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Terrarium Ideas For Healthy Plant Growth

Shashank Nakate
A terrarium is an artistic simulation of an ecosystem. It involves maintaining some plants and small animals in a controlled enclosure typically using a glass jar or bottle. Take a look at some ideas about decoration and keeping the plants healthy.
Transparent containers that are made of glass or plastic are used to make terrariums. These are used to grow small plants that face problems in adapting to the local atmospheric conditions.
Minimal care is needed to grow such plants, if proper techniques are used. Small animals such as turtles, frogs, snakes, etc., may also be kept in these containers.

Themes
The process of decoration can be made interesting by incorporating special themes. Desert, jungle and beach themes are commonly used. The idea is to produce a creative background that enhances the appearance. Plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher give an exotic feel; such plants can together constitute a 'carnivorous plants' theme.
To make a terrarium in a bottle is challenging as well as interesting. It is challenging because one has to think about the healthy growth of plants. The process is interesting due to the numerous options that one can try out.
The idea of an adventure story attached to it in its formation is also an excellent idea. A story can be told by introducing figurines like kings, queens, knights, etc. The background/setting which has different plants creates the right atmosphere/ambiance to make it very attractive.

Frog Terrarium

A frog terrarium could be completely dry, half or completely filled with water. It could have plants (arboreal) on which the frogs spend their time.
The internal arrangements should be chosen on the basis of the nature of frogs (dry or aquatic). One can try many different ideas like building small steps for the frog made out of stones or liquid tolerating wood material. Pebbles can also be placed to provide a resting surface for frogs.

Turtle Terrarium

To house a turtle, complete aquatic environment would be preferred. Since turtles are amphibians, the container can be partially filled with water.
Pebbles and wooden pieces strewn across can be used as dry places. It gives a natural ambiance to the place and allows the turtles to rest. Salt should be added to water for keeping bacteria at bay.

Reptile Terrarium

The approach for the reptiles needs to be a bit different than turtles and frogs.
Screen cages are more suited for reptiles than the rectangular-shaped aquariums. The floor of the container needs to have layers of sand and pebbles. A false floor prepared with wood helps in giving a cave-like appearance to the lower structure.

Make a Terrarium in a Jar

A terrarium can be made in different containers such as bottles, bowls, jars, and fish tanks. A soda bottle can also be used. Plants chosen for growing in these containers are generally small plants which mostly thrive in places supplied by a filtered sunlight. These can be bought from nearby garden centers. Some people also make use of dwarf plants.
The materials required for making a terrarium include tools like a grabbing tool (to hold plants and other things) and a funnel (to direct water and soil). Other materials needed include charcoal, distilled water, decorative items and the plants. A mixture of sand, charcoal, humus, vermiculite, peat and soil is favorable for growing the plants.
Charcoal should be laid at the bottom of the containers for preventing the growth of mold. Plants grown in jars with 1 to 5 gallon capacity could be 2 to 5 in number. Ideally, one plant per 1.5 gallon is recommended.
Over-crowding the plants would hamper their growth. Plants needing high amounts of moisture are not recommended. One should monitor the growth of plant for first few days. Mold occurrence should be dealt with quickly.
Following the aforementioned measures can help ensure the healthy growth of plants in terrariums.