Tropical Rainforest Terrarium: Elegant Glass Ecosystem Design

Q: In a terrarium, what kinds of tropical plants do well?

True Tropical Terrarium Plants Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) Ficus pumila grows like wildfire in a terrarium. Macodes petola (Lightning Jewel Orchid) ... Microsorum musifolium (Crocodile Fern) ... Neoregelia. ... Biophytum sensitivum. ... Humata heterophylla. ... Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave' ... Syngonium podophyllum 'Pixie'

Tropical Rainforest Terrarium: How to Create and Maintain a Lush and Exotic Ecosystem in a Glass Container

Home » House Plants » Tropical Rainforest Terrarium: Elegant Glass Ecosystem Design

A tropical rainforest terrarium is a miniature ecosystem that mimics the natural environment and climate of a rainforest. It is a great way to bring some greenery and color into your home, as well as to enjoy the beauty and diversity of tropical plants and animals. A tropical rainforest terrarium can also be a fun and educational project that you can do alone or with kids. In this article, we will show you how to create and maintain a tropical rainforest terrarium in a few easy steps.

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What You Need to Create a Tropical Rainforest Terrarium

To create a tropical rainforest terrarium, you will need the following items:

A large, clear glass container. You can use any type of glass container, such as a jar, a bowl, a vase, or an aquarium. The larger the container, the more space you will have to create your rainforest. Make sure the container has a lid or a cover, as this will help to retain the moisture and heat inside the terrarium.
A drainage layer. This is a layer of small rocks, pebbles, or gravel that you place at the bottom of the container. This will allow the excess water to drain away from the soil and prevent root rot or mold. You can also use activated charcoal, which will help to filter and purify the water and remove any odors.
A substrate layer. This is a layer of soil or potting mix, that you place on top of the drainage layer. This will provide nutrients and support for the plants. You can use any type of soil or potting mix that is suitable for tropical plants, such as coco coir, orchid bark, or sphagnum moss. You can also add some worm castings, which are a natural fertilizer that will enrich the soil and boost the plant growth.
A selection of tropical plants. You can choose any type of tropical plant that you like, as long as it is small enough to fit in the container and have similar light and water requirements. Some of the most popular and easy-to-grow tropical plants for terrariums are ferns, mosses, orchids, bromeliads, air plants, carnivorous plants, and succulents. You can also use some artificial plants, if you prefer, or mix them with real plants for a more realistic look.

Add the animals, the light, the heat, and the lid

A selection of tropical animals. You can also add some tropical animals to your terrarium, if you want to make it more lively and interesting. However, you need to be careful and responsible when choosing and caring for the animals, as they have specific needs and preferences. Some of the most common and suitable tropical animals for terrariums are frogs, geckos, snails, spiders, and insects. You can also use some plastic or toy animals, if you prefer, or mix them with real animals for a more realistic look.
A source of light. You will need to provide some light for your terrarium, as this will help the plants to photosynthesize and grow. You can use natural light, such as sunlight or a bright window, or artificial light, such as a lamp or a LED strip. However, you need to be careful and avoid direct sunlight or too much heat, as this can cause the terrarium to overheat and dry out. You also need to adjust the light duration and intensity according to the plants and animals you have in your terrarium.
A source of heat. You will also need to provide some heat for your terrarium, as this will help to maintain the temperature and humidity inside the terrarium. You can use a heat mat, a heat lamp, or a thermostat, which will regulate the heat and prevent it from getting too hot or too cold. However, you need to be careful and avoid overheating or burning the plants and animals in your terrarium. You also need to adjust the heat level and frequency according to the plants and animals you have in your terrarium.
A spray bottle. You will need to use a spray bottle to mist your terrarium regularly, as this will help to keep the plants and animals hydrated and happy. You can use tap water, distilled water, or rainwater, depending on the quality and availability. You can also add some liquid fertilizer, such as seaweed extract, to the water, which will help to nourish the plants and boost their growth.

How to Create a Tropical Rainforest Terrarium

Once you have all the items you need, you can start creating your tropical rainforest terrarium. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Clean and sterilize the container. You will need to wash and rinse the container thoroughly, using hot water and soap, to remove any dirt, dust, or germs. You can also use some bleach or alcohol to disinfect the container and kill any bacteria or fungi. Make sure to rinse the container well and let it dry completely before using it.
Step 2: Add the drainage layer. You will need to fill the bottom of the container with rocks, pebbles, or gravel, creating a layer of about 1 to 2 inches thick. You can also add some activated charcoal, if you have it, to improve the water quality and reduce the odor. Make sure to spread the drainage layer evenly and cover the entire surface of the container.
Step 3: Add the substrate layer. You will need to place the soil or potting mix on top of the drainage layer, creating a layer about 2 to 4 inches thick. You can also add some worm castings, if you have them, to enrich the soil and enhance plant growth. Make sure to spread the substrate layer evenly and cover the entire surface of the container. You can also create some hills or valleys to add some depth and interest to your terrarium.
Step 4: Add the plants. You will need to arrange the plants in the container according to your preferences and style. You can use a pair of tweezers or a spoon to help you plant the plants in the soil. You can also use some wire or twine to attach the plants to the container or to each other, if needed. You can create different zones or layers in your terrarium, such as a forest floor, an understory, a canopy, and an emergent layer, to mimic the natural structure of a rainforest. You can also leave some space between the plants to allow them to grow and spread

Watch This Video And Learn How to Build a Rainforest Terrarium

Step 5: Add the animals. You will need to introduce the animals in the container according to your preference and style. You can use a pair of tweezers or a spoon to help you place the animals in the terrarium. You can also use some wire or twine to attach the animals to the container or to the plants, if needed. You can create different habitats or niches in your terrarium, such as a pond, a log, a rock, or a leaf, to provide the animals with shelter and food. You can also leave some space between the animals to allow them to move and interact.
Step 6: Add the light. You will need to place the light source above or near the container, depending on the type and size of the light. You can use a clamp, a hook, or a stand to secure the light and adjust its position and angle. You can also use a timer to control the light duration and cycle. You can provide your terrarium with about 10 to 12 hours of light per day, or according to the plants and animals you have in your terrarium.
Step 7: Add the heat. You will need to place the heat source below or near the container, depending on the type and size of the heat source. You can use a mat, a lamp, or a thermostat to regulate the heat and prevent it from getting too hot or too cold. You can also use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the terrarium. You can provide your terrarium with a temperature range of about 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or according to the plants and animals you have in your terrarium.
Step 8: Add the lid or cover. You will need to place the lid or cover on the container to seal the terrarium and create a closed ecosystem. You can use a glass lid, a plastic lid, or a piece of plastic wrap, depending on the shape and size of the container. You can also use some tape or glue to secure the lid or cover and prevent it from falling off or leaking. You can also make some small holes or vents in the lid or cover to allow some air exchange and prevent condensation.

How to Maintain a Tropical Rainforest Terrarium

Once you have created your tropical rainforest terrarium, you will need to maintain it regularly to keep it healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips on how to maintain a tropical rainforest terrarium:

Mist the terrarium. You will need to mist the terrarium with a spray bottle every day or every other day, depending on the humidity level inside the terrarium. You can use tap water, distilled water, or rainwater, depending on the quality and availability. You can also add some liquid fertilizer, such as seaweed extract, to the water every two weeks or once a month, depending on the plant’s growth. You can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity inside the terrarium. You can aim for a humidity range of about 60 to 80 percent, or according to the plants and animals you have in your terrarium.
Prune the plants. You will need to prune the plants with a pair of scissors or pruning shears every two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tropical Rainforest Terrariums

Is it accurate to compare a terrarium to a tropical rain forest?

A tropical terrarium is designed to resemble a naturally warm and humid habitat, such as the branches of a tree in a tropical rainforest or a nest in the long grasses of a tropical savanna. This allows the inhabitants of the terrarium to thrive. Plants, pets, or perhaps both, may thrive in a tropical terrarium.

In a terrarium, what kinds of tropical plants do well?

True Tropical Terrarium Plants

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) Ficus pumila grows like wildfire in a terrarium.
Macodes petola (Lightning Jewel Orchid) ...
Microsorum musifolium (Crocodile Fern) ...
Neoregelia. ...
Biophytum sensitivum. ...
Humata heterophylla. ...
Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave' ...
Syngonium podophyllum 'Pixie'

Is it true that moss makes it more humid?

Since moss is able to store a lot of water, the relative humidity rises as the moss dries up. It also slows down the soil's drying out process. This inexpensive method is one that I use on several of the plants, and the plants are liking it.

Conclusion: How to Enjoy and Care for Your Tropical Rainforest Terrarium

A tropical rainforest terrarium is a wonderful way to create and maintain a lush and exotic ecosystem in a glass container. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of tropical plants and animals, as well as learn more about the natural environment and climate of a rainforest. However, you also need to take good care of your terrarium, as it is a delicate and complex system that requires some attention and maintenance. Here are some tips on how to enjoy and care for your tropical rainforest terrarium:

Keep your terrarium in a place where it receives enough light, but not too much heat or direct sunlight. You can use natural or artificial light, but make sure to adjust the duration and intensity according to the plants and animals you have chosen.
Water your terrarium regularly, but not too much or too often. You can use a spray bottle or a watering can, but make sure to avoid overwatering or flooding the terrarium. You can also mist the terrarium with a spray bottle to increase the humidity and mimic the rainforest conditions.
Prune and trim your plants as needed, to keep them healthy and prevent them from overcrowding the terrarium. You can use scissors or tweezers, but be careful not to damage the plants or disturb the animals.
Clean your terrarium occasionally, to remove any dead or decaying matter, such as leaves, flowers, or insects. You can use a small brush or a cotton swab, but be gentle and avoid disturbing the soil or the drainage layer.
Feed your animals as required, according to their diet and preferences. You can use live or dried food, such as worms, crickets, or fruit, but make sure to provide the right amount and frequency for each animal. You can also use a small dish or a feeder, but make sure to remove any leftover food or waste.
Monitor your terrarium regularly, to check for any signs of problems or issues, such as pests, diseases, mold, or algae. You can use a magnifying glass or a flashlight, but be observant and attentive to any changes or abnormalities in the terrarium.
Enjoy your terrarium and have fun with it. You can observe the plants and animals, learn more about them, or even name them. You can also share your terrarium with others, such as your friends, family, or classmates, and show them your amazing creation.

A tropical rainforest terrarium is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that you can do alone or with kids. It is also a great way to express your creativity and imagination, as well as to appreciate and respect the nature and the environment. We hope you found this article helpful and informative, and we wish you all the best with your tropical rainforest terrarium. Thank you for reading! 😊