page_title: Terrarium
section_title: Open terraria
hierarchical_section_title: Terrarium / Types / Open terraria
caption_attribution_description: An open terrarium with succulents and cactus
context_page_description: A terrarium is usually a sealable glass container containing soil and plants, and can be opened for maintenance to access the plants inside. However, terraria can also be open to the atmosphere rather than being sealed. Terraria are often kept as decorative or ornamental items. Closed terraria create a unique environment for plant growth, as the transparent walls allow for both heat and light to enter the terrarium.
  The sealed container combined with the heat entering the terrarium allows for the creation of a small scale water cycle. This happens because moisture from both the soil and plants evaporates in the elevated temperatures inside the terrarium. This water vapour then condenses on the walls of the container, and eventually falls back to the plants and soil below.
  This contributes to creating an ideal environment for growing plants due to the constant supply of water, thereby preventing the plants from becoming over dry. In addition to this, the light that passes through the transparent material of the terrarium allows for the plants within to photosynthesize, a very important aspect of plant growth.
context_section_description: Open terraria are better suited to plants that prefer less humidity and soil moisture, such as temperate plants. Not all plants require or are suited to the moist environment of closed terraria. For plants adapted to dry climates, open, unsealed terrariums are used to keep the air in the terrarium free from excess moisture. Open terraria also work well for plants that require more direct sunlight, as closed terraria can trap too much heat potentially killing any plants inside.
  Note that succulents, despite being a popular option, are a poor choice for terraria - open or closed. The intrinsic lack of drainage in a terrarium will inflict root rot or require under watering.
  See also bottle garden.
caption: An open terrarium
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