Have you ever seen a terrarium? Or better yet, partook in making one? If not, you definitely should. Boredom during pandemic lockdowns caused people to involve themselves in activities they never thought they'd take up – and many ended up loving them. One such move was making terrariums.

Unsplash | Who wouldn’t want something this pretty sitting on their tabletop?

What Is a Terrarium?

The best way to describe a terrarium is to relate it to an aquarium – except for plants instead of fish. A terrarium is an ecosystem in itself. It is made from a sealable glass container (often mason jars), containing soil, plants, and other decorative items inside. Since the container remains sealed and its glass walls allow for heat and light to pass, small water cycles remain ongoing within it. Moisture from the soil and plants evaporate when hit with heat, which eventually condenses and falls back down.

This little constant science project within a glass jar creates an ideal environment for the plants to thrive in and never go dry.

Where Did Terrariums Come from?

The first (or probably second) terrarium ever built was at David Latimer's hands in 1960 England. A man who simply planted a seed in a jar now holds the credit of birthing a whole gardening field. Decades into the future, the art is not lost on all. Asil Ansari, an 18-year-old Mubaikar, digs the art of terrarium making. Gaining inspiration from Latimer, over the past ten years, he has made about 20 terrariums. Then, when lockdown protocols forced people to stay indoors with no socializing, Asil turned to his hobby to keep him occupied. In one year alone, he created 30 terrariums, many of which he sold as well.

Unsplash | Make yours as bright and colorful as you’d like!

How to Make a Terrarium?

Making a terrarium is incredibly simple.

• You start by getting a clear glass jar. It can be as big or small as you like – a mason jar, a goldfish bowl, or even an aquarium.
• Next, fill the bottom with pebbles or rocks according to the size of the vessel.
• Add activated charcoal on top. This will prevent fungi from growing and aid water filtration.
• Then, add sterilized potting soil.
• Finally, add plants that fit the size of the vessel.

Optional:

• Fun miniature items, like a garden gnome, shells, or any other décor you prefer.
• Decorative pebbles/rocks if you'd like to add more colors and patterns to your creation.

Pexels | You can make a terrarium with any glass vessel you have

To Sum It Up

Many people stay an arm's length away from gardening, primarily because of the soil and manure involved. If you don't like getting dirty but enjoy the concept of gardening for its therapeutic benefits, try your hand at building a terrarium for yourself. Who knows, you might just find a life-long hobby.