DIY florarium: plants, layers and care

A florarium is a miniature garden in a glass container: an aquarium, a jar, a wine glass or even a light bulb. It takes up almost no space and suits a flat, an office or a gift. Here is the difference between open and closed florariums, which plants to choose, how to build one yourself and how to look after it.

Plants for a mini garden are in our potted plants section.

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A little history

The forerunner of the florarium is the Wardian case, a glazed box devised by the English doctor Nathaniel Ward in the first half of the 19th century. Plants in these cases survived long sea voyages, and they later became a fashionable ornament in Victorian drawing rooms.

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Open or closed

• A closed florarium is a lidded container that keeps humidity high inside. Moisture-loving plants suit it: fittonia, ferns, moss, peperomia, small-leaved ivy.
• An open florarium is an uncovered container for plants that like dry air: succulents and cacti. More in "Succulents at home".

The golden rule: never mix moisture-loving plants and succulents in one container.

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How to build a florarium

• Wash and dry the container.
• Add the layers: drainage, charcoal, separator and soil.
• Plant with long tweezers or chopsticks, starting with the largest plants.
• Add decorations and lightly mist the soil.

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Care

• Light — bright but indirect. Direct sun overheats the glass and plants.
• Watering a closed florarium — rarely: moisture circulates inside. If the glass is constantly fogged, open the lid for a few hours.
• Watering an open florarium — a little at a time with a spoon or pipette, once the soil has dried out.
• Trimming — cut back overgrown plants so they don't press against the glass.

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Common problems

• Mould — too damp: remove affected parts and ventilate.
• Plants stretching — not enough light.
• Succulents rotting — overwatering or a closed container.

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Mini garden ideas

• A garden in a wine glass or carafe — for a desk or windowsill.
• Hanging glass globes — for small spaces.
• An old light bulb or bottle — for the most patient.
• A glass display cabinet — for a collection of tropical plants.

A florarium makes a good gift: it needs little care and lasts a long time. More ideas for the home in "Vertical gardens".

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FAQ

Which plants suit a closed florarium?

Moisture-lovers: fittonia, ferns, moss, peperomia, small-leaved ivy.

Can succulents go in a closed florarium?

No, they rot in high humidity. They need an open container.

How often should a florarium be watered?

A closed one very rarely, depending on the soil; an open one a little at a time after the soil has dried out.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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