How to Make Terrariums, Paludariums and Vivariums

Terrariums have played a huge role in my plant collection and life. I recently created a good luck terrarium to bring into the recording studio to record my audiobook for Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) and had such a special experience planting up this tiny mason jar terrarium, filling it with special plants, stones and crystals, and carrying it in my backpack around NYC while I fulfilled this dream of recording my audiobook. Terrarium guru, Patricia of Doodle Bird Terrariums, breaks down the differences and similarities of terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums and equips us with the knowledge you need to set your first one up after listening to this ep!

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In this episode we learn:

• [00:47] The magic of terrariums
• [05:22] How Patricia became the plant lady she is today
• [06:33] Why Patricia loves terrariums
• [07:03] How terrariums can have restorative effects on people
• [09:02] What are the differences among terrariums, vivariums, and paladariums?
• [11:56] What are the benefits of growing plants in terrariums?
• [12:32] What are common terrarium problems and how do you solve them?
• [14:36] How do you put isopods in your terrarium?
• [15:55] Maria’s first terrarium story
• [17:45] How different is it to set up a terrarium, a vivarium, and a paladarium?
• [18:39] What materials do you need for a basic terrarium?
• [20:30] Open terrariums vs closed terrariums
• [21:45] Where can you source terrarium containers?
• [23:25] Which plants are NOT recommended for terrariums?
• [25:56] Can you use beneficial insects in an open terrarium?
• [27:19] How much soil is needed in terrariums?
• [28:06] Where to get seeds, flowers, and herbs to start in the summer!
• [29:30] Potting mixes tailored to your specific gardening needs? Yes, please!
• [31:22] How to plant up a terrarium
• [32:21] Patricia’s recommended drainage layer setup
• [34:06] How do you water a terrarium? What water should you use for terrariums?
• [36:21] How often should you open a closed terrarium?
• [37:23] Patricia’s most recommended plants for terrariums
• [39:38] How do you set up a vivarium?
• [42:03] Can you use driftwood in a vivarium?
• [42:58] The best starter pets to put in a vivarium
• [45:05] Bigger plants to use in a vivarium
• [46:42] How to feed your vivarium animals
• [48:19] Where to get tiny and cute terrarium figurines
• [49:18] What is the biggest must-know when installing paladariums?
• [51:16] Do you clean the water in paladariums? Do you change it?
• [52:47] The most common terrarium care mistakes and questions
• [57:26] Where to find Patricia online
• [59:26] Maria and Billy’s terrarium plans!
• [01:00:08] Thank you so much for the pre-orders, plant friends!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• BAGR episode: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterra
• A Family Guide to Terrariums by Patricia Buzo

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

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Espoma Organic

Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To learn more about their pet safe indoor and outdoor gardening products, visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

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