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What is a Terrarium?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A terrarium is a container designed to hold small plants and animals in controlled conditions. Its closed nature creates an environment that is easy to control, allowing people to simulate everything from the desert to the rainforest. Terrariums are often used by scientific researchers to conduct studies, and people also keep them as hobbies to display various plants and creatures of interest. They can be purchased from companies that specialize in them or made by hand; people who want especially large or custom-fitted ones often end up making their own.

The defining feature of a terrarium is that it is an enclosed replica of a natural environment that is in contact with the earth, so some sort of soil, sand, or rock must be present. Typically, the container is clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the contents, although it can also be built from wood and other materials with sliding panels to allow a view.

A small glass terrarium.
A small glass terrarium.

When the top of the container is closed, it tends to be warmer and more humid, while open-topped ones are cooler. If animals are kept inside, screens may be used to allow ventilation without permitting escape; rare plants may also be protected with screens on the off chance that insect predators take an interest in the plant life.

Lighting in a terrarium can be controlled with the use of internal and external fixtures. Automated lighting systems can even be used to simulate natural conditions, with a set number of hours of daylight followed by night. Temperature is controlled with the assistance of heat lamps and heaters, such as heated rocks, with users keeping a thermometer inside to track the conditions. Controlling humidity is also important, as is the regulation of ventilation.

This terrarium simulates a desert environment.
This terrarium simulates a desert environment.

People who keep insects and small reptiles usually use terrariums for their charges, sometimes simulating the natural environment of their pets to make them feel more comfortable. One may be small enough to fit on a countertop or a desk in a classroom, or it may be much larger; entire rooms can be used, for example, for the purpose of studying large plants and animals. To prevent escape, a double door system is often used, so that the outside door never opens directly onto the inside.

Small plants and animals are kept in terrariums.
Small plants and animals are kept in terrariums.

There are also some specialized types of terrarium. An insectarium, for example, is designed for keeping insects, while a lepidoptery is a facility for raising and studying butterflies. A paludarium includes a water features, such as a flowing stream, and may have some similarities to an aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a terrarium and how does it work?

A terrarium is kind of like an aquarium for plants.
A terrarium is kind of like an aquarium for plants.

A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem enclosed in glass, simulating a natural environment. It works by creating a balance of light, moisture, and air that allows plants (and sometimes small animals) to thrive. The glass walls let in light and trap heat, promoting photosynthesis and creating a small water cycle through condensation and evaporation.

What types of plants are best suited for a terrarium?

Plants that thrive in high humidity and indirect light are ideal for terrariums. Ferns, mosses, air plants, and carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps are popular choices. According to the University of Missouri's Extension, small tropical plants are also well-suited due to their adaptability to the humid, terrarium environment.

Can you put animals in a terrarium, and if so, which ones?

Yes, certain small animals can live in a terrarium, creating a vivarium. Suitable animals include reptiles like geckos, amphibians such as frogs, and insects like praying mantises. It's crucial to match the animal's natural habitat requirements with the terrarium conditions and ensure they have enough space, as recommended by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

How do you maintain a healthy terrarium?

Maintaining a healthy terrarium involves regulating light, moisture, and cleanliness. Ensure it receives indirect sunlight, and mist the plants as needed to maintain humidity. Remove any dead plant matter promptly to prevent mold. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, monitoring for pests and diseases is also essential to keep the ecosystem healthy.

How often should a terrarium be watered?

Watering frequency for a terrarium varies based on its size, plant types, and environment. Generally, a closed terrarium may need watering every 4-6 weeks, as it recycles moisture. An open terrarium requires more frequent watering, about once a week. It's important to observe the soil moisture and adjust accordingly, as overwatering can lead to mold and root rot.

Can a terrarium be self-sustaining?

A well-designed terrarium can be nearly self-sustaining, requiring minimal intervention. By establishing a balanced ecosystem with the right combination of plants, soil, and possibly animals, a closed terrarium can recycle water and nutrients effectively. However, occasional maintenance, such as trimming plants or cleaning the glass, may still be necessary to maintain its health and appearance.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

elizabeth2

I've been to the butterfly house at the zoo many times, and I've never heard it called a lepidoptery, however it seems like it would qualify as a terrarium. Is this right?

It has the double door system at the entrance and the exit, and when you walk inside it you feel like you have entered a completely different climate. It's actually one of my favorite places. I had never thought of it as a terrarium though. I didn't realize they could be so big!

rosoph

I remember having a glass terrarium when I was a kid. It was very small and only had plants in it, no animals. It had an open top, but the weird thing is that I don't remember ever putting any water in it.

This doesn't make any sense to me now, and I'm probably just forgetting that part, but are there terrariums that need absolutely no outside assistance to survive?

sapphire12

It can be really easy to let a terrarium go bad, by which I mean get overgrown or dirty, especially if there are animals inside. Think of it as needing at least as much care as a fish bowl, and you should be able to keep it in control.

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    • A small glass terrarium.
      By: Wicker Paradise
      A small glass terrarium.
    • This terrarium simulates a desert environment.
      By: jrwasserman
      This terrarium simulates a desert environment.
    • Small plants and animals are kept in terrariums.
      By: elodie bailly
      Small plants and animals are kept in terrariums.
    • A terrarium is kind of like an aquarium for plants.
      By: Michal Adamczyk
      A terrarium is kind of like an aquarium for plants.