Three Bioactive Terrarium Planting Projects for Insects and Live Plants

These three terrarium planting projects were designed with both insects and live plants in mind. They all have a base that can hold water and a glass cover with mesh ventilation.

I chose similar plants for these setups, so I decided to share them together.

Moss Selection and Substrate Layers

First, these bioactive terrariums are well ventilated, so they are not a good fit for mosses that need consistently high humidity.

At the same time, water can collect in the base. For these setups, I would choose mosses that tolerate wet conditions, such as sheet moss (Hypnum moss) or Plagiomnium cuspidatum. I used sheet moss in all three, simply because that was what I had on hand.

The substrate layers are also similar:

• Porous lava rock at the bottom as a drainage layer

• A layer of sphagnum moss spread over the lava rock

• Soil on top for planting

The stones serve two main purposes: adding visual interest and helping support or hold the plants in place.

1. Tall House-Shaped Bioactive Terrarium

Plants and materials

• Elm

• Sheet moss

• Seiryu stone

The elm’s roots are an important part of the display, so try to show them off as much as possible.

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2. Geometric Dome Bioactive Terrarium

Plants and materials

• Komachi azalea

• Fittonia (nerve plants)

• Sheet moss

• Shrimp wood

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3. Tall Rectangular Bioactive Terrarium

Plants and materials

• Fire fern

• Sweet flag

• Sheet moss

• Dragon Stone

The Dragon Stone helps support the fire fern’s flexible stems.

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to be updated.