A Brief History of Terrariums

The Accidental Discovery of the Wardian Case

In the early 19th century, Ward was observing the metamorphosis of a sphinx moth, having placed the insect's pupa in a sealed glass bottle. He noticed after some time, that a seedling fern had sprouted inside. Ward had struggled to grow ferns in his East London garden due to poor air quality and smog.

Intrigued and delighted by his discovery, Ward observed that the glass container created a miniature, self-sustaining environment where plants thrived, thanks to the trapped humidity and warmth. Ward recognised the potential for transporting plants across long distances, and in 1833 he tested his hypothesis by shipping ferns from England to Australia. They arrived in perfect condition! This success marked the beginning of the Wardian Case's role in plant transportation.

The Wardian Case transformed international plant trade by making it possible to grow crops in regions that were once considered unsuitable. This breakthrough was crucial in the worldwide distribution of important crops like tea, rubber, and coffee, leaving a lasting impact on agricultural economies globally.

Over time, the design of the Wardian Case evolved to better protect plants during travel. Its use became widespread, especially in botanical gardens like Kew in England, where cases were used to transport and display plants until as late as 1962. The design of the Wardian Case laid the foundation for the modern terrarium.

Terrariums: A Victorian Trend and Their Modern Revival

In Victorian times, terrariums became popular, especially among the upper classes, who displayed these miniature glass gardens in their homes and conservatories. The fascination with nature was driven by a desire to bring the outdoors indoors, while also showcasing one's taste, wealth, and social status. Creating self-contained ecosystems within glass cases became both a scientific marvel and a visual delight. Like all trends they eventually fell out of favour. 

It wasn't until  the1970s, driven by a growing interest in houseplants and indoor gardening that terrariums had a resurgence in popularity. Their revival was also fuelled by a renewed focus on green living and their aesthetic appeal, making them a popular home decor item once again.

David Latimer's Terrarium

In 1960, British electrical engineer David Latimer created a self-sustaining terrarium by planting a single Tradescantia seedling inside a sealed glass bottle. He opened it just once in 1972 to add water, and since then, it has remained sealed, thriving for over six decades. Latimer's terrarium is one of the oldest known self-sustaining ecosystems in a bottle that remains sealed and thriving today.

Why Terrariums Are Making a Comeback

Terrariums have continued to grow in popularity as more people embrace the trend of incorporating plants into their homes. They are an easy, low-maintenance solution for those who want to bring nature indoors, even in smaller spaces. Studies have shown that indoor plants can have numerous benefits, including boosting mood, increasing productivity, and improving air quality.

Terrariums are also incredibly versatile, able to thrive in low light and requiring minimal watering. Whether on a desk, coffee table, or bookshelf, they can fit into almost any setting, making them an attractive option for modern interiors. With the rise of apartment living and smaller homes, terrariums provide a creative and manageable way to enjoy a slice of nature indoors.