At Mount Moss, we’re all about creating tiny, thriving ecosystems in glass containers, and one of the most fascinating of these is the closed terrarium. But what exactly is a closed terrarium, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
What is a Terrarium?
The word “terrarium” comes from the Latin word terra, meaning “earth,” and -arium, which means a container or space. So, a terrarium is literally a “container for earth.” It’s a sealed glass container where plants grow, creating a mini ecosystem inside. When it’s closed, this environment becomes self-sustaining, where water cycles naturally to nourish the plants.
How Does a Closed Terrarium Work?
A closed terrarium works through the water cycle, just like the one we see in nature. Here’s how it happens:
- Evaporation: Water from the soil and plants inside the terrarium evaporates into the air. This increases the humidity, creating a tropical-like environment inside the glass container.
- Condensation: As the water rises, it cools on the glass walls of the container, forming droplets of moisture.
- Precipitation: These droplets then trickle back down to the soil, where the cycle starts again. This continuous loop keeps the plants hydrated without needing to be watered often.
Why Does This Work?
The science behind a closed terrarium is what makes it so special. The sealed environment helps regulate moisture and temperature, mimicking the water cycle we see in nature. The humidity inside is perfect for tropical plants like moss, ferns which thrive in these conditions.