How to Create a Tropical Terrarium

Terrariums are usually build in aquarium boxes or containers because they are already water tight and can be easily covered. Often they come with a cover equipped with a light, so the plants can be adequately lit even if the terrarium is indoors. A tropical terrarium consists of live tropical plants, usually small because of space constraints and are almost self contained. The top keeps moisture in, so plants stay watered. The tropical terrarium is really a miniature rain forest and we can watch the forest grow and flourish in our living rooms or classrooms. Making one can be fun and educational.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium or other container that can be sealed and covered or
• Terrarium with side opening
• Tropical plants

Instructions

1. Start with a false bottom. The tropical terrarium is a moist place and you do not want your plants to rot from excess water. A false bottom gives the excess water a place to pool so the plants don't drown. Your false bottom can be a one or two inch layer of gravel with a screen over it to keep the soil out or it can be a piece of egg crate supported by PVC with a screen on top.

2. Install the hardscape. You may want rocks or bridges in your terrarium. Install them now. You can use rocks, plastic, wood, or bark as long as it is clean and non toxic. If you find items outdoors, clean them well before placing them in the terrarium. Use non toxic glues if you are attaching any hardscaping materials to the background or bottom of your terrarium.

3. Install a top. A screen top usually prevents high moisture since the terrarium will be the same humidity of the room it is in. A mostly glass top will keep the humidity level much higher. Install a light. Plants require full spectrum lighting with a color temperature between 5000 to 7000K for best growth. Most normal home lights are drastically less than 5000K, so be sure you get a special grow light.

4. Install a substrate. A temperate or rain forest vivarium might have a layer of peat, fir bark, and black earth, followed by a layer of spagnum moss, with a layer of leaves on top. Add dechlorinated water.

5. Decide what plants you want to grow. You must know what plants are compatible with tropical, moist environments and will not grow so large as to outgrow the terrarium. You can choose your plant material at a local nursery. Install the plants, leaving room for the plants to grow. Let the terrarium stabilize for several weeks. Watch it closely for any plant problems. If you see any plants that are rotting, dying or doing poorly, remove them and replace them with more suitable plants. All plants in the terrarium must have the same soil, water, temperature and food needs.

6. Cover the terrarium and turn on the grow lights. Leave them on for no more than twelve hours daily to mirror the light activity outside. Plants respond to temperature and length of light, so monitor each carefully.