It is not often that we come across someone whose interest in plants is very different from usual gardeners. We are very lucky to have Amit Chawla amongst our Kitchen Garden family and this month’s meeting was on his talk about Aquascape and Terrariums. These are like whole plant kingdoms in a container.
“Soil is the most important ingredient”, he said, “although the choice of container is also very important.” He showed us the glass containers with lid that are used, but instead of lids cling wrap can also be used. The cover on top forms the moisture below creating a moist atmosphere for moss and plants to grow.
Terrariums and Aquascapes always have a fascinating element which is eye-catching, like a piece of wood or stones…. seiryu stones are his favourite as “they are very attractive”. Also, not just any wood can be used in these as they attract fungus so only driftwood is used. He showed us an interesting way of fixing a piece of wood on stone. He used Vega Quick to glue the wood and then used tissue paper to fill the gaps between the stone and wood and finally, it was camouflaged by using the power of the same stone.
As fishes and plants live peacefully in nature, the same symbiotic atmosphere has to be created in Aquascapes. But this takes some time. It needs proper monitoring. Water has to be changed every 15 days or else algae will deposit. Plants and fishes should be thriving. It takes around 2-3 months of close monitoring and once it’s successful, the environment becomes self-sustaining. Amit discouraged the use of any artificial props like ducks or plastic toys. He says, “use everything available in the natural habitat”.
Hardy plants with small leaves are most suitable for these arrangements. Annibus plant is his favourite. He suggested to pick up any small plant from the surrounding or nursing, put it in a propagation box for a month. If it survives, it’s good for arrangements.
Amit gave a live demonstration of making a beautiful Terrarium and an Aquascape. He started by putting a layer of Sustrain (Lava rocks) followed by a thin layer of Beneficial bacteria powder. Next was Aquarium soil (that he taught us to make in class ) followed by golden soil. He used a brush to create curves in soil. Then water was poured upto 3/4th container and then he placed the plants with the help of forceps. Finally came the tiny fishes. A water filter is very important to clean the water and avoid contamination. Now as in the natural environment, underwater gets light from 10am to 6pm, Amit said the same effect has to be replicated with these Aquascapes. He placed a bulb on top of the lid with the automatic timer. As soon as the bulb was switched on everyone applauded his beautiful creation.
He further asked anyone going to Banglore to visit the ADA Centre. They have Aquascapes and Terrariums in all sizes. Further ADA sells everything related to making these arrangements. Their products are very expensive but are the best.
There were lots of questions during the session. It came to an end by Nandita ji thanking Amit and presenting him with a plant, followed by snacks and tea.
