Building a 16-Inch Bioactive Terrarium for Mantises with Live Plants

This is a simple planting setup with photos and a build video

This is a 16-inch-tall bioactive terrarium with two mesh vents on opposite sides. It is designed for larger insects, such as mantises, and has a tray underneath to help prevent water from leaking out.

My original idea was to create a home for insects where I could also grow real, living plants.

Plants and Moss

• Aralia

• Saxifrage

• Fittonia (nerve plants)

• Sheet moss (Hypnum moss)

Substrate Layers

I started with a layer of small lava rock granules at the bottom for drainage. On top of that, I added sphagnum moss, followed by Akadama soil. Regular soil can also be used instead of Akadama.

Planting

The planting process was very simple. I planted the three plants and used a few stones to hold the aralia in place.

And that was it.

All three plants tolerate wet conditions, and the sheet moss grows very well in this environment.

Drinking Water for the Insects

You can, of course, add a small water dispenser. Personally, though, I think the water droplets on the leaves and moss can provide enough drinking water for the insects.

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Building video will be uploaded below soon: