How to Create a Wineglass Terrarium: Unique DIY Mini Garden in Glassware
Healthy HouseplantsAugust 8, 2012Wineglass Terrariums
After you finish that glass of wine, make a decorative statement and use the wineglass to plant a terrarium. Mini gardens in glassware outfitted with tiny plants and diminutive accessories give you something pretty to admire long after the bottle of wine is gone.
Plant a terrarium in any type of glassware you desire, such as champagne flutes, martini glasses, brandy snifters and margarita glasses. The bigger the glass, the more plants you can fit in your terrarium. They do make giant wineglasses that fit an entire bottle of wine, which work really well.
To plant an eye-catching wineglass terrarium that will thrive, keep the following tips in mind.
Preparation. Prepare the wineglass terrarium for planting by adding to the bottom of the glass a ¼-inch layer of gravel, ¼- to ½-inch layer of charcoal, ¼-inch layer of sphagnum moss and 3 to 4 inches of potting soil, depending on the container size. For especially small containers, combine and add to the glass 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1/8 part charcoal and fill the terrarium with a 2-inch layer of this mix as your planting medium.
To plant citrus, rinse seeds in warm water and soak overnight. Plant each seed ¼-inch deep and 1 inch apart. Water and keep moist. Seeds can take a month or more to sprout. Once they emerge, place plants in the sunniest window of the house.
When plants have some foliage, encourage bushy growth by pinching off new leaves.
Plants
Good wineglass terrarium plant selections include a wide variety of miniatures such as some ivies, fig vine (Ficus repens), Neanthe bella palm, dieffenbachia, Peace lily, miniature African violet, dwarf anthurium, Chinese evergreen, pink polka-dot-plant, selaginella and Kyoto mosses, maidenhair fern, Ming aralia, pothos and many small succulents.
Besides your local independent garden center, online suppliers of terrarium plants include Glasshouse Works http://www.glasshouseworks.com/terrariumplants.html and Kartuz Greenhouses http://www.kartuz.com/search=Terrarium.
Planting
Once you’ve chosen your plants, create a small cavity in the soil with a pencil or your finger, gently placing each plant into the soil. Ensure about a half-inch to an inch between each plant to allow for growth, although miniature terrariums are designed to grow slowly, so you can pack plants in closely if desired.
Accessorize
To give your wineglass terrarium a decorative flair, consider adding colored gravel, river rocks, marbles, or fairy garden accessories like tiny tables, animal figurines, and miniature garden statues. You can also decorate for the holidays by adding tiny ornaments or festive accents to create a seasonal display.
Location
Place your terrarium in a spot with bright, indirect light. A location a few feet from a bright window (southern or eastern exposure) works well. Direct sunlight can cause a glass terrarium to heat up quickly, potentially damaging plants.
Watering
Water your wineglass terrarium once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and humidity in your home. When the soil appears dry, use a turkey baster to add about 3-4 ounces of water. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can lead to root rot and leaf funguses.
Care
Terrariums require minimal maintenance once established. Only fertilize when plants seem to lack nutrients, which should be no more than once or twice a year. Fertilizing too often will cause plants to grow too quickly, outgrowing the wineglass. With proper care, a well-maintained terrarium can last 2 to 4 years.
This guide should help you create a thriving and eye-catching wineglass terrarium that brings a bit of nature indoors. Enjoy this unique terrarium idea and let your DIY small terrarium flourish as a beautiful part of your home decor.
Wineglass terrarium photos courtesy of Ted Mayeda, FairyGardenExpert.net
