Venus Flytrap/Air Plant Illuminated Terrarium

when I seen this contest I knew I had to implement my Venus Flytraps (VFT), which I grow.

I mostly used all scrap material I had on hand. also made my own wood stain using navy blue fabric dye. I love creating different wood stains. Im going to build this in 3 sections. The bottom box which will consist of the LED lighting. The middle section that will be made up of 1"x1"x12" slats. Then the top box will contain the sand, Air Plants and the Venus flytraps. The 12"x12" glass top I purchased for $6 from a local glass place. The VFT I actually grow myself. You can purchase them and Air Plants through Amazon or Ebay. Hope you enjoy and find it informative this Instructable I am creating.

MATERIALS

lumber

1x6x8

4' x 2' plywood

2x4 - I used a scrap piece that was at least 12 inches long

other materials needed

12" x 12" tempered glass panel

hot glue gun

Venus flytrap and air plants

stain

polyurethane

felt pads

led light

sand

CUT LIST

bottom box

2 - 4" x 12"

2- 4" x 10.5"

1 - 12" x 12 " plywood

slats for middle section

16 - 1" x 1" x 12" slats

top box

2 - 3" x 12"

2 - 3" x10.5"

1 -12" x 12" plywood

4 - 2" x 2" x 3" high

Supplies

materials

lumber

1x6x8

4' x 2' plywood

2x4 - I used a scrap piece that was at least 12 inches long

other materials needed

12" x 12" tempered glass panel

hot glue gun

Venus flytrap and air plants

stain

polyurethane

felt pads

led light

sand

cut list

bottom box

2 - 4" x 12"

2- 4" x 10.5"

1 - 12" x 12 " plywood

slats for middle section

16 - 1" x 1" x 12" slats

top box

2 - 3" x 12"

2 - 3" x10.5"

1 -12" x 12" plywood

4 - 2" x 2" x 3" high

Step 1: Making Bottom Box - Cutting Wood Pieces, Staining Them, and Assembling Them

Cutting the boards to make the bottom box. The bottom box will be the base and will house the LED light and will hide any wires. The bottom box is made up of the following.

2 - 4" x 12"

2- 4" x 10.5"

1 - 12" x 12 " plywood

I like to experiment and make my own wood stains. This time I used RIT navy blue fabric dye mixed with a little water. I really like how the dye brings out the grains in the wood. Once I applied it to wood I let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wiped off any remaining stain with a rag.

When assembling the box I use brad nails attach pieces together.

Step 2: Making Middle Slat Section - Cutting Slats, Staining, Then Assembling Them

The middle section is made up of 16 slats. Each slat is 1" x 1" x 12". After cutting them using the table saw, its onto staining them.

Once the stain has dried then I start attaching them to the bottom section using brad nails. Stacking slats on top of one another till all 16 slats are used to make 8 levels.

Step 3: Making Top Box - Cutting Pieces, Staining, Then Assembling

The top box will contain the sand, air plants and VFT. The pieces needed to be cut for this are:

2 - 3" x 12" - sides
2 - 3" x 10.5" - front/back

1 -12" x 12" plywood - bottom

4 - 2" x 2" x 3" high - glass top supports

The four 2" x 2" x 3" pieces will be attached to each of the four corners. The glass top will sit on top of these. Once I have the top box finished. I will wait to attach it to the top level of slats. That way I have more room to complete the next step.

Step 4: Cut Hole in Top of Bottom Section for LED, Put on All Parts.

So I now will cut a hole in the top of the bottom section. Hole must be big enough for LED light to fit though. The LED will be attached to a USB plug . Next I will apply the 1st coat of polyurethane to all pieces. After that dries I will lightly sand it then apply the 2nd coat.

Step 5: Attaching Top Box to Slat Section. Then Add Hot Glue

I am about ready to attach the top box to the slats using brad nails.After thats attached I will take my hot glue gun and put down a bead around the perimeter of the floor. Just to make sure that when I add sand to the top section. That no sand is able to leak out.

Step 6: Adding Felt Tabs, Sand, Plants, VFT and Glass Top

The last step will consist of placing felt tabs to each of the 4 posts. I placed a plastic container in the middle and surrounded it with sand. Add Air plants all around plastic container.

Fill container with distilled water. Lastly add the Venus flytraps pots to the container of water. Then place glass top on top of the felt tabs.

All you need to do now is place your Instructable in a sunny place for the VFT .

Step 7: Finished

Hope you like and find this instructable helpful. If you have any questions about building this or how to take care of Venus Flytraps. Dont hesitate to ask. Also please vote for this Instructable in the contest.

Enjoy and thanks

Comments

[Ottzen]

This is really great inspiration, thanks for sharing.

Have you tried with a glass bowl or alike for the container?
And maybe some black felt?

I wonder if it would add an extra touch of aesthetics, when light hits the water and bowl.

[bonz1121]

i never thought of using a glass container for the VFT to be potted in. I've raised VFT for the last 5 years and have always used plastic vented pots to put them in. Then having their pots is another container filled with distilled water.
I am currently making another sort of terrarium for VFT. think I might try your suggestions. when i have finished it i will post pics. I will be making it an instructable as well.bthanks for the input.

[Ottzen]

Thanks man, I'm following for future projects ☺️

Btw: I love how you comment in the pictures themselves, a super nice touch

[bonz1121]

well thank you very much for the kind words.

[kfrenchlmt]

What contest is this piece entered in? I couldn't find it to vote.

[bonz1121]

it is in the planter contest. thanks