A Terrifying Terrarium!

Create some great last minute Halloween decor with this spooky crib for air plants.

Forgo the standard pot of mums this fall and create an air plant terrarium with a spook factor just in time for Halloween.

Forgo the standard pot of mums this fall and create an air plant terrarium with a spook factor just in time for Halloween.

It's not too late to decorate for Halloween. This modern terrarium can be completed in under a half hour once you have all of the supplies.

How to do it

Choose your air plant:

There are many hundreds of species of tillandsia or air plant, a member of the Bromeliaceae family. Popular choices include:  T. ionanthaT. xerographicaT. caput-medusae and T. circinnata. I am using T. stricta, which flowers regularly. You can find air plants at your local nursery or online.

Choose a vessel: 

Like their name, air plants need air to grow. Good circulation is a must. Select a container with ample room and an opening. I am using a hanging glass globe.

Choose your substrate: 

Select small pebbles, sand or moss for the base of your terrarium. Shy away from soil. It tends to hold too much moisture.

Assemble your terrarium:

A simple rule of thumb is one third base material of sand, pebbles or moss, one third plant material and one third negative space to allow for air circulation.

Spoon in your base material, create a dynamic terrarium by mixing several materials such as pebbles and moss or colored sand.

Lay your air plant on top of the base.

Add a spooky spider or scary skull.

How to keep your air plant healthy

Light:  Air plants will thrive in almost any light condition with the exception of direct sun.

Water: Soak them in a bowl of water for an hour a week, give them a shake and they are good to go. The plant should dry out completely between waterings.

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