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Everything about real terrarium plants
Naturally green in the terrarium shop
Real terrarium plants bring life to the habitat and make your terrarium not only more beautiful, but also more functional. They improve the microclimate, provide privacy and places of retreat, and – depending on the setup – can even help regulate humidity. Whether you have a rainforest terrarium, paludarium or bioactive system, living plants for terrariums allow you to create a natural environment in which both animals and owners feel equally at home.
Why real plants are useful in terrariums
Living plants are more than just decoration. They structure the habitat, look natural and support many types of terrariums – especially in tropical setups.
The main advantages
- Natural privacy screen: reduces stress, creates territories and resting places
- Microclimate & humidity: Plants contribute to evaporation and stabilisation
- Hiding places & climbing areas: ideal for geckos, frogs and invertebrates
- Bioactive setups: Plants are a central component of the natural cycle
Which real terrarium plants are suitable for my terrarium?
The choice depends primarily on humidity, temperature and light. In practice, robust species that cope well with the conditions in the terrarium have proven themselves.
For tropical terrariums (high humidity)
- Bromeliads (e.g. as eye-catchers, often with leaf funnels)
- Ferns (for dense, green areas)
- Mosses and ground cover plants (for natural-looking areas)
- Climbing plants (for height and structure)
For more moderate terrariums
- Ivy / Scindapsus-like climbing plants (very adaptable)
- small evergreen plants for structure and cover
- robust ground cover plants for the front and transitions
For dry terrariums
Real plants are possible in desert and steppe terrariums, but they are more demanding. They require suitable lighting and very precise watering. Species that tolerate dry conditions are often suitable, or you can place plants selectively in protected areas.
Frequently asked questions about real terrarium plants
Are real plants suitable for all terrarium animals?
In many cases, yes – the key thing is that the plants are suitable for the conditions in which they are kept and are non-toxic to the animal species in question. If you are unsure about compatibility, it is worth making a careful selection.
What to do if plants rot or become mouldy?
This is usually caused by too much moisture or insufficient air circulation. Reduce watering, improve ventilation and check drainage and substrate composition.
Do I need fertiliser in my terrarium?
In bioactive setups, restraint is advisable. If used at all, then only very sparingly and in a manner suitable for terrariums – and always tailored to the animals and microfauna.
Zoo Roco – Your Swiss online shop for genuine terrarium plants