Can Kalanchoe Live in a Covered Terrarium?

Kalanchoe is desirable for its small, bright flowers and ease of care. Often grown indoors, the plant, which is native to Madagascar, thrives in mild temperatures and bright light. Although Kalcanchoe can live in a terrarium, it should be one of the open-dish types and not a covered terrarium, according to the University of Missouri's Extension website. This is because closed terrariums have high humidity and temperature levels -- both of which can damage kalanchoe plants. You will need to set up the terrarium in a specific way to have the best results.

Clear glass container
Pebbles
Activated charcoal
Thin synthetic fabric
Rich, organic potting soil
Spoon
Kalanchoe plant
Water
Houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Wash and dry a clear, glass container. It should have an opening at the top large enough to allow you to add soil and plants to the space. Do not use smoky or tinted glass, as this will greatly reduce the amount of light your kalanchoe receives.
- 2
  Cover the bottom of the terrarium with a layer of pebbles. The layer can be anywhere from a 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inches thick. This will improve drainage.
- 3
  Cover the pebbles with about 1/2 an inch of activated charcoal, which will reduce the amount of toxins in the terrarium's environment.
- 4
  Lay a sheet of synthetic fabric -- weed cloth or nylon are good choices -- over the charcoal. This will prevent soil from mixing with the charcoal.
- 5
  Add a thick layer of rich, organic potting soil. The thickness will vary depending on the size of your terrarium, but in general, the soil should fill about one-fifth of the container.
- 6
  Create a small depression with a spoon. Gently place your kalanchoe into the hole and cover the roots with soil. Water lightly.
- 7
  Place the terrarium in a sunny -- but not hot -- location. Your kalanchoe will grow best if the temperatures in the terrarium do not rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and do not drop below 45 degrees at night.
- 8
  Water the terrarium when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not over-water, as it is difficult to remove water from terrariums, and overly wet soil can lead to root diseases.

How to Germinate Ficus Benghalensis

Do Chemical Cleaning Products Affect the Growth of Plants?

Plant Basics