Terrarium

INTRODUCTION
The terraria are small greenhouses with which the conditions of a tropical environment are
recreated, that is to say, high humidity, high and constant temperature. This makes it possible to
grow tropical and subtropical plants. It can also be a place to have a land animal such as reptiles,
frogs and insects.
Terrariums can be of different sizes, from a light bulb to larger tanks. This has the ability to not need
constant maintenance by the user, but the ecosystem generated inside the sealed container, is self-
sufficient, so that it is not necessary to add water more than once, since the cycle of the It is
completed inside the container.
Assembling the terrarium
“A terrarium is a tightly closed, clear glass or plastic container filled with

small plants. It also has come to mean an open, transparent container for
growing and displaying plants.” [ CITATION Dav17 \l 3082 ]
Design
When arranging plants, variation in size, color and texture is desirable. Because
terrariums usually are viewed from one side, the growing medium should be sloped
for viewing from that side and plants arranged so that taller plants are toward the
back. Use rocks, sand, wood and other natural materials to create cliffs, rock
ledges, dry streambeds or lush tropical forests. Undulations representing hills and
valleys will make the scene more interesting than a flat surface. Sketching a design
of the terrarium before actually assembling it can be helpful.
Prepare the container

Before planting, clean and disinfect the inside of the container by washing it with
hot, soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. Make sure the inside of the container is
dry before planting. If a commercial glass cleaner is used, allow the open container
to air for several days before planting.
Add drainage material and growing medium

In general, about one quarter of the terrarium’s volume should be used by the
growing medium and drainage material. These can be added easily with a spoon,
funnel or other convenient tool.
Drainage
Activated charcoal and pebbles should be placed in the bottom of the container for
drainage. These may be mixed together, but the charcoal usually will be most
effective in eliminating chemicals that could prove to be toxic to plants if placed in a
1/2-inch layer above the layer of gravel, crushed pots, marble chips or other
drainage material. Charcoal is especially important in closed terrariums, which
prevent the natural escape of chemicals. Sphagnum moss, placed over the layer of
gravel and charcoal, prevents the growing medium from sifting into the drainage
area.
Growing medium
Next, add the growing medium. It should be slightly moist so that it doesn’t stir up
dust but not so moist that it is muddy and sticks to the sides. For most containers,
a minimum depth of 1½ inches is necessary to provide sufficient volume.
Adding plants
Select only healthy, disease-free plants because closed terrariums represent an
ideal environment for plant diseases to flourish. If there are disease concerns,
enclose plants in a plastic bag and place in bright light for about two weeks before
planting in the terrarium. If any diseases are present, they normally will become
visible on the foliage or stems.
Before adding the plants, arrange them in an open area about the size of the
container to get an idea of relative sizes and textural patterns. A low, coarse-
textured plant is often desirable for a dominant focal point near the front. Don’t
build a collection of variegated or unusual plants. They compete with each other
and don’t create a unified pattern.
To assemble the terrarium, take the plants from their pots and remove extra
growing medium to expose the roots. Trim off any leaves that are yellowed or
damaged or that show any indication of disease or insects. Trim off some roots
from plants that were extremely pot-bound.
Promptly place each plant in the container so that the exposed roots do not dry. In
a closed container, try to keep foliage from touching the sides of the container.
Leaves touching the glass will collect water and be more subject to decay.
Plants may be placed in deep terrariums using long slender tongs or a stick with a
wire loop on the end. Deep containers with small openings will require
considerable patience and practice in planting. For such containers, a common
practice is to wrap the plant in a piece of paper for protection before inserting it
through the small opening. Once the plant is the container, unwrap it and remove
the paper. This practice also helps keep the inside of the container clean. Before
inserting the plants, dig holes in the growing medium with a pointed stick. After a
plant has been placed in a hole, fill in with growing medium and tamp to firm it. A
long stick with a cork fixed on the end makes a good tool for lightly tamping the
growing medium. After the plants have been positioned, add gravel, sand, moss or
other materials to give a finished appearance. Accessories also may be added at
this time.
After planting. After planting, mist the plants to wash off growing medium that has
stuck to leaves or sides of the container. If the medium was properly moist at
planting, heavy watering will not be necessary. The water misted over the leaves is
adequate to settle the medium. Don’t cover the terrarium initially. Instead, repeat
the misting process after one day. Allow the container to remain open until the
foliage is thoroughly dried. Then, if the terrarium is the closed type, apply the cover.
Observe terrarium closely for the first few weeks after planting. Diseases often
appear at this time. Any leaves that die or plants that begin to wilt or decay should
be removed promptly before the problem spreads to other plants. Root rots often
are associated with too much moisture. If rots develop in a closed terrarium,
remove the cover to allow more drying. If a fungus seems to be spreading from a
plant through the growing medium, it may be beneficial to remove a portion of the
medium in the infected area and replace it. Application of a general fungicide also
may help to reduce spread of a disease.
In most cases, after a few weeks the terrarium is established and the threat of
disease is reduced. Continue to watch for fallen leaves, however, or any plant parts
that begin to decay.
Bibliografía
Trinklein, D. H. (July de 2017). Extension, University of Missouri. Obtenido de
https://extension2.missouri.edu/g6520

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Terrarium

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INTRODUCTION

“A terrarium is a tightly closed, clear glass or plastic container filled with

Prepare the container

Add drainage material and growing medium

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