Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses Inc.

I first learned of LyndonLyon.com on a gardening forum.  The supplier mainly specializes in african violets (immense variety in size and shape of african violets...) but also carries a small selection of terrarium-suitable plants for reasonable prices.

The Grabber: the Ultimate Terrarium Tool?

This unceremonious photo depicts one of my favorite terrarium tools, purchased for me by my sister at a hardware store.  We refer to it as "the grabber" and I believe it is a tool for plumbers.  It is about 18" and contains a claw at the end that can be opened and closed using a push lever at the other end.

The grabber is a bit much for everyday terrarium maintenance or planting.  The true worth of the tool comes through when it comes to extraction situations: removing moldy or dead plants, removing fallen dead leaves, removing the miniature ceramic kitten you now decide is ruining the terrarium ambiance.  I'd link out to a place to purchase this magical tool online but alas, I know of none.

Have you ever seen a "grabber" for sale online?

Moss Monday: Oak Leaf Terrarium

"Oak Leaf Terrarium," from bonsaiterrarium.com

Tiny Tillandsia Terrariums for Weddings

Tillandsia terrariums for a wedding, from myownlabels.com.  

Don't Make this Activated Charcoal Mistake

Activated charcoal/activated carbon

Activated charcoal or activated carbon is one of the most recommended elements of a successful terrarium.  The substance is said to help keep a terrarium "sweet" by filtering out toxins or other bad stuff from the terrarium ecosystem.  Some terrarium enthusiasts consider charcoal/carbon unnecessary but I say - why not.  It is cheap and easy to find at any aquarium supply location.

Activated charcoal or activated carbon is typically covered with fine, black dust.  If you don't find a way to remove some of this dust, you'll risk coating the entire interior surface of your terrarium vessel with this difficult-to-remove substance.  You'll be in even worse shape if the interior of the terrarium vessel is damp.

The solution is to try to shake off some of the dust by pouring the activated charcoal directly onto a paper towel before pouring it in your terrarium.  This traps some of the charcoal dust on the towel and not in your terrarium.

This charcoal left fairly little residual dust, but better safe than sorry!

Moss Monday: Washing Moss

After: clean moss

 Here is the "after" photo of some moss I washed for use in a bottle terrarium.  I tried out using a drop of hydrogen peroxide in the bucket of water used for washing and so far the moss has proven healthy after a week of observing it before adding it to my terrarium.  Learn why washing moss can be so important for your terrarium health.

Before: grungy moss

Orchids for Terrariums: Black Velvet Jewel Orchid

Black velvet jewel orchid available at logees.com

Last week I began investigating so called "jewel orchids" for their supposed suitability for terrarium life.  Thanks to reader Tessa for suggesting the black velvet jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor) as another great orchid for a terrarium.  According to the Selby Botanical Gardens: 

Unlike most orchids, Ludisa discolor is a terrestrial orchid and does well in a soil mix such as that suited for african violets.  

Nautilus Aquatics

Nautilus Aquatics in Ohio develops elaborate terrarium arrangements for use in vivariums, such as the above photo of an "Indiana Jones" themed mudskipper vivarium.

Terrarium Desk

Photo by Daniel Zeller

Beat those wintry blues (and the blues of staring into a computer screen all day) by providing yourself a natural view within your own desk.  Check out Daniel Zeller's ingenious desk at inhabitant.com.

Roots in Rust Hanging Terrarium Window

I dig the sparse, beach-house-y vibe of this repurposed window frame and hanging terrarium arrangement from Roots in Rust.  This would look great as an inset in a partial wall dividing rooms.

Moss Monday: Moss Rocks

Thanks to my friend Jana for directing me to these adorable Moss Rocks available at the Daily Grommet.  These would look great indoors or out!

Real Simple Terrarium Tutorial

Real Simple Magazine shares a short tutorial on creating a succulent terrarium.  I like the tip about using a paper towel to handle a sharp cactus while transplanting!

Three Things to Consider When Selecting a Terrarium Vessel

Dennis7Dees.com shares a short and sweet tutorial for getting started with your first terrarium, including selecting the best container for your terrarium.  You'll have to click through the link to see the three suggestions but I'll share one here:

"Air-space or headroom inside container (above plants, once planted) should be at least ½ of container or more."

West Elm Wire Terrarium

Created from glass blown into unique wire cages, these terrarium vessels from West Elm sure would turn heads.

Orchids for Terrariums: Jewel Orchid

Yellow-flowered jewel orchid available at logees.com

Commenters on orchid themed discussion forums often suggest "jewel orchids"(Anoectochilus chapaensis) as a great starter orchid for terrariums.  The compact size and love of humidity makes them a natural for a terrarium environment - although you may not achieve the traditional orchid "look."  Have you ever owned a jewel orchid?

Jazz Up that Air Plant Terrarium

Air plant or tillandsia terrariums are one of the low-cost, low-maintenance versions of keeping plants under glass.  But air plants can get a little boring - why not jazz up your arrangement with some non-plant items?  This hanging terrarium from rootsinrust.com also contains some adorable wooden flowers.