Women's Focus - January 2008 - (Page 48)

focus on H O M E To create a terrarium, start by choosing from an array of glass containers: bottles, jugs, fishbowls, even an aquarium will do. The glass must be clear, not tinted; a cover is optional. Closed terrariums require plants that can tolerate highly humid environments. Open terrariums require more frequent watering, but are less prone to disease. Deciding on a theme for your terrarium, from desert to tropical forest, can help you determine what kinds of plants and other features to choose. You will also want to determine the viewpoint of your terrarium; if it will be seen largely from one side, be sure to place larger plants at the back. If the terrarium will be seen from all sides, build a hill to raise plants in the center of the scene. Before placing anything in the container, sterilize it and any accent materials such as shells, rocks, or driftwood by washing everything in hot water. This will help eliminate insects and deter bacteria or disease. Ideally, you will want to create several layers of materials in the bottom of your terrarium before placing your plants. The bottom layer should promote proper drainage and be derived of materials such as gravel, sand, or pebbles. Next, add a layer of charcoal like that used in a typical aquarium. On top of these, lay down a thin layer of sphagnum moss to serve as a bed for retaining the planting soil. Top it all off with a good potting soil, arranged with contours according to your landscape design. When choosing plants, select those with similar light, water, and humidity requirements. You will want to select plants of varying heights, textures, color and shapes for the most interesting effect. If your container has a narrow mouth, use tongs or chopsticks to place plants and other accents in the terrarium. Once everything is arranged, a good misting should settle the soil and plants and provide enough moisture at the start. A second misting may be required a day later, but be sure there is no more than one-quarter inch of water in the bottom of the terrarium. A closed terrarium i n d u l g e y o u r s e l f • Wo m e n s F o c u s . c o m • J A N U A RY 2 0 0 8 Houseplant Hints Hindu Rope (Hoya) Light: Can tolerate low light, but needs medium or high light to grow and flower Water: Let soil dry between thorough waterings Tip: Performs best when left undisturbed Begonia Light: Medium (prefers more than 12 hours a day) Water: Keep soil moist Tip: Prefers high humidity Lipstick Plant Light: High Water: Keep soil moist Tip: Prefers high humidity, warm temperatures Peperomia Light: Medium Water: Overwatering may promote stem rot Tip: Very well suited to home growing Prayer Plant Light: Light shade, avoid direct sunlight Water: Soil should be kept moist Tip: Misting the leaves can help keep them from drying out Grape Ivy Light: Filtered light Water: Tolerates low watering but soil should be moist to the touch Tip: Shade and fertilizer can promote darker coloring in the leaves Terrarium Plants There are a number of plants that grow well in terrariums. Several of those listed below offer a variety of choices. Miniature varieties, when available, typically work best. African Violet, Arrowhead, Begonia, Bird’s Nest, Cactus, Fern, Hens and Chicks, Hepatica, Ivy, Jade, Moss , Peperomia , Prayer Plant, Spider Plant, Venus Fly Trap, Wandering Jew, and Wintergreen. will likely not need watering for several months. Should you choose to give the plants in a closed terrarium a light misting, be sure to leave the cover off until the foliage has dried. Watch for any signs of wilt or decay in the first few weeks and be sure to remove anything showing symptoms of disease. Over time, your plants may even need a little pruning, the cutting of which can serve as the start of another miniature landscape to further warm your home. ~Regina Roths Prayer Plant ~Regina Roths 48 http://WomensFocus.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Women's Focus - January 2008

Womens Focus - January 2008 Contents BEAUTY & FASHION Retro Do’s Are Big News Vintage Vogue Wichita’s Next Top Model Contest FACTS & FUN The Housewife is Back FLAVOR A Taste of History Cocktail Anyone? FAMILY & FRIENDS Forget-Me-Not Gal Shakila Saiffulah In Her Shoes—Wink Hartman Reba McEntire Social Circle HEALTH Abs From the Past Ask Dick & Jane Home Remedies Team in Training HOME & GARDEN From Warm Fires to Pool Parties Furniture Frolic Retro Houseplants There's More to Color Than Meets the Eye TRAVEL & LEISURE City Culture Crafts: Faux Pearl Makeover Day Tripping in Newton Knightley Reading

Women's Focus - January 2008

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