green thumb...

I am in the mood for spring... here is a little bit of springtime for my apartment...

I finally had a chance to plant my ponytail palm in this terrarium. Looking back, it sure is crazy how time can get away from me. I have had the palm for almost a year now and the fishbowl for about two years... boy was the fishbowl dusty! I got a super deal on the fishbowl at TJ Maxx... so if you are ever in the market for nice, affordable glassware... that is the first place I check...

Terrariums can be closed or open systems. In a closed container, most of the water lost through transpiration and evaporation remains inside, creating a humid environment. This type of terrarium requires the least amount of care... with infrequent waterings you can pretty much just plant and enjoy. In an open container like my fishbowl, more frequent watering is necessary, but less so compared to a completely open planter. I like the open fishbowl for grass-like plants like the ponytail palm since there is more room for growth. For this terrarium, I layered (in order from bottom to top) peat moss, sand, activated carbon, rocks and gravel, more activated carbon, and potting soil.  The activated carbon reduces odors and the rocks and gravel are for drainage to prevent overwatering.

I love how apartment friendly terrariums are... they take up such little space and require so little care. So lovely...