How to make a closed bottle garden?

A closed terrarium is a mini-ecosystem in a glass jar or bottle.
The system is self-sustaining and requires little maintenance. We deliver the Green Bottle Garden closed terrarium to your home, ready to use . If you'd like to build your own, you'll find step-by-step instructions below.

What is a closed terrarium

A closed terrarium consists of plants, soil and moisture that work together in balance.
The water evaporates, condenses on the glass and drips back down to the bottom.
This keeps the plants moist without the need for extra water.

Supplies

• Glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting cap or cork

• Hydro grains or Vulcaponic (for drainage)

• Activated carbon (keeps the soil fresh)

• Mesh (prevents plants from absorbing too much water)

• Potting soil or terrarium soil

• Moss and small tropical shade plants (such as Fittonia, Pilea, mini ferns or Calathea)

• Decorative material, such as twigs, stones or decorative cork

• (Optional) springtails or isopods – animals that break down fungus

Step-by-step plan

1. Cleaning

Clean the pot with hot water and dry it thoroughly.
This prevents mold and bacterial growth.

2. Drainage layer

Place a layer of hydro grains or Vulcaponic at the bottom of the pot.
This layer ensures that excess water can drain away.

3. Activated carbon

Add a thin layer of activated carbon to prevent odors and keep the water clear.

4. Gauze

Place a gauze pad on top of the activated charcoal.
This prevents the soil and roots from absorbing too much water from the drainage layer.

5. Base layer

Apply a layer of terrarium soil.
Distribute the soil evenly with a spoon or tweezers.

6. Plants

Make small holes and carefully place the plants in the soil.
Lightly press the soil around the roots with tweezers or a stick.

7. Moss and decoration

Cover the ground with moss and add stones or decorations if desired.

8. Moisten

Spray a small amount of water along the glass.
This way the plants get watered and the glass gets cleaned.

9. Let stand

Leave the terrarium open for 12 to 14 days before closing it.
This gives the ecosystem time to stabilize.

Maintenance

A closed terrarium requires little maintenance.
Please note the following points:

• Condensation: If there is too much condensation, temporarily open the lid.
  If there is insufficient condensation, add a small amount of water.

• water : if there is too little water, the soil is light brown, if there is too much water, the soil is black and there is a lot of condensation on the glass

• Light: Place the terrarium in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.

• Mold: Remove white deposits or add springtails.

• Growth: Cut back plants when the terrarium becomes full.
  This provides sufficient space and light.

Living balance

A well-equipped terrarium is self-sufficient.
Water, light, earth and plants work together in balance.
This creates a stable ecosystem that can last for years.

The Green Bottle Garden

The Green Bottle Garden makes and sells handmade terrariums.
Each terrarium is composed with suitable plants and materials.
Custom work or specific plant choices are also possible.
Please contact us for more information or a custom design.