Desk "terrarium" - ideas?

[MarosNorge]

So I saw recently that desktop terrariums are a thing, and they're becoming somewhat popular. I would love to have something like this on my desk at work. I do have a couple questions, however.

Ideally it'd be moss and a few smaller classic-looking ferns.

What type of moss (I like the color/texture of rock cap, if it would grow on soil too in the following conditions?) and fern (Athyrium otophorum maybe?) would be good for something like that? Something that is okay in fluorescent light and a light amount of natural light from a window. Room temperature(68 - 72 deg'ish), any type of watering schedule is fine.

Also I've been reading a bit about planting and I've been seeing that stones or rocks underneath the soil (as a sort of substrate) isn't necessary, is this also true for my application?

Ill also attach a type of container im considering. (-the wire frame, any suggestions on lid on vs off?)


Any other suggestions, tips, comments? ... Preferably constructive.

 

[Pat]

Keeping the lid on the container helps to keep the moisture for the plants, you do not want it soaking wet or too dry. The amount of light will be determined by the plants in the container. The link below has ideas and information you may find helpful.

https://www.pinterest.com/ahappymamabear/terrariums/

 

[Jewell]

Golden button ferns (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') are great for terrariums and small places. They will multiple with little runners. Mosses I've always had to replace over time, but using the outdoor yard moss has worked. Terrariums I have found need a bit of tending/gardening to keep presentable.

 

[claudine]

This desktop terrarium looks really pretty! I like it very much I think you can choose any type of moss. They all are very easy to grow and look beautiful. As for ferns, choose a miniature one.
Succulents would look lovely in a terrarium like this too

 

[Cereus]

There's two types of terrariums. Open and closed. Succulents are for open and moss/ferns are best closed. If you decide to go for a closed one then you should open it once a week to prevent mold from growing. They're tons of fun especially when you recreate scenes and stuff with miniatures.

 

[claudine]

There's two types of terrariums. Open and closed. Succulents are for open and moss/ferns are best closed. If you decide to go for a closed one then you should open it once a week to prevent mold from growing. They're tons of fun especially when you recreate scenes and stuff with miniatures.

That's interesting. What about an ivy? I'm asking this, because I have a brand new, lovely terrarium and I've just bought two tiny ivy plants, and I really want to grow them in it. Should I leave it open or closed? My terrarium is like a tiny greenhouse, it has small doors.

 

[Cereus]

Mini English Ivy does well with closed but make sure it doesn't get too soggy. Even with moisture loving plants in a closed terrarium just remember to vent it once in a while cause mold and mildew will take over if there's no venting and add a little bit of water because water vapor will still find ways to escape. The ivy will need to be controlled now and then since it's a vine and vines love spreading haha.

 

[claudine]

Thank you for the answer To be honest, I hope my ivy will spread everywhere It's such a beautiful plant. I'm so glad it can be grown in a terrarium. I tried to grow basil in it, but it didn't work out. I guess herbs need fresh air.

 

[Cereus]

Oh the ivy will grow haha. As to basil- most herbs generally need well drained soil and somewhat dry conditions because theyoriginally come from drier regions.

 

[claudine]

I thought that basil likes high humidity, but now I know I was wrong. Today, I put all my poor basil plants on a windowsill. It's a much better place for them than the terrarium. I hope they'll survive.
I'm very excited about growing ivy