A Garden Inside a Ball - Christmas Time

How to create a garden inside a plastic trasparent Christmas tree ball

Step 1: What You Need

what you need:
- soil
- a small plant  of slow growth (fittonia, Adiantum capillus-veneris etc.)
- moss
- an electric screwdriver
- a plastic trasparent Christmas tree ball (15 cm ø)
- newspapers
- expanded clay
- a CD-Rom or something similar
- transparent adhesive tape

Step 2: Drill the Hemispheres

drill the hemispheres with the electric screwdriver (slow speed)

Step 3: The Paper

crumple paper

Step 4: Fill It

Fill half the hemisfphere with the paper

Step 5: Insert Cd

insert a CD into the empty space

Step 6: Soil

Fill partially with soil

Step 7: Expanded Clay

and partially with expanded clay - remove the cd

Step 8: Space for Plant!

create a space for a plant

Step 9: Compact the Soil

compact the soil

Step 10: Remove the Paper

remove the paper

Step 11: Clean

clean the parts to be jointed

Step 12: Add Moss

add moss

Step 13: Add Plant

add plant

Step 14: Join the Hemispheres

join the hemispheres

Step 15: Tap the Ball to Compact the Soil

tap the ball to compact the soil

Step 16: Scotch Tape

Apply a transparent piece of tape under the base

Step 17: Water

Water the inside

Step 18: The Final Result

the final result

original post on Florablog

Step 19: A Garden Inside a Ball - One Year Later

Comments

[bing2garcia]

There is really no need to place a hole in the hemispheres prior to making the terrarium. Terrariums are self-contained environments. If the soil was watered prior to the terrarium's sealing, the plant will produce its own moisture and carbon dioxide to sustain itself. The holes in the container will prevent your terrarium from being self-supporting and will require the owner to constantly water it especially during the dry days.

[Everfalling]

isn't there the risk that the plant grows beyond the capacity of the ball?

[sgsidekick]

That's probably why it says to pick a SMALL plant of SLOW GROWTH...so it doesn't outgrow the sphere for a long time.  Given enough time, most plants (not all), will eventually outgrow their containers.

[Optimus]

like a small cactus...?

[florablog]

is an excellent alternative like a small cactus (or another succulent plants): replace soil with sand and no high umidity.

[ArcticChill]

 Perfect for bonsai trees, they most never grow past how you get them.

[Bad Maxx]

Hmmm,
I'm seriously wondering what kind of Bonsai you are used to? My Bonsai with one exception (I have 7 most of which I have had for 10+ years) would out grow that ball in short order. I have to trim both foliage and roots *constantly to maintain the bonsai effect. That said it wouldn't be any more work to do one in the ball!
The one exception is my South American Fig, it is one extremely slow grower!!

*by constantly I am not being literal. Some need much more than others but on average at least once a month I'm hacking one end or the other. (average, as in sometimes I do three in a two week stretch and may go 3 month with out doing any)

[de_llamaman]

The Bonsai Ball. catchy :P

[AngryRedhead]

Cacti need fast draining soil, and when watered, they need to be flooded and then left without water until the soil is completely dry.  Also a lot of cacti don't do particularly well indoors, and they're somewhat sensitive to humidity and rot easily.  You'll be fooling with that ball constantly with the water regime that cacti need, and considering how un-fun it is to mess with most cacti, you won't be all that happy.  You could *maybe* use aloes and some other succulents (e.g., graptopetalum) that are more tolerant of water on their roots and humidity, but their growth habit probably won't be very attractive due to indoor light.  Best to stick the classic terrarium plants and just figure it won't be a forever-type situation just like with any terrarium.

[florablog]

yes 're right, sooner or later will happen, like a small pot for a so much growth plant

[eulaliaaaa!]

That is AWESOME!

[moc123]

how long have they lasted so far?

[xinematik]

This is great, i think that i'm gonna do a few ones to hang in the wall line :D

[kira kappuke-ki]

thats so cool. i love it!

[Crepes]

This is a great idea. Good use of recycling products. A lot of light can reach the roots, very smart. I think I will start vegetables in early spring inside the ball then transplant them. Thank you for the idea!

[porcupinemamma]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! :0)

[pyra_builder_1337]

thisgave me the great idea of and air plant in a ball

[k1717]

im not much of a p[lant person but i have to say that really cool

[Caffeinomane]

That is an awesome idea! Thank you for sharing it.

Veramente un'ottima idea :)

[florablog]

grazie mille! ;-)