Unleash your creative thoughts and give it a new definition with a touch of greenery. Have you ever thought of adding greenery to your indoor space with an awe-inspiring and amazing miniature fantasy world? Try recreating a small world…a picturesque landscape with miniature plants, trees, castles and chariots, in a glass container of your choice.

Did we just hear you say, it’s difficult?

Let us tell you how simple and easy it could be.

A glass container of any variety, size and shape can lay the foundation to a wonderful masterpiece that will not only adorn the corners of your room but will definitely gain the attention and appreciation of the onlookers. Who doesn’t want to be praised for creativity like that?

Few things you would need to create this miniature fantasy world are-

• I> Plants which require little care and low light- certain small ferns, club moss, money plants, Pothos, Dacaena, spider ferns, African violets, begonias, jade plants and cacti and succulents will do well in your terrarium. It is preferable to use slow growing plants which can endure humid environments and also make sure to prune your plants from time to time.

• I> Soil or sand depending on the plants you use. For normal plants you can use a regular potting soil. For cactus and succulents use a mixture of sand which would bring the desert feel. The soil layer can be thick enough to cover the roots of your plants completely. If the soil is too deep, the plants will grow too big in a short span of time and will be difficult for you to maintain.

• I> Broken pottery or gravel for drainage    

• I> Charcoal to filter the air and keep the soil fresh

• I> Pebbles for adding a touch of beauty

Are we forgetting something…oh yes the most important thing- a clean glass container with a large opening. Anything ranging from fish tanks, fish bowls to Spice jars and fancy glass containers could be used for making terrariums.

Now we can get started with the designing and building of the terrarium.

We tell you how to create this fantasy world-

The first important thing to do would be to add a drainage layer to your terrarium. Since there are no drainage holes, you need to create a drainage layer. You can add one inch layer of gravel or rocks to create a false drainage system for the plant roots.

Next thing to do would be to add a thin layer of charcoal. This is done to maintain the freshness in the terrarium. It will also prevent bacteria and mold from building up. You may either mix the charcoal with the gravel or let it be a separate layer on top.

Now it is time to add the soil. Make sure that the soil you put in would be enough to cover the roots of the plants. Mix some charcoal with the soil as well. A layer of 3-4 inches would be good enough. Let the plants go in one after another, starting with the largest plant first. Tuck them deep enough to cover the roots properly. Firm the plants with your hands or a long stick with some flat disc or a cork attached to it.

Water the plants and place container in a well-lit area with indirect light. Test your soil moisture before watering the plants every time.

 Make sure not to overcrowd your terrarium with plants. Leave some space for decoration.

You can add inanimate objects like toy birds, animals, houses or castles to add beauty to the terrarium and bring a magical atmosphere to it.

Your magical fantasy world is ready to amaze others!!!

Note: Maintain your terrarium plants be trimming them from time to time and avoid overcrowding in the terrarium.

          Never overwater your terrarium plants.