Terrarium Glossary: 30 Terms Every Beginner Should Know
New to terrariums? Use this glossary to decode the terminology you meet in tutorials and product descriptions. Definitions are simplified for practical beginner use.
Container and design terms
- Terrarium
- A planted display contained in a clear vessel.
- Closed terrarium
- A terrarium with a lid that retains moisture and humidity.
- Open terrarium
- A vessel open to room air, with more ventilation.
- Wardian case
- A historical enclosed plant case associated with growing and transporting plants.
- Hardscape
- Non-living design elements such as rock and wood.
- Substrate
- The material plants grow in or on.
- Drainage hole
- An opening that lets excess water leave a container.
- False bottom
- A lower reservoir or layer separated from the growing medium; it does not itself expel water.
- Mesh separator
- Material used to keep a soil layer from mixing into a lower layer.
- Horticultural grit
- Coarse inert material used in some potting mixes to change texture and drainage behaviour.
Water and environment terms
- Humidity
- Water vapour present in the air.
- Condensation
- Water vapour turning into liquid droplets on a cooler surface.
- Evaporation
- Liquid water changing into water vapour.
- Transpiration
- Water vapour released by plants.
- Water cycle
- Movement of water between soil, plants, air and surfaces.
- Waterlogging
- Soil remaining so saturated that roots may lack adequate air.
- Indirect light
- Useful light that does not strike plants as strong direct sunshine.
- Photoperiod
- The duration of light and darkness over a day.
- Microclimate
- Local environmental conditions in a small space.
- Ventilation
- Exchange of air between the enclosure and surroundings.
Plant biology terms
- Rhizome
- A modified stem that may grow along or beneath the substrate surface.
- Root ball
- Roots together with the material around them.
- Photosynthesis
- The process by which plants use light energy to make sugars.
- Respiration
- The process organisms use to release usable energy from compounds.
- Variegation
- Different colour patterns in a leaf or stem.
- Etiolation
- Elongated or pale growth associated with insufficient light.
- Propagation
- Producing new plants from seeds, cuttings or other plant parts.
- Decomposition
- Breakdown of dead organic material by organisms and physical processes.
- Springtails
- Very small soil-dwelling arthropods, some of which feed on fungi and decaying matter.
- Root rot
- Damage and decay of roots associated with pathogens, oxygen stress or other conditions.
Read a deeper explanation
For water-related terms start with the miniature water cycle. For substrates read soil layers explained. For actual hands-on assembly follow our terrarium tutorial.
How we researched this
We use the Royal Horticultural Society’s terrarium reference as a starting point. This is a researched educational article, not a claim of original hands-on testing. Plant requirements vary by species and growing conditions.
Explore the Terrarium Learning Hub for related subjects and practical projects.