Plants and Coffee // Let's make a coffee pot Terrarium!
When I think Plants and Coffee, I'm instantly reminded of my grandmother. She was one classy lady and she loved her houseplants and roses almost as much as her afternoon coffee. My grandmother always prescribed a robust cup of coffee for any ailment (kinda like Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding)! As a ritual, before cooking dinner my mom and grandmother would sit together and drink their afternoon coffee. It was with them that I had my first taste of coffee...I was only 3 years old! They indulged me that one time, (but really, they didn't know what hit them, it was a sneak attack and they didn't realize I had gulped down a whole cup until it was too late - mwahahaha) after that it was back to milk with a splash of coffee or cafecito con leche.
If my grandmother kept her coffee close, she kept her plants even closer...like really close...like in the living room trailing up one wall and wrapped around the perimeter of the ceiling (what can I say, it was the 80's). It was was important to keep the devil's vine (Epipremnum aureum) happy so it could continue taking over the house, and I have no idea where we got this idea but we used left over coffee grinds as plant fertilizer . Does this scientifically work? I have no idea. But I suppose the proof is in the pudding, and that plant grew unencumbered for years and years.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I received the latest newsletter from one of my favorite greenery advocates, the peeps over at Urban Jungle Bloggers proposed a Plant and Coffee challenge. Having fond memories of these two items, I decided to make this mini coffee pot terrarium as an tribute to my grandmother. Why an air plant terrarium, you ask? Well, because it's about as difficult to kill as devil's vine (hence the name) but without having it grow all over the place :)
Coffee Pot Terrarium Supplies:
Mini air plants ( I used Ionantha Fuego and a green Tillandsia)
Reindeer Moss in green and orange (brightly colored moss works best)
River rocks (you could also use aquarium rocks)
Aqua quartz crystal, and raw Selenite (commonly called Desert Rose crystal for its rose like appearance (you could also use gemstones, shells, or mini figurines - it's up to you)!
Note: Terrain carries a nice supply of decorative terrarium supplies.
If you love this coffee pot terrarium project then consider pre-ordering my new book, Creative Terrariums. I’ll show you step-by-step instructions on how to create unique mini gardens and terrariums for your home. The book features 30+ modern projects for the maker and indoor gardener in you! Plus, helpful advice and plant information.
Coffee Pot Terrarium Instructions:
Step 1:
Preparing the terrarium. Before you begin, wash your coffee pot with warm soapy water, and set aside to dry. Rinse river pebbles in warm water and let air dry. It’s important our air plants start off in an environment free of any harmful chemicals that could have come in contact with our materials. While everything dries, gather your plants and materials.
Step 2:
Foundation layer. Pour white sand into the coffee pot (about 1-inch deep).
Step 3:
Top dressing. Scatter some river rocks over the sand (I piled them on heavier in the back for added height).
Step 4:
Plants. Position plants inside the terrarium. I wanted my plants to have the best view so I placed them both near the front of the display. If you have more than two air plants you can place them all along the inside of the terrarium for a 360 view.
Step 5:
Decorations. Place the desert rose crystal between both air plants, and scatter small bits of green and orange reindeer moss behind your air plants. Lastly, place a large Aqua quartz crystal in the terrarium closest to the back. You can always add extra bits of moss between rocks and plants once the terrarium is complete.
Serve with a cup of coffee and a splash of milk ;)
Finally, I'm happy to report that the coffee did not stunt my growth nor that of our house plants.
A huge shout out to Urban Jungle Bloggers for the inspiration!
Air Plant care:
In general it's recommended misting these plants every few days, preferably in the morning. You could also fill a bowl with water and soak them for 20 minutes, once a week. Remove them from their bath, give them a quick shake to dislodge and water from between their leaves, and let them air dry before placing them back in the terrarium (1 to 2 hours). Air plants happiest in a nice bright room away from hot windows and direct sunlight.
Thanks to the folks at succulence for assisting for allowing me to go crazy in their store (I was very plant happy). If you are in the bay area you will love this place!
Love, Enid