Ferns and Moss and Moss and Ferns and Water

Part of the reason why I love forests is because I love moss and ferns. Or maybe the reason I love moss and ferns is because I love forests. Either way, the best thing about our back yard is that it feels like a forest. Hello moss and ferns galore. Now, what is better than moss and ferns outside? Why moss and ferns inside of course!

Since becoming aware of the popular Terrarium trend I have wanted to make one for our dining room table. I took my time doing research and looking for the perfect glass container to build it inside of.

At first I was going to build a succulent terrarium, until I realized our dining room did not get as much direct sunlight during the day as I had originally thought. No problem, moss and ferns love the shade! I went a little over board and purchased one too many plants to squeeze into my terrarium so I decided to make two.

My supplies included

1 round glass container – Potters
1 large glass vase – Gifted
1 bag decorative rocks – Gifted
1 bag charcoal – Garden Works
3 indoor tropical plants – Home Depot & Garden Works
1 miniature figurine – Garden Works
Potting soil – Garden Works
Moss – Back yard & Parks

Terrarium 1 – Complete!

There are two different methods of making a terrarium. One includes charcoal and one includes a bottom layer of moss. I decided to combine these two methods (why not?).

I started with a layer of rocks at the bottom (for drainage) then added a layer of moss as a barrier. I then layered the charcoal and potting soil. I planted the fern near the back of the bowl and surrounded it with some Soleirolia. Next I covered all the remaining dirt with moss, added a few decorative rocks and popped in my little bird bath & frog.

For my second terrarium I followed the same steps but added a Fittonia instead and surrounded it with moss.

If you are making a terrarium with only moss, it should be pretty self sustaining but since I have used tropical plants in mine, I have been watering them more frequently. Lightly misting them with a spray bottle every so often seems to be doing the trick, although the Soleirolia doesn’t look too happy right now.

I am very happy with the way both these terrariums turned out. Such a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in!