Closed terrariums can be a beautiful addition to any space including home and office. They are usually sealed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where plants grow and thrive with minimal care. The container is usually transparent, allowing in light and you can also observe the plants inside. The closed terrarium works on the principle of…
Closed terrariums are typically easy to care for than potted plants. Since they are enclosed, they recycle moisture and this reduces the need for watering. However, they require regular monitoring for moisture levels, pruning to control plant growth and occasional cleaning of the glass. The first step in creating a low-maintenance closed terrarium is to…
Springtails are known to feed on fungi, algae, or decaying organic matter. If you have a closed terrarium with live plants, springtails can be helpful in keeping the ecosystem clean and healthy. They also aerate the soil thus making air, moisture, and nutrients easily available to the plant roots. Terrariums are typically enclosed, which means…
The growth of mold in your terrarium is not just unhealthy for your plants but also a risk to your family members. Mold produces spores and other airborne toxins which may cause allergic reactions when inhaled. In this guide, I’ll explain what causes mold in the terrarium, its signs, and how to get rid of…
Cacti are generally hardy plants but are not ideal for a closed terrarium. However, you can get the desert theme on your tabletop by creating an open cactus terrarium. It’s no longer rocket science as long as you can provide proper airflow, well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and minimal watering. When choosing cacti for a…
When choosing a location for a plant, it is important to consider the amount and intensity of sunlight that the plant needs. Some plants, such as cacti, need direct sunlight to thrive while others prefer indirect sunlight. So, is the light through the window direct or indirect? Light through the window is considered indirect only…
Etiolation is a condition where a plant becomes stretched, pale, and weak due to insufficient light. Since cacti are desert plants adapted to bright sunny conditions, they typically get etiolated when they don’t receive adequate amounts of light. Light is an important source of energy for all green plants. It is used for the production…
Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is an epiphytic cactus that opens its strong scented flowers for only one night, around the summer period. This cactus is classified as a night-blooming cereus, a group comprising several cacti with the same blooming behavior. Night-blooming cereus is a beautiful and unusual addition to any garden. I knew…
Grafting is a popular gardening technique of joining two different plants together to grow as one. It is commonly done to improve a plant’s growth rate, hardiness, and resistance to pests and diseases. Cactus grafting can be delicate but may be done for an important course. For example, a grower might graft a moon cactus…
During the winter months, many cacti plants go into a dormant state where they conserve energy in order to survive until conditions improve. In this state, the cactus may lose some of its stems, and its growth may slow or stop completely. While a moderate winter won’t harm the cactus, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures…