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TERRARIUM CARE
Caring for your terrarium is easy. Place your terrarium within 10 feet of a window, remaining cautious of placing directly in south-facing windows. Never expose your terrarium to direct sunlight. Check every couple of weeks to see if your terrarium needs water, feeling the soil to check the moisture level. If so, add water. If there is a high level of condensation or too much water, leave the top off until it has had a chance to dry out. Pull off any leaves that show signs of yellowing or damage and prune plants if they grow too large. Do not fertilize your terrarium as growth is not encouraged.
CARNIVOROUS PLANT CARE
Venus flytraps require a lot of light. They should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day with 6 to 8 hours being ideal. It is best to grow your Venus flytrap plant outside where it can get plenty of sun and catch its own food. That being said, it isn’t necessary to feed a Venus flytrap anything other than sunlight and water. If you do choose to feed it, feed it only insects and at most only a few insects a month. Feeding a Venus flytrap or growing it somewhere that it can catch its own food, can help it grow much more quickly.
Venus flytraps need clean water. Most tap water will not be suitable for watering them due to the high mineral content. It is best to use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Their soil should be kept damp at all times. They prefer to have soil that is not soaking wet constantly. However, the soil must never be allowed to dry out. Many growers set the Venus flytrap’s pot in a tray of water for 30 to 45 minutes and allow the soil to soak up as much water as it can hold. When watering a Venus flytrap, ensure that the soil is thoroughly and evenly soaked all the way through. Then allow the soil to dry to the point where it is barely damp before watering again.
If your Venus flytrap needs to be repotted, for Venus flytrap soil you should use a combination of peat moss and perlite. Many growers use a 50:50 mix of peat moss and perlite or peat moss. Pure peat or sphagnum moss work well also.
FAIRY GARDEN PLANT CARE
Fairy gardens do best planted in a typical potting mix that can be found at any garden center. If you decide to make your own, use 50% potting soil with 50% perlite. Fill your container about one inch from the top. A light application of a time-release fertilizer is recommended. Keep your fairy garden well watered. Adjust watering according to the climate and location of your garden. Make sure to bring your gardens indoors if there is a possibility of frost or during extreme heat. Trim plants when necessary. You can pinch or snip off larger foliage. Don't forget to remove any spent blooms.
DISH GARDEN
CARE
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A Dish Garden is a collection of live plants grown in a single container. With proper care, plants in the container will eventually grow large, allowing for a transplant into their own separate container. In time, a small indoor garden can grow into a collection of beautiful household tropical plants.
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Indoor garden plants do well in diffused light with moderately moist soil, with average home temperatures between 55 - 80°F (13 - 27°C). Be careful not to overwater the plants - the containers do not allow for drainage. When in doubt, determine the need by simply feeling the soil; cool and moist soil indicates a proper amount of water. The rate of growth is also dependent upon the amount of light received; the less light received, the slower the rate of growth. However, be careful not to place the indoor garden in direct sunlight.
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For healthier growth, a balanced fertilizer can be added to the soil on a monthly basis, (see fertilizer package instructions for appropriate
mixing ratios). With proper fertilizing, the plants will remain lush and green. Tip: yellowing leaves are an indication of either a lack of nutrients
or inappropriate watering (too much or not enough).
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Hydration: Check the soil of your dish garden daily. If the soil is dry below the surface, the garden should be lightly watered. Keep in mind that plants generally require less frequent watering during the winter months. Plants that are in pots which are porous or have drainage holes require more frequent watering than plants that are in pots without adequate drainage. Do not overwater. This can lead to root rot which will destroy the plant. Again, feel the soil regularly. Most plants like the soil to be evenly moist, but not soggy. It's also a good idea to rotate your plant's ¼ turn when watering to assure even growth. Grouping plants can help them to retain moisture when you are away for a few days. Plants that thrive in high moisture conditions can benefit from regular misting, a humidifier or occasional placement near the shower.
Plant Placement: Most plants require at least medium to bright light. Avoid drafty locations. Keep the plants away from doors and open windows during the cooler months. Keep plants away from air conditioning and heat ducts.
Fertilizer/Food: Plants require some, but very little fertilizer and any choice in plant food will keep your plants healthy. Generally, you should cut back on fertilizer/food during the plants' dormant period, which is usually during the winter months.
Pests: Keep an eye out for infestations. Many pests are very tiny, so look for damaged leaves, fine white webs, spotting or anything out of the ordinary. Pesticides are available at most garden centers. A quick solution is to wash the leaves with warm, soapy water and rinse.