A “moss terrarium” is a miniature garden made with moss, plants, and small decorative objects inside a glass container. The word “terrarium” comes from the Latin terra, meaning “earth” or “plants,” and arium, meaning “glass container” or “space.”
The process of making one is simple and straightforward. First, you spread a thin layer of soil at the bottom of the glass container. You then place various plants, including moss, on top of the soil. Finally, you add small decorative objects and adjust the arrangement until everything looks neat and well-balanced.
When the plants absorb moisture and transport it to their leaves, water evaporates through their stomata in a process called “transpiration.” This evaporation forms droplets of moisture that flow down the container’s wall and are reabsorbed into the soil. This process is repeated, maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity inside the glass container.
decorative - made to look attractive
neat - tidy, with everything in its place
reabsorb - to absorb (= take in) a substance again, or to be absorbed again
droplet - a small drop of liquid
regulate - to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way
'이끼 테라리움'은 유리 용기 안에 이끼 등의 식물들과 아기자기한 장식물을 넣어 만든 미니 정원이다. 테라리움은 ‘땅’ 또는 ‘식물’을 의미하는 라틴어 테라(terra)와 ‘유리병’ 또는 ‘공간’을 의미하는 아리움(arium)에서 유래한 합성어다.
테라리움을 만드는 과정은 쉽고 간단하다. 먼저 유리 용기 바닥에 흙을 얇게 깔아 준 다음, 이끼를 포함한 다양한 식물을 흙 위에 놓는다. 마지막으로 작은 장식물을 추가하고 모든 것이 깔끔하고 균형 있게 보일 때까지 위치를 조정한다.
이 식물들이 빨아들인 수분이 잎으로 이동하며 기공을 통해 물이 증발하는데, 그것이 ‘증산 작용’이다. 이러한 증산 작용으로 생긴 물방울이 벽으로 흘러내리며 흙으로 다시 흡수된다. 이와 같은 과정이 되풀이되며 유리병 속의 온도와 습도가 일정하게 유지된다고 한다.
- The problem seemed simple and straightforward at first. / I recommend this one, because it is simple and straightforward.
- I usually spread a thin layer of butter on my toast. / I spread a thin layer of lotion on my arms.
- It’s hard to maintain a consistent temperature because people keep opening the door. / It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature indoors.
A: What’s that glass jar? It’s so pretty!
B: It’s a moss terrarium.
A: Did you make it yourself?
B: Yes, I tried to recreate a little forest using adorable animal figures and silky moss.
A: You’re so good with your hands!
B: They say it helps purify the air and regulate humidity indoors.