A terrarium is essentially a closed environment for growing plants. They are usually made of clear glass or plastic and come in all shapes and sizes, from mini terrariums to individual miniature plants, window sills large terrariums right up to large terrariums where you can create an extensive habitat. When the environment is established in a terrarium, it requires only minimal maintenance. The system reapplies moisture through evaporation and condensation processes. Because of this water reuse or closed water cycle, the terrarium may not require watering for months or even years in some cases.
The sustainability of a terrarium environment makes them great projects for kids, useful for forgetful people who can’t remember when to water and great for non-green fingers. You can buy ready-made kits (great for gifts and kids). These come with all the necessary materials and instructions for setting up a fully functioning terrarium. For kids, they can be purchased theme: Diego, Dora Explorer, the backyard and SpongeBob Squarepants for example. There are themed dinosaurs and fairy terraces.
Terrariums can be used to illustrate different environments such as desert, tropical, temperate or just to grow herbs. The choices are limited only by your imagination, as you could design your own terrarium from scratch using an empty terrarium box and read an excellent reference book or do some research online. You will be able to find out which plants they need, what substrate they need to grow. The most commonly used substrates are: ordinary soil, small pebbles, sand, peat, wood of various trees, woodworking, vegetable fibers (for example, coconut) or a combination of Terrarium team building.
Many terrariums are used to house and show animals (especially tropical species) with the addition of a heat and light source. Animals suitable for closed and controlled terrariums include, but are not limited to: reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, scorpions and even small birds. Some of the most common plants used in terrariums include: Pilea (aluminum plant), Ardisia, Podocarpus (Buddhist pine), Aeschynanthus (lipstick plant), baby tears, tiny ferns, African small violets, coffee plant, Creeping Charlie, Boxwood, Creeping fig, bogs and many more.
Terrariums are an excellent educational resource as they can be used to help young scientists understand the water cycle, plant growth, different habitats, photosynthesis and more. Ideal for science projects, homeschooling activities, or for teachers to use in science courses. A good thing is that beginner terrariums don’t have to be expensive.
