Terrarium FAQ

What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a small, sometimes enclosed, glass or plastic container in which living plants (and sometimes animals) are kept for display or observation. Generally, they are miniature, self-sufficient environments.

Can I convert an aquarium to a terrarium?
You bet. You can turn virtually any clear glass or plastic container, from jars, to bottles, to old kitchen and fish bowls into a terrarium. Clear glass and plastic are ideal, as these are allow light to pass through freely and are good conductors of energy.

How much lighting does a terrarium require?
Surprisingly little. Many require no artificial light at all. If you plan to put your terrarium in a low light area, or choose tropical plants that require more light than your climate zone offers, low-watt fluorescent lighting will allow your plants to thrive.

Should I choose an open or closed terrarium?
That depends on what you're growing and how much effort you want to expend. Closed terrariums recycle moisture with high efficiency, but they are more prone to disease than are open terrariums. Open terrariums demand more attention, including regular watering.

What is a vivarium?
Technically, a vivarium is a terrarium with one or more animals dwelling inside. Many people refer to vivariums as terrariums, while some enthusiast reserve the term "terrarium" for plants-only displays.

What kinds of things would you recommend for beginners to grow in a terrarium?
Look for plants that thrive in environments similar to that of your terrarium. Make note of the amount of light and moisture, and the range of temperatures and let these factors help you decide.

A few popular items that can work well in several climate zones are as follows:

Plants

• Small ferns
• Mosses
• Bromeliads
• Earth stars
• Ivy and climbing vines (note that these are aggressive and will result in full-foliage terrariums.

Animals

• Frogs
• Geckos
• Chameleons
• Turtles
• Arachnids (tarantulas are a popular choice)
• Scorpions
• Snakes

*Note that with spiders, scorpions, and snakes, it may be wise to choose a covered terrarium if you don't want these critters on the loose in your home!

What about insects?
They have a tendency to bug people (Zing!). Seriously though, there are only a few insects that don't pose a threat to your plants, so if you want a small, diverse world of bugs, you should look at dry, rocky terrariums to accommodate them.

• Use extreme caution with insects in vivariums with frogs, lizards, and other insectivores. Insects eat plants, some of which are poisonous. Your frog or lizard may not eat these plants, but they will certainly chow down on insects, which are now poisonous, having eaten the plants.
  
• While technically not insects (they're arachnids) spiders such as tarantulas are an attractive and exotic choice.
  
• Insects called springtails work well in terrariums. They eat only decaying matter, thereby keeping your terrarium fresh. They make safe food for any animals you may keep as well.
  
• Mantises (mantes/mantids) and millipedes also work well in terrariums, but be sure they pose no threat to the animals that share their habitat.
  
• Use a screen top on any terrarium with insects to keep them contained. You want a creepy, crawly terrarium, not an infested home.

How do I keep my terrarium clean and fresh?
A well designed terrarium will do this naturally by recycling its own water and waste. To achieve this kind of self-sufficiency in your terrarium, begin by washing it thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Create the bottom layer with sand or small gravel to provide adequate drainage. A layer of charcoal pebbles on top of this will work to eliminate offending odors. Add a layer of moss or a screen between your topsoil and base to keep the soil from sinking. Now simply plant your plants, and leave it be.

An open terrarium will require a bit of watering, which may be as little as misting the plant leaves. Covered terrariums thrive on neglect, so just sit back and enjoy nature in miniature!