What if your next plant project wasn’t just a container of soil and greenery—but a living, breathing world? In this Best of Growing Joy episode, we revisit a wonderful conversation I had a couple years back with terrarium expert Patricia from Doodle Bird Terrariums to explore the captivating art of creating terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums—miniature ecosystems that blend plants, animals, water, and even mist into magical displays. Because let's be real, in times like these, we need a little more whimsy in our lives. So get ready to get inspired to build your own thriving little universe, no matter your experience level.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:47] The magic of terrariums
• [05:22] How Patricia became the plant lady she is today
• [06:33] Why Patricia loves terrariums
• [07:03] How terrariums can have restorative effects on people
• [09:02] What are the differences among terrariums, vivariums, and paladariums?
• [11:56] What are the benefits of growing plants in terrariums?
• [12:32] What are common terrarium problems and how do you solve them?
• [14:36] How do you put isopods in your terrarium?
• [15:55] Maria’s first terrarium story
• [17:45] How different is it to set up a terrarium, a vivarium, and a paladarium?
• [18:39] What materials do you need for a basic terrarium?
• [20:30] Open terrariums vs closed terrariums
• [21:45] Where can you source terrarium containers?
• [23:25] Which plants are NOT recommended for terrariums?
• [25:56] Can you use beneficial insects in an open terrarium?
• [27:19] How much soil is needed in terrariums?
• [31:22] How to plant up a terrarium
• [32:21] Patricia’s recommended drainage layer setup
• [34:06] How do you water a terrarium? What water should you use for terrariums?
• [36:21] How often should you open a closed terrarium?
• [37:23] Patricia’s most recommended plants for terrariums
• [39:38] How do you set up a vivarium?
• [42:03] Can you use driftwood in a vivarium?
• [42:58] The best starter pets to put in a vivarium
• [45:05] Bigger plants to use in a vivarium
• [46:42] How to feed your vivarium animals
• [48:19] Where to get tiny and cute terrarium figurines
• [49:18] What is the biggest must-know when installing paladariums?
• [51:16] Do you clean the water in paladariums? Do you change it?
• [52:47] The most common terrarium care mistakes and questions
• [57:26] Where to find Patricia online
• [59:26] Maria and Billy’s terrarium plans!
• [01:00:08] Thank you so much for the pre-orders, plant friends!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 19: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterra
• A Family Guide to Terrariums by Patricia Buzo

Ever thought about making your own tiny ecosystem?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to create your own unique terrarium world!

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