A dive into the history of the mini-ecosystem

You probably haven't missed it, terrariums with plants are a big trend in interior design. But did you know that this phenomenon is centuries old? As early as the nineteenth century, the mini-ecosystem grew into a hip home accessory. A dive into history.

Accidental discovery

The predecessor of the terrarium as we know it today is the 'Wardian case'. A small greenhouse made of glass and wood, named after the London physician and amateur botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. In 1829 he accidentally discovered that various plant species - including ferns - can keep themselves alive in a small, sealed glass box. The moisture that is lost through the leaves precipitates as condensation and is reabsorbed by the roots.

Tropical plants

The handy size made it easy for people to transport the Wardian case on seagoing vessels. Naturalists, including Ward, used this invention during their voyages of discovery. This allowed them to expand their plant collections and bring all kinds of tropical species to Europe. Houseplants that still grace our living rooms and gardens today! Fun fact: the Wardian Case eventually gave rise to international greenhouse horticulture.

Showpiece in the house

In addition to their functionality, terrariums also had a decorative function. They became popular home accessories in the nineteenth century. Many wealthy families in Western Europe and America had a terrarium in their homes. These miniature greenhouses sometimes looked like small glass palaces. The trend also caused a real fern and orchid hype! These exotic plants really came into their own in the beautiful terrariums.

Green in glass

Mini gardens behind glass are back in fashion today, and how: terrariums come in all shapes and sizes. From our Erlenmeyer , which with its characteristic shape is reminiscent of laboratory glassware, to the Biodome , a dome-shaped terrarium. Or what do you think of our Ecolight XL with an LED light on top, which provides a unique effect? ​​Provided with moss, supplemented with all kinds of tropical plants, a complete world is created behind glass.

Self-sufficient

A plant terrarium looks great in your interior. Unique is that the plants in such a mini-ecosystem are self-sufficient. When a leaf withers, it is converted back into food and so it continues. The only thing you have to pay attention to is that you do not put the terrarium in full sun, but that the plants still get a lot of light. Minimal care and a very beautiful accessory in your interior. Thanks to the ingenious invention of Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward!