Miniature gardens behind glass will help to create a special interior in an apartment or house. A piece of nature, brought into everyday life, will fill the room with bright natural colors. It is very simple to make a florarium with your own hands, it is enough to follow the instructions step by step. The creative process requires patience, small financial and time costs, but it looks much more spectacular than ordinary flowers in pots.
Compositions of plants in transparent containers live in a closed environment. All sorts of natural processes take place in such walls: photosynthesis, growth cycle, and nutrition with a liquid. To create a natural accessory, you can use any glass item - an aquarium, a decanter, a jar.
The main advantage of the bottle garden is its compactness. Mini flower garden easily fits on a windowsill. The decor will fit perfectly into any interior, but it will look especially harmoniously in an eco style.
This method of phytodesign was used in the Victorian era. The predecessors of modern florariums were large boxes with glass inserts. They delivered exotic plants to Europe. Having adopted the idea, the Europeans began to grow moisture-loving, whimsical greens in regions unfavorable to it. These were ferns, orchids, anthuriums.
Types and devices
Depending on the type of container, the shape of the planted plants, miniature greenhouses behind glass are divided into several types. From a botanical point of view, the florarium can only be closed with limited air from the room. In such products create the most favorable atmosphere for whimsical plants, optimal humidity and temperature. There are also dry gardens with sand that do not require watering.
Florariums with open access to plants are more common. The ecosystem in a glass or aquarium is also individual, but concentrates on the bottom of the tank. It can be single plants or a whole group. You can make single-tiered, multi-tiered compositions.
Which capacity is suitable
Create live accessories from the most unusual glass objects. They differ in geometric shape, size, decorative elements. Depending on the type of container, the following natural greenhouses will be obtained:
Aquarium. Suitable containers of any shape (round, square) open, closed type.You can plant a variety of plants, use any decorative drainage;
Bottle. Create from any vessels with a narrow neck, large capacity. Plants that do not differ in rapid development are planted in such a container. The craft is difficult to give a beautiful appearance. Great for woody greens.
Wall mounted. Products differ in the possibility of hanging on the wall. They are much smaller than the floor. May be closed and open;
Mini florariums. For the manufacture of compositions using small glass attributes: transparent Christmas toys, cups, glasses, vases. Plants should also be miniature. Succulents, mini violets, ivy and others will do.
Plants - recommendations for selection
For decorative bottle gardens, low greenery with slow growth is suitable. If a composition of different species is created, then the highest instance is placed in the center, the middle ones are planted around it. The smallest are located around the edges. Plants growing in the same container must have the same care requirements, combined in color, texture. They can be assembled independently in the forest, planting, bought in a specialized store. The following species are most suitable for flower terrarium:
Mosses and ferns. Feel great in a humid environment. Sphagnum in the florarium is used to fill the space. This variety of moss has a color from whitish to deep green. They mask the pots, wrap snags. Ferns use nephrolepis. A bunch of cirrus leaves looks beautiful as a separate plant or background for composition, it requires frequent thinning, because it grows quickly.
Beautifully flowering plants. The orchid is recognized as the most beautiful for the garden behind glass. To grow a fancy plant, a special design florarium is required, equipped with heating and ventilation systems.Senpolia (dwarf violets) grow surrounded by velvet leaves. You can also plant hybrids of cyclamens, gusmania, azalea, but subject to their stabilization with glycerol.
With unusual leaves. One of the most popular plants for the florarium is Fittonia. All her leaves have pink or white streaks. Only suitable for open aquariums. Crotons adorn golden spots on a leaf plate. Alocasia greens is elongated, has a pointed shape.
For dry greenhouses. In such an environment, cacti and other types of succulents are usually grown. Plants are able to exist for a long time on their own moisture reserves. They create special desert landscapes. Pay attention to echinopsis, rebutia, prickly pear, and Crassulaceae varieties.
Soil for florarium
Soil should be selected based on the needs of the plant. It is better for novice florists to take ready-made mixtures and substrates. For self-preparation of universal soil, it is necessary to mix it with sand in a ratio of 1: 1. Lighter soil is needed for succulents and cacti, two parts should be added to the sand.
Since there are no drainage holes in the florarium, artificial soil disintegrants are simply necessary. Pebbles are laid at the bottom of the container, covered with moss or a piece of burlap and covered with a layer of charcoal. For undemanding plants, land can be taken from a garden or forest. It must be disinfected, because a humid environment is favorable for the development of mold and fungi.
If you need to create a composition of plants with different soil requirements, they are planted in pots, wrapping with decorative fragments, for example, moss. This technique will allow you to take care of each element individually.
Options for composing compositions and their features
The internal content of the florarium is determined by its design.First of all, you should decide on the location of the decor and its type, whether it will stand on the table, window sill or hang on the wall. Then choose the dimensions and shape of the glass greenhouse, type of plantings. After a thorough study of the characteristics of each plant, possible options for the neighborhood, you can begin to compose compositions.
Desert
The unpretentious florarium is suitable for those who do not have enough time to care for plants. The main element of the composition are succulents (agave, cactus, aloe). They are able to accumulate moisture, ideal for arid areas. Miniature bushes take root in any closed or open container. For the soil use earth, sand, decorated with ceramic chips, small pebbles.
The composition "desert" can consist only of plants in the sand or complemented by artificial elements. Single cacti look good in a large vase or aquarium. Near the central figure, stones of different sizes, imitating rocks, are placed, a mini-bonfire is made from sticks. For full effect, you can add plastic figures of the Indians, a toy car and other themed little things.
The mountains
The basis of the composition is the alpine landscape. Plants for such a florarium can be divided into two types: the inhabitants of the forest foothills and the greenery of the rocky semi-desert plateaus. Semi-desert plants are characteristic of dry regions, and hygrophilous for forested ones. More often, compositions are composed of gesnerium and climbing types.
If the mountains in the aquarium should be surrounded by greenery, the soil should be made oily, saturated with organic matter and well-drained. For desert compositions, pebbles must be prepared. In the center of the vase are stones with sharp edges, chips, irregular shapes. Plants for the "mountains" florarium do not require special care. It is enough to maintain the desired temperature, add moisture as it evaporates.For a greater aesthetic effect, narrowed containers (rectangular aquariums, boxes) should be used.
Forest
The composition can imitate the humid deciduous forest of tropical regions, coastal, tiered forests. The basis of this decor will be greenery. It is not necessary to look for exotic plants. Well-chosen available options will fully convey the idea. You can use one type of plant, placing it in one plane or several, planting in tiers. The tallest and fastest growing ones, for example, ivy are placed in the background, in front they are planted undersized, making it possible to observe all the elements of the composition.
Since all greenery is planted in one soil, it is necessary that it has the same requirements for it, the need for moisture. The soil must be of complex composition, including sand, sheet land, peat. To maintain constant humidity, you can put a glass of water behind the glass, decorating it under a pond. If the greenhouse is open-type, plants should be sprayed daily from a spray bottle.
Orchids
Half-closed florariums are an ideal place for growing capricious orchids. Such designs provide constant humidity and as close as possible conditions to natural tropics. Their size can be any - both a rectangular glass box and an elongated miniature vase will look great.
For the growth of flowers, it is important to create favorable conditions. In an environment acceptable to other plants, they will constantly be in a depressed state. You can plant single flowers or combine them with other types of epiphates. You will get a wonderful composition if you plant fern, peperomies at the bottom of the tank. A glass house for orchids can be called an orchidarium subject to the following conditions:
Lighting installation. They use special phytolamps, but ordinary phytolamps are also suitable - daylight;
Ventilation system.The glass structure should contain holes, fans for fresh air;
Communications. Holes should be provided for electrical wires and other functional elements;
Fasteners, protective elements. Necessary to ensure the stability of the elements of the composition and preserve the isolation of the florarium.
Bonsai tree
A harmonious oriental craftsmanship behind glass with a bonsai tree will fill the room with comfort and tranquility. A small copy of the natural element is complemented by stones, moss, greenery, wood chips and thematic plastic figures. You can create a composition using various styles and types of plants. In a miniature version they will look great:
Carboniferous landscape;
Pond and fountain;
Ferns and mosses;
Latin American design;
Grotto and other surface relief.
Water
Creating a water garden, its maintenance requires a lot of effort. Such a florarium imitates a real water body. Only water-loving crops can be grown in it. Thanks to modern technology, organizing a room paludarium has become much simpler and more affordable.
Capacity for a water garden should be tight. You can fill it with any plants that are usually used for aquariums or mini-gardens. Cryptocorins, lagenander, anubias are suitable. The ground part of the composition is decorated with cultures classic for such a design - cissuses, tillandsia. If the upper section implies the presence of pots, any moisture-loving plants can be used. The back wall of the aquarium can be decorated with epiphates, pebbles, shells.
Workshop on creating a florarium
To make a florarium with your own hands is possible for any person. Unique living objects do not require serious maintenance, with the exception of some complex designs. Inexperienced florists should start with simple open options. As a container, you can use a high jar.Filler can be purchased at a special store or assembled at a nearby park or landing. There you can dig up the soil and collect small pebbles.
Necessary materials and tools
You can create a beautiful florarium from the most simple and affordable materials. The selection type is influenced by the type of glass jar, the complexity and filling of the composition. Before starting work, you should check the availability of the necessary materials and tools according to the following list:
High transparent jar;
Fertilized, disinfected soil;
Sand, small pebbles;
Charcoal, activated carbon;
Plants for the greenhouse;
Decorative elements (plastic houses, ladders, slivers);
Tools: spatula, spray gun, watering can.
Capacity preparation
The glass jar for the florarium should not have chips and crevices. It must be thoroughly washed under running water without the use of chemical detergents. With severe pollution, limescale, oily spots, you can use baking soda. Then the container should be rinsed with boiling water and degreased. Moisten a piece of cotton wool with alcohol and wipe thoroughly. Particular attention should be paid to its lower part, where there will be drainage and soil.
It is necessary to carry out the procedures for preparing the tank right before the start of falling asleep. If work needs to be postponed, the jar should be covered with a clean lid.
We pass to filling
When planning to work with soil and plants, we must not forget about hygiene and safety measures, especially if greenery and land were collected in a park or forest belt. Wear protective gloves. Filling the tank should be carried out exactly with step-by-step instructions:
At the bottom of the cans lay out the drainage layer. It can be wood, activated carbon, or a mixture thereof. Then we place small pebbles or expanded clay. Drainage should be at least 3 centimeters;
Pour the soil with a spatula and level it. It must immediately be sprayed with water from the spray gun so that it settles well.Soil and drainage should occupy one third of the can;
We separate the right amount of moss, sort the greens and prepare decorative elements;
Create a landscape. We determine the location of each plant, make small excavations in the ground with a finger and place seedlings in them. It is necessary to ensure that the leaves do not touch the walls of the aquarium, otherwise moisture will accumulate on them and a fungus will form;
We spread moss, beautiful pebbles, slivers between the plants, arrange various figures and decorative elements;
Water the florarium with filtered water and spray the leaves from the spray gun.
Succulent semi-desert in a candy vase
The unusually beautiful florarium of succulents and cacti in the candy store is easy to execute and care. To create a miniature living corner, you will need plants, a shallow candy vase, peat mix, sand, small pebbles for drainage and decor for the top layer.
First of all, we prepare the basis for the landing. Wash and disinfect the container thoroughly. After the glass has completely dried, we lay the bottom with drainage. So that the roots of the plants do not rot, charcoal should be placed on top of the pebbles. We turn to the preparation of the soil - mix peat with sand and lay in a thick layer. It should be at least 6 centimeters. Level the surface with a spatula and make recesses. Plants will look as natural as possible if you plant them at different distances from each other. After planting, water the composition from a watering can with a divider.
You can decorate the florarium with any improvised materials. It can be pebbles, glass, figures, suitable in style. To give the appearance of a semi-desert, sprinkle some areas between plants with colored sand, level it with a brush. You can make indentations and low mounds.
Aquarium Florarium
A previously used aquarium is a suitable container for creating a florarium. In it you can create your own green corner in just a couple of hours.Adhering to a certain sequence when laying layers and planting plants, it is guaranteed to get the original green greenhouse. The progress of the master class is as follows:
Wash, dry, degrease the aquarium;
We pour drainage to the bottom of the tank (pebbles, charcoal);
We mix the earth with peat and lay the main nutrient layer;
We prepare the plants, remove the yellow leaves, free the root system from adhering earth;
We mark the holes according to the conceived composition;
We place the roots of plants in the pits and gently ram;
Water the freshly planted greens;
Decorate the surface, adhering to the plan (we place moss, colored pebbles, sand).
How to care for the florarium?
Miniature gardens resemble greenhouses because of the environment created inside. Any planted plant or the whole composition requires some care. You should also monitor the cleanliness of the tank itself. It must be wiped with a damp cloth from the outside, trying not to leave stains, otherwise they can ruin the whole picture. Care for green spaces is as follows:
Watering. Florarium should be watered sparingly, avoiding excessive moisture. A closed ecosystem is devoid of drainage holes, excess fluid will remain at the bottom of the tank and lead to root rot, death of the plant. Moisturize the soil only if there is no condensation on the inner walls of the glass;
Pruning. In the process of growth, plants will occupy more space. But since it is limited, they will have to be cut and pinched. This will help maintain decorativeness. Also, leaflets with signs of fungal, bacterial disease should be removed.
Fertilizer. Feed should only be with noticeable yellowing, discoloration of the leaves. The dosage should be minimal. Excessive fertilizer will lead to accelerated growth and accumulation of salts in the soil.
Where to place
The most comfortable place for the florarium is the windowsill on the shadow side. Direct rays of the sun negatively affect it. Inside the tank, the temperature rises, which leads to disruption of natural processes. The exception is gardens with succulents. Flowering plants will be comfortable in places with diffused bright light. If there is no such place in the apartment, it is necessary to use artificial lighting, otherwise the flowers will tend to the window and lose attractiveness. Ferns, Fittonia are best placed in the north, northeast. Moderate lighting will not harm them.
Florarium is an original decorative element. You can place a modern accessory on the coffee table. In the center of the room he will take a place of honor. A vase with succulents will organically look on a computer table. You can add creativity to the decor if you put it on books or magazines. Several single plants of the same type can be arranged symmetrically on the shelves. Hanging jars arranged in a row will decorate any wall.
Conclusion
Creating a florarium with your own hands is not just an entertaining hobby, but also a good opportunity to show creativity. It is interesting to observe the growth of plants. This is a wonderful gift for both an adult and a child. Exotic compositions will revive the interior, make it stylish and original.
Miniature gardens behind glass will help to create a special interior in an apartment or house. A piece of nature, brought into everyday life, will fill the room with bright natural colors. It is very simple to make a florarium with your own hands, it is enough to follow the instructions step by step. The creative process requires patience, small financial and time costs, but it looks much more spectacular than ordinary flowers in pots.
Content
About Florarium
Compositions of plants in transparent containers live in a closed environment. All sorts of natural processes take place in such walls: photosynthesis, growth cycle, and nutrition with a liquid. To create a natural accessory, you can use any glass item - an aquarium, a decanter, a jar.
The main advantage of the bottle garden is its compactness. Mini flower garden easily fits on a windowsill. The decor will fit perfectly into any interior, but it will look especially harmoniously in an eco style.
This method of phytodesign was used in the Victorian era. The predecessors of modern florariums were large boxes with glass inserts. They delivered exotic plants to Europe. Having adopted the idea, the Europeans began to grow moisture-loving, whimsical greens in regions unfavorable to it. These were ferns, orchids, anthuriums.
Types and devices
Depending on the type of container, the shape of the planted plants, miniature greenhouses behind glass are divided into several types. From a botanical point of view, the florarium can only be closed with limited air from the room. In such products create the most favorable atmosphere for whimsical plants, optimal humidity and temperature. There are also dry gardens with sand that do not require watering.
Florariums with open access to plants are more common. The ecosystem in a glass or aquarium is also individual, but concentrates on the bottom of the tank. It can be single plants or a whole group. You can make single-tiered, multi-tiered compositions.
Which capacity is suitable
Create live accessories from the most unusual glass objects. They differ in geometric shape, size, decorative elements. Depending on the type of container, the following natural greenhouses will be obtained:
Plants - recommendations for selection
For decorative bottle gardens, low greenery with slow growth is suitable. If a composition of different species is created, then the highest instance is placed in the center, the middle ones are planted around it. The smallest are located around the edges. Plants growing in the same container must have the same care requirements, combined in color, texture. They can be assembled independently in the forest, planting, bought in a specialized store. The following species are most suitable for flower terrarium:
Soil for florarium
Soil should be selected based on the needs of the plant. It is better for novice florists to take ready-made mixtures and substrates. For self-preparation of universal soil, it is necessary to mix it with sand in a ratio of 1: 1. Lighter soil is needed for succulents and cacti, two parts should be added to the sand.
Since there are no drainage holes in the florarium, artificial soil disintegrants are simply necessary. Pebbles are laid at the bottom of the container, covered with moss or a piece of burlap and covered with a layer of charcoal. For undemanding plants, land can be taken from a garden or forest. It must be disinfected, because a humid environment is favorable for the development of mold and fungi.
Options for composing compositions and their features
The internal content of the florarium is determined by its design.First of all, you should decide on the location of the decor and its type, whether it will stand on the table, window sill or hang on the wall. Then choose the dimensions and shape of the glass greenhouse, type of plantings. After a thorough study of the characteristics of each plant, possible options for the neighborhood, you can begin to compose compositions.
Desert
The unpretentious florarium is suitable for those who do not have enough time to care for plants. The main element of the composition are succulents (agave, cactus, aloe). They are able to accumulate moisture, ideal for arid areas. Miniature bushes take root in any closed or open container. For the soil use earth, sand, decorated with ceramic chips, small pebbles.
The composition "desert" can consist only of plants in the sand or complemented by artificial elements. Single cacti look good in a large vase or aquarium. Near the central figure, stones of different sizes, imitating rocks, are placed, a mini-bonfire is made from sticks. For full effect, you can add plastic figures of the Indians, a toy car and other themed little things.
The mountains
The basis of the composition is the alpine landscape. Plants for such a florarium can be divided into two types: the inhabitants of the forest foothills and the greenery of the rocky semi-desert plateaus. Semi-desert plants are characteristic of dry regions, and hygrophilous for forested ones. More often, compositions are composed of gesnerium and climbing types.
If the mountains in the aquarium should be surrounded by greenery, the soil should be made oily, saturated with organic matter and well-drained. For desert compositions, pebbles must be prepared. In the center of the vase are stones with sharp edges, chips, irregular shapes. Plants for the "mountains" florarium do not require special care. It is enough to maintain the desired temperature, add moisture as it evaporates.For a greater aesthetic effect, narrowed containers (rectangular aquariums, boxes) should be used.
Forest
The composition can imitate the humid deciduous forest of tropical regions, coastal, tiered forests. The basis of this decor will be greenery. It is not necessary to look for exotic plants. Well-chosen available options will fully convey the idea. You can use one type of plant, placing it in one plane or several, planting in tiers. The tallest and fastest growing ones, for example, ivy are placed in the background, in front they are planted undersized, making it possible to observe all the elements of the composition.
Since all greenery is planted in one soil, it is necessary that it has the same requirements for it, the need for moisture. The soil must be of complex composition, including sand, sheet land, peat. To maintain constant humidity, you can put a glass of water behind the glass, decorating it under a pond. If the greenhouse is open-type, plants should be sprayed daily from a spray bottle.
Orchids
Half-closed florariums are an ideal place for growing capricious orchids. Such designs provide constant humidity and as close as possible conditions to natural tropics. Their size can be any - both a rectangular glass box and an elongated miniature vase will look great.
For the growth of flowers, it is important to create favorable conditions. In an environment acceptable to other plants, they will constantly be in a depressed state. You can plant single flowers or combine them with other types of epiphates. You will get a wonderful composition if you plant fern, peperomies at the bottom of the tank. A glass house for orchids can be called an orchidarium subject to the following conditions:
Bonsai tree
A harmonious oriental craftsmanship behind glass with a bonsai tree will fill the room with comfort and tranquility. A small copy of the natural element is complemented by stones, moss, greenery, wood chips and thematic plastic figures. You can create a composition using various styles and types of plants. In a miniature version they will look great:
Water
Creating a water garden, its maintenance requires a lot of effort. Such a florarium imitates a real water body. Only water-loving crops can be grown in it. Thanks to modern technology, organizing a room paludarium has become much simpler and more affordable.
Capacity for a water garden should be tight. You can fill it with any plants that are usually used for aquariums or mini-gardens. Cryptocorins, lagenander, anubias are suitable. The ground part of the composition is decorated with cultures classic for such a design - cissuses, tillandsia. If the upper section implies the presence of pots, any moisture-loving plants can be used. The back wall of the aquarium can be decorated with epiphates, pebbles, shells.
Workshop on creating a florarium
To make a florarium with your own hands is possible for any person. Unique living objects do not require serious maintenance, with the exception of some complex designs. Inexperienced florists should start with simple open options. As a container, you can use a high jar.Filler can be purchased at a special store or assembled at a nearby park or landing. There you can dig up the soil and collect small pebbles.
Necessary materials and tools
You can create a beautiful florarium from the most simple and affordable materials. The selection type is influenced by the type of glass jar, the complexity and filling of the composition. Before starting work, you should check the availability of the necessary materials and tools according to the following list:
Capacity preparation
The glass jar for the florarium should not have chips and crevices. It must be thoroughly washed under running water without the use of chemical detergents. With severe pollution, limescale, oily spots, you can use baking soda. Then the container should be rinsed with boiling water and degreased. Moisten a piece of cotton wool with alcohol and wipe thoroughly. Particular attention should be paid to its lower part, where there will be drainage and soil.
We pass to filling
When planning to work with soil and plants, we must not forget about hygiene and safety measures, especially if greenery and land were collected in a park or forest belt. Wear protective gloves. Filling the tank should be carried out exactly with step-by-step instructions:
Succulent semi-desert in a candy vase
The unusually beautiful florarium of succulents and cacti in the candy store is easy to execute and care. To create a miniature living corner, you will need plants, a shallow candy vase, peat mix, sand, small pebbles for drainage and decor for the top layer.
First of all, we prepare the basis for the landing. Wash and disinfect the container thoroughly. After the glass has completely dried, we lay the bottom with drainage. So that the roots of the plants do not rot, charcoal should be placed on top of the pebbles. We turn to the preparation of the soil - mix peat with sand and lay in a thick layer. It should be at least 6 centimeters. Level the surface with a spatula and make recesses. Plants will look as natural as possible if you plant them at different distances from each other. After planting, water the composition from a watering can with a divider.
You can decorate the florarium with any improvised materials. It can be pebbles, glass, figures, suitable in style. To give the appearance of a semi-desert, sprinkle some areas between plants with colored sand, level it with a brush. You can make indentations and low mounds.
Aquarium Florarium
A previously used aquarium is a suitable container for creating a florarium. In it you can create your own green corner in just a couple of hours.Adhering to a certain sequence when laying layers and planting plants, it is guaranteed to get the original green greenhouse. The progress of the master class is as follows:
How to care for the florarium?
Miniature gardens resemble greenhouses because of the environment created inside. Any planted plant or the whole composition requires some care. You should also monitor the cleanliness of the tank itself. It must be wiped with a damp cloth from the outside, trying not to leave stains, otherwise they can ruin the whole picture. Care for green spaces is as follows:
Where to place
The most comfortable place for the florarium is the windowsill on the shadow side. Direct rays of the sun negatively affect it. Inside the tank, the temperature rises, which leads to disruption of natural processes. The exception is gardens with succulents. Flowering plants will be comfortable in places with diffused bright light. If there is no such place in the apartment, it is necessary to use artificial lighting, otherwise the flowers will tend to the window and lose attractiveness. Ferns, Fittonia are best placed in the north, northeast. Moderate lighting will not harm them.
Florarium is an original decorative element. You can place a modern accessory on the coffee table. In the center of the room he will take a place of honor. A vase with succulents will organically look on a computer table. You can add creativity to the decor if you put it on books or magazines. Several single plants of the same type can be arranged symmetrically on the shelves. Hanging jars arranged in a row will decorate any wall.
Conclusion
Creating a florarium with your own hands is not just an entertaining hobby, but also a good opportunity to show creativity. It is interesting to observe the growth of plants. This is a wonderful gift for both an adult and a child. Exotic compositions will revive the interior, make it stylish and original.