What is a terrarium?

What is a terrarium?

You might have seen pictures of terrariums and terrarium arrangements on Pinterest, Instagram, in a magazine or shop front and have fallen in love! You want to make your own miniature world but you're overwhelmed and don't know where to start. It looks so complicated and there's so much to consider! You might even have a 'brown thumb'. Not to worry - we're here to help! This is a hobby that is excellent for beginners and advanced gardeners alike. Our kits include everything you need, our instructions are easy to follow, our substrates labeled step by step, and we are here to support you every step of the way. (I actually got into terrariums because I struggled to keep my house plants alive - until I planted them in a glass container and then I watched them thrive and I wanted to share that joy with others.)

A terrarium is essentially an enclosed little garden for plants such as ferns which like humid environments. They were traditionally used to ship rare plants in the 1800s across the seas when it was discovered the plants survived the long journeys in those beautiful Wardian cases. It meant they had the appropriate water and light conditions needed to not only survive, but thrive. Now, the word 'terrarium' is also used to describe succulent and cacti arrangements in glass, but they are not technically terrariums as succulents and cacti will likely not survive for very long in enclosed spaces as they like dry, airy environments (their native homes tend to be deserts!)

Terrariums can also refer to vivarium environments that house lizards, insects, spiders and other creatures. They tend to be much larger and are planted in glass tanks. This requires a knowledge of recreating a delicately balanced eco-system with plants that are not going to harm the animals in your terrarium. However, our terrariums and terrarium kits are for people looking for a new creative hobby and a way to decorate their homes with plants in a unique way.

We have available a range of terrarium kits including everything you need to get started, with or without glassware, and a limited range of ready made terrariums available in Bristol or Edinburgh. If you would like something bespoke, have an idea for a kit that is not available on the website, or just for some advice, please contact us via Facebook, Instagram or email to get in touch.