Editing Terrarium (section)

===Closed terrarium===
[[File:Small Form Mesocosm Figure.svg | thumb|Diagram of sealed terrarium]]

Tropical plant varieties, such as [[mosses|moss]], [[orchids]], [[ferns]], and [[air plants]] are generally kept within closed terraria to replicate their native humid, sheltered environment in the tropics.<ref name="auto"/> Keeping the terrarium sealed allows for circulation of water, making the terrarium self-sufficient. The terrarium may be opened once a week, allowing evaporation of excess moisture from the air and walls of the container, to prevent growth of [[Mold (fungus)|mold]] or [[algae]], which may damage plants and discolor the sides of the terrarium.<ref name=Terrariums>{{cite web|last1=Trinklein|first1=David H.|title=Terrariums|url=http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g6520|publisher=University of Missouri Extension|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-date=February 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228083910/http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g6520|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Springtail]]s may be used to consume mold or fungi within the terrarium.

Any wilting plants or absence of condensation on the walls of the terrarium indicates the terrarium requires water; watering is primarily done using a [[spray bottle]].<ref name="Terrariums" />

Closed terrarium benefit from specific soil mixes to ensure ideal growing conditions and reduce risk of microbial damage; a common medium used is ''peat-lite:'' a mixture of [[peat moss]], [[vermiculite]], and [[perlite]].<ref name=Terrariums /> The mixture should be [[Sterilization (microbiology)|sterile]] to minimize risk of introducing potentially harmful [[Microorganism|microbes]] to the terrarium.<ref name=Terrariums />