Tiny gardens, big imagination for student terrarium maker

Muhammad Syukur Abdullah, a second-semester Aquaculture Technology Diploma student at Jeli Polytechnic in Kelantan, has transformed his childhood fascination with terrariums into a flourishing creative passion and modest business. His journey began when he discovered a YouTube tutorial, which sparked his interest in making his own miniature landscapes.

This led to his enrollment in an Aquaculture Technology Certificate programme in 2022, where he learned the basics of plantcare and how to maintain the delicate balance necessary for sustaining miniature gardens.

Syukur's terrariums come in three primary forms: waterless landscapes, aquascapes recreating underwater environments, and paludariums combining land and water features. His creations often incorporate a variety of materials such as clay balls, black soil mixed with dried moss, wood, stones, live moss, and plants like fittonia, ferns, and bonsai. His preferred material for adding structural support is Spiderwood due to its durability and low propensity to mold.

The construction process of each terrarium is meticulous, taking anywhere from an hour to a full day, depending on size and complexity. Customers have the option of requesting specific themes, ranging from fantasy-inspired dioramas to Japanese and Iwagumi designs. Prices vary from RM10 for simpler pieces to RM570 for more elaborate creations.

After completing the initial build, Syukur spends up to two weeks observing each terrarium to ensure that the plants have acclimated well to their new environment. While terrariums require minimal maintenance, they do necessitate regular monitoring of humidity, lighting, and watering needs, typically once or twice weekly.

Syukur's hobby has grown significantly since he began his studies at Jeli Polytechnic, where he co-founded the Green Vista Club. This student-run organization promotes terrarium-making and plantcare knowledge among fellow students and even kindergarten teachers. Despite his busy schedule, he remains committed to balancing his academic responsibilities with his business, ensuring that his customers receive their orders on time.

Currently, Syukur limits his terrarium sales to customers within Kelantan, as the delicate nature of his creations makes international shipping impractical. However, his whimsical miniature gardens continue to bring a touch of nature and charm to homes across his region.