In this post, I want to explain a little about my best sources for getting new plants in my terrarium.
The easiest way
The easiest and most convenient way is to order a plant on the internet.
Sure: Amazon and Co. have almost everything on offer that your heart desires.
Also, it is delivered to the apartment or front door.
It couldn’t be more convenient.
However: if you buy online, you buy without looking.
It is quite possible that the plant does not look like it is shown in the product picture.
Also, it is difficult to assess how the plants were protected from pests.
Go to your local hardware store
Almost every larger town now has a hardware store.
There is often enough an impressive range of plants in addition to tiles, laminate and cement mixtures.
These can be examined on-site and loaded directly into the car.
However, the following applies: If no employee can honestly and competently provide information about the pesticides used, the plant should be placed in a terrarium with caution.
It is advisable to rinse this off first – if the plant can tolerate it.
Find a local plant nursery
An alternative to the hardware store: the nursery.
However, the selection here often depends heavily on the focus of the nursery, especially on exotic species.
In my place of residence, cut flowers are almost exclusively “produced”.
However, it is worth a try – especially since with a little luck, there will actually be specialist staff on site who can report on fertilization and pest management.
The botanical garden
My insider tip: If you are in the fortunate position of having a botanical garden near you, visit it.
Even without purchasing a plant, you can learn a lot about the origin of the plants and the climatic conditions on-site.
In addition to plants that can tolerate the local weather conditions well, many botanical gardens also have greenhouses.
What is done on a small scale in terrariums is implemented: the natural conditions are simulated.
Whether humidity or temperature – plants can also place exceptional conditions in their environment.
In Göttingen, many plants are set up according to their origin so that you can not only examine your dream plant but also receive information about which plants are found in a similar biotope.
Which are ground cover? Which ones climb high?
On-site, you can experience what otherwise has to be read through long research in books.
The next advantage: In scientifically managed botanical gardens, there are often specialists.
Whether students or scientists – the range of specialists is huge.
And there is the chance to talk – you can use this entry to ask friends about young plants or cuttings.
Because there is one thing you should definitely not do: Dig up plants or break them off.
Ask friends, and you will see that successfully propagated plants are often given away for free or for a symbolic amount.
Check out your own garden
Did you know that your garden has a lot to offer?
Well – of course, the offer is a bit more limited here, as the plants in your garden have to adapt to the local climate.
But you will find it: Blackberry bushes grow wonderfully even in difficult corners of the garden and keep their leaves for a long time.
Even in the dead of winter, you can find blackberry leaves, which, for example, serve wonderfully as food for various horrors.
Take a trip to the forest
You don’t have your own garden?
No problem:
Some plants can also be found in the forest.
However, it must be researched beforehand whether these are suitable for tropical terrariums.
For a horror terrarium, however, there are many possible sources of food and possible furnishings in the forest all year round.
Make sure, however, that you treat deadwood before putting it in the terrarium.
A tip: You will surely find what you are looking for in places that are a little protected from rough weather.
A well-structured place in the forest, for example, a cave, protects the plants from strong winds and increases your chances of finding what you are looking for.
