🌿 What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a sealed glass container filled with plants, creating a self-sustaining mini ecosystem. With the right conditions, it requires no watering once sealed, as it naturally recycles moisture.
At Glassworlds, we’re inspired by this concept—bringing the beauty of nature into your space with your own mini glass world!
Terrarium water cycle
A terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem, and its water cycle plays a crucial role in keeping the plants healthy. Here’s how it works:
- Condensation on the glass falls into the soil and the base layer stones similar to what happens when it rains.
- Water evaporates from the base layer stones and goes into the soil where it is absorbed by the plant's roots travelling up the stem to the leaves.
- Some of the water absorbed by the roots will be used for photosynthesis, which is how plants use energy from the sun to create their own food. During this process, plants use carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from the water absorbed through their roots and release oxygen as a byproduct.
- Water that isn’t used during the photosynthesis process then evaporates, or transpires through the leaves, pores or stomata and travels upwards coming into contact with the container, cooling it creating condensation which then repeats the cycle.
Terrariums can last a long time
Terrariums are perfect for beginners as they require minimal upkeep. The most famous terrarium was created by David Latimer 50 years ago and has been sealed shut ever since!