A terrarium is more than just a habitat for reptiles, amphibians or insects. It is a mini-ecosystem that should not only be functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. A natural-looking terrarium contributes to the well-being of the animals and ensures that their environment resembles their natural habitat as much as possible. In this blog post we discuss how to make a terrarium as natural as possible and which elements contribute to this.
1. Choose the right back wall
A natural back wall is essential for the look of your terrarium. Instead of a bare glass back you can choose:
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Back walls made of cork or bark
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Structural back walls made of polystyrene and cement
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Cork boards or homemade back walls with moss and plants
These materials mimic the natural environment and also provide climbing opportunities for certain types of animals.
2. Use a natural substrate
The substrate is the bottom layer in the terrarium and has both a functional and decorative role. Choose a substrate that suits the needs of your animals:
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Jungle terrarium : coconut fiber, peat, bark or a mix of organic material
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Desert terrarium : sand, clay sand or a combination of sand and loam
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Paludarium : a mix of substrate and waterproof materials for swamp-like environments
A natural substrate contributes to a stable ecosystem and helps retain moisture or drain water.
3. Plants for a natural look
Real plants not only provide a visually appealing look, but also contribute to the air quality and ecosystem of the terrarium. Some suitable plants are:
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For humid terrariums : bromeliads, ferns, ficuses, mosses
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For dry terrariums : succulents, cacti, aloe vera, sansevieria
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For aquatic environments : aquatic plants such as Java fern, Anubias or Elodea
Make sure that the plants are not poisonous to your animals and can withstand the temperature and humidity in your terrarium.
4. Use realistic decoration
Natural decoration completes your terrarium. Think of:
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Wooden elements : branches, tree trunks and roots provide hiding and climbing places
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Rocks and stones : ideal for heat regulation and hiding places
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Shelters : natural caves, half tree trunks and coconut shells
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Moss and leaves : create a forest atmosphere and retain moisture
By arranging these decorations in an organic way, you will create a terrarium that is not only visually appealing, but also a functional environment for your animals.
5. Create a natural light and humidity level
Light and humidity play a big role in simulating a natural environment. Use the right lighting depending on your animals' needs:
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UVB lamps for reptiles that need sunlight
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LED lighting for plant growth and general lighting
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Heat lamps to create temperature zones
For humidity regulation you can use an automatic mist system, a sprinkler system or a water tank to keep the humidity at the right level.
6. Maintain a balanced ecosystem
A natural terrarium functions best as a small ecosystem. You can support this by:
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Clean water features : ensure a good filter system
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Micro-organisms : small soil animals such as springtails and woodlice help to clean up waste
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A balanced temperature and humidity that suits the type of terrarium
By keeping these elements in balance, you create an environment that is largely self-sustaining and requires less maintenance.
Conclusion
Creating a natural look in your terrarium requires a combination of the right back wall, a good substrate, living plants, realistic decoration and an optimal light and humidity level. By carefully choosing these elements and adjusting them to the needs of your animals, you not only ensure a beautiful living environment, but also a healthy and stable ecosystem. With the right design and maintenance, you can enjoy a terrarium that is both functional and visually impressive.
