Planting on rock
The islands are made of a porous lava stone which makes it prefect for holding the air and moisture plant roots love.
To start you will need:
The floating island frame terrarium kit.
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A small plant or cutting.
Some moss.
Root 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 then make sure to not let the islands dry out.
Every few days give them a spray of water and periodically soak the whole island in water for 5-10mins.
*At this point you can remove any thread or elastic bands and water less frequently.
prep your plants
Submerge the lava stone provided 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 break the roots too much.
If you are using a cutting you can plant it directly or wait until it develops roots to give it the best chance of thriving.
Plant Selection
It's up to you want plants you want to use for you little floating islands but there are some thing to consider to help your plants thrive. In general pick something small that wont be pressing up against the lid of the case.
You can always search online for care tips on the plant you want to use and see if it likes or dislikes humidity, direct sunlight or lots of air circulation.
Where is your terrarium?
Consider how much light the location you want your terrarium to go gets. Some plants love lots of direct light, like Succulents, but most houseplants prefer indirect/filtered light, like Begonias, or even shade away from the window, 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 houseplant 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 get lots of air circulation.
Do i need moss?
You will want you use moss to protect and support your plants roots. Moss is great at holding water for your plants roots and protecting them from bright light, it also help the roots to secure to the lava stone.
You can order moss online from sustainable suppliers or go to your local floristry shop.
*You can also find your own moss. Moss grows almost everywhere and if you keep an eye out it's easy to find, even in cities. Look for brick walls, cracks in the pavement or other shady, damp spots in your local area and you'll find it. Just make sure to only take a small clump of moss so it can grow back.
*DO NOT take moss from protected wildlife areas or private property. It is very slow growing and an essential part of many ecosystems. If in doubt, leave it.
Recommended small plants:
Epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants)
Lithophytes (plants that grow on rocks)
Orchids.
Bromeliads.
Ferns.
Begonias.
Vines, like String of hearts or String of Turtles.
Selaginella.