in the middle of all these decorations
Match the shell to the substrate used. Colorful shells match well with regular sand, but may be less noticeable than brightly colored sand.
If you are going to decorate with multiple shells, use different types of shells placed at different angles. Arrange them to diversify your air plant terrariums.
Add variety to your glassware by using decorative plants or coral. Buy some aquarium coral, such as a Red sea or the Black Sea fan. Another option is to add a jarraud-like plant and place it inside an air plant terrarium vent. These ornaments add a wealth of color to your glassware without taking away air plant nutrients. Spread them out so they look like air plants growing side by side with decorative plants or coral
Decorative mosses are great for adding color to ordinary sand. If your air plant terrarium is designed to look like a desert, it works well.
Place the air plant on top of the material in the container. Air plants have no roots and do not need to be buried. Put them gently in a spacious area and let them get used to their new home. Make sure plants are not pressed against the walls of ornaments or air plant terrariums. This helps them spread out the leaves and dry them if they get wet
If the plants feel moist, let them sit for about 15 minutes before placing them in an air plant terrarium. Moisture may cause plants to rot. Burying plants in substrate also forces more water into the plant.
Air plants can be placed inside shells and other objects. However, make sure the shell is open and there is plenty of room for plants to grow out.
If you want to attach air plants to decorations, secure them with glue. Plan the air plant terrariums by placing all the decorations first, then place the plants where you want them installed. Choose a non-toxic adhesive, such as silicone sealant, and apply a thin layer evenly over the mounting surface. Gently but firmly press the plant against the adhesive and stick it in place. Leave the plants undisturbed for 24 hours to ensure the glue has time to set.
You can also tie up aviation equipment to reduce rigidity. Use a durable, sun-resistant material, such as a tie, and place it loosely around the plant’s stem.
Ensure that air equipment is installed on a non-toxic surface. Treated wood contains copper, which is harmful to air plants. Painted and dyed wood can also contain dangerous chemicals.
Choose A Location For The Air Plant Terrarium
Place the air plant terrarium in an area that receives one to three hours of indirect sunlight per day. Try to place your air plant terrarium 1 to 3 feet (0.30 to 0.91 meters) from a nearby window. Use Windows that face east, north or south in your home because they absorb the most sunlight. Air plants will not last long if they are left in dark or dim light all day long.
You can also set the air plant terrarium within 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 meters) of artificial light.
As long as you water air plants, they can withstand more direct sunlight and higher temperatures.
Choose a place away from the cold and humidity for the air plant terrariums. Air plants are tropical plants, so they don’t do well in cold weather. For example, keep your air plant terrariums away from air conditioning and well-ventilated Windows. These sources can also bring too much water to air plant terrariums. Air plants perform best at temperatures above 60°F (16°C), so they survive well in the home.
Keep your air plant terrariums in a safe place where no rain, leaks, or spills can get in. The water may cause the plants to begin to decay.
Hang or place the air plant terrarium on a flat surface. This will depend on your air plant terrarium type. For example, if you have hanging glassware, try tying it to a hook, nail, or curtain rod on the wall. Most commercial glassware comes with a sling that can be attached to a hanging point in your home. If you have a standing air plant terrarium, place it on a flat, stable surface, such as a table or countertop.
Make sure that the air plant terrarium will not be bumped or knocked down. Overpressing can mix substrates, inadvertently bury plants, or even break the glass.
How To Water Your Plants And Terrariums?
Make certain now not to water your plant life whilst they are inner your terrarium, as this can motivate an awful lot of moisture to remain trapped amongst the moss, rock, etc., and motivate your vegetation to rot.
Take the plant life out and soak/mist them and then make positive they are totally dry earlier than including them again in your terrarium.
There ought to be no water or condensation in your terrarium or sitting in opposition to the Tillandsia.
Conclusion
Terrariums are a wonderful way to add some greenery to any area, and you can really make your terrarium stand out by using several types of bases! We frequently receive inquiries regarding how to exhibit air plants in terrariums, including what types of bases to use and whether they require soil. The bases and decorations you should pick to create a stunning air plant terrarium are discussed above.
