7 Simple Steps to Grow Plants in Glass Containers- Easy Guide

Growing plants in glass containers is a fun way to grow and display your plants.

It’s also a great way to have plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables growing on your windowsill with little effort or space.

Many people use these glass container gardens to save room in the house or out of necessity because they are renting an apartment with a small patio.

In this blog we will show you how you can grow plants in a glass container in just 7 simple steps!

Two empty glass jars of different sizes

1.Collect and clean used glass containers.

You can use any glass container you like, but clear glass or very light colored or frosted glass are best because they let the most sunlight in.

If you want to grow herbs indoors, you won’t need a large container. If you’re only growing one herb at a time, a small jelly jar is big enough for most herbs. You can also use half-pint to quart size canning jars if you want to grow several different kinds of herbs at once.

If you want to grow fruiting plants indoors (tomatoes, peppers), you will need larger containers. One-gallon glass jars work well for these.

If you want to grow leafy greens indoors (lettuce), they should fit in any size jar as long as they get enough light. The more light they get, the bigger they will get and the more often you’ll have to water them.

2. Pour in a layer of gravel.

The gravel helps to keep the soil in place and keeps it from washing out. It’s also a good idea to put a small layer of gravel in the bottom of your container as well so there’s adequate drainage.

3. Fill the container with potting soil.

Potting soil is a medium in which to grow plants, herbs and vegetables. It usually consists of peat moss or coir, perlite or vermiculite and a slow-release fertilizer. Potting soil is different from garden soil or topsoil because it doesn’t contain any actual soil or dirt. Potting soil has better drainage and aeration than garden soil.

Fill the container with potting soil. Fill the container just to the point that the top of the root ball will be even with the top of the soil when planted. Make sure your potting soil is free of large clumps and stones before planting.

4. Choose your plants.

If you’re considering planting up a glass vessel, be sure to choose plants that grow well in glass containers.

Succulents are a good choice for glass containers, since they don’t need much soil to thrive.

Other plants that grow well in glass containers include:

Air plants, African violets, Baby’s breath, Begonias ,Bromeliads, Dish gardens, Ferns, Mint, Mosses.

5. Planting your plant.

Place your plant gently on top of the soil and fill around it with more soil until it reaches the top of the root ball.

6. Water the plant.

Water well, but don’t overdo it (remember there is no drainage). You want to make sure that all of the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.

7. Maintenance and care.

Once you have your new plants in their container, it’s time to give them a little TLC.

There is no need to fertilize right away; in fact, if you do, you’ll probably do more harm than good. Glass container gardens are very small and young plants don’t need much fertilizer to begin with.

For the first few weeks, all they really need is water and bright light. In a few weeks they’ll start growing again, and when they do, it’s time to fertilize them lightly every couple of weeks.

We recommend using a fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength; don’t use a liquid fertilizer or any kind of “starter solution” or “plant food.”

After about six weeks (or whenever your plants start growing again), you can start feeding them regularly with a good liquid plant food.

How to care for plants in glass containers?

Glass containers are a stylish and functional way of introducing greenery into your home, but it’s important to know how to take care of them so that they can thrive.

Watering: Watering is the most important aspect of plant care, and different types of plants have different requirements.

Over-watering can lead to root rot, which will kill your plant. If you’re not sure about watering needs for your particular plants, check with a local nursery.

Temperature: Plants that are particularly sensitive to temperature changes include cacti and succulents. These plants should stay away from windows and drafts, as cold air will cause damage to the plant’s tissues.

Keep plants on a windowsill only if the temperatures remain consistent year-round. If you must move your potted plant near the window, acclimate it over several weeks by moving it closer to the window each day for about a week before moving it all the way there

The ideal temperature range for most houseplants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 C).

Pests: Inspect them regularly for pests. It’s good to inspect your plants for pests every once in a while. Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.

You can use insecticides in the form of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to repel pests that can harm plants.

How to grow plants in glass containers without soil?

Growing plants without soil is known as Hydroponic gardening.

Hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution instead of soil.

There are many different ways to do this, but they all rely on the same basic principle: The roots of the plant are suspended in a nutrient-rich solution and are kept moist by sprayers and/or wicks.

If you have an area that gets enough sunlight, you can even use it as your own mini greenhouse.

The main advantages of hydroponic gardening are:

Simplicity: The system is simple enough that anyone can do it with little experience. It’s also easy to maintain and doesn’t require much work.

Cost effectiveness: You don’t need expensive equipment or chemicals to get started, so there’s no need for big investments up front like with traditional gardening methods. You also don’t need any special training or qualifications either.

Ease of use: There’s no need for soil preparation, soil testing or fertilizing since everything is done automatically by the water solution given to each plant every day. Also, there’s no need for weeding

How often should you water your plants?

This depends on the type of plant and the conditions in which they are growing. Most plants will be fine with a watering every other day.

If you have a very large container it is possible that you may not need to water this often.

How often should you fertilize your plants?

Fertilizing is important for all plants, but especially those that are not being grown in soil.

For most plants you will only need to fertilize once every couple of months, but this may vary depending on the type of plant and the conditions in which they are growing.

It is a good idea to check the label on your fertilizer to determine how often you should use it.

Why to add pebbles or charcoal in the bottom of the glass container?

There are a lot of reasons to add charcoal and pebbles in the bottom of the glass container while growing plants in it, some of them are:

    • You should add pebbles or charcoal in the bottom of the glass container while growing plants in it because they provide good drainage for your plants, which is especially important if you want them to be healthy and thrive in their new home!
    • Pebbles and charcoal absorb all the excess heat from the soil and keep it cool so that plant can grow faster and healthier.
    • They are easy to replace when they get dirty, which makes growing plants in a small container like this easier because you don’t have to clean out a lot of dirt every time you want to change or clean the pot.

Which is better glass container vs plastics container?

Plastic containers are a great choice for those who want to move plants indoors over winter. They can be left outside in the rain, snow, or cold without breaking like a clay or ceramic container.

The biggest benefit of plastic is they are inexpensive and lightweight. If you have to move containers around frequently, plastic is a great choice because they are so light weight.

However, they can break down over time and become brittle.

They also can’t be used in places that get direct sun, as they can get too hot. This is why they’re not recommended for use with plants that need lots of light or heat.

Glass containers are more expensive than plastic ones, but they last much longer (up to 15 years). They don’t break down like plastic does, so you’ll never have to replace them.

They’re ideal for growing plants that need lots of light or heat because glass doesn’t absorb any UV rays or heat from the sun. That makes them great options for greenhouses too!

Plus, you can see what’s going on inside the container without having to open it up every time by using a glass container with a clear lid instead of one made out of opaque material like plastic.

How often should you prune your plant?

The pruning of indoor houseplants is done in order to keep the plant healthy and attractive. Pruning may occur at anytime during the year. You can remove dead, dying, diseased or damaged leaves, flowers and branches from your houseplant anytime.

In general, indoor plants are pruned to remove dead leaves and flowers that are no longer attractive.

However, in order to maintain your plant in a glass container, it is a good idea to prune it often so that you can maintain the size of your plant. When you allow your plant to grow large, it will become unmanageable and hard to prune.

Can you grow plants in glass containers?

Of course you can! I’ve grown a jade plant, pothos, various philodendrons, orchids and other plants in glass containers.

I have found that a few things are important to successful glass container gardening.

First, the container needs to be large enough for the root system of the plant you choose. If the roots take up all the space in the container then there is no room for soil.

Second, if you have a plant with succulent leaves (like jade) it is best to select a wide, flat-sided container so that the leaves don’t touch the side of the glass.

The leaves can get stuck to the side of the container and will rot if not given room to breathe. Thin-walled containers do not provide any insulation from temperature swings. This can be critical for some plants during winter months when night time temperatures drop below 50 degrees F.

Third, if you use a hanger make sure it provides enough support so that your glass container doesn’t fall and break!

Do plants grow well in glass containers?

Yes, plants do grow well in glass containers, but there are certain limitations. In fact, many people do it successfully, and you can too.

I love succulents, and I have plenty of them in my house. Many of them are in glass containers.

I’ve been told that plants don’t grow well in glass containers, but I haven’t found this to be true for succulents (it might be different for other plants). I always make sure to choose a relatively large container and put rocks on the bottom so that the roots don’t sit in water.

Can you close the lid of your glass container?

If you’re growing plants from seed, yes you can. The seeds will germinate in the dark, but when the seedlings emerge, they should be introduced to light for a few hours a day. Gradually increase the amount of time you expose them to light until they no longer wilt.

If your plants are already growing and well established, then it depends on the type of plant you have. In general, most plants will do perfectly fine with a closed lid.

However, some plants need plenty of ventilation/circulation to prevent mold or rot from developing. If you have one of those types of plants and they are getting too much moisture trapped in the enclosure, then I’d recommend providing holes in the lid so that air can get through.

Can you plant indoor plants in glass containers?

You can, but you’ll need to be careful. Not all plants are suitable for containers of any material. Many require a rich and well-draining soil that’s not present in a glass containers.

Others have roots that will grow so large they will crack the glass, or roots that may rot if water is allowed to remain in or around them for too long.

The best indoor plants that grow well in glass containers are:

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is one of the most common indoor plants because it can grow well in containers and requires little maintenance.

It’s also one of the best plants to have around your home because it has medicinal properties that can help heal wounds and burns.

Dieffenbachia: Dieffenbachia has been very popular as a houseplant since Victorian times. It’s also known as: Dumb cane.

The main reason for its popularity is longevity and ease of care. Dieffenbachia is an excellent choice for beginners, but it also makes a great addition to more experienced gardeners collection of plants.

Dieffenbachia plant comes in many varieties with different leaf shapes and colors. Depending on the variety, leaves can have anywhere from one to three colors (white/yellow/green).

Note: It’s important to know that Dieffenbachia contains a toxin called Calcium oxalate that causes swelling of the mouth and lips and temporary loss of voice if ingested by humans or animals. This information is given here for safety reasons only – there are no records of serious poisoning incidents caused by this plant. Nevertheless, it might be wise to keep it away.

Heart leaf philodendron: Heart leaf philodendron is a great beginner plant, it has green heart shaped leaves, and is an easy-care indoor plant for your home.

The heart leaf philodendron is a trailing vine that can grow long stems with up to 6 inch long leaves.

The leaves are often dark green in color with lighter green veins and they usually have a glossy appearance. Newer varieties have leaves that are more variegated with splashes of white, yellow or green.

Pothos: Pothos are easy-care plants that can thrive for years with little maintenance. While they prefer bright light and regular watering, they tolerate low light and occasional neglect quite well.

Pothos will grow in any type of soil, but they are often grown in water as an easy way of maintaining their health and beauty.

Snake plant: This plant can also go by the name Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, but whatever you call it this plant is a great choice for glass containers.

It grows well and doesn’t require a lot of attention. Just water when needed and give it some sunlight and it will thrive!

Spider plant: The spider plant is one of the most popular houseplants for a reason, it’s easy to grow and it’s beautiful! It does great in a hanging pot or even just sitting on a shelf.

Philodendron adansonii: Philodendrons adansonii are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and do not require much attention.

They do well in low light conditions where other plants would wither away quickly! They also tolerate dry air well, which makes them perfect for offices or homes with no windows at all.

The best thing about philodendrons is their ability to grow into new plants by taking cuttings off the stems and roots that have been allowed some time to harden off before replanting them elsewhere in your home or garden!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: If you want to add a little height to your space, then this tree is perfect! It looks great sitting on the floor or on a table near a window where it gets plenty of light.

Benefits of growing plants in glass containers

The primary benefit of growing plants in glass containers is that they are decorative.

    • Glass containers are easy to clean and when you have a clear container, you can see the water level and know when to water your plant.
    • You can also see the roots of your plant, so you can tell how healthy it is and whether or not it needs repotting.
    • Glass containers are more sanitary than other types of pots and containers because they don’t absorb any odors, chemicals, or bacteria.
    • Glass containers are also non-toxic and non-staining, making them ideal for growing herbs indoors, near your kitchen.
    • They don’t dry out as easily as terracotta pots which means less watering for you!
    • Glass containers are easy to clean with soap and water, which means less time spent scrubbing dirty pots and more time enjoying your beautiful plants!

Disadvantages of growing plants in glass containers

  1. Not easy to move: Glass containers are heavy and not easy to move around, especially if you have a large greenhouse or you have many glass containers in your garden. If you need to move the plants, you may need some assistance.
  1. Can break easily: The major disadvantage of using glass containers is that they can break easily when they fall or hit something hard. Glass is fragile and it will not take much force to break them. This makes them unsafe for use in areas with children or pets since they may trip on the containers and break them, which could injure them.
  1. Can be expensive: Compared to other materials such as plastic, glass is more expensive because it requires more effort and raw materials to manufacture.

Interesting glass container garden ideas:

Container Gardening with Glass Jars: Glass jars are the most common glass containers that you can use for your container garden. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. If you don’t have any glass jars at home yet, you may find them in thrift shops and yard sales. They are cheap yet useful in creating your own container garden.

Here are some ideas on how to make container gardening with glass jars:

Mason Jar Planters – Mason jars are popular storage containers that can also be converted into attractive planters. You can choose from their various colors or paint the jars in your desired color. Add some potting soil and you’re ready to go!

Glass Jars for Hydroponic Plants – The clear class jars allow you to see the plant roots grow and thrive in water. The best part is that hydroponic plants don’t require as much maintenance as regular potted plants do so these hydroponic plants are perfect for a busy person like you who still wants to have a great-looking garden despite not having so much time for it.

Container Gardening with Glass Bottles – Glass bottles are also another great idea for your container garden. They can be found in different sizes and shapes.


Easy DIY:

  • Use large containers: Use large glass containers or aquariums as they give more scope for planting taller plants or growing trees that could create shade.
  • Grow flowers:  You can grow flowers like roses or other fragrant flowers in your glass container plant garden which will make it look really pretty and colorful. Also, the fragrance given off by these flowers will be good for your health too!
  • Add lights: Add some lights inside your glass container plant garden so that it glows when it gets dark at night time and it will also act as an attractive light source around your home!

Can I make mini garden in glass containers?

You can make a miniature garden in just about any container. It is all about the look you are trying to achieve.

You can come up with some really interesting ideas using glass containers in your indoor miniature garden. Below are a few ideas:

  1. Terrariums – One of the easiest ways to create a mini garden in glass is to make a terrarium. Terrariums are gardens that live inside a glass case, usually with little or no water needed for upkeep.
  2. Miniature Fairy Garden – You can use small glass vases or candle holders as part of your miniature fairy garden scene inside your home. They are great when used with tea lights or small votive candles that you light at night to create ambiance and enhance your mini garden experience.
  3. Water Garden – Use glass bowls or fish bowls as part of your water garden creation on a table top or shelf inside your home. You can use them as part of a bigger water feature in an indoor room that has its own mini water world experience.

Conclusion:

After reading this article, are you feeling encouraged to give growing plants in glass containers a try? For me, it’s been a huge success and I’m planning on doing more of it.

Growing plants in glass containers allow you to grow a wide variety of different plants in a small space which can be just as satisfying to grow as those in the ground.

I hope that this article was helpful in convincing you that growing plants in glass containers isn’t as daunting as you may have thought!

Thanks for reading!


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