- Home
- How to
- Grow plants
- How to create a bottle garden
How to create a bottle garden
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Sunday, 10 May 2020 at 3:17 pm
Follow these easy steps to create a mini indoor oasis for houseplants.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTo Doyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes**yes
Save
- Share on facebook
- Share on twitter
- Share on pinterest
- Share on whatsapp
- Share on blogger
- Email to a friend
Bottle gardens, or terrariums, are enjoying a revival, and they're easy to create.
Ad
The key is to combine small plants that thrive in similar growing conditions – usually either damp shade or drought.
You can plant a bottle garden in virtually any glass vessel, though closed ones are best for moisture lovers and open ones best for plants used to drier conditions. Don't worry if you can't find what we used – look in charity shops, garden centres, your kitchen cupboard or on the internet for something that appeals.
You Will Need
- Vintage glass bottle, (we picked this up from eBay for £10
- Horticultural grit
- Peat free houseplant compost
- Moss, (from the lawn)
- Spathiphyllum 'Chopin'
- Fittonia verschaffeltii
- Syngonium 'White Butterfly'
- Chlorophytum comosum 'Ocean'
- Peperomia rotundifolia
Total time: 20 minutes
Step 1
Adding horticultural grit to the bottle garden
Put 5cm of horticultural grit in the bottom of the bottle for drainage. Add houseplant compost till the bottle is about a third full – breaking up any lumps with your hands. Choose lush foliage plants that thrive in low light and humidity.
Step 2
Planting up the bottle garden
Position the plants one at a time, planting them as you would in a container – firm the compost around them. Fill gaps between plants with a layer of moss.
Step 3
Watering the bottle garden
Water sparingly down the sides of the bottle as the curved sides will prevent a lot of evaporation. Ensure the compost doesn't dry out or become saturated with water. Place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Alternative plants for a bottle garden
Ad
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- Golden polypody (Phlebodium aureum)
- Hares foot fern (Humata tyermannii)
- Mind-your-own-business (Soleirolia soleirolii)
- Centella (Centella asiatica)
- Cacti and succulents
Loading...
Ad
Ad
Don't miss out this Winter
Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99
Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox
Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...
Loading...