A terrarium is a mini ecosystem that allows you to bring a slice of the freshness into your home, and it’s also ideal for growing begonias. Begonias are tropical plants that thrive in humid environments, so a closed terrarium is a perfect way to create the conditions they need.

Plus, begonias come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you can create a truly unique and eye-catching terrarium that fits your personal style.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for creating your own begonia terrarium. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right begonia plant and terrarium container to caring for your terrarium once it’s set up. Enjoy!

Step 1. Choose Your Begonias

The first step in creating a begonia terrarium is to choose the begonia/s that you want to include. There are many different varieties of begonias, so consider choosing a mix of colors and sizes to create an interesting and visually appealing terrarium.

Here are a few popular options:

1 | Rex Begonia

This type of begonia is known for its colorful, patterned leaves, which come in a wide range of shades and shapes. For optimal growth, Rex begonias require bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist in order to maintain the health of these plants.

2 | Angel Wing Begonia

These begonias are known for their large, wing-shaped leaves and clusters of small, pink or white flowers. For optimal growth, these plants require bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is important to maintain an even level of moisture in the soil to ensure the health of the plants.

3 | Semperflorens Begonia

Also known as wax begonias, these plants are characterized by their small, waxy leaves and clusters of small, bright flowers. They are adaptable to a range of light conditions and prefer well-draining soil.

4 | Rhizomatous Begonia

These begonias are known for their thick, fleshy rhizomes (underground stems) and large, round leaves. To grow well, these plants require bright, indirect light and soil that drains well. In addition, they need to have moist soil at all times to remain healthy.

5 | Tuberous Begonia

These begonias are characterized by their large, showy flowers that can be found in a variety of colors, such as pink, red, orange, and yellow. They require bright, indirect light and soil that drains well, and must have consistently moist soil to thrive.

Tuberous begonias are usually grown as annuals, but they can be overwintered if the temperature is kept between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are a good choice for a terrarium if you want to add some bold, colorful blooms to your indoor plant display.

6 | Polka Dot Begonia

The Polka Dot Plant is perfect for a terrarium. Is a small, compact plant with round, dark green leaves that are covered in small, white spots. It is a popular choice for terrariums due to its low-maintenance requirements and ability to tolerate low light levels.

Step 2. Gather Materials:

To create a begonia terrarium, you will need the following materials:

• A glass jar or container with a lid or opening large enough to accommodate the begonias
• Potting soil
• Peat moss or coconut coir
• Small rocks or gravel
• Activated carbon or charcoal
• A watering can or spray bottle
• Scissors or pruning shears

Step 3. Prepare The Terrarium

Once you have gathered your materials, it’s time to prepare the terrarium.

Begin by adding a layer of small rocks or gravel to the bottom of the jar or container as a drainage layer This will help to drain excess water and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

You may also add a layer of activated carbon or charcoal on top of the rocks to filter the air and keep the terrarium clean, though it is completely optional.

Step 4. Add The Soil

Next, add a layer of potting soil to the jar or container, followed by a layer of peat moss or coconut coir. Mix the soil and peat moss together to create a well-draining, moist environment for the begonias.

Step 5. Plant The Begonias

Once the soil is in place, it’s time to plant the begonias. Gently remove the begonias from their pots and loosen the roots before planting them in the soil. If you’re planting multiple, be sure to leave enough space between the plants to allow for proper growth.

Step 6. Add Supplementary Plants & Moss

Moss and ferns can be great supplementary plants for a begonia terrarium because they can add visual interest and contrast to the terrarium. They can also help to create a more humid, tropical environment for the begonia plant.

Mosses are small, low-growing plants that often have a velvety or spongy texture and come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and brown. They are relatively easy to care for and can be used to cover the soil in the terrarium or to create a soft, natural-looking ground cover

Ferns, on the other hand, are larger plants with delicate, feathery leaves and are often used as accent plants in terrariums. They thrive in humid environments and can add a touch of greenery to the terrarium. Just be sure to keep an eye on the moisture levels in the terrarium and water the ferns and mosses as needed to prevent them from drying out.

Step 7. Water The Terrarium

After planting the begonias, water the terrarium using a watering can or spray bottle. Be sure to water the plants thoroughly, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause the soil to become waterlogged.

Step 8. Add Springtails

Springtails can be a great addition to a begonia terrarium because they can help to maintain the health of the terrarium ecosystem. These small, insect-like creatures are harmless to plants and their primary role is to break down dead organic matter.

This helps to keep the terrarium clean and free of excess debris, which can help to prevent the build-up of mold (which is sure to destroy a terrarium). Springtails can also help to aerate the soil in the terrarium, which can be beneficial for the begonia plant.

Some also people find that the presence of springtails can be aesthetically pleasing, as they can add movement and life to the terrarium.

Step 9. Close The Lid

Once the begonias are planted and watered, close the lid. Place the terrarium in a bright, indirect light source: Begonias prefer bright, indirect light, so be sure to place the terrarium in a location that receives plenty of light. Avoid placing the terrarium in direct sunlight, as this can cause the plants to become overheated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, begonia terrariums are a great way to bring a touch of the outdoors inside and create the perfect environment for begonias to thrive. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create your own unique begonia terrarium that fits your personal style and complements your home.

Begonias come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the plants that best suit your preferences and create a beautiful, low-maintenance display. Additionally, supplementary plants like moss and ferns can add visual interest and help to create a more humid, tropical environment for the begonias.

With proper care and attention, your begonia terrarium can be a stunning addition to your home for years to come.