Eco-accessory florarium: how to create it at home

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

It is difficult for fragile and defenseless plants to live in average Russian apartments: most of the green pets do not live in them for a couple of months. Dry air (which also does not work in the best way on our skin, sleep and general well-being), drafts, temperature drops are their main enemies. Fortunately, the design idea does not stand still: if the plant is bad in the artificial habitat of a city apartment, why shouldn't it be allowed to create the most favorable conditions for itself? This is how florariums appeared - skillful living floristic compositions in glass spheres, in which plants create their own microclimate in an almost closed ecosystem, which allows them to significantly extend their life span (up to several years). Thanks to such durability, with florariums, plants become a full-fledged designer accessory, and not a fleeting accent in the interior.

Together with Marat Khudyaev, an expert at the MiniNature florarium studio, we decided to tell you about the history of this beautiful accessory, as well as how to make it yourself.

A bit of history

Everything new is well forgotten old. Florariums appeared in the 19th century among the English aristocracy, along with the spread of fashion for greenhouses and winter gardens. The pioneer of florariums was the English amateur botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, who accidentally noticed that the ferns in his house stop withering even in the "bad" London climate, if they are placed in a small glass greenhouse.

Florist designers create a florarium from glass vessels of various shapes and sizes.

We create a florarium ourselves

Florist designers create a florarium from glass vessels of various shapes and sizes. In principle, even unusual glass jars and bottles, which can be purchased at the store, can work. At the same time, it is important to choose the right drainage, soil, and carefully examine the plants before planting. “By improperly preparing the substrate or not treating the plants before placing them in the florarium, you can introduce infections or even pests into a closed ecosystem,” notes Marat Khudyaev. “They will significantly shorten the life of the florarium, namely in extending the life of the plant, in addition to the aesthetic side, and is the main function of the florarium.

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Having chosen the shape of the bowl you like, first of all, fill the bottom with a layer of drainage, which will act as an antiseptic, and on top - a layer of soil sufficient for the development of the root system of the plant for a year in advance. Plant your favorite plants in the prepared soil. In the glass sphere, rare decorative deciduous plants, mosses, succulents (cacti, echeveria, rejuvenated, crassula, sedum, etc.), home flowers and even bonsai for lovers of oriental aesthetics will feel equally good. Although, of course, everyone has their own preferences, so if you want to create a composition of several plants, it is better to first consult with a professional, or at least look in the specialized literature for the plant's moisture requirements.

It is not recommended to mix several types of plants, since it is often difficult for “neighbors” to get along in a bowl of florarium.

The main rules for creating florariums

“The creation of florariums offers an endless space for creativity. But if you want your favorite plants to please you for a long time, it is important to know a few rules, - comments the head of MiniNature Marat Khudyaev. - Ferns thrive in a completely enclosed area, in which a microclimate is formed with a humidity level of about 100%. But such conditions will not work for succulents. The most whimsical are orchids, it is important not only to place them correctly in the florarium, but also to ensure sufficient air circulation. It is not recommended to mix several types of plants, since it is often difficult for “neighbors” to get along in a bowl of florarium. Also remember that the florarium significantly increases the humidity, and if you previously watered the plant once every 2-3 days, then in the closed ecosystem of the florarium, one watering every 1-2 weeks will be enough.

Stones, colored sand, shells or moss can be used as decorative elements laid in the florarium at the very end. With their help, you can create an interesting design metaphor for your favorite place, be it an exotic beach, an oasis or just a forest edge.

There is another important argument in favor of florariums. The very process of creating them is a creative activity that can unite the whole family. According to psychologists, caring for plants, like pets, fills the household with a sense of responsibility, it is especially useful for lonely people and children. By the way, recently the first creative workshops appeared in Moscow, where you can create florariums with the whole family or with children.