Bonsai trees make great terrarium plants. Not only do they thrive in warm and humid climates, but they don’t need much watering either.
Bougainvillea and Bald Cypress are two bonsai trees that thrive in terrariums due to their ease of care.
Fukien Tea
Fukien tea (Carmona microphylla) is one of the world’s most beloved bonsai plants, available worldwide through discount stores and online shopping sites.
This small tree stands out with its dark-green, glossy leaves and cracking trunk. This adds to its allure.
Another great advantage of this plant is that it thrives well in terrariums. It can withstand high temperatures and requires minimal care, while flourishing in humid environments.
Create an ideal terrarium for your Fukien tea by starting with a container with lid and some decorations. Then, fill it with soil and create slopes.
Additionally, you should add stones over the soil for added stability and appeal. Finally, decorate the slope with decorations to make it even more eye-catching.
Fukien tea bonsai require plenty of light, so be sure to place it near a window that receives strong direct sunlight. Doing this will give the plant the best chance at growing healthy and strong.
It is also essential to water your tree regularly, especially if the top inch of soil is dry. Fukien trees can become susceptible to root rot if left standing in dry soil.
Repotting Fukien tea typically occurs every two to three years. However, if the roots are clinging to the sides of the pot or seem very tightly packed together, then you should consider repotting sooner.
Regular pruning of your Fukien tea bonsai is necessary. Trim away dead or weak branches, as well as any new growth that doesn’t match the style of your bonsai.
Fukien tea is an exquisite plant that will look fantastic in any terrarium. To keep it looking its best, provide ample sunlight, moderate temperatures, and moist soil.
Fukien tea is an ideal plant for anyone wanting to start their own terrarium and create an eye-catching display. With some patience and time, you’ll be able to achieve this unique look that will be the talk of any room.
Japanese Maple
The Japanese Maple is an exquisite small tree that would make a wonderful terrarium specimen. Native to Japan and surrounding countries like Korea or China, its name derives from its hand-shaped leaves with five pointed lobes (which may be more than five).
Japanese maple trees can thrive in either partial shade or full sun, though they prefer locations with morning and evening sun with dappled shade throughout the rest of the day. Excessive sunlight will scorch their leaves and damage their plant; additionally, Japanese maples require protection from strong winds during summer months to stay healthy.
When planting Japanese maple bonsai trees, the ideal time is spring or fall as these seasons give the tree more time to develop roots before winter sets in. Since these trees are delicate at first, protection from extreme temperatures and harsh winds should be provided until they have established themselves.
When planting your bonsai tree, you’ll need to remove the old soil from its container and replace it with fresh soil. At the bottom, add a layer of stone and gravel for water drainage. After the mixture has been filled with this mixture, you can insert your bonsai tree and begin caring for it accordingly.
Maintain the health of a Japanese maple bonsai by feeding it regularly with organic fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. The frequency depends on your climate, but as a general guideline every other week is sufficient. Furthermore, check the tree’s water level regularly to avoid flooding and maintain an appropriate temperature.
Japanese maples do not need frequent pruning like some other plants. But if you want to shape them, their branches can easily be thinned over time and wired for added support.
Pruning the tree in the fall or winter, but only after all the leaves have fallen, will keep it looking neat and tidy and protect it from diseases that could otherwise affect other parts of the plant.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial groundcover that blooms from early spring to late summer. Its delicate bell-shaped flowers with deep red berries have an irresistibly sweet fragrance and make beautiful cut flower arrangements. Lily of the Valley also makes an excellent landscaping choice due to its fast growth rate and ability to thrive in shady spots.
Asparagaceae family plants can thrive in a range of soil types, but prefers organically rich, well-drained soil. While it prefers an acidic to neutral pH range, it will tolerate slightly alkaline conditions too.
This perennial plant thrives in cool temperate regions of Asia and Europe. It provides a good ground cover, spreading rapidly to create an eye-catching carpet of fragrant pendent bell-shaped flowers in springtime.
Rhizomatous plants require little care other than occasional watering when dry. You can grow this perennial from pips (rhizomes) sold at garden centers or planted directly into soil beginning in May. Its orange/red berries add visual interest and are often consumed by birds, insects and other wildlife.
Lily of the Valley, native to European forests, thrives in a variety of gardens and landscapes. Its fast-growing roots and rhizomes make it an excellent ground cover for areas that don’t get enough sun such as beneath trees or on steep banks.
It is an ideal plant for planting in shady gardens and those exposed to cold temperatures. It will thrive under shade trees or other shady plants, and can even be grown in containers.
When selecting bonsai trees for terrariums, it’s best to find ones that can withstand both low and high temperatures. Bald cypress, for instance, is an ideal choice as it has the capacity to withstand both conditions. Plus, its interesting trunk will add an eye-catching aesthetic touch to your terrarium.
When placing the bonsai tree in its own terrarium, fill it with large stones for drainage. Next, add soil over the stones and create a slope on one side of the container; once done, put the bonsai tree atop that slope. You may want to use decorative rocks as division between flat and sloped areas.
Chinese Elm
Chinese elm is a beloved bonsai tree for terrariums due to its ease of care and stunning results. This makes it an ideal choice both for experienced gardeners and those seeking an eye-catching addition to their displays.
Chinese elm is not only beautiful, but also extremely hardy and resistant to the elements. If kept indoors in a darkened space and provided with ample water, it will flourish.
It is a widely-cultivated plant that can be found in most gardens, making it ideal for terrariums. However, selecting the correct tree for your terrarium is essential; this will guarantee your tree has a healthy environment free from diseases or pests.
For Chinese elms to thrive in terrariums, it is essential that their soil be high in moisture but low in salts. This prevents roots from rotting and promotes healthy plant growth.
Chinese elms can thrive in a variety of soil types, with the ability to adjust to extremes in pH and moisture. Furthermore, these hardy trees can withstand intense heat and wind blasts; making them ideal for street trees pits, parking lot islands, and other confined spaces.
Furthermore, this tree requires minimal care and won’t take a long time to establish itself. It makes an ideal addition to any home or office, and with some effort you can even shape it into an amazing bonsai!
Maintain the health of your Chinese elm by regularly watering. This will help maintain an even level of moisture, protecting its roots from root rot. Furthermore, avoid allowing soil to dry out too quickly as this will cause leaves to curl up and become crispy.
Another essential aspect of caring for this tree is pruning. Pruning will neaten up its shape and make it appear more beautiful, as well as keeping your Chinese elm in optimal health throughout its lifetime.