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Closed Terrarium Singapore
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Building a Closed Terrarium in Singapore!
Closed terrariums establish a small-scale ecosystem, enabling plants to recycle moisture and air while flourishing in a self-sufficient setting.
Ferns, mosses, and fittonia thrive in the humid, enclosed environment of a closed terrarium.
Based on our extensive research about terrariums in Singapore, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you build your very own closed terrarium in the tropical climate of Singapore.
Whether seasoned or new to gardening, this guide offers all you need to create your own indoor green oasis in Singapore’s climate!
Quick Summary
- Closed terrariums create a miniature ecosystem where plants recycle moisture and air, thriving in a self-sustaining environment.
- Ferns, mosses, and fittonia are excellent choices for thriving within the humid, self-contained ecosystem of a closed terrarium.
- Avoid overwatering, placing the terrarium in direct sunlight, or using plants incompatible with humid environments to ensure a healthy closed terrarium ecosystem.
What Does A Terrarium Mean?
Terrariums come in two types: closed and open. Closed systems maintain a stable humid environment, while open ones are exposed to outside air and dry out quicker. Let’s delve into closed terrariums.
Though they may take time to thrive, they are low-maintenance. Healthy closed terrariums can go months without needing water.
How Do Closed Terrariums Work?
Terrariums fascinate with their self-sustaining closed system. The soil supports microbial processes, with moisture recirculating as “rain.”
Plants produce oxygen in light and absorb it at night.
Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis but balanced by plant respiration.
While terrariums can adapt, they need light and some human help to thrive.
What Plants Do Well In A Closed Terrarium?
The choice of plants in your terrarium impacts its maintenance.
Consider similar light and moisture preferences for plants to thrive.
Opt for closed terrarium plants like mosses, ferns, and orchids that flourish in warm, humid environments.
These plants enhance visual appeal with bright colors.
Closed Terrarium Light Requirements
Terrariums thrive with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure and relocate them periodically to prevent extreme light variations.
If plants are leggy, increase light exposure by moving to a brighter spot or adding extra lighting.
Rotate the terrarium regularly if light comes from one direction to ensure even growth.
Artificial lights offer convenience, but adjust their positioning as needed.
How To Water A Closed Terrarium
To care for a closed terrarium plant, it is typically easier than caring for the average potted plant. The key is to know when to water your terrariums without daily checks.
When watering the terrarium:
- Use purified or dechlorinated water to prevent root damage and maintain bacterial balance.
- Distilled water, due to its low mineral content, is a good option.
A healthy terrarium soil should be moist but not soggy for adequate root growth and nutrient absorption. Saturated soil can lead to root rot.
Proper watering technique:
- Water the soil sparingly and tilt the container to distribute moisture evenly.
- Monitor moisture distribution through the glass.
Avoid overwatering:
- Use a dropper, syringe, drinking straw, or small scoop for precise watering.
- For larger terrariums, use a spray bottle with medium pressure.
After watering closed terrariums, open the top to allow plants to dry. In case of overwatering, collect excess water using paper towels.
Cleaning A Closed Terrarium
To maintain a well-lit and clean terrarium, use a commercial window cleaner for the outside glass and non-toxic products for the inside.
Remove mineral deposits with a mix of water and white vinegar. Clean hardscaping, wipe off dirty leaves, and dry before sealing.
How To Prune A Closed Terrarium
Terrarium plants are typically low maintenance, but healthy plants require occasional trimming.
Monitor your plantings objectively to prevent overcrowding and maintain your desired aesthetic.
Consider these three factors:
- Prune plants based on individual growth rates.
- Adjust plant placement according to light exposure and growth speed.
- Prevent condensation and mold by avoiding leaves touching the glass.
Sterilize tools before use and ensure the knife is sharp. Remove any damaged foliage promptly.
To trim overgrown leaves, pinch them at a lower node to stimulate new growth.
Utilize beheading to control plant size and promote bushier growth.
Closed Terrarium Planting Tips
To ensure closed terrariums flourish and stays visually appealing, follow these summarized tips:
- Thoroughly rinse your plants before placing them in the terrarium to keep out rain, bugs, mold, or foreign chemicals.
- Use sterile soil to prevent pests and mold spores from entering the closed system. If unsure about cleanliness, sterilize the soil by baking.
- Allow plants to grow naturally in the landscape before pruning as needed.
- Trim roots to reduce plant size, focusing on thread roots over tap roots for overall health.
- To maintain a lush landscape, replace plants annually as thriving plants quickly outgrow typical terrarium sizes.
Mistakes To Avoid When Building A Closed Terrarium
- Limited Soil Space: When decorating a terrarium, avoid covering the soil around the plant’s stem with sand to prevent dehydration.
- Sunlight Exposure: Place terrariums away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating; artificial light works well. Keep terrariums in a cool environment.
- Avoid Overwatering: Adjust watering frequency based on the type of terrarium. Overwatering leads to mold growth.
- Soil Quantity: Using excess soil can hinder plant growth by covering leaves. Ensure soil level is below the leaves and push it towards the stem.
- Fertilizer Use: Avoid fertilizers to prevent sudden plant growth, making maintenance more challenging. Choose low-growing plants for terrariums.
Closed Terrarium Singapore
Maintaining closed terrariums in Singapore’s tropical climate creates a self-sustaining piece of nature at home or work.
With proper lighting, watering, and plant care, anyone can enjoy a serene miniature ecosystem effortlessly.
Perfect for gardeners or beginners seeking a green touch indoors!
If you enjoy reading this article, do check out our other interesting articles as well!
- Best Shops For Terrarium Plants In Singapore (2024)
- Guide to Succulent Terrariums in Singapore (2024)
- Ultimate Moss Terrarium Singapore Guide (2024)
- Ultimate Fittonia Care Singapore Guide (2024)
- Best Terrarium Figurines Singapore Ideas (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about Closed Terrariums in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Ultimate Guide to Building Closed Terrariums in Singapore below:
What’s the difference between an open terrarium and a closed terrarium?
An open terrarium provides a dry environment suitable for plants like succulents, allowing air to circulate freely. Closed terrariums, on the other hand, create a sealed environment that traps water vapour and maintains high humidity, ideal for air plants and tropical species. This difference affects the water cycle, temperature inside, and how plants grow within each type of terrarium.
How do I choose the right plants for my own terrarium?
For a closed terrarium, select plants that thrive in high humidity and lower light conditions, such as ferns, mosses, and air plants. These plants will adapt well to the water cycle and temperature inside a sealed glass container, making them perfect for growing in a closed environment. Open terrariums are best suited for plants that prefer a drier, more ventilated habitat, such as succulents or cacti.
How does the water cycle work in a closed terrarium?
In a closed terrarium, the sealed environment creates a self-sustaining water cycle. During the day, sunlight increases the temperature inside the glass container, causing water to evaporate from the soil and plants. This water vapour condenses on the walls of the terrarium and eventually drips back down to the soil, providing a consistent source of moisture for the plants inside. This cycle mimics the natural water cycle on a miniature scale, reducing the need for frequent watering.
