Installing a waterfall in a terrarium can create a beautiful and dynamic focal point, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits such as increased humidity and water circulation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a waterfall in a terrarium:
Materials Needed
Continue readingAn aquatic terrarium, commonly referred to as a paludarium, is a type of terrarium that combines both terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) elements. It is designed to simulate a natural environment where land and water meet, such as riverbanks, swamps, or mangroves.
Continue readingPopular Succulents to Grow
| Echeveria | Rosette-shaped, comes in a variety of colours. Needs bright light, infrequent watering. Ideal for shallow, decorative pots; can be used in arrangements with other rosette-shaped succulents. |
| Aloe Vera | Thick, fleshy leaves with serrated edges. Likes bright, indirect light and water sparingly. Use in single large pots or as a focal point in a mixed arrangement. |
| Haworthia | Small, rosette-shaped with patterned leaves. Tolerates low lightand infrequent watering. Great for small pots, terrariums, or windowsills. |
| Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) | Glossy, rounded leaves. Needs bright light and minimal watering. Suitable for bonsai-style pots or large containers. |
| Sedum | Varied, from trailing types to upright rosettes. Most like full sun and are drought-tolerant. Excellent for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or ground cover. Used for green or living roofs |
| Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) | Rosette clusters with offsets (chicks). Likes full sun, drought-tolerant. Perfect for rock gardens, shallow bowls, or as ground cover. |
| Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) | Long, trailing stems with fleshy, blue-green leaves. Likes bright light, allow to dry between waterings. Ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over the edge of containers. |
Ferns are ideal for closed terrariums due to their love for high humidity and consistent moisture. Here are some of the best fern species for a closed terrarium:
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.):
Features: Maidenhair ferns have delicate, fan-shaped fronds that grow on wiry black stems. Their light, airy appearance adds a soft, ethereal quality to any terrarium.
Care: These ferns thrive in high humidity and indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Fernery or fernerium
A collection of ferns in a terrarium is often referred to as a “fernery” or “fernerium.” These terms specifically describe a terrarium that is primarily dedicated to cultivating various species of ferns. Ferns thrive in humid environments, making them well-suited for terrariums where humidity and temperature can be controlled to create ideal growing conditions.
Creating a Fernery
Continue readingA rainforest terrarium is a type of terrarium that replicates the lush, humid environment of a tropical rainforest. It typically includes a variety of tropical plants, a high level of humidity, and sometimes small animals such as reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates. The goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics the conditions of a rainforest, providing a suitable habitat for the plants and animals that thrive in such an environment.
A rainforest terrarium is typically a closed system. This design is crucial for maintaining the high humidity levels and stable temperature conditions required by tropical plants and animals.
Continue readingIsopods are small, crustacean invertebrates belonging to the order Isopoda. They are related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, and are found in a variety of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Terrestrial isopods, often referred to as “pill bugs” or “woodlice,” are commonly used in bioactive terrariums.
A bioactive terrarium is an advanced type of terrarium that replicates a natural ecosystem. It includes not only plants and the main animals being kept, but also various microorganisms and “clean-up crew” invertebrates that help maintain the environment. This creates a self-sustaining system where waste is broken down and recycled, promoting a healthier and more natural habitat for the inhabitants.
Continue readingA closed terrarium is an enclosed environment that creates a self-sustaining ecosystem with its own microclimate. This type of terrarium is particularly suited for plants that thrive in high-humidity environments. Here are the benefits of a closed terrarium:
An open terrarium is a type of terrarium that features an open top, allowing for greater air circulation and less humidity compared to closed terrariums. These terrariums are particularly suited for plants and environments that thrive in drier conditions with good airflow.
Open Top: No lid or covering, providing free exchange of air with the surrounding environment.
Air Circulation: Enhanced airflow helps prevent excess moisture and mould growth.
Humidity Control: Naturally lower humidity levels, making it ideal for plants that prefer drier conditions.