Going Big? How to Choose a Large Terrarium Container

When it comes to terrariums, the phrase “bigger is better” rings true in many ways.

After all, a large terrarium has more space, more options, and ultimately more plants (hurrah). But it can also come with more challenges. 

Depending on your needs, the type of large terrarium container you choose can make or break your project. So strap in, as we’re covering everything from colossal carboys to giant tanks, so you know exactly what to look out for.

Go big or go home! Let’s do it.

large terrarium

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Types of Large Terrariums for Plants

Planted large terrariums are just as diverse as small ones, but they tend to follow three distinct types when it comes to containers.

After all, there’s only so much out there that can accommodate a planted ecosystem at scale.

It’s not like there are many oversized mason jars or giant whisky bottles out there, right? (If only…)

You’re generally either adapting what’s already out there or you’re going the custom route. Which you choose depends on your planting goals and your appetite for challenge.

So, here’s how this might play out.

Bottles

Honestly, you can get some giant bottles if you know where to look.

The kind traditionally used to brew beer and wine (e.g., the carboy or demijohn) can be over 50 liters in volume! They are also somewhat of a terrarium classic.

large terrarium carboy
We spotted this giant carboy in our local garden center (but they do have a whole terrarium range). Here it is on Amazon.

You could call these the ultimate bottle garden containers.

They’re a stunning way to house tropical terrarium plants, but as you might imagine, with a bottle, you’re still somewhat restricted by space… and skill. Planting through a narrow opening is one thing, but you’re on to a whole new level of difficulty when your tools don’t reach the bottom.  

Definitely one for more advanced terrarium builders.

Check out our DIY Bottle Terrarium guide for more help on this one!

Wardian Cases

Speaking of classics, the Wardian Case was the very first incarnation of the modern terrarium.

Used to transport tropical plants around the world back in the Victorian era, it’s no surprise that they can be scaled to become quite large terrariums. Who knows what kind of monstrous plants needed to be moved to wealthy aristocrats and botanical gardens?

Much like a miniature greenhouse, these elegant containers are a fantastic way to take your terrariums to the next level.

Of course, they’re still a basic glass container, so there are limits to what you can customize or add. But as far as large glass-planted terrariums go – Wardian Cases are an amazing choice.

Great for taller plants that need some real headroom to thrive (like this Blue Star Fern below).

Wardian case
Image credit: LeadHeadGlass on Etsy.

👉 Check out our guide to the best wardian cases.

Tanks

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the classic horizontal tank, but there’s also the vertical cabinet style too.

Between these two modern closed terrarium approaches, you have something that can accommodate almost any kind of tropical plant.

Each can be done DIY style by adapting the likes of an Ikea glass cabinet or an old fish tank.

vivarium
Here’s an old fish tank terrarium that my friend Calum has adapted.

Alternatively, many well-known reptile terrarium companies stock these kinds of large tank terrariums (e.g., Exo Terra).

The size makes them versatile and adaptable, each capable of accommodating modern technical systems.

Lighting, ventilation, waterfalls… these tanks can do it all. Plus, it makes it so much easier to be a little more ambitious in your landscape when you can actually get inside!

It’s common to see these large terrariums transformed with elaborate custom backgrounds and hardscape arrangements. 

The clean slate that a tank offers is an attractive proposition for those with an uncompromising vision. There are limits to what you can do in a bottle, trust me.

Finally, these tanks really shine as practical planters and reptile enclosures, too (where you’re not fighting the container to get the best from it).

Where to Find Large Terrariums for Sale

Okay, so we’ve outlined a variety of different use cases for large terrariums of different shapes. Now we have to find them.

This can be tricky – seeing as we’re often looking for unusually large, custom, or vintage items – but I do have some ideas of where you might start.

Wrapping Up

There really is a variety of large terrarium options once you know where to look.

Which one are you going to go for? Let me know in the comments.

Then, for more larger terrarium/vivarium advice (e.g., ventilation, drainage, lighting), check out my complete vivarium guide! Or, for some plant inspiration for your super-sized project, why not take a look at these stunning large terrarium plants?

1 thought on “Going Big? How to Choose a Large Terrarium Container”

  1. Thank you Dan for sharing your vast knowledge. I am a Set Decorator for the Studios, so every gift I give is personilized . I grew up in the 1960s when Hippies made popular bringing nature indoors using live house plants and Terrariums.
    These environments in a jar are still inspirational.
    bmb

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