Can I use any container?
Recycle clear glass containers into terrariums. Using special tools, even wine bottles can become terrariums. Colored glass reduces the intensity of the light entering the terrarium and causes damage to plants by blocking out certain colors of the spectrum - green glass blocks blue and red lights, which are essential to plant health.
Aquariums make good pet and plant terrariums and can be equipped with pumps for cycling water, heaters, fog machines to simulate suitable climate conditions, and lids containing supplemental light. Lucite and Plexiglas containers make good terrariums for plants, insects, turtles, and small lizards. They are lightweight and economical, but scratch and discolor from contact with the soil. |  |
Does size really matter?
Calculate ground space by considering the adult size of the pet you will be housing. Height is important for larger animals, tree-climbing species and climbing plants. All pets need an area to hibernate. The length and width of the terrarium must accommodate different terrains. Semi-aquatic terrariums incorporate land and water; woodland-themed terrariums have areas of leaves, bark, pinecones, and vines; and basic desert terrariums use rock, sand, caves, levels of shelf formations, and succulent and air plants.
 | Are terrariums for children?
Children are fascinated with insects, turtles, and small lizards. Little boys are thrilled by a snake or hairy spider, and as a bonus, they can gross out all the yucky girls. Terrariums are a lesson in nature and ecology. The best part is that plant terrariums need watering once a month and thrive on neglect, of which children are masters. Reptile terrariums can be low-maintenance and keep creepy-crawlies confined, which pleases Mom.
Why bother?
Initial setup of a terrarium requires some time and expense. Terrariums can be established as the base of a coffee table or end table, turning furniture accents into miniature greenhouses. Once the terrarium is designed, plants prosper away from harmful elements and destructive children and pets. Terrariums are a unique form of decorating and are compatible with any decor and any room. |
