3 days ago
Urban communities turning to terrariums for home decor
A terrarium is a combination of live plants and natural elements arranged in a glass container. There are two types of terrariums - closed and open.
17 Aug 2025 06:02pm
Amirul with the materials combined to create a terrarium, when he was met by Bernama at Southkey Johor Bahru recently. - Bernama photo
JOHOR BAHRU - The trend of decorating homes with terrariums, or miniature gardens in glass containers, is gaining popularity among urban communities, especially the younger generation, seeking a natural touch in their living spaces without the need for complicated care.
A terrarium is a combination of live plants and natural elements arranged in a glass container. There are two types of terrariums - closed and open. Amirul with the materials combined to create a terrarium, when he was met by Bernama at Southkey Johor Bahru recently. - Bernama photo
The former is suitable for tropical plants such as fittonia that thrive in high humidity, while the latter is better suited for cacti and succulents that require good ventilation.
"Terrarium care is actually very simple. For the closed type, it usually only needs to be watered once every two weeks and can be placed under regular lighting without UV rays,' said NaugJustPlants outlet supervisor Muhammad Amirul Rashid Abdul Razak, 27, when met here recently.
He explained that terrariums are becoming increasingly popular due to their soil-free concept, requiring only materials like sphagnum moss and LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) to retain moisture and prevent pests from attacking.
"Many people don't realise that soil isn't the only medium for plants. With sphagnum moss, plants can still get sufficient water,' he said, adding the arrangement of various components within a terrarium creates a stable and aesthetically pleasing mini ecosystem.
Muhammad Amirul Rashid said terrariums can cost up to RM8,000, depending on their size, design and the types of plants used.
"We hope to introduce terrariums more widely to the public. Many still think terrariums are only for small animals like fish or turtles, but in fact, they are also ideal habitats for plants,' he said.
For those interested in creating their own terrariums, workshops are now offered daily to the public, including sessions for children, families and corporate groups.
NaugJustPlants digital marketer Nurul Athirah Eddie, 24, said participants who join the workshops will be guided step by step on the process of creating and maintaining their own terrariums.
The fees for the workshop are based on the size and type of materials used, starting from as low as RM75 to RM380 for larger and more complex designs.
"The time it takes to make a terrarium also varies… from 30 minutes for smaller designs to up to three hours for larger ones, depending on the participant's skill level and creativity.
"We've even had children as young as four join the workshop with their parents. It becomes a fun family activity and an early introduction for children to plant care,' she said.
With their low cost, easy maintenance and high aesthetic value, terrariums have evolved beyond simple home décor into a symbol of the urban community's growing interest in sustainable living. - BERNAMA
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