Terrariums: Those Little Miniature Worlds
This week, Sessile features Caroline, a florist and plant decorator at Ma Conciergerie Végétale in Boulogne-Billancourt. Caroline specializes in creating terrariums of all sizes and for all occasions. She tells us more!
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a microcosm enclosed in a glass container—a tiny, miniature plant world that aims to recreate an entire ecosystem, nothing less! When creating my terrariums, I draw a great deal of inspiration from nature, its climates, and its flora, to bring a touch of travel to your home décor.
I often decorate my terrariums with small decorative accessories and figurines to bring this world to life and let it tell a unique story!
I find my bouquet of flowers
How does it work?
Making a terrarium is no small task! I start by covering the bottom of the container with a drainage layer made of clay pellets or pozzolan. Only after this essential step do I add the soil.
Next, I can begin the decorating phase by adding sand and gravel. Only then do I finally add the plants and arrange them however my imagination leads me. To finish off my terrariums, I add natural elements like moss, lichen, or small twigs I’ve gathered on my walks. I don’t add any fertilizer, because by definition, this little world has to stay… little!
All the terrariums I offer are fully customizable: share your feelings with me, and I’ll create a terrarium that reflects who you are or evokes a moment in your life that’s especially dear to you. Little treasures found on the beach, figurines of fairy-tale characters… I can use just about anything as material!
And to put the finishing touches on your terrarium, I’ll add an engraving made in my workshop—which can be fully customized—and a few lighting elements to show off the plants even more.
What types of terrariums are there?
At Ma Conciergerie Végétale, I mainly offer three types of terrariums, each suited to a different climate.
The Tropical Terrarium
A tropical terrarium, as its name suggests, consists of small tropical plants. It is completely enclosed to replicate the climatic conditions of a jungle, so that condensation within this small ecosystem regularly hydrates the plants. It requires no additional care and survives solely on photosynthesis and condensation: in short, this little world is completely self-sufficient!
I mainly use ferns, because the sight of droplets beading on their leaves is a joy to behold. I often add maranta—also known as the “praying plant”—whose continuous growth and retractable leaves add a sense of movement.
The Temperate Terrarium
The temperate terrarium is semi-open, thanks to a small opening, so that the plants can get some fresh air. Unlike its tropical counterpart, this terrarium grows more slowly and requires a bit of maintenance, including regular pruning of your plants and a little watering.
This type of terrarium is perfect for flowering plants. I often use orchids to create this type of terrarium.
The Arid Terrarium
A dry terrarium is designed to recreate a water-scarce environment. It therefore naturally consists of succulents and small cacti, for which the ambient humidity is more than enough to meet their water needs.
To recreate climate conditions similar to those of an arid environment, I recommend placing your terrarium in a spot that gets plenty of sun and heat.
I hope I've been able to share a little of my boundless passion for plants with you, and I look forward to helping you create your own personalized terrariums!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
