Interior Fun

What to Put in A Terrarium Besides Plants?

In recent times, Terrariums have been more and more in popularity. Terrariums or the miniature plant ecosystems encased in a bottle or other glass containers have been enjoyed as low-upkeep indoor gardens. These can be seen in the cafes, home and garden magazines, and are imperative to any modern apartment.



These days we have also observed a new trend, where these Terrariums are used for several other things other than plants! They are used as decorations, lighting and to display the most cherished object arts. Read on to know the list of elements used in Terrarium that do not involve plants of any kind.

Things Used in Terrarium Besides Plants

Food Display

Apart from plants, terrariums or the glass cloches can be used to display food. These glass cloches are glass-based, have tiny ventilation holes to prevent mistiness and are designed using recycled materials. You can arrange a few mouthwatering treats and serve them in a way that sparks. These terrariums can also be filled with all kinds of yummy goodies, cupcakes, brownies, truffles, or even candies.

Food Terrariums

The good thing about food terrariums is that it can serve more than the purpose of being consumable, nowadays there are plentiful ways to get creative with food. Ever heard of designed pancakes? Those that are drawn with cartoon characters or any silly doodles? Well, you can boast them by displaying on terrariums. Or try it with fruits and prop them in a basket before putting them in. Any food item that you please, just don’t forget to consume them. Never waste food!

Special Occasion Centerpiece

Using a glass cloche or terrarium as a unique occasion centerpiece is top among several preferred uses of a terrarium. This self-build look is effortless to create and varies based on the occasion. For example, for Christmas, you can fill these terrariums with colored ornaments, starts, and other decorative items, or fill with scary and ghostly decorative treats for Halloween and so on.

Once you have visualized your masterpiece, now you can place all the accessories and features in their respective places. This step gives you an option to experiment on different arrangements so that their placements can be changed depending on the need.

Interior Display

These glass cloche variation of the terrarium can be used as a part of an interior display on a table or a fireplace shelf. Design them with the most treasured items such as small status, different sized colorful candles, glittering stars, or a decorative figurine. You can also decorate these with a romantic heart that is surrounded by battery-powered fairy light. It adds a magical romantic feeling to the table and sets the tone for those pleasant evening or to the intimate dinner parties.

Hanging Flowers

Using the terrariums for hanging is a fanciful idea for beautifying your next special occasion. You can hang these beautiful flower-filled terrariums from the ceiling to add an elegant touch to your indoor space or hang outside on a tree branch to warm up your outdoor space. You can include just a single rose on display in the glass terrarium or a cluster of colorful buds and you will surely love the look. You can choose from the wide variety of hanging terrarium shapes – diamond, teardrop, pyramid, and cube shapes.

We’re done with flowers on dull pots and vases. Hanging flowers just take the terrarium fun a notch higher. By arranging flowers inside the terrarium, you can achieve another set of aesthetics. For instance, you can hang them besides framed pictures of anything you value, may it be your own portrait, or of your family, or even a prized painting you adore. Hanging flowers can enhance the vibe of things.

Floating Candles

Filling the glass terrariums with colorful candles of different sizes is another beautiful way of using them apart from plants. You can hang them either inside the house or in the garden and light them during nightfall to add a fantastic mood to the special occasion. You can also use fairy lights if you are not comfortable with the naked flames hanging around the place.

This does not only apply to the boring cylindrical candles— the market offers really creative candles that are of different shapes and sizes, twisting and curling into insane forms and rainbow-colored. Or it can be like those that are molded into animals, flowers, human figures specifically hand or feet or the upper torso itself. It can be anything, the mold is the limit. Put them in the terrarium and hang them or place them where you want that you can feel the mood it sets.

Decorative Centerpiece Table

The decorative glass terrariums can be used for much more than just soil and plants. When these are not used for terrarium duties, they can be used as an outstanding fanciful bowl for the center of the dining table or a coffee table. You may fill these bowls with fancy colored balls, exotic fruits, or pine cones. The Rose Gold Footed Bowl would be the perfect choice for this home decor.

Aroma Bowl

Another perfect way of using the underutilized glass terrarium bowl is as an aroma bowl. This is done by pouring water into the glass bowl, add few drops of essential oil of your choice, fill the bowl with sweet-smelling flowers and candles, and allow it to float in the water. This gives the most heavenly smell for many days as well as a dream-filled look.

Customizable little marvels

Depending on the size and theme, let me give you a few examples of how and what to include in your terrariums.

Suppose if you wish to make a tabletop water park for your terrarium, then you can place it over your coffee table. Depending on the size, you may want to pick up a bowl or a big coffee mug and add terrarium plants, charcoal pieces, rocks with a layer of organic potting soil, and not to miss watering it. You may add a small tiny bridge or some furniture to make it look appealing on the coffee table.

Simple tabletop terrariums include a mix of succulents and palms with some potting soil, activated charcoal or activated carbon along with some gravel and you are done.
Considering a terrarium that goes on to any mantle, you may pick up a huge glass mug and add some twigs, moss, soil, gravel, and water. Since this is an open kind of terrarium addition of water is the key not to lose its freshness.

You may also add extra sparkle for a cozy evening or a dinner party by adding some fairy lights, statues or figurines to add a whimsical touch to the terrarium.

A few examples of plants that can go into terrariums would be baby tears, and Ficus reopens, miniature Ivy etc.

There are also specific structures that may be added to the terrarium like fences, buildings, benches, bridges etc.

There are plenty of lanterns and lights and also seasonal decorations to begin with.

These are the optional items that can be added to the terrariums. Now let’s get into the details of the mandatory items to go into the miniature gardens.

Of course, these are just some applications of terrariums aside from plants. It is only a matter of creativity and imagination. Terrariums can be an avenue to self-expression. And there is a lot more to try. And that is what the fun about terrariums is all about.

FAQs

Can You Put Potted Plants in a Terrarium?

Yes! Potted plants will do fine but make sure that there is enough space between each plant so that air circulation remains unhindered. Hence, keep the number of pots low.

Will Plants Stay Small in a Terrarium?

No. They grow bigger over time. So, don’t expect any mini trees or shrubs from a terrarium. However, you can still have smaller plants such as ferns, mosses, succulents, cacti, bromeliads, epiphytes, and other houseplants.

What Should I Avoid Putting in My Terrarium?

Plant species vary depending upon their growth habits. Some prefer dry conditions while others need moisture. If you’re looking at growing something indoors, then choose one which has been grown outdoors before. Also, if you’re planning to use a potting mix, opt for a good quality compost instead of peat based mixes. Peat tends to absorb too much water making the roots rot.

Do Terrariums Need Sunlight?

Terrariums require light because they are indoor plants. But, remember that artificial lighting does not provide sufficient amount of natural daylight. Therefore, place them near windows where direct sun rays fall onto them.

How Often Should I Change the Soil?

The frequency depends on whether you want to maintain the health of the plants or just display them. For example, if you plan to show off your terrarium during special occasions, then changing the soil every week might be necessary. On the contrary, if you intend to care for the plants regularly, then once a month is more than enough.

Featured Image Source: dbterrariums from Instagram

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