In a tall terrarium, you can create a lush, layered environment that takes advantage of vertical space. What you include depends on whether the terrarium is for plants, animals, or both (bioactive). Here’s a breakdown of what you can put in a tall terrarium, grouped by category:
For Plant-Only Tall Terrariums 🌿
Great plants for vertical growth and visual interest:
- Climbing and trailing plants:
- Pothos
- Philodendron (heartleaf or micans)
- Hoya
- English ivy (in open terrariums only)
- Epiphytes (attach to wood, no soil needed):
- Air plants (Tillandsia)
- Orchids (especially mini varieties)
- Staghorn ferns
- Ferns and mosses for the base and vertical surfaces:
- Maidenhair fern
- Java moss
- Cushion moss
- Carnivorous plants (in humid, open-top setups):
- Nepenthes (pitcher plants)
- Sundews
Add vertical elements:
- Cork bark panels
- Driftwood or manzanita branches
- Hanging planters or moss walls
For Animal Terrariums (Arboreal or Semi-Arboreal) 🦎
Good pets for tall enclosures:
- Reptiles:
- Crested geckos
- Gargoyle geckos
- Day geckos
- Chameleons (require more advanced setup)
- Amphibians:
- Tree frogs (e.g. red-eyed, gray tree frogs)
- Dart frogs (also love vertical space and humidity)
- Invertebrates:
- Arboreal tarantulas (e.g. Avicularia)
- Stick insects
- Praying mantises
Include:
- Vertical climbing structures (branches, bamboo poles, vines)
- Backgrounds with ledges or cork panels
- Proper heat/humidity control (misters, heat lamps, etc.)
- Hiding spots up high (bark tubes, coconut shells, etc.)
For Bioactive Tall Terrariums 🌱🐜
Combine plants, microfauna, and animals to mimic a mini-ecosystem.
Essentials:
- Drainage layer (LECA or gravel)
- Substrate mix (soil + coco coir + leaf litter)
- Live plants as mentioned above
- Clean-up crew: springtails, isopods
- Leaf litter and moss for natural coverage
Extra Additions for Decoration or Functionality
- LED grow lights or UVB lighting (for plants or reptiles)
- Misting system or fogger for high humidity
- Waterfall feature or mist wall (optional)
- Thermometer/hygrometer combo
When planting, consider creating a landscape with foreground, midground, and background elements to maximize the visual depth of your tall terrarium. Arrange plants with similar care requirements together for easier maintenance.
Non-Plant Elements for Dimension:
- Small pieces of driftwood or manzanita branches
- Interesting stones or crystals
- Miniature figurines or small decorative elements
- Activated charcoal layer (functional and visual)
Key Considerations for Tall Terrariums:
- Gradients: Height can create temperature and humidity gradients (warmer/drier on top, cooler/humid below). Keep this in mind when placing heating, lighting, and choosing species.
- Ventilation: This is important to prevent stagnant air and mold, especially crucial for species like chameleons.
- Lighting: Ensure adequate light (visible, UVB if necessary) reaches the lower levels.
- Access: Consider how you will access all parts of the terrarium for cleaning, maintenance, and animal care.
Before deciding, thoroughly research the specific needs (temperature, humidity, lighting, diet, space) of the plants and animals you are interested in to ensure they are compatible and suitable for the size and type of your vertical terrarium. Enjoy creating your vertical ecosystem!
Different Types of Terrariums
