A moss terrarium makes a beautiful decoration, gift or home for small reptiles and amphibians. In fact, terrariums can also be sold. This article will help you create and maintain a beautiful moss terrarium.
Step
Part 1 of 6: Choosing a Terrarium
Step 1. Find a local craft or glassware store
You can also buy a terrarium container at a pet store. An online marketplace can also be an option as long as you are willing to pay more for shipping costs, and are willing to wait until the terrarium container arrives. Choose a shop whose price range fits your budget.
Step 2. Choose the size and material of the container
You can choose glass or plastic jars, vases, decorative containers, and even chests. The size also depends on your preference.
- If you want to keep animals in a terrarium, choose a size that is appropriate for the type of species and number of animals to be kept. The smaller the terrarium, the easier it is to control humidity and keep it clean. Meanwhile, a larger container will hold more moss and can be used as a beautiful table decoration.
- If you plan to keep animals in a terrarium, choose a glass container. Plastics are cheaper, but they heat up more easily and can leach chemicals into water sources or even melt if left in direct sunlight. Glass is easier to clean, but easier to break. The terrarium must have a tight lid, whether made of glass, plastic, or cork. If you want to use it for animals, the container must have a lid with some kind of ventilation.
Step 3. Determine the height of the terrarium
The taller and narrower the container, the less moss you can fit into it.
Animals should only be placed in a terrarium of the appropriate length, width and volume for the species. If you choose a tall terrarium, it will be more difficult to clean and decorate
Part 2 of 6: Buying Moss
Step 1. Choose the type of moss for the terrarium
You can use spanish moss or another hanging moss species, but usually terrestrial moss is a better choice. Do not use plants that are illegal or prohibited in your area. Some people recommend using at least 3-4 species of moss in a terrarium, but this is up to you. Green, blue, and fusia moss can be purchased at the local market or nursery. Stained moss isn't common to use, but you can add more if you'd like.
Step 2. Buy moss
You can find different varieties of moss at plant stores and online market places, which may offer interesting colors and varieties. You can also collect moss from the wild as long as the place is not a protected nature reserve. Check local laws and customs to confirm. Moss must be fresh and wet. Dried or dead moss cannot be used for a terrarium.
Part 3 of 6: Choosing Other Decorations
Step 1. Visit your local craft store for terrarium decorations
You can buy shells, sand, dirt, rocks, gravel, marbles, plastic figurines, and other small items to fill your terrarium. Some people even make small scenes using plastic statues in terrarium containers, but this is not recommended if you want to keep animals inside.
- Colorful ribbons, string, or twine can be wrapped around the terrarium or tied into a knot on the lid.
- Colored sand or rocks will form a nice layer to place at the bottom of the container, as well as make an interesting pattern. Quartz stone or natural stone can also be added as a pretty touch to the moss display.
Step 2. Find a small plant
You can choose small plants from your yard or nursery to plant in your terrarium with the moss. Use few live plants to keep the terrarium focused on the moss.
- Newly sprouted oak saplings, ferns, and colorful weed-like shoots are also great for planting. Oak saplings should be trimmed every few months to keep them in the terrarium container.
- Grass is not a recommended option because it can grow very invasively in moist and humid environments.
Step 3. Select the media
Purchase sand, rocks, or loose soil for the base of the terrarium. This medium will help drain excess water and can be styled according to the appearance and size of the container. Spread several layers of sand of different colors to make the media look interesting and colorful. The sand media can dry out easily and can be removed from the terrarium if necessary.
Soil can compact, become too moist, and don't dry out easily. So, its use should be avoided
Step 4. Consider adding extra decoration, but not too much
Small hanging ornaments or pieces of ribbon can be attached to the lid of the terrarium to hang on the wall. However, do not install decorations that are too heavy. The main idea of a terrarium is to maintain a small moss garden and a mini-ecosystem. The water will feed the moss, releasing oxygen for the animals in the terrarium, and the animals will use the moss as a shelter or use the medium to dig a hole where they live.
Part 4 of 6: Making a Terrarium
Step 1. Add media
Create several layers of media at the bottom of the container. If you don't have sand and small rocks, just use loose soil or wood chips. If you choose colored sand, spread a layer of light sand over the dark to get a nice contrast and create a sort of evenly spaced pattern. Add media until it fills at least half the container or more, if desired. If it's less than that, the terrarium will look empty and unfinished.
Step 2. Add moss
You can cover the entire substrate with moss or spread it all over the area and fill in any gaps with smaller moss flakes, more substrate, or trimmings (see next step). Moss should not be laid in layers, otherwise mold can grow due to lack of drainage. Moss of different colors will make for a beautiful pattern, but different types of moss will make the terrarium look unified. Some mosses grow in the form of flowers or stars. Other types grow like grass or dense clusters. If you have spanish moss or similar hanging species, tape the moss to the walls of the container, securing it with a terrarium lid to allow the moss to hang or spread.
One of the best ways is to add a twig or large rock in the center of the terrarium, then hang the moss to hang onto the floor of the container. Moss should not stick to the walls of the terrarium. So don't compress it too tightly
Step 3. Add embellishments
Additional decorations can be placed inside the terrarium to fill in the gaps and make it tidier. Natural-looking rocks make a nice accent for green or brown moss, while quartz and amethyst will accentuate brightly colored moss, including blue, fusia, or purple moss. Twigs and tree branches can also be added. Likewise, a small water source to keep humidity levels high, such as a bowl or glass filled with water.
The use of plastic trim is not recommended as it can melt in the sun and does not look natural near moss and native plants
Part 5 of 6: Adding Animals
Step 1. Do your research first
Keeping small animals in a terrarium sounds fun and easy, but there can be detrimental side effects.
Step 2. Select the animal species
Non-aquatic salamanders and very small frogs are recommended options, but frogs and even insects can also be added to enrich the moss terrarium ecosystem.
- All amphibians will need a small water source or even a large one if their life depends on water, such as frogs.
- Insects usually do well in the presence of a full glass of water, light, and a regular spray of water. Ideal insect species choices include roly-polies (pill bugs, woodlice family), millipede species that are safe to keep, harmless beetles and snails/snails.
- For frogs and toads, most species must eventually be moved to more permanent habitats, as are some species of salamanders, although most can live in terrariums without problems. Make sure you have the tools to provide care, food, and a stable and safe environment for any animals to be kept.
Step 3. Buy an animal
Many pet stores or online market places sell animals or insects that you can add to your terrarium. You can also look for wild animals. However, never keep illegal or prohibited animals. Most online stores will add a shipping/handling fee. So, always keep this in mind when you compare the selling prices.
Sometimes, shipping costs more than the price of the animal you purchased. So it's best to choose a good site at an affordable price
Step 4. Put the animals in the terrarium
Make sure the water supply is fully stocked and feed when needed. Follow the care instructions for your pet and always wash your hands after handling or touching their environment. Keep the terrarium moist and the right humidity for the pet.
Part 6 of 6: Caring for a Terrarium
Step 1. Keep the terrarium wet
Spray the terrarium once or twice a day with a spray bottle and chlorine-free water. You can also put a lid on a small jar or glass. Bury it in the medium until it almost reaches its surface. Fill it with chlorine-free warm water and keep the volume at least half full.
Alternatively, you can pour a glass of water every two days by sprinkling it on the moss and plants, and spraying with water periodically. You can fill a plastic cup with water and bury half of it in the sand to maintain the right level of humidity, but animals can drown in it. So, only use this method if your terrarium doesn't contain pets
Step 2. Feed the plants and animals
Animals should always be fed a specific diet according to their species, and plants can be given a small amount of fertilizer, loose soil, or a liquid plant nutrient mixture. Moss will need nothing more than water and indirect sun exposure.
Step 3. Place the terrarium in the right place
Choose a room that has a stable temperature of 20-30 °C. Place the container in a place that gets indirect sunlight in the afternoon and early morning.
Terrariums should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Tall tables, counters, or shelves are great choices. Do not put the terrarium in a cold place because the moss can die
Step 4. Clean the terrarium
Once a year, all media can be replaced and the container cleaned, but this is not mandatory. The lid of the container should be opened for 3-4 hours a week to let the moss get some air. At this time, all animals should be moved to a safe place until the terrarium cover is put back on.
Step 5. Enjoy your terrarium
Tips
- Place the moss in a sunlit room, such as a bedroom or bathroom with at least two windows.
- Frogs and salamanders are the best pets for a moss terrarium.
- Open the terrarium cover only when needed to maintain humidity.
- Make a moss terrarium as a school project, or give it as a housewarming and birthday gift.
- Some animals, such as frogs, salamanders, and some insects, can be dangerous. Get to know the species you are keeping and do not keep potentially dangerous animals in a moss terrarium.
- Always wash your hands after touching moss and any animals.
- Always be careful when handling glass objects as they break easily and can leave dangerous debris around.
- Small children should not handle sand because ingestion can be fatal.
- Use common sense when working on any project.
