Malaysian terrarium artist gives us a peek into the world of miniature gardens

Terrariums are self-sustaining ecosystems that also act as mini greenhouses. Photos: The Star/Low Lay Phon

They are often called mini greenhouses or miniature gardens, and attract a fair share of fascination for their unique aesthetics.

However, the modern day terrarium as we know it was actually first created by accident, thanks to heavy pollution back in the 1800s in London.

Medical doctor and amateur horticulturist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, from the Whitechapel neighbourhood in the East End, had wanted to grow ferns but failed due to the thick smoke, ash and other toxic byproducts from local industries enveloping the area.

Then one day, in 1829, he found that a small fern spore had sprouted inside a bottle he was using to hatch an insect chrysalis. He realised that tightly sealed glass cases, soon to be known as the Wardian case, could be used to control humidity and air quality, both which were great for ferns.

His discovery was later publicised in his 1842 book Of the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases. The display of his cases at the 1851 “Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations” further spread this knowledge.

The tourmaline terrarium is a shape most popular with customers, says Yu.

Soon, the Wardian case was popular not just with gardeners but crucial in sending live plants, flowers and fruits back to Britain from all over the world.

Today, the Wardian case is what is known as a closed terrarium, which uses the process of condensation and evaporation to maintain humidity within it.

Lately, interest in terrariums has been on the rise, largely due to social media.

Also read: Why Malaysian millennials are obsessed with indoor plants

“The trend is spreading now, especially among the younger generation. People want a hobby that’s relaxing and that is what terrariums can provide, ” said Yu Xi Yu, 25, a terrarium artist at Terrarium World in Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

“I believe terrariums will be even more popular in the future because living spaces are getting smaller and you will need something that can grow indoors, ” said Yu, who studied forestry and insects in Taiwan’s National Ilan University.

Yu said his boss actually started making terrariums way back in 1989, but at that time, not many people were familiar or receptive to them yet.

There are basically two general types of terrariums – closed and open. The word ‘terrarium’ comes from the word “terra”, which means land.

At Yu’s workplace, which also holds terrarium workshops, there is also a vivarium which houses a flying gecko along with a variety of plants. A paludarium, or half water half land design, is also in the works.

A terrarium can only contain indoor plants, which do not need ample sunlight. The most common types of indoor plants used are fittonias, pileas and syngoniums.

Yu usually works with around 20 different species in order to create the best outcomes for his creations.

In fact, most of them look so good that one common misconception people have about terrariums is that they think what’s inside is fake.

“Many people also think terrariums only last one year or less. But that’s because some information they find online is not accurate.

Yu says terrariums work as small greenhouses and are suitable for plants that thrive in high humidity.

“Most people also think ceiling light is enough but it’s very important to put a white light above the terrarium, eight to 10 hours a day, for the plants to grow nicely. If you use natural sunlight, which will usually come from one side, the plants will grow towards that direction,” explained Yu, adding that direct outdoor sunlight is too strong for terrariums.

The wattage required for terrariums depends on the size of the terrarium as well as the type of light source (diffusing or non-diffusing), with LED light bulbs recommended.

The temperature inside a terrarium is warm, ranging between 28-32 degrees Celsius, Yu explained.

“Terrariums also work as a small greenhouse and are suitable for plants that thrive in high humidity.

“It’s also low maintenance and you can place it in the house or office. You don’t really need to water it and only need to open it every three to six months to trim the plants.”Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, evident as we walked around to see the different designs.

The most popular ones are the tourmaline terrariums, while other shapes include the pentagon, topaz, triangle and hexagon, although you can make a closed terrarium with any container or jar as long as there is a lid.

The price of the terrariums starts from RM29.90 and can go up to RM9,000.

The suitable soil used in terrariums is peat moss or aqua soil, which are pebble-like and made from Amazon black soil.

Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes.

“You cannot use compost soil, which may have fungus in it. When the plant has not adapted to its environment (which usually takes one month), the fungus may grow stronger and kill the live plants and moss, ” he said, adding that fungal spores may be hidden in the soil, roots of the plants or under the moss.

“So what you need to do is to open it to allow airflow and change the plant or moss affected by the fungus. Once the live plants in the terrarium have stabilised, the fungus is not harmful to the plants and won’t spread. You just need to remove the fungus itself.”

Terrarium World will hold a terrarium workshop tomorrow, July 18, from 2pm-4pm, and Sunday, July 19, from 10am-12pm. Click here for details.