Episode 149: terrarium tips and National Collections
Terrariums are fun to create, but you must choose your plants carefully. Photograph: Amy Gizienski on Flickr.
Transcript
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In this episode, I find out how you could become the guardian of a major houseplant genus, and answer a listener question about making terrariums.
Just a reminder that I am taking a two-week break, so the next episode, number 159, will be out on August 7. Do check out my Instagram where I am @j.l.perrone - including my regular IGTV series #PerronesPlants.
American listeners can now order OTL merch from my US-based shop! Check it out now for your chance to buy gorgeous T-shirts, hoodies and more boasting the OTL logo. It’s a great way to support the show and secure yourself a treat! UK and European listeners - visit the European shop here!
Question of the week
Listener Meg (is she my youngest listener at 11?) got in touch to ask for some tips on terrariums. Here’s my sage advice…
Check your terrarium soil regularly to make sure it isn’t drying out. Photograph: Jane Perrone.
Any clear plastic or glass container can be used, just make sure the glass isn’t patterned so maximum light can come in, and you can see the plants!
You don’t have to spend a fortune on containers: scout out suitable terrariums in thrift stores, charity shops and junk shops, or check your kitchen or shed - sweet jars, coffee jugs and old fish tanks can all be pressed into service.
Narrow-necked containers can be used, but they make planting and ongoing care more tricky.
Avoid planting cacti and succulents in terrariums - they like sharp drainage and dry air, two things that terrariums don’t provide!
Choose plants that are small and slow-growing. Check out this Q&A from an earlier episode for more ideas. (Also check out my very first episode - which was on terrariums!)
When it comes to substrates - the stuff your plants grow in - there are many different formulas. The base layer should be something that works as a drainage layer, eg pebbles, grit, expanded clay pebbles (leca) or aquarium gravel.
Cut out some plastic netting or similar to place on top of the drainage layer below the soil so that the soil can’t get mixed in with the drainage. (You could even use an old pair of tights!)
Activated charcoal pellets (available from aquarium hobby shops) is a useful additive to help keep the substrate ‘sweet’: it’s very porous so helps to absorb impurities. Mix it into the potting mix or add as a layer above the drainage layer but below the netting.
Ordinary houseplant potting mix should be fine, but add some extra drainage materials such as perlite or grit ( you can use poultry grit if horticultural grit or perlite is hard to get hold of).
Make sure the substrate is damp before you start planting, and mist your terrarium plants if they start to look on the dry side.
You can use lots of different items to decorate your terrarium, from small ornaments to Lego minifigures. Use your imagination!
If your terrarium’s sides are full of condensation, remove the lid for a few hours until it clears.
Don’t worry if you end up with springtails in your terrarium, these isopods won’t bother your plants and will help to clear up any decomposing material.
Want to ask me a question? Email ontheledgepodcast@gmail.com. The more information you can include, the better - pictures of your plant, details of your location and how long you have had the plant are always useful to help solve your issue!
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CREDITS
This week's show featured the tracks Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops and After The Flames by Josh Woodward. Ad music is Dill Pickles and Whistling Rufus, both by the Heftone Banjo Orchestra.
Logo design by Jacqueline Colley.