Neeli Reamer | Special to The Roanoke Times

To build a terrarium, first assemble the basics: potting soil, pebbles, activated charcoal, sphagnum moss, chopsticks (as planting tools for narrow openings) and a glass container.

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A terrarium by Hayes

ecosalon.com

A pitcher plant from Apartment Therapy

paulahayes.com

A peanut terrarium by landscape designer and artist Paula Hayes

Neeli Reamer is The Roanoke Times' gardening columnist. Her column appears twice monthly in Extra.

Neeli Reamer

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About Neeli

Neeli Reamer is a Master Gardener who has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication and a master's degree in counseling, where she focused heavily on horticultural therapy techniques.

She believes gardening isn't about being perfect, it's about having fun.

My mother can work wonders with houseplants.

I cannot.

In fact, I feel sorry for each and every indoor plant I own. Luckily, I don't have many.

My mother's top performers are ferns, peace lilies and philodendrons. Her all-time favorites are orchids, but even she hasn't mastered those yet.

Mom waters her plants once a week, like clockwork.

My houseplant textbook dictates a different approach: "Never water plants strictly on the basis of the calendar or day of the week" and "Varying plant types have varying water needs."

I follow the book's advice and my plants die. Meanwhile, hers have been around for more than 25 years.

One houseplant that I haven't managed to kill yet is pothos (Epipremnum aureum). In 1999, my grandmother rooted some cuttings in water, potted them, and they've been with me ever since. This popular creeping ground cover or hanging plant is tough. Pothos vines will grow 40 feet long if you let them.

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is another plant that has been a real trooper in my home. The upright plant has leaves that resemble corn foliage. Corn plant is hardy and survives in low-light conditions, although it prefers filtered sunlight.

My majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis) has been nothing but a royal pain. I love the way the tall, graceful fronds fill the corner of my den. Unfortunately, spider mites love it more. They descend on this plant every chance they get.

A while back, I decided to buy a nice, silk palm to put there instead, but I got the following e-mail from my Aunt Betsy Webster: "NO SILK! It is better to kill a few real trees than to be stuck with a silk one FOREVER."

Since then, I've replaced my palm four times. If my current one dies (and it will), I'm finally going to try something new.

These houseplant woes led to my latest discovery: Terrariums.

I remember planting terrariums in fishbowls with my mother in the 1970s.

But terrariums are making a comeback. They are the ultimate low-maintenance way to garden indoors.

What's a terrarium?

Terrariums are enclosed, or partly enclosed, mostly clear containers that hold plants. Dr. Nathaniel Ward invented them in 1827. Explorers used terrariums, also called Wardian Cases, to transport exotic plants. Victorians kept lavish ones in their homes.

The secret behind these mini greenhouses is that moisture evaporates from the plant leaves and soil. It condenses on the walls and lid; then falls back down, remoistening the soil. This cycle continues as long as the top stays shut.

Some terrariums go for weeks or months without needing extra water. They are a perfect fit for busy people who wish to bring a touch of nature inside during the winter months. And you definitely don't need a green thumb to create one!

Terrarium basics

I make my terrariums in glass apothecary jars. Others use jelly jars, aquariums, even tiny Tabasco bottles. Elegant Wardian Cases are available at garden centers or online.

After you choose a container, select your plants. Ideal plants for sealed terrariums are small and grow slowly. They like high humidity and moisture, and can tolerate low to medium light. If you want groupings, use plants that need the same growing conditions.

Getting started on your terrarium:

To begin, place pebbles, pea gravel or coarse sand in the bottom of a clean container. This layer is for drainage. It should be 1-3 inches deep, depending on the size of your container.

Next, add a half-inch layer of activated charcoal, which prevents odors. I found my charcoal at a pet store.

Then, put in a thin layer of sphagnum moss. This separates the drainage layer from the soil. Pile 2 to 3 inches of sterilized potting mix on top and you're ready to plant. Use chopsticks as planting tools if your terrarium opening is narrow. Spoons work, too.

Give your plants plenty of room to grow. Prune them when they get overcrowded or touch the glass.

Landscape terrariums with rocks, sticks, shells -- anything you want. Be sure to rinse and clean the objects first.

Decorate the terrarium for holidays. Use colored gravel or marbles. Be imaginative.

Terrariums are especially fun for budding young gardeners. Children might include plastic dinosaurs, toy cars, or build a fairyland.

Mist your terrarium lightly when you finish. Don't overwater. If too much condensation builds up, remove the lid.

Never put your terrarium in full sun. Bright, indirect light is best.

Now, just sit back, relax, and prepare for some compliments. Last time my mother visited, she was very impressed with my terrariums.

She didn't comment on the dead palm in the corner of the room.

Neeli Reamer's column runs every other Saturday in Extra.