It's no secret that while gardening is an enriching hobby, it can also be quite time-consuming and quite tiring. Sure, those with a balcony or enough indoor space can take advantage of a small herb garden or vertical garden, but that's not practical for some people. Thankfully, TikTok has a solution. If you've been on the gardening side of TikTok (or #PlantTok as it's often called), you're probably familiar with the trend of setting up mini-ecosystems in your home.
Mini ecosystems are small glass containers filled with water, soil, rocks, plants, and living things that create aesthetically pleasing living décor. The mini-ecosystems currently gaining traction on TikTok are essentially stylized closed terrariums whose goal is to become completely self-sustaining. This assumes that builders will be added to every part of the ecosystem needed to do so.
Tropical Glass, a British company that sells terrariums, says the enclosed, self-sustaining environments rely on water circulation and photosynthesis to thrive. Organisms in the airtight container photosynthesize and create a small water cycle, so that the water condenses on the glass and sustains the plants once it returns to the soil.
Mini ecosystems are easy to create at home, and whether you're a gardening novice or veteran looking for a new way to add some greenery, these living displays are the perfect addition to your tabletop. While everyone's terrarium looks different, there are some basic steps you need to follow if you want to jump on the #PlantTok bandwagon. Read on to find out exactly what materials you need to create your own mini-ecosystem.
container
This is the first place you can unleash your creativity. To create a completely self-sustaining ecosystem, you should use an airtight container. Some people use vases, others mason jars. Some people also use old pickle jars like the one pictured below. Anything that is sealable, preferably made of glass, and fits your interior aesthetic should be useful for your mini-ecosystem.
Clear glass containers are perfect for this type of project. You will be able to observe how the ecosystem flourishes over time. Also, water easily condenses on glass, which is necessary if you want the ecosystem to be self-sustaining. It is possible to create a mini-ecosystem out of plastic containers, but if you want it to be something worth displaying in your home, use glass. It simply looks better than plastic.
base layer
Your base layer should start with a drainage system that captures excess water. Many people successfully use a layer of rocks or small pebbles for this step, and then cover it with a layer of soil, filling in the gaps created by the unevenness of the stones. However, he has two optional components that can be added before the soil. A layer of non-toxic mesh followed by a layer of activated carbon. Mesh and charcoal both help filter water and promote drainage, so while not required, they are good steps to follow for the best free-standing results.
When adding soil, know that a little goes a long way. You'll want to add enough so that the moss and plant roots can hang down, but it's fine as long as it's thick enough to cover the top of the stone. According to EcoCation, avoid choosing soils that have a lot of sand. It is better to use soil that can hold and disperse water well. After adding the soil, mist the inside of the container with water several times to keep the soil moist but not wet. There should be no standing water.
moss
Moss is one of the most important parts of the mini-ecosystem. Not only does the beautiful green layer add a nice splash of color to your space, but it also has great water retention properties. Keep the sealed terrarium humid and provide water to help other plants grow. If there is no moss in the mini-ecosystem, it will not grow. You can stop here and seal the container, but for a more interesting decoration, we recommend following these steps.
plant
As with containers, you have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to arranging plants within your mini-ecosystem. However, this is not a place for desert-loving succulents and cacti. According to Penn State University, you should choose woodland and tropical plants that like moisture. Many people choose ferns, nerve plants, small orchids, African violets, and begonias as a closed ecosystem. Healthy, small, slow-growing plants are perfect for mini terrariums because you want to give them time and room to grow. There are many options for both all-green and colorful environments.
The Critters
Although small creatures are not necessary for ecosystems to thrive, they can help make them last longer. Earthworms loosen the soil and create spaces for air tunnels that help bring oxygen to plant roots. Collembola and isopods feed on the dead parts of plants, providing space for healthy growing stems and leaves while providing nutrients in the waste that further support the ecosystem. Snails love to feed on dead leaves and eat fungal spores that turn into mold.
If part of the ecosystem was collected from your own backyard, there is a great chance that insects and other insects may be unintentionally introduced into the sealed container. However, if you want to keep the number of creatures in your terrarium to a minimum, you can easily buy the creatures you need online.
Seal the mini-ecosystem
Now that you have everything you need for your mini ecosystem, you can have some more decorating fun before sealing it up for good. Add mini plastic mushrooms to create an enclosed fairy garden, or place mini animal figurines inside to make it look like a woodland forest. If you want it to be completely natural, leave it alone. However, once you've made up your mind, mist the contents of your terrarium a few more times for a final hydration. Next, put the lid on. If we're lucky, it'll never open again and we'll just sit on the sidelines and watch the mini-ecosystem flourish.
Closed terrarium arrangement
A sunny windowsill or bright coffee table is the perfect spot for a closed mini-ecosystem. According to Tropical Grass, indirect sunlight is ideal. They need light like any other plant, and they need a warm climate that won't scorch or freeze the greenery inside. If you've done everything correctly, you should be able to keep it in the same location for months on end. You can also change the location from time to time as the plant begins to lean toward sunlight.
What happens if my ecosystem starts dying?
If, a few weeks after sealing the container, you notice that your plants are drooping or that the water is not condensing inside, your mini-ecosystem may not have had enough water to begin with, or it may have been watered too much directly. There is a possibility. sunlight. The insects inside may also not be doing their job of feeding on the dead parts of the plant.
According to Penn State University, the one-time mission will require the container to be opened once a week for several weeks to capture carbon dioxide, water the ecosystem, and add living organisms. It may not happen. If you start this weekly cycle and gradually move him away from the terrarium, he will eventually only be able to open the lid once every 4-6 months to prune the plants or add water. It will be only. Keep an eye on the plant and if it looks healthy and the water is condensing, you can continue without opening it longer until it becomes completely self-sustaining.
Start a mini ecosystem
IDEALUX glass bottle with airtight seal
TerraGreen Creations Terrarium Kit
Uncle Jim's Worm Farm Red Wiggler Composting Worms
Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Mesh
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