apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

the latest issue of blueprint has a whole segment on something similar...

Dear AT,

These are beautiful, a wee bit pricey though.

I could create a more exquisite minimal terrarium with a seamless glass cube containing a "hill" of mounded moss, miniature ferns and acorns...

My problem... I cannot find a seamless glass cube. The only aquariums and terrariums I have found have unsightly silicone used to adhere the sides. I have looked all over the web for a seamless cube aquarium, terrarium or even an oversized vase.

If anyone has any suggestions on where I can find a seamless glass cube, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you!!
Jeff

p.s. If anyone wants to create a terrarium make certain to put thin layer of fine charcoal below the soil to absorb bacteria.

Jeff,
Couldn't you buy any glass jar that you like and use it as a terrarium? I was under the impression you didn't need a "special" product made soley for that use. If that is the case, your focus should move towards the tabletop and accessories stores.

Let me know if my assumptions are incorrect.

I have the intent of making a little terrarium for my apartment - and plan to use a glass vase from Pottery Barn.

Hi Alex!

I have used big cylindrical vases for terrariums and really liked them, but a friend showed me a Japanese artist's terrarium that was in the shape of a cube (I don’t remember if it was put together with silicone or seamless) and ever since I've been obsessed with the cube shape.

If you would like a top to your terrarium (which makes it maintenance free as it creates and enclosed system), may I suggest looking at the container store or online for large modern glass containers (i.e., jars meant for cookies, flour, etc.). Now that I think about it, maybe I’ll find a square container at the container store or some other place online?

If you have any suggestions on a seamless cube I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!!

I created a terrarium a couple years ago out of one of those octagon glass jars with the little brass spigot at the bottom. It took to long to pour a cocktail from the damn thing. Works great as a terrarium.

Here's a hint that someone gave me long ago. Eventually the charcoal breaks down, so if the plants look a bit tiresome, blow cigarette smoke into the vessel. Strange, but it really works.

what kind of plants work well?

Dear Meghan,

I used regular ferns and moss. Then, trim the ferns when they became too large.

Another good place to find terrarium plants are websites / nurseries that specialize and sell minature plants (even african violets). It's been a long time since I've had a terrarium, but I am certain that (God forgive me for saying this name of this website) Martha Stewart has sources on her website for miniatures. Go to her website (I just threw up a little in my mouth) and search "terrarium" and she has links to nurseries that specialize in minature species.

http://www.violetbarn.com/miniature_houseplants.htm

more than just african violets.

Jeff - how big do you want your cube terrarium to be? I've seen some pretty big, square glass vases at Michael's (craft store) that would work, if you had a piece of glass cut for the top. But if you are wanting aquarium size, these vases wouldn't be much help! (Unless you compromised and did a grouping of them.)

I'd love to do a terrarium, but I'm such a houseplant addict already, that I honestly can't think where I'd put such a thing at this point!

Somebody needs to start a group of Gardeners Anonymous.

i make terrariums too! i made a pretty one with a slipper orchid. stop by if you would like to see it design?dna. you will find it under "a little do it yourself"

Dear Jeff,
A seamles cube of glss can be found in a masonry store or maybe Home Depot. The glass buidling brick used in building cnstruction would be perfect. A man where I work was selling the with a drilled hole in it with a Christmas decoration display. If You could drill whole in the cube, you could plant things in there. Maybe cork it to reseal it.
Best of luck,
April