esschert Set of 2 Terrarium Tools

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For example, if you want to work with sand art or add some decorative gravel, you can direct it where you want in your terrarium instead of dumping it all in the middle. A long spoon and fork will do the job for most builds, butI use a miniature telescopic rake and spade because I’m fancy. The fork/rake isuseful for moving substrate around in tight spaces and leveling it out to sculpt the landscape. Use the spoon/spade to dig holes for your plants’ roots and move the substrate around it to keep it steady. The thing is, the best types of wood for terrariums are usually hardwoods. Meaning they’re super tough(like manzanita wood or grapevine wood). And to cut them, you’re going to need something more heavy-duty. Open terrariums need a little more watering than their closed counterparts, which retain moisture much longer than potted houseplants. Whichever type you choose, be careful not to overwater. Spritz your plants and the soil sparingly using a spray bottle so that they are damp, but not soaking wet.

When watering terrarium plants, it’s essential that water is distributed evenly (and ideally) as delicately as possible. Plants are like humans. For optimum results, you’ll need to meet their food, water, light and temperature requirements. Water and drainageIf you live anywhere half as gloomy as I do (the ever-drizzly North-East of England), grow lights can help your terrariums get through the harsh winter. Make sure your terrarium has enough light. For both closed and open terrariums, it’s best to place it in an area that receives at least six hours of bright, but indirect, sunlight. In the UK, this could mean placing your terrarium on a north-facing window sill.

They’re nice and long so you can reach the bottom of a taller terrarium, and if you choose the ones with slanted tips – they’re great for maneuvering into awkward places. Tweezers come in useful for removing deceased leaves, too.

Succulents and cacti need a well-drained, porous soil with a generous quantity of sand or grit. Ferns, meanwhile, require a medium density, loam-based compost. If in doubt, ask your garden centre for recommendations. Add activated charcoal Just like your garden and houseplants, terrarium plants hate to sit in water, so drainage holes are a must. Prevent waterlogging by lining your terrarium with a two-inch layer of small stones and pebbles, and add a deeper layer for narrow or tall terrariums. Shells, sea glass and colourful marbles also work well. Food I’ve been using a random cheap aquarium glue, but any cyanoacrylate-based glue should work. I hear good things about Gorilla Super Glue Gel. Be attentive and trim overgrown plants, including their longer roots, to keep them small. Always remove yellowing and damaged leaves, as well as dying plants, to prevent the spread of disease and decay. Keep glass clean Regularly remove dust from your terrarium’s glass to allow enough light in for your plants to flourish. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as these can be harmful to all plants. Pest control