Planting and caring for your terrarium
How to plant and some tips choosing the best plants for your wall mounted terrarium.
Planting on rock
The islands are made of a porous lava stone which makes them perfect for holding the air and moisture that plant roots love.
To start you will need:
The framed terrarium kit with moss.
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Optional small plant or cutting.
Roots to rock
Position your plant on the lava stone and cover the roots with some moss. Then wrap some *thread around the stone, moss and plant to hold everything in place while the roots grow into the lava stone.
*You can also use elastic bands or even super glue, just don't glue the roots directly.
Time to thrive
Depending on the plant, it should take around *4-8 weeks for the roots to grow into the lava stone, securing everything in place.
Until it takes root, make sure you don't let the island dry out.
Every few days give them a spray of water and periodically (about every two weeks) soak the whole island in water for 5-10mins.
After the plant has successfully rooted, you can remove any thread or elastic bands and water less frequently.
Prep your plants
Submerge the lava stone and moss in bowl of water and let it soak for 15mins.
If your plant is in soil run the roots under water and brush off most of the soil. Be careful to not cause excessive damage to the roots.
If you are using a plant cutting you can either plant it straight away or propagate it until roots develop, giving it the best chance of thriving.
Adding your own Plants
It's up to you what plants you use for your floating islands, but there are some thing to consider that will help your plants thrive. It's best to pick something small that will not press up against the lid of the case.
You can always search online for care tips about the plant you're using. Ideally, the plant you pick should like humidity and indirect sunlight.
Where is your terrarium?
When choosing where to place your terrarium, consider how much light your preferred location gets.
Some plants love lots of direct light, like succulents; but most houseplants prefer indirect/filtered light, like begonias. Some houseplants even prefer shade, like selaginella.
Does your plant like Humidity?
The terrarium, with the lid on, will maintain a fairly high level of moisture in the air, similar to a rainforest. Most* houseplants will love this but it's always a good idea to check online if your plant will thrive or struggle in this kind of environment.
*If you want to use succulents or sedum consider keeping the lid off once it has rooted to give it lots of air circulation and reduce the humidity.
Caring for Moss
The Moss in your is selected to thrive in the high humidity world of your terrarium. It will hold plenty of water and can will protect your plants roots (if you want to add any).
To make sure your moss thrives for the longest time possible. Just Keep it out of direct sun and mist from time to time.
Recommended small plants:
Any type of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants)
Any type of lithophyte (plants that grow on rocks)
Orchids
Bromeliads
Ferns
Begonias
Vines, like String of hearts or String of Turtles
Selaginella
