Hanging Terrariums – Ever considered the idea of a floating garden within your space, a tiny ecosystem that appears to suspend in mid-air? Well, that’s precisely what a hanging terrarium provides – a modern interpretation of an age-old classic. Versatile and enchanting, hanging terrariums bring a unique charm, whether it’s filling up your vertical home space or acting as a beautiful botanical centerpiece for weddings. But let’s face it, for most of us, they’re just an ingenious excuse to add more plants when we’ve exhausted all available surfaces, aren’t they?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the mesmerizing world of hanging terrariums. We’ll navigate through the perfect plant selection, practical considerations, and even the art of assembling your very own hanging terrarium. And hold on to your hats, for this will be quite an exciting adventure!
Before we commence, please be aware that this page may contain affiliate links, allowing us to earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your support is truly appreciated!
Hanging Terrarium DIY – Mastering the Basics
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of hanging terrariums. As you’ll soon find out, this venture demands some unconventional thinking. Indeed, the very act of suspending a garden in mid-air invites a blend of creativity and challenge that’s quite unlike any traditional gardening project.
Besides the logistical intricacies of mounting a terrarium on a rope or chain (we hope you’re ready for a DIY adventure!), there are certain principles to consider for a successful build. Here, we present three core principles that should guide your journey:
- Simplicity: Hanging terrariums might not be the best playground for experimenting with complex designs and features, especially if they’ll end up as gifts or wedding decorations. The less complicated, the less likely for mishaps.
- Security: Your landscape should not only be secure on its hanging device, but also within itself. The trick is to design in such a way that it holds together even with a bit of motion. This means smart utilization of hardscape and minimal loose substrate.
- Centrality: Design your terrarium with a well-balanced center of gravity. A crooked hanging terrarium is at risk of spilling its contents, robbing you of your hard work.
By adhering to these principles, particularly if you’re a newbie to hanging terrarium DIY projects, you’ll find the journey much smoother and more enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Container: Hanging Glass Terrarium vs Plastic Terrarium
Now, onto one of the most crucial decisions in your hanging terrarium journey: the choice of container. The most popular options are the hanging glass terrarium and its plastic counterpart. Each comes with its unique set of considerations:
1. Hanging Glass Terrarium
A glass terrarium brings an aesthetic and premium feel to your hanging garden. It requires careful planning and execution, given its delicate nature, but the end result is often well worth the effort. And while it’s slightly heavier than plastic, if you’re mounting your terrarium correctly (please research this before picking up the drill!), the added weight should hardly matter.
2. Plastic Terrarium
On the other hand, plastic hanging terrariums offer affordability and durability. They are practically unbreakable, allowing you a bit more freedom to take risks during the assembly process.
No matter your choice, remember that the three principles outlined above — simplicity, security, and centrality — are critical to success.
Inspiring Hanging Terrarium Ideas: A Canvas for Creativity
Your hanging terrarium can be as simple or intricate as you want it to be. Here are five diverse and practical hanging terrarium ideas to ignite your imagination:
- Air Plant Terrarium: The most straightforward of all hanging terrariums has got to be the air plant terrarium. These plants absorb water through the air, requiring minimal support in the terrarium besides a container to sit in. Yet, the design possibilities are endless. Consider mounting air plants in gnarling driftwood branches, nestling them between crystals or shells, or using Reindeer moss to add the illusion of live plants without extra care.
- Succulent Terrarium: Succulents, with their low need for high humidity or consistent moisture, make for incredibly straightforward plants to keep. The key to a successful succulent terrarium is ample drainage and a suitable substrate. Just like air plants, succulents can be easily dressed up in a variety of ways.
- Vine Terrarium: The hanging nature of the terrarium can be used to great advantage with a vine terrarium. Allow lovely tropical vines to cascade over the edge and dangle down into the air. Consider species like Pothos or Philodendron, which are quite forgiving in terms of care and watering.
- Moss Terrarium: Moss, with its lack of roots, can handle being jumbled around a bit. A moss terrarium can be a straightforward and elegant solution. Consider using Cushion Moss, which is full of shape and texture.
- Wabi-Kusa: This Japanese technique involves creating a ball of substrate with tropical epiphytes attached to the outside. The result is stunning — like a living green ball!
Remember, the journey of crafting your hanging terrarium is as much an art as it is a science. Take the time to explore your creativity, experiment with different elements, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll have a captivating miniature garden floating gracefully in your space.
Where to Find/Buy Your Ideal Suspended Garden
When it comes to hanging terrariums, the possibilities are truly endless. They come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, each uniquely designed to suit a variety of plants – air plants, succulents, houseplants, and more. To properly house these botanical marvels, you’d require a durable hanging container, preferably one with a large opening in the front, making for easy access.
Online platforms like Etsy are bustling with an array of options. Whether you’re seeking teardrop-shaped terrariums, globular ones, or geometrically inspired diamond prisms, Etsy has got it all. It’s a treasure trove for hanging terrarium enthusiasts, with something for everyone.
For those embracing the ideas of moss and Wabi-Kusa terrariums, you’d need containers with doors or secure lids. Check out this one with a hinged door, a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, you could even design your own cover for your hanging terrarium.
In our modern age, Hanging Terrarium Kits have become quite popular. These kits come packed with everything you need to embark on your hanging terrarium journey, all in one place.
The Hanging Process: Tips on Securing Your Terrarium at Home
With your hanging terrarium ready, the next step involves deciding where and how best to hang it in your home. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for DIY guidance, I can’t provide specific instructions. However, I recommend checking out informative videos on YouTube, like this one by Harli G, which offers a variety of hanging solutions.
- Ceiling mounts: This appears to be the most common choice, offering a complete hanging terrarium experience. Although it offers a great deal of placement freedom, it does require some DIY knowledge and usually depends on the location of your ceiling joists.
- Wall brackets: A less intimidating option than ceiling mounts, sturdy wall brackets present numerous creative planting opportunities, especially around the room edges.
- Door hangers: For those wary of drilling into buildings, door hangers, typically used for coats, could be a suitable alternative. It’s best, however, to hang your terrarium on a door that’s infrequently opened to avoid accidental damage.
- Curtain rails: If your home already has robust curtain rails, you’ve got potential hanging spots for your terrarium. Similarly, clothing rails and canopy beds work too. Essentially, any sturdy rail is a green light!
- Stands: Many DIY hanging terrarium kits include a base with an arm or rod from which you can suspend your terrarium, presenting a new twist on the classic desktop terrarium.
Ideally, your chosen container should have a secure hooking system. Look out for those with hooks or loops for ropes. If not, consider getting a custom macrame hanger.
The Optimal Placement: Where Should You Hang Your Terrarium?
The ideal location to hang a terrarium largely depends on the types of plants housed within. Succulents and cacti, for instance, require ample sunlight and should ideally be hung near a window receiving plenty of light throughout the day.
On the other hand, tropical plants and mosses prefer bright spots without direct sunlight exposure. Their delicate foliage may quickly suffer in harsh sunlight. Similarly, air plants can dry out too quickly in direct sunlight.
Therefore, for these types of plant terrariums, consider hanging them a few feet away from a light source or near a North-facing window, which only receives indirect light. This balance of brightness and shade helps in maintaining the health and vibrancy of your hanging
terrarium plants.
A Practical Guide to Buying Hanging Terrariums
Exploring the plethora of hanging terrarium options might seem a bit overwhelming. Here are some key points to remember when choosing the perfect one for your space:
The Container Material: Glass containers are an excellent choice for hanging terrariums as they provide clear visibility of the plant life within. Plastic is also a viable option but might not offer the same clarity over time. Ensure the material you choose is sturdy and well-made to withstand regular care and maintenance.
The Size and Shape: The size and shape of your hanging terrarium will depend on the kind of plants you intend to keep. For air plants and smaller succulents, a compact terrarium could suffice. On the other hand, if you plan on housing a mini rainforest of ferns and vines, you might need a larger, more spacious container.
The Opening: A large opening allows for easy access to care for your plants. It will also provide a good amount of air circulation, which is essential for most terrarium-friendly plants. However, if you choose plants that require high humidity, a smaller opening or a terrarium with a door or lid may be more appropriate.
The Art of Hanging a Terrarium: Installing with Ease
When it comes to hanging your terrarium, it’s essential to ensure a secure and stable set-up. A few additional pointers to keep in mind:
Weight considerations: Always remember to check the weight of your fully assembled terrarium before deciding where to hang it. The weight can add up quickly, especially after adding soil, plants, and decorative elements, and the mounting method should be able to bear this weight.
Visibility and aesthetics: Where you place your hanging terrarium should not only depend on the plant’s light and temperature needs but also your desire to display this mini piece of nature. Eye-level spots or areas where people often gather are good choices for showing off your green thumb.
Safety: Lastly, safety should be paramount. Avoid hanging your terrarium in high traffic areas where it can be easily bumped into or in spots where it might pose a risk to children or pets.
Balancing the Light Requirements: Deciding the Perfect Spot for Your Terrarium
Ultimately, the location you choose for your hanging terrarium should depend largely on the light requirements of your chosen plants.
Bright Light Plants: For plants that thrive under bright light conditions, such as succulents and cacti, a south or west-facing window would be ideal. These windows typically receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
Low Light Plants: Plants that prefer low light conditions, like certain ferns and mosses, would do well near north or east-facing windows. These locations offer softer, indirect light that won’t scorch delicate leaves.
In essence, hanging terrariums are a beautiful and versatile way to incorporate greenery into your space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a newbie looking to dive into the world of indoor plants, hanging terrariums offer a delightful way to explore your creativity and connect with nature.
