Mini Landscape Terrarium

Fishbowls and Candy Jars

• Nearly any clear container is suitable for creating a miniature landscape, but before selecting a container, decide if you want a terrarium with or without a cover. A closed container rarely needs water because the environment maintains a constant level of humidity, much like a tiny rain forest. However, some plants are prone to disease in the moist air. An open terrarium requires more frequent watering, but because the opening provides air circulation, disease usually isn't a problem. Once you've made the decision, you can create a terrarium in any clear glass or plastic container, such as fish bowls or old aquariums, canning jars, glass candy jars or brandy snifters.

It Isn't Dirty

• Terrariums require sterilized, well-draining, organic potting mixture. A good-quality commercial potting soil containing ingredients such as peat moss and either vermiculite or perlite works fine. If you're planning a desert landscape, choose a commercial mix formulated for cactus and succulents. Don't use garden soil, which is too heavy and soon becomes compacted.

Plants -- Size Matters

• Most small plants do well in terrariums as long as the plants have similar growing requirements. For example, don't plant moisture-loving plants in the same container with cactus or succulents. Similarly, consider sunlight and temperature requirements. For a closed terrarium, select plants that tolerate a humid environment. Dense, low-growing plants measuring 12 inches or less are well-suited for terrariums. If plants grow too large, replace them with smaller plants.

Creating a Miniature Terrain

• Plants -- even those that love humidity -- won't survive long without proper drainage. Before placing potting soil in the terrarium, put a 1/2- to 1-inch layer of tiny pebbles, gravel, or aquarium rocks in the bottom of the container, then top the pebbles with about 1/2 inch of horticultural charcoal to keep the terrarium smelling fresh. Finally, add a thin layer of sphagnum moss to keep the potting soil separate from the gravel and charcoal. Think about the terrain of your landscape and place the potting soil accordingly. Create gentle slopes or miniature, rolling hills, but maintain a minimum potting soil depth of about 1 1/2 inches.

The Fun Part

• You're ready to plant your miniature landscape, and this is where you have an opportunity to be creative. Place smaller plants in the front and taller plants in the back. Have fun experimenting with various plants, but keep the arrangement fairly simple because too many colors and textures may compete with one another and create a messy, jumbled terrarium. Use only a few carefully selected plants and don't overcrowd the landscape. Once the plants are in place, complete the landscape with accents such as moss, miniature figurines, seashells, twigs or seedpods.