Giant Plant Terrarium "Bobbin"

The plant terrarium is self-sufficient. The only thing it requires is light, though not direct summer sunlight. Through photosynthesis, the plants in their own little world produce the substances they need—glucose and oxygen. The water added during the planting process is absorbed by the plants as needed, while any excess evaporates through the leaves under the influence of warmth and light. In the form of condensation, the water collects on the container’s walls, trickling back into the soil, and the cycle begins anew.

The terrariums I create, collectively called "My Own World," each have their own story. Alongside plants, forest stream stones, and pieces of wood, every terrarium contains a small historical note. It’s no secret that in my free time, I go hiking to long-forgotten places. From each trip, I bring home a memento of bygone times found along the way, and in the terrariums, these objects begin a new life, once again taking center stage. In the "Spolīte" terrarium, nestled in the sand, lies a wooden spool with very fine wire winding, discovered in the abandoned kolkhoz workshops near Stende.

The "My Own World" terrariums use houseplants compliant with EU phytosanitary requirements, complete with plant passports, as well as mosses grown in Latvia’s natural environment, stones retrieved from streams, and wood found in forests. Therefore, in addition to plants, other inhabitants such as small insects, snails, algae, and fungi may also thrive in this little world. They will all coexist harmoniously, regulating their relationships within their own ecosystem. Before being offered for sale, each terrarium is monitored for at least two months. The terrarium set includes a felt bag crafted by designer Evita Ūdre and an instruction manual with plant passports.

The terrarium container must remain tightly sealed at all times. The terrarium does not need watering. During daylight hours, the walls of the terrarium will develop condensation, indicating that the plants are thriving. Place the terrarium in a bright spot in the room, no more than two meters from a window. If the terrarium is too dark, the walls will not form condensation, which could lead to the plants’ demise. The terrarium can be placed directly by a window if it faces north. During the darker months from mid-October to mid-February, the terrarium can be exposed to direct sunlight, but from mid-February to mid-October, direct sunlight will overheat it, potentially causing the plants to perish and leading to increased molding or rotting of dead plant parts. Terrariums tolerate the heating season well, even when placed on a windowsill above radiators. Every six months, the terrarium can be opened to carefully wipe the inside of the container walls with a cloth, trim the plants if necessary, and remove any dead plant parts. Afterward, the container must be tightly sealed again.

Terrarium "Bobbin": Manufacturing date: 31.10.2024. Terrarium plants: peperomia, fittonia, mosses. Terrarium dimensions: height 28 cm, diameter 26 cm, weight 2.4 kg. Closure: glass dome.