You probably see the hundreds and thousands of terrarium designs online or in a plant shop. When comes to the type of terrariums, usually it is very clear, that there are only two main types existing. Closed terrarium and open terrarium.
Closed Terrarium
Obviously, the closed terrarium is enclosed. No surprise from what you can see. The glass container is usually sealed with a clear lid or a clear cover.
In a closed terrarium, the glass container allows heat and light to pass through and keep it warm during the daytime. This causes moisture to evaporate from the leaves. During the night, the temperature drops, and the glass wall become relatively cooler, which creates condensation within the terrarium. Droplets, or fog, form on the glass walls, and as the water collects, the ‘fog’ starts to behave like clouds. The moisture then rains back down onto the soil for the cycle to continue. It is a mini-version of the eco-system real world. Therefore the lid or cover takes an important role to finish the mini eco-system. When the eco-system function well inside the terrarium, it is not a problem to survive for years. As the plants are growing inside a small container, they will grow very slowly and can keep their shape for a longer time. That's why a terrarium can be long-lasting and careless. And it is normal that the plants are growing larger during times, at that point, you can trim them or think of replanting. We will talk more about it in our future blog post about terrarium care.
Here are some of our collections for enclosed terrariums. Sometimes the glass container comes with its own matching lid, which is rare to find in the market, that is the reason lots of creators use candy jars or biscuit jars to create terrariums. It is also a time-saving solution for beginners. Not all glassware has lids, obviously, they are just vary-shaped glass vases or glass bowls. They are easy to find in any homeware store and the only thing you need to do next is go hunting for a suitable lid.
Open Terrarium
In an opened terrarium, the base layers and soils used are the same as in an enclosed terrarium. The only difference is just without a lid or cover. It won't have a mini eco-system functioning as the moisture escapes more easily. If the terrarium contains tropical plants, that means the terrarium requires water regularly. Looking after your terrarium as a normal potting plant but beware of overwatering. Overwatering is the main reason the plants don't survive. Not surprisingly, a terrarium doesn't have drainage that goes out of the glassware.
Terrariums' main feature is careless, therefore, the open terrariums are better suited to cacti, succulents, air plants, and other like-minded plants that prefer air circulation and low humidity.
Which type should I pick?
Apart from personal preference, the environments are crucial when you make decisions.
Think about where are you going to display your new green baby. Does it get natural light or artificial light? Does the room have good natural ventilation or full 24/7 AC? From our experience, the closed terrarium is easy to look after, and not only just survives but thrives. The open terrarium needs a little bit more attention, and that's it!
If you are a plant parent who wants to enjoy the vitality but with less time to look after your plants, the closed terrariums might be a good option for your living or working space.
