Best micro-ferns/mosses for a SMALL closed plant terrarium

9 years ago

Hi, I am new to this hobby but very into it and excited to learn more.

I was wondering, what is a good mix of indoor micro-ferns and mosses that I could plant in a sealed (or mostly sealed) glass terrarium the size of say, a bowling ball.

...I'm looking for species that are robust, fairly easy to cultivate, care for and that I could get my hands on spores etc.

Any help would be much appreciated :)

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Comments (2)

terrestrial_man
9 years ago
For a totally enclosed container the size of a bowling ball, I would recommend only having 2 plants: Selaginella kraussiana 'Brownii'
and a large nice looking coarse rock that you may find locally inland, not an ocean beach, or at a landscaping store that sells various gravels, etc.
With this orchid Ceratostylis pleurothallis (available at Andys) that comes mounted on a stick that you can glue to one part of the rock. This mini orchid needs the humidity that would be in your bowling ball terrarium.

Here is a link that might be useful: the little orchid
paul_
9 years ago
"Totally" enclosed would be a death sentence for most plants -- especially in such a small terr. In providing sufficient light, the terr is likely to reach killing temps. Then there is the issue of mold ... stagnant air is perfect for such. (And almost without exception, orchids detest stagnant air -- even those which like high humidity.)

IME, you'd be better off not doing a sealed terr.

TM is spot on with regards to your having very limited options. Selaginella brownie and most true mosses are among the few plants that will stay really small. (Most other Selag could get too large without maintenance.) There are a number of micro-mini orchids, but your challenge there will be providing enough light without overheating the terr. There are also some Tillandsia species that stay quite mini, as well as Epipremnum Pincushion which maxes out at around 3-4 inches tall and is more of a clumper. Downside with that latter suggestion is that it isn't terribly easy to find. I sell off divisions of mine every so often to a gent who sells largely to folks in the pdf trade. He happily snaps them up whenever I offer them to him.

Epipremnum Pincushion
{{gwi:2144000}}

You could also look for Cryptanthus. There are some nice colorful ones. Some stay short but even those do have a spread of about 5-6" when mature.
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Most plants will quickly outgrow that jar. (Nothing wrong with that, just something for you to keep in mind. A planting in there will not likely be a long term piece.) Mosses may be your best option. Some interesting rocks or wood pieces could be used to create a little scene or landscape. Small figurines could also be utilized if you wish. Another plant you could use is Epipremnum 'Pincushion'. Plant only gets to be 3 or 4 inches tall and is a slow grower. Rarely see them for sale though. (On the plus side, works out for me as it makes it possible for me to sell off divisions of mine now and then. heh)
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I agree on selaginella (easy to propagate by cuttings) and plumosa ferns are delicate enough to work in a small terrarium. If you get the proportions right, that combo looks like a tiny tree and shrubs.
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Best micro-ferns/mosses for a SMALL closed plant terrarium

Comments (2)

terrestrial_man

paul_

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