Is terrarium a good environmental solution for the urban dweller? In some parts of the world, it is necessary to use a terrarium, especially if you live in a city. The reason is not hard to find. As a matter of fact, terrariums can be a good environmental solution both for the urban resident and those who live in more rural areas.

A terrarium is simply a big clear plastic or glass container full of either plants (Figures 1), rocks (which is very common), or small insects (such as cockroaches and earthworms). It has also come to mean an aquarium filled with live plants, rocks, or wood that has been artificially infested with living or dead organic material (such as soil) and kept in a low-light, but relatively oxygenated environment. terrariums are most often useful for growing small aquatic plants which do well in artificial light, although they can also grow well in natural sunlight. In urban locations, the majority of terrariums used are used for aquariums, as these provide good habitat for several types of aquatic life.

While this is true, there are many other reasons why a terrarium can be beneficial to the environment as well. For one thing, terrariums provide a great place for the urban resident to grow food. In urban locations, where access to fresh water is sometimes limited or non-existent, artificial water can be a valuable source of food for low-water plants, such as water lilies.

Even young plants can benefit from being planted in a terrarium. Containers can provide good places for young plants to root and grow. Root growth is very important because young plants will need to spread to absorb the nutrients provided by their environment.

One of the main reasons why terrarium plants are so useful to the urban dweller is that they can be planted in almost any soil type, as long as it is well-drained. Water is the only limiting factor, since the soil can be saturated with water if so desired. Plants can also be grown in soil mixes with organic matter in order to improve the structure and nutrient value of the soil. This is why herbs are frequently planted in containers as mulch. They benefit from a rich organic soil mix, along with the nutrients derived from the plants and decomposing organic matter.

The gravel or coarse sand is one of the least desirable types of soil for plants to grow in. This is because the roots of plants want to have access to the maximum amount of water and nutrients. To combat this problem, simply make sure that the soil mix being used is extremely well-drained. In the case of using gravel, make sure that the holes are dug deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plants, but not deep enough to drown them. A good drainage system should also help in the prevention of the roots of the plants from rotting.

Air plants also work well in terrariums, due to the fact that they can thrive even in waters that are less than ideal for plant growth. However, air plants are often best planted in larger containers, since air circulation is easier with plants indoors. Plants placed upside down in a glass pot may rot because of poor air circulation, although this is very rare. The same is true of container gardens with soil.

In any case, air pots and terrarium plants are more than useful to the aquarist. They can be very effective in helping to bring an aquatic environment into a terrestrial one. They can also help the grower to learn about plant growth and how different species behave, as well as introduce new species if so desired. And with proper care, they will provide years of enjoyment.