Question
My godfish died and i want to make the bowl as terarium. What makes up layers and what kind many plants can go in it? The fish bowl is regular size.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Unless you are experienced with caring for houseplants in regular pots, I suggest you not attempt a terrarium. Because terrariums do not have drainage holes, it makes proper watering difficult and essential. If you don't know what evenly moist soil is and how to keep it that way, then you will have a very hard time with a terrarium.

I am not trying to discourage you, but I do want you to be realistic. Well designed terrariums are beautiful and look deceptively easy to care for. If you are seriously interested in pursuing this, I suggest that you get a book on the subject so you can see diagrams and get more extensive information than you can here.

That said, here are some basics:

Use a thin layer of gravel or small stones on the bottom, up to a half-inch deep. Place a moisture proof fabric cloth over the layer to keep the soil above from seeping into the stones below. This is called a soil separator.

Add as much soil as there is room for on top of the soil separator. Use a soilless, peat-based potting mix.

Select plants that are in very small pots and that are spreading types of plants. Ferns and mosses do very well because they are low growing and they thrive in humidity.

Provide bright indirect light for your terrarium, never direct sun.

The shape of the fish bowl will keep much of the moisture from evaporating from the soil and the surrounding air. That means that you will not have to water too frequently. As long as the surface of the soil starts to look barely dry, then I suggest that you water by using a mister. That way you will not add too much.

If you ever see water starting to accumulate among the bottom stones, then that is a warning that you have been adding too much water. If the water level ever gets above the stones and in contact with the soil, then the roots will begin to rot.

So, those are the basics. Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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