And the Research Begins... Choosing Terrarium Types and Styles

          This week I began searching for the perfect terrarium for my bedroom by researching the different types and styles available. Before my research I wasn’t aware that what I thought to be a terrarium was actually a spin off of the original definition. I was previously under the impression that terrariums were always comprised of some kind of succulent or cacti plant and was in a wide-mouthed bowl; namely, those habitats requiring a dry atmosphere. I was very surprised to learn that originally terrariums were created within closed glass environments and were comprised of plants that thrived off the humidity and moisture created from the enclosed space. It was only recently that they have been adapted to include dry environment habitats. This new piece of information broadened my research greatly. I discovered however that the original type of terrarium would probably not be as successful in my bedroom because they often require more maintenance. There are five main types of terrariums: cacti, carnivorous, fern, moss and succulent terrariums. Carnivorous, Fern and moss terrariums follow the original definition and cacti and succulent terrariums follow the adapted definition. Carnivorous and fern are not ideal for a bedroom because they thrive in moist and humid areas (closed glass enclosure) and require more frequent feeding, trimming and care. As a student I feel these characteristics would be too hard to upkeep. Moss terrariums are not as high maintenance as the first two but I was not impressed by the visual therefore making them an undesirable option as well. It was interesting to learn about the many different options available because the information may be useful for future endeavors. It turns out my original definition is the option that will prove most successful and visually appealing for my bedroom after all!

(The above shows a cacti terrarium)

 Cacti: Abesamis, Sonny. (22 September 2013). “Terrarium”. (photograph) retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/enerva/9959205406

(The above shows a succulent terrarium) 

 Succulent: Noodles and Beef. (17 November 2013). “My Succulent Terrarium”. (photograph) retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ekigyuu/10917956966 

           Once I decided on the type of terrarium I wanted I could start looking at different styles. When looking at styles I was mostly focused on the container I was most interested in using as well as the plants I was going to choose to put inside. I decided that I would use succulents and cacti. Since it is late September and many garden centers are beginning to close down I figured it would be best to keep my options open by compiling a list of possible plant options rather than choosing a specific few. The criteria I looked for was little maintenance required, prefers a dry environment and can survive on medium light. The following are all either in the succulent or cacti family and require similar maintenance needs:
 • Aloe
• Agave
• Echevaria
• Crassulaceae
• Haworthias 
• Sedums 
• Sempervivum
• ‘hen and chicks’
• dwarf rex begonias

          The two families that are bolded are the ones I am most interested in. They both require low light, which is ideal for a bedroom (even though mine is south facing and will get a good amount of daylight I still feel it is the safer option) and tend to stay small so I wont have to be worried about them outgrowing their enclosure.

         From here I began looking at possible enclosure options. Once again, I’m not letting my mind completely set on any one particular container just incase I can’t find it when the time comes to start shopping but for now I’ve settled on either a round, wide-mouth bowl (like the one found in this link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arcadia-Garden-Products-Slope-7-in-Dia-Glass-Terrarium-TE15/206617843) or a geometric shape container (like the one found in this link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pride-Garden-Products-Mika-4-in-x-6-in-Glass-Faceted-Cube-Terrarium-18116/206858555).

            Now that I’ve done my research and narrowed down the type and style of terrarium I am looking for I can begin learning how to properly make and care for my terrarium! Keep your eye out for next week’s posts where you’ll find a list of steps for DIY terrariums and some cool tips and tricks about upkeep!