Terrariums Part 2: Open Top Terrariums
Part 2 of a 3 part series
You can read part 1 of this series Terrariums Part 1: Introduction here.
Terrariums can either have an open top or be completely encased in glass. Both look great in your home décor and are very rewarding, but I do have different suggestions for each. Here I’ll be talking about terrariums that do not have a lid, or open-top terrariums.
Open Top Terrariums
Let your creativity shine when selecting a vessel to house your terrarium. I like to visit different thrift stores where I can find odd and interesting glass vases from decades past. Fish tanks, flower vases, milk bottles, even an old mason jar can do the job. You can also make your own if you are feeling ambitious.
Plant Selection
A wide range of options are available, this is due to the fact that there will be less humidity and the soil will have a chance to dry out slightly in between watering. I find plants with variegated foliage to be much more visually interesting that plain old green, so most of the plants on my list tend to have patterns, stripes or even polka dots!
Here is a list of my top ten favorites
- Ficus repens “Creeping Ficus”
- Variegated Ivy
- Polka-dot Plant (comes in red, pink or white)
- Fittonia (also comes in red, pink, or white)
- Aquamarine pilea
- Rex Begonia
- Neanthe Bella Palm
- Pilea ‘cadierei’
- Pilea ‘emerald ripple’
- Cryptanthus
If you would like a flowering plant, try an African violet or a Kalanchoe/Calandiva. These are the two plants that come to mind that are available in mini size. Just be super careful not to over-water!
Open top terrariums allow you more flexibility in plant material too! Try adding air plants or succulents to your terrarium for a unique look. Succulents and cacti do not like the humidity of an enclosed container. I hope this has inspired you to get creative with an open top terrarium.
Read part 3 of this series: Terrariums Part 3: Closed-Top Terrariums.
For a quick how-to: Click Here
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