What are the elements of a terrarium and their functions?

elements of a terrarium and their functions

What are the elements of a terrarium? There are many components of a terrarium, including soil, decorative stones, raffia, and plants. You can also add accessories, such as figures, to enhance the appearance of your glass terrarium.

Decorative structures can include a trellis, an old broken phone, or decorative pebbles. You can even embellish your terrarium by stringing some ribbon or making a bow or charm with raffia.

Activated charcoal helps terrarium plants stay healthy

Activated charcoal keeps the potting soil free of odors, bacteria, and fungi. It also eliminates the growth of microorganisms, which can harm your plants. Plants love activated charcoal because it reduces the odor of their surroundings. Place the soil in a small hole, leaving room for root development. Choose succulents or other standout plants to add to your terrarium.

Activated charcoal is best added to closed-top terrariums to prevent unpleasant odors. You can also add pebbles, gravel, or soil to act as a filter, absorbing toxins and bacteria that would otherwise harm the plants. Activated charcoal is also ideal for indoor terrariums, where the temperature is constant throughout the year. The charcoal can be purchased in pellet or powder form and will work wonders in the terrarium’s soil.

Activated carbon is an excellent filtration agent, but you must replace it regularly, or you may end up with an unhealthy terrarium. Overwatering is one of the main reasons for terrarium failure, so it’s essential to water the terrarium only when it needs to. Always remember to use a watering can or spoonful to water it. Don’t overwater your terrarium, or the plants might die.

Activated charcoal can help terrarium plants stay healthy by reducing toxins. Just make sure you get a reputable brand. It doesn’t hurt to give your plants an extra boost!

False bottom terrarium

One of the most popular methods of creating a false bottom is using dried sphagnum moss. 

Adding a false bottom is an excellent option for people who want to maintain humidity levels and reduce the risk of overwatering. A false bottom also helps with water flow around the terrarium, reducing the risk of root rot. It also helps reduce the likelihood of bad smells. False bottoms can be made from various materials, each with pros and cons. Listed below are the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

A false bottom is an excellent choice if you consider a terrarium for a burrowing betta. You can even choose clear, stackable, lightweight enclosures. The most popular false bottoms are reversible, and the smallest ones are 204mm long, 105mm wide, and 113mm high. You can even use an egg crate as the false bottom as the base of your terrarium.

Decorative stones

Decorative stones in a terrarium have several different functions, including the ability to attract frogs and insects. Their presence also creates an exciting look for terrariums. Decorative stones are commonly used as a topdressing for moist-loving plants.

While mosses should never be used with arid plants, they are an excellent way to divide gravel and soil. Decorative stones can also be found in flower-growing plants, such as ferns and lilies.

Decorative stones add a decorative touch to the display while ensuring optimal conditions for the plants. While terrariums with decorative stones tend to have more plants than those without, it’s essential to balance the size and color of the rocks. For example, if your terrarium is too large, it may break the glass container.

Decorative stones in a terrarium should be positioned so that they don’t block the drainage system. Plants need adequate water and nutrients, and a layer of soil, such as gravel, should be at least 30% of the container. If the terrarium is open, you can place pebbles on the sides of the container to slow the circulation of humidity in the space.

Soil mix

When choosing a substrate mix for your terrarium, remember that your goal is to achieve the proper balance of water retention, drainage, strength, and support. A good mix will start with a suitable base and incorporate appropriate soil supplements. In addition to organic materials, your terrarium will require a special kind of soil for cacti and succulents, and these plants prefer a nutrient-rich mix that drains quickly.

A succulent soil mix is made of different types of clay minerals. These soils contain nutrients necessary for succulent growth, but most people don’t want to use them. If you’d rather make your succulent soil mix, consider using one made specifically for the purpose. But remember to use a mix that is not too heavy.

Soil for your terrarium should be moist and drain well. If you don’t know how to mix soil, always consult an expert. 

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