A bottle garden is a miniature garden in a closed glass jar that requires little maintenance. The real plants and composite materials create a small ecosystem modeled on nature. Due to the closed cycle and photosynthesis, the biotope only needs to be watered every 3 to 6 months.

The moisture remains in the glass and is used again and again. A closed water cycle is created.

Transpiration

Water evaporates from the leaves of the plants. 

condensation

Moisture condenses on the glass.

precipitation

The condensed water runs back to the ground, similar to rain in nature.

Absorption

The roots absorb the water present in the soil.

breathing

Plants produce CO2 at night. During the day, with enough light, they carry out photosynthesis and convert the CO2 into O2 (oxygen). A closed gas circuit is also created.

Step 1: Carefully fill in the lava gravel as drainage and distribute evenly.

Step 2: Distribute the activated carbon evenly over the lava gravel.

Step 3: Carefully fill in the plant substrate. Then compact the plant substrate by hand and dig 3 small plant holes that are deep to the lava gravel.

Step 4: Take the plants out of the flower pot by pressing them to the side and standing upside down and place them in the holes. Press carefully but firmly on all sides.

Step 5: Place the decorative stone on an open space and press down lightly.

Step 6: Use a measuring cup to measure 100 ml of low-lime water (ideally rainwater) and distribute evenly in the glass. Then close the jar and place it in a bright but not sunny place (ideally a north or east window).

7th step: After about 2 to 3 days, the moisture is evenly distributed in the soil. Then open the jar again for about 24 hours until the surface moisture has evaporated. Repeat this process until the glass no longer fogs up during the day. A light mist in the morning is normal and shows that the biotope is working well.

Tropical plants that are used to warm and humid temperatures are suitable for a bottle garden. Since space in the bottle garden is limited, miniature plants are particularly suitable for the biotope. Suitable plants are e.g. coffee plants, bonsai, mountain palms and mosaic plants. The moss in particular is an important part of the bottle garden. In the bottle garden, the moss gives a sign when it's time to water again.

The bottle garden does not require much care. If the moss loses color and one side of the glass is no longer fogged up in the morning, this is a sign that the bottle garden needs water. Add 50-100ml of water. After about 2 to 3 days, the moisture is evenly distributed in the soil. Then open the jar again for about 24 hours until the surface moisture has evaporated. Repeat this process until the glass no longer fogs up during the day. A light mist in the morning is normal and shows that the biotope is working well.

Please note that the bottle garden must be in a bright place with a room temperature that is as constant as possible and not in direct sunlight. The north or east window is ideal.

In order for the plants in the bottle garden to be able to carry out photosynthesis, the bottle garden needs sufficient light. This is the only way the plants can convert the CO2 into O2 and the closed cycle in the bottle garden is created. 

The bottle garden should be watered 3-4 times a year with lime-free water. If the moss loses color and one side of the glass is no longer fogged up in the morning, this is a sign that the bottle garden needs water. It is best to use lime-free water (mineral or rainwater). 

In order to plant a bottle garden, lava gravel is required as drainage, activated carbon granules to prevent mold growth, and plant substrate. The bottle garden can be decorated with decorative stones and decorative gravel. Tropical plants for the bottle garden can be chosen at will. 

As a closed biotope, the bottle garden hardly needs to be watered. The plants no longer dry out because the moisture is retained under the glass bell.

Pets cannot bare the plants because they are protected in the terrarium. 

Once the Flaschengarten system has been established, it requires little maintenance and is stable for many months.