Create an indoor terrarium

(WTNH) -- Bringing some life into your home may seem like a difficult task, but it doesn't have to be. An indoor terrariums can add natural beauty to your indoor space.

Style Expert Mar Jennings says it's easy and you will love the creativity of the process. It only takes about 30 minutes.

Here is what you will need:

• A container. While you can find containers which are sold specifically for terrariums, any glass vessel that has walls will do. Anything from a large fish bowl to a small vase, as long as it is open, you are good to go.
• Horticultural Charcoal. Terrariums are damp environments with no drainage holes, and the charcoal will keep the soil from developing a sour odor. This can be easily found at nurseries or at pet stores in the aquarium department.
• Stones or pebbles. These will not be very visible, so any kind will do. You will need a couple of handfuls, enough to create a shallow layer.
• Decorative rocks or moss. These will be visible, to layer on the surface. A sheet of moss or a few handfuls of rocks are enough. Sheet moss is available at garden centers and small rocks can be scavenged from nature or you can use aquarium rocks.
• Potting Soil. The best soil for terrariums is a high quality, sterile potting soil because it has a high amount of organic matter.
• Plants. Before you purchase plants, first determine where you would like to place the terrarium because light conditions and temperature will affect your choice of plants. All should have similar requirements. Low-growing, dense plants are best. If you are not sure, simply ask at your garden center. A benefit to topless terrariums is that you can also use succulents, which do not do well in closed terrariums because of the humidity. Make your selection is based on size, color and texture.
• Decorative Items. You can really be creative and allows you to personalize it even more. You will use these to create dimension and structure to your top level, in amongst the plants.

Assembly Steps:

• Drainage layers - Because terrariums do not have drainage holes in the bottom you need to create somewhere for the excess water to go, away from the plants' roots. First add about an inch or so of charcoal, then your two handfuls of stones or pebbles.
• Potting soil - Spoon in about three-four inches of potting soil (depending upon the vessel; you don't want to go all the way to the rim!)
• Design - Before you place your plants, finalize the design of your terrarium. Will it have a back and front? If so, them place the taller plants in the back. If not, place them in the middle. I love to contour the soil so it creates more of a landscape. Contouring plus the small-sized plants combine to create the effect of a miniature world.
• Plants - Use your fingers or a spoon to create an opening in the soil for each plant. Tip: Before placing each plant in the soil I prefer to quickly soak the roots in a cup of water-this helps give them a jump start of moisture. Place each plant into the soil and gently pat them in. Do not overcrowd them.
• Coat the top layer with decorative rocks or moss strips for that natural organic look. Place any decorative item(s).
• First watering - Add about 1/4 cup of water per plant and try to distribute the water evenly.

Maintenance:
Simply water weekly, possibly less often if the top layer of soil feels moist to the touch.

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