Terrariums – Gardens within Glass

Would you like to create a miniature garden in a jar? Imagine a miniature garden in a crystal ball or a glass jar: a glass-enclosed oasis of a woodland scene, or a tropical garden, or an orchid garden. The plants would grow on landscapes that you make, could be little hills amongst rocks, lichen, or even seashells, or it could be a water world.

How Terrariums Work

Closed Terrariums don’t need to be watered much; they trap water inside. When the water evaporates, it condenses against the sides of the terrarium and falls down again. Terrarium plants can go for weeks, even months, without being watered. Most terrarium are best placed in indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can overheat and harm the plants. Only desert terrariums should be placed directly in the sunlight. A well-placed and nicely set-up terrarium thrives with little maintenance and adds beauty to any setting.

History of Terrariums

Terrariums were discovered accidentally. In 1827, Dr. Nathaniel Ward, an English Physician curious about nature, wanted to learn about how sphinx moths emerge from cocoons. He had a sealed glass jar containing moist soil and moth cocoons to observe. To Dr. Ward’s great surprise, a fern started sprouting and growing within the sealed glass container. That fern went on to live within that jar for four years without being watered once! Ward had created the first terrarium. Dr. Ward put together other terrariums, for sale. They were a big hit and were popularly known as Wardian cases.

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