Latest Posts

How to care for the Porcellio Hoffmannseggi ( The Titan Isopod )
Dan

How to care for Porcellio hoffmannseggi (The Titan Isopod)

They don’t come much bigger than the aptly named “Titan Isopod.” As true giants among isopods, Porcellio hoffmannseggi aren’t going to be a good fit for every setup, but they remain super popular in the hobby for a variety of reasons.  Besides the simple novelty of being a really (really) big pet isopod, this species is actually a

Read More »
Christmas terrarium
Rae

9 Fabulously Festive Christmas Terrarium Ideas

Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, last-minute panic set in, and the decorator had their doubts. The festivities were too few, and the home was too bare; something was missing; you could feel it in the air. They opened up their phone and scrolled through Pinterest, that’s when they saw it, the thing

Read More »
terrarium
Dan

How Do Terrariums Work? A Scientific Guide (By a Scientist!)

Terrariums are a wonderful bridge between science and horticulture.   After all, creating a tiny tropical ecosystem encased in glass is an experiment as much as it is a project. Get it right, and they can even be fully self-sustaining. We just need to set the right conditions and balance the various natural processes at play.

Read More »
Terrarium Gifts
Rae

12 Thoughtful Terrarium Gifts (for the Terrarium Obsessed)

When you’re low on ideas, gift shopping can be a total chore. Ironically, it can be hard to think of something thoughtful.  But if you’re buying for a green-thumbed friend, family member, significant other, or weird coworker, I have you covered.  Allow me to present you with the perfect terrarium-themed present picks. Let me gift you

Read More »
moss bowl
Rae

Moss Bowl 101: DIY Centerpiece and Decor Guide

Is your coffee table crying out for moss? Is your dining table sick of having an empty bowl? Does your boring mantlepiece hate you?  Well, all of that is about to change.  Meeting at the intersection of Architectural Digest, horticulture, and Pinterest DIY, moss bowls are the hot new trend, and you definitely need one

Read More »
cork bark
Dan

The Complete Cork Bark Guide (Bioactive + Hardscape)

Cork bark is perhaps the most versatile terrarium material you can buy. With a unique combination of structural and bioactive qualities, cork bark can perform a wide variety of functions (and look good doing it). Sturdy yet spongy, waterproof, and mold-resistant – what more could you want? It’s used in everything from terrarium backgrounds to

Read More »
Terrarium Flowers
Rae

Terrarium Flowers – What You Need to Know (+ Plant Picks)

Flowers are nature’s finest accessory. Elegant, eye-catching, and radiant, they’ve evolved to attract attention (and it clearly works). So it’s obvious why you would want them in a terrarium. That said, as much as flowers and terrariums are aesthetically suited to one another, technically, it really isn’t that straightforward… So let’s look at how we can

Read More »
terrarium lid
Rae

Terrarium Lids: How to Find Glass, Cork & Custom Options

Since the dawn of terrariums, thrifty hobbyists have faced one recurring problem time and time again. It’s hard to find lids to fit pre-existing containers, and it’s hard to find containers that come with lids in the first place.  Closed terrariums are obviously more fun than open terrariums, so there must be a way (there, I

Read More »
Riparium
Dan

Riparium 101: The Complete Guide to Epic Riverbank Projects

The riparium is a special type of ‘arium’ with its own unique flavor. Using a combination of aquatic (and terrestrial) elements, a riparium looks to create a stunning shoreline effect. Perfect for scenes of idyllic riverbanks, babbling creeks, or moody mangroves. These environments open up a range of creative options for hydrophilic plants and semi-aquatic projects.

Read More »
Halloween Terrarium
Rae

Halloween Terrarium: Top Ideas, Accessories & How-To Guide

The chilly weather has come, and it’s time for cozy nights in and spooky craft projects. Pumpkins are so last year; this season, we’re talking all things Halloween terrariums! Living plants and ghoulish horrors might not be the obvious pairing, but it works. Whether you want something bright and fun, tasteful, or genuinely scary, the

Read More »
Terrarium for kids
Rae

Terrarium for Kids: DIY Guide, Fun Activities & Best Kits 

It’s out with the iPads and in with the wholesome world of horticulture and crafts.  There’s no project quite as fun as making a terrarium with kids. Yes, I’m biased, but is anything as cool as playing god and creating a world you can hold in your hands?  But as awesome as it is, there are

Read More »
What do springtails eat? Here's a picture of springtail food in a culture
Dan

What Do Springtails Eat? + Best Foods (& Those Best Avoided)

Springtails are fast becoming a terrarium mainstay for their bioactive abilities.  All of which comes down to their distinctive diets.  In short, these little critters love to feast on many of the things we don’t want in our terrariums. But there are some common misconceptions about what they’re able to process. In this guide, we’ll

Read More »