terrarium
Definition
Noun: 1. A sealed or partially enclosed transparent container in which selected living plants are grown and observed. It is a type of vivarium (an enclosure for keeping and observing living organisms) specifically designed for plants, often creating a miniature, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Usage
A terrarium is used for cultivating and displaying plants in a controlled, decorative environment. It is typically made of glass or clear plastic. * She built a beautiful terrarium with moss, ferns, and small stones in a large glass jar. * The science class project involved creating a closed terrarium to study the water cycle.
Advanced Usage
- Closed Terrarium: A sealed container that recycles water, creating a humid, self-sustaining environment for moisture-loving plants.
- A closed terrarium requires very little watering once established.
- Open Terrarium: A container with an open top, suitable for plants that prefer drier, arid conditions like succulents and cacti.
- For your desert plants, you should use an open terrarium.
Variants and Related Words
- Vivarium (n): The broader category for any enclosure, container, or area used to keep and raise animals or plants for observation or as pets. A terrarium is a specific type of vivarium for plants.
- Aquarium (n): A transparent tank of water for keeping and observing fish and other aquatic life. It is the aquatic counterpart to a terrarium.
- Paludarium (n): A vivarium that combines both terrestrial and aquatic elements, simulating environments like rainforests or wetlands.
Synonyms
- Plant case
- Wardian case (historical term for an early sealed protective container for plants)
- Glass garden
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Terrarium plant: A plant species suitable for growing in the specific conditions of a terrarium.
- Fittonia and peperomia are popular terrarium plants.
Noun
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a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
