The Green Volunteers V4 I1

Asian Network of Youth Volunteers Society
ARTICLE
TERRARIUM
MANORI PERERA
Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA
Simply put, terrarium is a decorative small
indoor garden. This ornamental miniature
garden is perfect for people who love the
nature but live in the place with no garden
and little space for plants. It is an interesting
way to keep plants in the home.
Terrarium contributes to create a unique
environment for growing plants. It is mostly
self-sustaining with the plants watering
themselves through transpiration and
condensation. This happens because
moisture evaporates from both the soil
and plants at the elevated temperatures
inside the terrarium. And this water vapor
then condenses on the wall of the glass
container, and eventually falls back to the
plants and soil below. Accordingly, this
constant water supply prevents plants from
becoming over dry. In addition, the light
falling through the transparent material of
the terrarium enables the plants inside to
photosynthesize, a very important aspect of
plant growth.
There are two main types of terrarium;
1. ENCLOSED TERRARIUM (SEALED
TERRARIUM)
Enclosed terrarium or Sealed terrarium has
a removable lid. It is also called as tropical
terrarium. This structure completely creates a
high humidity environment. The moisture in a
enclosed terrarium constantly recycles itself and
continuously produces water that the plants
need for growth. Tropical plant varieties are best
suited for this kind of terrarium. Such as Mosses,
Ferns etc.
2. OPEN TERRARIUM (UNSEALED
TERRARIUM)
Open terrarium does not have a lid. It is also
called as succulent terrarium. This structure
maintains a lower humidity environment.
Therefore, It is best suited to plants that do not
require much moisture. For an example Cactus
and other temperate plants.
The Green Volunteers Volume 4 Issue 1 (2021) 38