Terrariums

TECHNOLOGY

“ Typically, terrariums are used to grow plants that can only exist in tropical climates”

Terrariums explained

Discover how these fish tank-like devices are used to grow tropical plants

Terrariums are a special type of enclosure with a glass case that specialise in re-creating a foreign habitat very different to the room they are located in. Typically they are used to grow plants that can only exist in tropical climates such as croton or selaginella, with a series of lighting, water and circulation systems artifi cially imitating their native habitat.

Animals can be kept in terrariums too, with turtles being one of the most common inhabitants. However, their prime modus operandi is for botanical or decorative purposes, akin to a fi sh tank in modern homes and offi ces. It’s worth noting, as can be seen in the ‘Get to know your habitats’ boxout, terrariums differ from other similar enclosures like insectariums and formicariums.

Indeed, a terrarium’s focus on plants and fl owers makes it in many ways more akin to a botanical garden’s tropical glasshouse than an aquarium, with facilities like the Eden Project in the UK and the Biosphere 2 in Arizona sharing much of its technology, albeit on a far larger and more complex scale. For a closer look at the key components that make up a modern domestic terrarium, check out the main image.

Anatomy of a terrarium

What technology enables us to re-create tropical forests within a small glass sphere?

Misting module

To ensure that the artifi cial water cycle of the terrarium is well distributed, a misting module in installed.

Planting tray

The compost for the terrarium’s plants is placed on top of a special capilliary mat that draws water from the system’s reserves while preventing saturation.

Fans

A fan network attached to an internal carbon fi lter ensures a supply of fresh air throughout the bowl.

Lighting

A series of LED lights is mounted within the lid to replicate necessary levels of illumination and heat for the plants to grow effectively.

Tank

Terrarium tanks are similar in construction to aquariums, consisting of a base, glass tank and lid. Sizes vary, though most are no more than 100cm (39.3in) tall.

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Base

The terrarium’s power supply, fans and water reservoir are located within the base. Support struts extend from the base to maintain stability on fl at surfaces.

Get to know your habitats…

Aquarium

An aquarium is a simulation of a water habitat, like a river or lake. It can be fresh or salt water and contains marine creatures.

Insectarium

An insectarium is a special type of simulated dry habitat that caters solely to insects and arachnids such as the tarantula.

Vivarium

Similar to a terrarium, albeit designed more for animals, vivariums are typically home to a wide variety of fl ora and reptiles.

Paludarium

An artifi cial habitat that re-creates swamp or rainforest habitats. It features aspects of both aquariums and terrariums.

Formicarium

Similar to the insectarium, the formicarium is an artifi cial habitat that re-creates conditions for ant colonies.

Riparium

A riparium is a very particular type of paludarium – one in which the contained water sources have a circulating current.

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