Terrariums - Part 3:
Lessons On How To Make A
Terrarium Thrive

Take out a scoop of dirt (sticks and all), throw it into the pot, and commence to planting.

Later that season, I'd wonder...."why didn't these things live?" Hum??

Well, now I know!!

The importance of good, well-draining soil, is a crucial part of any container gardens success. That certainly applies to a Terrarium or Vivarium as well.

If it's a dry climate you plan on building, or a humid and wet environment you seek, the vegetation contained therein will thrive on good soil.

Good Soil=Good!
Bad Soil=Bad!

Soil Selection Videos

Soil Selection

First on the list of gardening videos is soil selection. As we said earlier, when learning how to make a Terrarium, it's extremely important to choose the right blend.

Know what plants you plan to install into your Terrarium and what possible "wildlife" may inhabit the space.

Since there are so many variations of plant species and animals that are possible dwellers of your Plant Terrarium, we're discussing an over-all starter for picking soil.

Never fear, most stores will have pre-mixed substrate (soil) that would be suited for specific Terrariums and Vivariums. Some even come in handy "brick-type-shaped-things".

If you plan on mixing your own, this video will help guide you.

Click ONCE on the small arrow at the bottom-left-corner of the screen (not the arrow in the middle of the screen) to watch this video.

Adding The Soil

Here's a video tutorial on adding that soil to your Terrarium.

Click ONCE on the small arrow at the bottom-left-corner of the screen (not the arrow in the middle of the screen) to watch this video.

Desert Terrarium

I'm sure you've noticed that the above videos are introducing soil tips for tropical plants.

However, let's take a quick moment and talk about a Desert Terrarium. The set-up on how to make a Desert Terrarium can be somewhat the same with a few variations.

First, most typically, a Desert Terrarium will be open. Allowing for humidity and moisture to escape.

Desert Plant Terrariums need lots of drainage in the soil.Here's how to accomplish that.

Establish a base layer. For example: pebbles. Pebbles will allow for "breathing".

On top of that, place your soil mixture. It can be a rough mix of half peat-based potting soil and half sand or perlite. You can make that around 2" thick.

That will make a good medium for your desert plants to be placed. Don't be tempted to water too much.

Stick your finger into the soil for a test.If it's moist.....LEAVE IT! Too much water on desert species will be horrible!

We hope you enjoyed Terrariums: Part 3...How To Make A Terrarium Sore With Soil Choice!

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