Hi all,

I'm just starting out in the wonderful world of terrarium building. And I'm delighted with my progress so far. My next challenge is to create something like the below beauty. But I'm wondering, what can I use as a foundation for the epoxy resin. I've been told that sand packed down may work as a base? Thanks for all the help!

I have never built anything like that it looks lovely. I once built a 'sort of' terrarium as a habitat for amphibians in a big 50 gallon aquarium. Had lots of cork bark, moss, a little beach and a pond area, and a wet wall made with a hidden small water pump and tubing to drip water down the cork for bromeliads and other cool plants. It wasn;t a true terrarium though, not enclosed. I used gravel over a plastic grid as a base

I hate to be the party-pooper in your terrarium dreams but most terrariums (including the one in your photo) are built for the photo and are not sustainable. Everyone of the plants in that photo are seedlings that will soon outgrow the bowl. And what do you suspose the pond and waterfall are doing? Unless there's a pump hidden in there somewhere, that is gel and its not moving (or even liquid). Sorry! Someone had to say it.

If you want to build a truly sustainable terrarium, choose a good sized tank (at least 20 gallons - Gina's 50 gallon would be better yet), then choose plants that stay small and will do well in a very wet environment: Button Ferns, miniature orchids, sundews, Club Moss (Selaginella). There are a lot of lists of the perfect terrarium plants but, what they have in common is that they only get 12 inches tall... if you only want a couple plants in your terrarium, they are good choices. I don't want to replant every month because my plants have gone crazy.

I love my Streptocarpella but it quickly outgrew its 20 gallon terrarium, mowed down all its room mates and is now outside the terrarium on a humidity tray all by itself. I have a 20 gallon terrarium full of miniature orchids that are going on their 4th year. A couple have been moved out because they just weren't doing well but, otherwise, they are healthy and happy and have not outgrown their home.

It all has to do with planning: ultimate plant size, moisture and light needs, potting medium. Its a community - make sure they can live together.

Thanks for the replies These terri's won't be housing any wildlife.

Was thinking that fauna itself can grow in harmony while the fake water feature just acts as a backdrop. There were several people I spoke to who are in the business of terrariums. They said the epoxy won't harm the plants. As long as the surrounding features are done properly i.e. potting mix/filtration etc.

PS: Both yours and GIna's terrariums sound incredible!

I would put a heavy plastic over the sand and start pouring to the height you want.

I know you did not ask about plants but......I would not worry about the plants after you get it set up. There are a lot of plants that grow slow and because it is small you are not looking for a lot of plants. A few small ferns and a Cryptanthus or air plants they would never get big.

I have had this in the little bird house over 3 yrs, It is just now as big as my hand most of that time it was the size of the palm of my hands and made lots of babies. You can use them in your other projects.

Just be careful when you go to get your plants for another reason....there are some EXTREMELY COOL terrarium plants. Not all cost big bucks, but, if you get the bug to do bigger and more as we all often do in all things gardening, the really unusual and rare (and expensive) stuff will start to whisper in your ear. Cissus, marcgravia, mini-philos, orchids...I love bulbophyllums and they are perfect for terrarium-like environments because of their creeping growth habit. And, don;t forget the lighting. I wish I had a photo of it, but I gave it away to a friend who had fire belly newts after I had no more amphibians or plans to get more

I'm not too fussed hey! The more they grow the more of foresty it will feel Love the exotic plants! Great use of the bird house haha.

Gina I know the feeling all too well! Every time I step foot into the nursery.. I walk in with empty hands and walk out with an empty wallet.. I'll upload the final product (if it survives my tinkering)!

@MOTR, I like your attitude. It s all fun. I could see a lot of those all over the house with little scenes in each one. Even better if the plants grow fast and you have to make more so you have somewhere to put the clippings.

@Cinta that's an amazing idea haha! Although my girlfriend will kill me for having to live in a jungle.. urban jungle!

Progress - Pond is setting. Will start adding water effects tonight :D

Very Cool! I love to see someone's dreams come into fruition!!

😀

Mindi

@mindiHammerstone thanks a tonne! Hard work is paying off.. Half way there now 😁

Your very welcome!! It looks like the picture you posted!!

😀

Mindi

Haha yeah my friend is obsessed with the original terri.. so I promised I'd try make it for her.

And here is the final result! :D Thanks again all for the support!

Haha yeah my friend is obsessed with the original terri.. so I promised I'd try make it for her.

And here is the final result! :D Thanks again all for the support!

It looks great, I love how you made tiny white caps.

Thanks Christine!

You did a fantastic job!! I love it.

@plantmanager Appreciate the kind words! :D

@MOTR Nice job. I love it now I want one, I have some epoxy left over from a table I covered,

@cinta time to dust off the resin kit then ;) It's so satisfying watching it take shape. The only issue I found is the ripples and waterfall made from Mod Podge/Water Effects which I think is a refined PVA glue turns cloudy/white when I cover the terri up. Thinking it may be a result of the moisture/heat.. But I'm yet to find a solution for it. So for now, back to the spray bottle