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Horticulture Principles and Practices

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should pay attention to plant size <strong>and</strong> form, <strong>and</strong> leaf size, shape, <strong>and</strong> texture so that the<br />

overall display is attractive. After transplanting, the plants should be watered by spraying<br />

with a mister. If necessary, the inner walls of the container should be wiped with a<br />

moist cloth or foam to remove the dirt. The container is then sealed to hold in moisture.<br />

25.6 CARE AND MAINTENANCE<br />

25.6.1 WATERING<br />

A terrarium should be self-sustaining <strong>and</strong> able to maintain a good moisture cycle. The<br />

evidence of a successful system is the beading of water on the inside of the wall of the<br />

container at certain times. A terrarium should not be overwatered. If overwatering is suspected,<br />

the terrarium should be unsealed for a period to allow excess moisture to evaporate.<br />

Open-top terrariums require periodic watering, the frequency of watering<br />

increasing with the size of the container opening. Sealed terrariums hardly need watering;<br />

those that require infrequent watering may receive it every two to six months.<br />

25.6.2 LIGHT<br />

Plants vary in light requirements <strong>and</strong> should be grouped accordingly. Where additional<br />

light is needed, the terrarium may be placed under fluorescent light. When placed on the<br />

windowsill or close to it, the unit should be regularly rotated to negate the phototropic<br />

response of plants, which makes them curve toward light.<br />

25.6.3 TEMPERATURE<br />

A terrarium with a tropical theme requires a warmer temperature than one with a subtropical<br />

theme. Ideal temperatures are similar to those required by other indoor plants<br />

(about 18.3 to 23.9°C or 65 to 75°F). As previously indicated, potted plants placed on<br />

windowsills are subject to greater temperature fluctuations than those placed away from<br />

windows.<br />

25.6.4 FERTILIZING<br />

When needed, organic fertilizers should be used. However, if the initial growing medium<br />

is well composed, additional fertilizing may not be necessary. Since slow growth is<br />

desired, fertilizer application should be minimal. Chemical fertilizers may be used in<br />

open terrariums but not in closed types.<br />

25.6.5 PRUNING<br />

When vigorously growing species are used or when growing conditions are very favorable,<br />

plants may grow too big too soon <strong>and</strong> crowd the restricted space in the container.<br />

In this situation, excess foliage should be removed. Pruning plants in narrow-necked<br />

containers is a challenge but may be accomplished by using a razor blade or scalpel<br />

mounted on the end of a long stick. All clippings should be retrieved from the container,<br />

lest they decay <strong>and</strong> cause a foul odor.<br />

25.6.6 DISEASE AND INSECT PEST CONTROL<br />

To reduce the incidence of diseases <strong>and</strong> insect pests, the growing medium should be sterilized<br />

to kill pathogens. The plants used should be disease free, <strong>and</strong> the foliage should be<br />

examined for insects <strong>and</strong> other pathogens before transplanting into the container. Insect<br />

pests found in terrariums include mites, whiteflies, aphids, <strong>and</strong> mealybugs, which may<br />

be controlled by spraying appropriate chemicals.<br />

708 Chapter 25 Terrarium Culture

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