Making a Holiday [Theme] Terrarium (Part 5)

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Continuing on with our series on terrariums, today we’ll be creating holiday or theme-oriented terrariums depending on the time of the year and what’s going on. Right now, I’m going to do one for the winter holiday season. I’ve got these really cute little mice dressed up in holiday garb. We also have a little dog with a sweater. And we have some Cyclamen in the holiday-themed colors. You can also add votive candles that are battery-operated so that at night, your terrarium will light up beautifully.

For this project, I’m using a vase to plant in, so we’ll see how well it works fitting my hand in there. I’ve tried it, and it does fit. If you have plants that like a lot of humidity, you can cover the top. However, for Cyclamen, which prefer cooler temperatures and don’t need humidity, I’ll leave it open for air circulation.

The first step in creating your terrarium is to put a quarter-inch layer of gravel or pumice at the bottom. I’m using a product called Perfect Pumice from my store. I like using pumice for a holiday-themed terrarium because it resembles snow, adding to the aesthetic. Since terrariums don’t have drainage holes, the pumice or gravel creates space for excess moisture to drain. Keep in mind that terrariums work differently from regular houseplants, which typically need good drainage.

Next, I’m adding a half-inch layer of charcoal. Charcoal helps with drainage but also prevents odors from building up in the soil. This keeps things from getting too moist. After that, we’ll add a quarter-inch of sphagnum moss. This moss helps with moisture retention.

Now, we’re ready to add a four-inch layer of potting soil. This will allow the plants to grow and will bring them closer to the top of the vase, which is important for getting enough light and air circulation.

As I plant the Cyclamen, it’s a little tricky since this vase has a small opening, but I’m working it in. I have another pot just in case this one doesn’t work out, but I’m hopeful! I’ll be using a baster to help water the plants, especially since a watering can would create too much moisture.

The Cyclamen should bloom for a couple of months, and after the holiday season, I’ll switch them out for a different plant. This terrarium is a fun holiday project, and you can easily swap out plants and decorations for new themes.

To care for a terrarium, you want to keep the plants moist but not soggy. Use a turkey baster for watering to avoid making a mess. For terrariums, it’s important to water when about 50% of the original moisture is gone. Fertilize only once a year with a liquid organic fertilizer at one-eighth strength.

Be sure to clean up any dead foliage to avoid fungal growth. Bright light is essential, but avoid placing terrariums in direct sunlight as they can overheat. Full-spectrum lighting or an east-facing window works well.

That’s it for creating this fun holiday-themed terrarium. These also make great gifts! Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

Holiday-Themed Terrariums FAQ

What are some ideas for creating holiday-themed terrariums?

For a holiday-themed terrarium, you can include festive elements like small decorations such as mice dressed in holiday garb, a dog in a sweater, or votive candles. You can also use plants that reflect the season, like Cyclamen in holiday-themed colors.

What type of container works best for a holiday-themed terrarium?

You can use a vase or any container that works for your plants. For this project, a vase was used, but keep in mind that a smaller opening may make it harder to plant. Make sure your container has enough room for air circulation, especially if your plants don’t require high humidity.

What kind of base materials should I use for my terrarium?

Start with a quarter-inch layer of gravel or pumice at the bottom of your terrarium. Pumice is recommended for a holiday theme because it resembles snow. It helps with excess moisture management as terrariums don’t have drainage holes.

Why should I use charcoal in my terrarium?

A half-inch layer of charcoal should be added to help with moisture control and odor prevention. It also aids in keeping the terrarium fresh by preventing excessive moisture buildup.

What’s the purpose of sphagnum moss in a terrarium?

A quarter-inch layer of sphagnum moss helps retain moisture in the terrarium. It acts as a buffer between the charcoal and the potting soil to keep the roots hydrated.

How much soil should I add to my terrarium?

Add a four-inch layer of potting soil to give your plants room to grow and ensure they get closer to the light and air circulation at the top of the container.

What are the best plants to use in a holiday-themed terrarium?

Cyclamen is a great choice for holiday terrariums because of its colorful blooms. However, you can easily swap them out for other plants as the seasons change.

How do I water a terrarium?

Use a turkey baster to water the plants gently, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. It’s recommended to water when about 50% of the original moisture has evaporated.

How often should I fertilize plants in a terrarium?

Fertilize your terrarium once a year with a liquid organic fertilizer at one-eighth strength. This ensures the plants stay healthy without growing too quickly.

What type of light does a terrarium need?

Terrariums need bright but indirect light. Full-spectrum lighting works well, as does placing the terrarium near an east-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the plants.

How can I prevent fungal growth in my terrarium?

Clean up any dead foliage to prevent fungal spores and potential plant diseases. Keeping the terrarium clean will promote a healthy environment for the plants.

Can I give a terrarium as a gift?

Yes! Holiday-themed terrariums make wonderful gifts, and they’re easy to personalize with plants and decorations that fit the season.

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