GARDEN
GARDEN
Closed or open?
Think of a closed terrarium as a miniature rainforest.
The lid traps humidity. Water evaporates from the growing medium and leaves, condenses against the glass and eventually makes its way back down again. Once the moisture level is right, you may only need to add water occasionally. Plants that enjoy this environment include fittonias, peperomias, pileas, small ferns and other compact foliage plants that enjoy humidity. Choose plants with similar moisture and light requirements and, importantly, check how big they will eventually grow. That tiny plant in the nursery may not remain tiny for very long.
An open terrarium is completely different. The open top allows moisture to escape and gives the roots and leaves much more air movement. This makes it a far better choice for succulents and other plants that dislike constantly damp conditions. Cacti and succulents should never be planted in a sealed, humid terrarium.
Haworthias, small aloes, gasterias, echeverias and compact crassulas can all create a wonderfully South African-looking miniature landscape.
You don’ t need to buy a terrarium
There is no need to buy a glass container specifically made for a terrarium. Look around the house first – a large glass jar, wide vase, unused biscuit jar, glass bowl or other clear container can work just as well.
0 MARKtoe! September 2026