Terrarium Workshop Singapore Blog

Introduction to What is a Terrarium in Singapore [2024]

What is Terrarium Singapore

What is Terrarium Singapore
What is Terrarium Singapore

In Singapore, the art of the terrarium has become widely enjoyed, especially in recent times. The terrarium provides citizens with a canvas – a miniature garden within a glass house − where the subject of nature is explored through a variety of aesthetics.

These incredible glass canopies, partially sustaining themselves, are an integral part of Singapore’s cultural and physical landscapes.

This essay will seek to illuminate the principles of terrariums − their history, installation, maintenance, and benefits, particularly in Singapore and other urban environments.

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is a closed vessel often made of glass, that contains soil and plants – often stones, decorative figurines desert plants, and/or ornaments – in place so as to create a contained mini-ecosystem, humid environment in which plants can survive with minimal external input.

Depending on the plant, a terrarium is often categorized as an open or a closed one. For an open terrarium, since it lets in a good amount of light into the chamber, it is ideal for the plants inside that gently handle the circumstance of dryness such as flowers succulents, and cactus.

However, a closed terrarium is conducive to ambient temperature and high humidity, which works best for tropical plants like ferns and other mosses.

The basic components of a terrarium include:

  • Container: The glass vessel that houses the entire setup like a geometric terrarium or hanging terrarium.
  • Base Layer: Typically consists of small rocks or pebbles to facilitate drainage.
  • Activated Charcoal: Helps in keeping the environment fresh by filtering impurities.
  • Soil: Provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth.
  • Plants: The primary focus of the terrarium, is chosen based on the type of environment (open or closed).
  • Decorative Elements: Optional items that enhance the visual appeal, such as stones, figurines, or small ornaments.

History of Terrariums in Singapore

Like botanical gardens or the earlier terrariums of the 19th century, backdrop materials provide contemplative and pleasurable scenery.

The whole terrarium shop scene has come a long way since my elementary school days, and so has the craft itself. Backdrop materials, glass containers, and assorted decorative elements have made the once-simple glass box more sophisticated and artistic.

Over the decades, these miniature gardens of Singapore have become more than just locked boxes. From workshops air plants and DIY kits, the scene came to house numerous stores catering to gardening enthusiasts.

How to Make a Terrarium in Singapore

Creating a terrarium can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own terrarium:

  • Picking Your Container: Choose an open or closed terrarium container made of glass. Make sure the container is sanitized.
  • Preparing the Base Layer: Put some small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container. This will help with the drainage of water and keep the roots dry.
  • Layer the Rocks With a Thick Coating of Activated Charcoal: This creates a barrier to keep the terrarium fresh by absorbing odors and toxins.
  • Adding Soil: Fill the container with a suitable soil mix. The soil should be light and well-draining, especially for open terrariums.
  • Planting: Dig holes and put your plants in the ground. Organize them nicely according to their spacing, spread, and light requirements.
  • Terrarium decorations: Line the interior of your jar with stones or clay balls; add moss and tiny terrarium figurines to give it a creative appearance.
  • Watering: Water the terrarium lightly, without overwatering. Closed terrariums need less water since they terrarium is self-contained and regulated, whereas a terrarium left open needs to be watered more often.

Maintaining a Terrarium in Singapore

Maintaining a well terrarium plant involves several key practices to ensure its longevity and health:

  • Maintenance: Check the moisture level in your terrarium. A closed terrarium needs to be watered far less often than an open one. Too much or too little water will cause you problems. It all depends on how much shade your plant has. Mold and root rot can be the result of overwatering a terrarium.
  • Light: Keep your terrarium in an east- or west-facing window to make a terrarium with a few hours of direct sunlight, either in the morning or evening, when the sun isn’t so hot. Direct sunlight will heat your terrarium quickly, so place it in indirect sunlight – especially if you have a closed terrarium.
  • Temperature Control: Keep your temperatures stable, don’t let them fluctuate drastically. Most plants for terrariums grow in moderate temperatures.
  • Pruning: Regularly trim the plants to prevent overgrowth and maintain the desired aesthetic.
  • Inspection: Check your plants for health. Prune out dead and rotting material to limit the spread of disease.

Benefits of Having a Terrarium in Singapore

Terrariums offer multiple benefits, making them a valuable addition to any space:

  • Air Purification: Terrariums purify air by absorbing pollutants and oxygenating living spaces, creating greener surroundings.
  • Personal Benefits: Enjoyment. Making and maintaining terrariums can be a relaxing activity.
  • Practical Advantages: Terrariums are low maintenance and space-saving environments thus, they can be put indoors, making it an attractive option for city dwellers for their small apartments. They can also be transformed into infinite decorating styles and can be built for individuals who can rarely take time out from their busy schedules.

What is Terrarium Singapore

There is nothing like the terrarium to turn ordinary space into a miniature garden that brings nature’s beauty indoors. We can benefit from many advantages of the open terrariums — from decor to ecology — and tailor it to our needs. With the terrarium, the novice and the person who has already created a functioning and decorative terrarium plants the plant community will be in the same company if the book is read – and tried.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any questions about What is Terrarium Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:

Can I gift a terrarium to someone?

Yes, terrariums make excellent gifts due to their aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements.

Are terrarium workshops available in Singapore?

Yes, I can tell you that there is a terrarium workshop in Singapore where you can make your own terrariums.

Can terrariums thrive in Singapore’s tropical climate?

Yes, with proper care, terrariums can thrive in Singapore’s climate. Choosing to buy terrarium plants and maintaining appropriate conditions inside is key.

Are terrariums suitable for busy individuals?

Absolutely. Terrariums require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for individuals with hectic schedules.

Can I customize my terrarium?

Yes, terrariums are generally easy to create and highly customizable, when it comes to the glass container itself, plants, and decoration, allowing a variety moisture levels of creativity and expression.