Birthday
HydrangeasA 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.
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.
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.
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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.
