Creating the Ultimate African Violets Terrarium: A Guide to Crafting a Lush Moss-Filled Vivarium for Semi-Miniature Terrarium Plants
As a long-time indoor gardener and plant enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for interesting ways to display my ever-expanding plant collection. Recently, I discovered that African violets can thrive when grown in enclosed terrarium environments. Intrigued by the concept of creating a self-contained mini ecosystem for these beautiful blooming plants, I decided to experiment with assembling my own African violet terrarium.
In this article, I’ll share everything I learned in the process – from selecting the right terrarium container and soil mix to caring for African violets in this unique habitat. Whether you’re new to African violets or terrarium gardening, read on for tips on creating a living work of art with these delightful plants.
Why African Violets Like Terrariums
After doing some research, it became clear why the warm, humid environment of a terrarium suits African violets so well. In the wild, these plants grow in tropical African forests and highlands characterized by consistent moisture and indirect sunlight filtering through the canopy.
By containing African violets in an enclosed glass structure filled with moisture-retentive soil, terrariums can replicate these conditions almost perfectly. The high humidity terrarium air keeps the fleshy leaves of African violets hydrated. And the diffused light prevents scorching while still allowing vibrant blooms.
Beyond humidity and light advantages, terrariums also provide a compact space for African violets to thrive. These flowering plants appreciate having their long stems and wayward side shoots contained. Given the right care, they will continue producing gorgeous blooms in even relatively small terrarium spaces.
Choose a Container for Your African Violets Terrarium
When selecting a terrarium container for an African violet, it’s important to consider the mature size of the plant. Miniature varieties will do well in small glass jars or fishbowls. But full-size African violets require more substantial vessels like large glass apothecary jars or even converted aquariums to house their spreading growth.
I decided to use a classic 10-gallon aquarium tank for my African violet terrarium project. The size allowed me to create an artful composition with several plants. And the glass walls provided clear visibility while maintaining stable humidity levels inside.
If sourcing a tank, make sure to also get an adequately sized screen cover. This allows for some airflow while preventing most moisture loss. For lighting, I opted for an adjustable LED aquarium hood.
The Best Soil for African Violets Terrariums
Perhaps the most crucial element of successfully growing African violets in terrariums is the soil. As these plants have sensitive roots prone to rot, a lightweight and fast-draining soil mix is essential.
Here is my recipe for an ideal African violet terrarium substrate:
- 40% peat moss – Provides moisture-retention
- 30% perlite – Creates air pockets for drainage
- 20% vermiculite – Holds some water but resists compaction
- 10% charcoal – Assists with drainage and prevents fungal issues
I also incorporated a small amount of organic bone meal when mixing the soil to provide nutrition without risking fertilizer root burn. Avoid over-amending the soil, as African violet roots prefer a relatively neutral medium.
Types of Terrariums for African Violets
Terrariums for African violets can be either fully closed or open to some degree. Closed terrariums allow for the highest humidity levels since all moisture is contained within the vessel. However, some airflow is still beneficial for preventing fungal problems.
My African violet terrarium utilizes a partially vented design. The mesh lid allows for a minimal amount of ventilation. But the majority of the moisture evaporates back into the soil and condenses on the glass walls – creating a self-contained water cycle.
This tropical mini-environment even develops its own microclimate, with condensation consistently coating the interior glass. So far, my African violets appear quite content in this partially closed ecosystem.
Homemade African Violets Terrarium Set-Up Guide
With my terrarium container, soil mix, and lighting ready to go, it was time to assemble my African violet paradise. Here is a step-by-step guide to how I constructed my homemade African violet terrarium:
- Add a 1-inch layer of horticultural charcoal to cover the bottom of the tank. This will prevent standing water from accumulating.
- Cover the charcoal layer with 2 inches of the prepared soil mix. Pack it down lightly with your hands to prevent settling.
- Gently remove each African violet plant from its nursery pot, handling the roots carefully to avoid damage.
- Arrange the African violet plants attractively within the terrarium, spacing them appropriately based on mature plant width.
- Fill in around the plants with more soil mix until the terrarium floor is fully covered. Slope the soil to create hills and valleys.
- Top dress the soil with dried sheet moss and orchid bark to enhance the aesthetic design. Place interesting hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood.
- Mist the interior thoroughly using a spray bottle filled with distilled water. The soil and hardscape should be lightly saturated but with no standing puddles.
- Finally, place the mesh lid and lighting fixture. Plug in the grow lights and set the timer according to the amount of light desired.
And voila – your living African violet terrarium is complete! Now it’s just a matter of maintaining ideal growing conditions.
Caring for African Violets in Terrariums
To keep African violets thriving happily in their terrarium home, adhere to the following care guidelines:
Lighting: African violets require bright, indirect light to stimulate blooming. Place the terrarium near an east or west-facing window where it will receive ambient daylight. Supplement with grow lights on a 12-16 hour daily photoperiod.
Humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels inside the terrarium. Fluctuations between 50-80% relative humidity are ideal. Mist occasionally with distilled water to replenish moisture if needed.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Pour distilled water gently along the terrarium walls rather than directly on the foliage. Allow excess moisture to drain through the substrate.
Temperature: Maintain average temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid placing the terrarium near heat sources which may overheat the interior.
Fertilizer: Apply African violet fertilizer at quarter or half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Mix it thoroughly into the soil or use foliar sprays directed only on the plants.
African Violets Terrarium Maintenance
A thriving African violet terrarium requires some periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best. Expect to perform the following care tasks:
- Remove faded flowers and yellowed leaves. Also pinch back excessively long stems.
- Prune back wayward shoots to keep growth compact and prevent crowding.
- Check closely for signs of pests like aphids or fungus gnats. Treat promptly if detected.
- Clean the interior glass every 2-4 months when it becomes difficult to see inside due to mineral deposits. Use a soft cloth and avoid harming the foliage.
- Repot African violets into fresh soil mix every 2 years. Divide congested plants at this time.
Propagation and Growth in Terrariums
Mature African violet plants will naturally produce baby plantlets – or suckers – as side shoots from the mother stem. These suckers can be snipped off and potted up into separate plants. Enclosed terrariums provide excellent propagation conditions.
You can also propagate African violets by seed while growing them in terrariums. Hand-pollinate flowers using a small brush. Harvest seed pods once they swell and begin to dry. Sow the tiny black seeds in starter trays filled with peat moss. Cover lightly and maintain even moisture and warmth. Transplant the seedlings once a few true leaves emerge.
African Violets Terrarium Final Thoughts
Creating this African violet terrarium has been a wonderfully rewarding DIY gardening project. I’m thrilled with how well the plants are growing and blooming within their miniature world. The terrarium looks spectacular on display and adds living art to my indoor decor.
I highly recommend African violet terrariums to fellow houseplant enthusiasts. Feel free to get creative with the design. Just be sure to meet these flowering beauties’ key environmental needs – bright filtered light, high humidity, well-drained soil, and adequate warmth. Do that and your African violets will flourish magnificently on display under glass!
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful whether you’re considering your first terrarium or adding one specifically for African violets. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments. Happy growing!