If you’re looking for a plant to spruce up your home with some color and life, you may be considering getting an African violet. You may be wondering if you can house your African violet in a closed terrarium. The answer is yes! African violets are actually well-suited to living in closed terrariums. Here’s what you need to know about keeping an African violet in a terrarium.
Yes, African violets can live in closed terrariums.
How do you grow African violets in a terrarium?
When setting up a terrarium for African violets, it is best to use a wide-bottomed container with a large lid. This will give the plant plenty of room to grow. Place some gravel at the bottom of the container to catch any excess water. Then add a layer of fine mesh and some moist, fast-draining soil. Plant your African violet in the center of the terrarium so it won’t touch the glass.
If you’re looking to add some plants to your terrarium, consider some of these options that do well in high-humidity environments. Ferns, African violets, Venus flytraps, starfish plants, air plants, baby’s tears, fittonia, golden clubmoss, and strawberry begonia are all good choices. Just be aware that succulents will not do well in a terrarium with a lid.
What flowers can go in a closed terrarium
Miniature plants are perfect for closed terrariums because they don’t require much space or maintenance. Here are 10 of the best miniature plants for closed terrariums:
1. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
2. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
3. Asparagus Fern (Sprengers Asparagus)
4. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
5. Korean Rock Fern (Polystichum Tsus-Simense)
6. Peacock Plant (Calathea Makoyana)
7. Calathea (Concinna Freddie)
8. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
9. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
10. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
If you want to put flowers in a terrarium, there’s nothing stopping you! Just make sure to choose tropical flowers that enjoy humid conditions for a closed terrarium.
Do African violets like bigger pots?
African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound, so choose a pot that’s on the smaller side. A professional tip is to choose a pot that is about 3-4 inches in diameter for a standard African violet plant.
If you want your African violets to thrive, it’s best to plant them in self-watering pots specifically designed for African violets. These pots are small (usually 4-5 inches in diameter) and made of ceramic or plastic. They have a built-in reservoir that slowly releases moisture to the plant, ensuring that it always has the right amount of water.
How long do Closed terrariums last?
A sealed terrarium is a closed ecosystem that is self-sustaining. In theory, a perfectly balanced closed terrarium should be able to thrive indefinitely. The longest lasting sealed terrarium on record was built by David Latimer and lasted for over 53 years without any intervention. Sealed terrariums may even outlast us!
Terrariums need not be airtight, but it is beneficial to remove the lid periodically (about once a week or even daily) to allow fresh air into your garden. This will help to keep your plants healthy and prevent them from becoming too wet or too dry.
Why does a closed terrarium constantly need light
A terrarium is a great way to grow plants because the plants can use light to produce oxygen, which is then absorbed by the plants during the night. Carbon dioxide is released during daylight hours due to photosynthesis but carbon dioxide produced by plant respiration ensures that it doesn’t run out.
For over 60 years, Latimer’s closed terrarium experiment has thriving with almost no interference. It is a completely self-sustaining ecosystem. The plants and animals in the terrarium have adapted to their environment and have established a balanced ecology. The terrarium is a model for how ecosystems can function without human intervention.
Can a plant survive in a closed jar?
It’s true that plants can often live in a closed container because they produce their own oxygen during photosynthesis. But, it’s worth noting that they also need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis to occur. So, if a closed container doesn’t have enough airflow, the plants may eventually suffocate.
If you’re looking to add some desert plants to your terrarium, consider avoiding those that prefer dry air. The average humidity in closed terrariums is quite high, at around 80%. As a result, desert plants that require dry air in order to thrive, such as aloe vera or cacti, may not do well in this type of environment.
How often should I mist my closed terrarium
Air plants need to be misted 2-3 times per week. Make sure they are not sitting in water. After watering, the leaves will be stiffer as they are full of water. When in need of water, the leaves will feel softer and lighter. If you notice any wrinkling or rolled leaves, these are signs of dehydration.
As long as the terrarium has a loose-fitting lid, it will probably need to be watered every 3 months. However, if the terrarium has a cork, rubber, or tight glass enclosure, it can stay closed without any water at all.
Does it rain in a closed terrarium?
A closed terrarium will establish its own rain cycle and require minimal maintenance if done properly. By creating a water-tight seal, you are essentially creating a mini ecosystem that can sustain itself. The key is to make sure that the container you use is able to retain moisture and that you do not over or under water your plants. By keeping a consistent level of humidity, your terrarium will be self-sufficient and low maintenance.
If you’re looking for a pot that will help your African violets thrive, terra cotta is a great option. The porous material allows the roots to breath better and prevents the soil from staying too wet. African Violet roots don’t go very deep; they like to go sideways, so don’t use a deep pot. Your pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
Conclusion
African violets will thrive in a closed terrarium as long as the environment is kept warm and humid. Select a spot for your terrarium that receives filtered or indirect sunlight since too much direct sun will scorch the leaves.
Yes, African violets can live in closed terrariums. They are well-suited to these conditions and will thrive in the right environment.
