Are Terrariums Steampunk?

[Shelburne Tinkerer]

I've been reading up on Terrariums and they came into fashion the mid to late 19th century to help appease the Victorian fascination of plants -- particulary fern life. Has there been a history of terrarium building in the steampunk world?

[bicyclebuilder]

First of all, welcome to the forum miss Tinkerer.
Terrariums are indeed Steampunk. Just google for pictures on "Steampunk terrarium", a wonderfull array of terrariums are shown.
Also, try the search button here on Brass Goggles. I think a couple of fellow Brass Gogglers are making terrariums right now.
I like the lightbulb terrariums, by the way.

[Peacemaker]

This is a very neat idea and would help put color into any home/apt but still have a steampunk laboratory feel!

I approve!

[Peacemaker]

I was inspired to do this myself so I went to the thrift store and found this nice jar for $3



I took the plastic ring off because plastic isn't very steampunk

Went to the store and got a cheap $2 plant

and bing bang boom



Very fast and cheap addition and now gives my room some color. Thanks for the idea!

Total cost:
Jar - $3
Potting Soil - $3
Plant - 2
= $8

[Shelburne Tinkerer]

Wow, that looks great, Peacemaker!

I was looking for an easy, cost-efficient way to do a terrarium for a steampunk camp that I'm running this summer and you as well as bicyclebuilder have put me on the right track.  Thanks!

[J. Wilhelm]

Was it Mr. Markf who made a magnetically levitated terrarium?

[Mr Addams]

A quick Google came up with this.

The History of Terrariums
The bringing of the art of the terrarium is generally credited with a man called Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. This came about with the publishing of his book called "On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases" which he published in 1842. The second edition of this book was published in 1852 and is readily available in the public domain.
Google books has it available here

During the Victorian Era and predominantly in England terrariums or "Wardian Cases" became very popular and many people kept them in their homes. But over the course of decades the practice fell in decline and in todays world they have made a bit of a comeback but have never reached the every day popularity that they had achieved in the days of Ward.

You can read the full article HERE

You may also find this useful. How To Make A Terrarium