Nothing pretties up the bathroom like a little terrarium
written by Melissa Dalton
Make your own terrarium by following these easy tips, terrariums can be made with materials bought from specialty terrarium shops, pet and aquarium stores, home improvement destinations and the nursery.
1 PICK A CONTAINER
Whether it’s a vintage cloche from an antique mall or an ordinary fish bowl, pick a clear glass container that will offer plenty of space for the plants and transmit enough light to encourage growth. If choosing a container with a lid, make sure it won’t be sitting in the direct sun, as that can kill the plants inside.
2 POUR THE FOUNDATION
Cover the bottom with small rocks to encourage drainage. Pour in a layer of sand, using a funnel to keep the grains neat. Have fun choosing the colors of these elements, since they will be visible. Next, add activated charcoal pellets, usually available at a nursery or aquarium store. Then top everything off with enough soil for the plant’s roots to thrive. A good rule of thumb is to set the foundational layers at about one-third of the vessel, to keep the overall composition balanced and leave enough room for growth.
3 CHOOSE A PLANT
Opt for a specimen that will enjoy the bathroom humidity, flourish with the room’s lighting conditions and grow fairly slowly, so it doesn’t crowd out of the container too quickly. Good choices for a humid spot are ferns and tropical houseplants.
4 LAYER IN CONTRAST
Once the plant is in place, top the foundation with other materials that will contrast with its size and leaf structure. These can be colored pebbles, coral and shells, small pieces of driftwood, crystals and geodes, moss and lichen, or even found objects, like small figurines. Leave empty space around the plant so it remains the natural focal point.
5 MAINTAIN
Don’t forget to water the plant according to its needs. Place your composition on a shelf in the bathroom, on the corner of the vanity, or hang from the wall or ceiling, and enjoy!
