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Open or closed terrarium? The six-question quiz

Answer six short questions before you buy. The tool tells you which type of terrarium to choose, which jar size, which shape and which plants. It is free and needs no sign-up.

Question 1 of 6

How much time do you want to spend on it?

How it works

  1. You answer six questionsYour time, the light in the room, the plants you like, the space, your level, and who the terrarium is for. One question per screen.
  2. The scales tipEach answer gives points to the closed terrarium or to the open terrarium. Two answers decide alone: succulents and full sun always lead to the open terrarium.
  3. The size comes from your space and your levelThe tool suggests 3 to 5 litres or 6 to 12 litres. It never suggests less than 3 litres: a very small jar is the hardest to keep in balance.
  4. You keep the resultCopy the result or its address. Then go to the substrate calculator to find out how much to buy.

What the tool does not know

  • The tool cannot see your room. It relies on what you say about the light.
  • The dimensions are calculated for a round jar that is as tall as it is wide. Another shape with the same volume has other measurements.
  • The volumes in litres come from our guidelines for closed terrariums. For an open terrarium, they are a rough guide.
  • The tool suggests only two types. It does not cover the half-closed terrarium, carnivorous plants or terrariums for animals.
  • It does not replace the plant label. Always check the adult size of the plant.

Cite or share this tool

Do you write about terrariums? You are free to cite this tool. Copy the page address, or the link ready to paste into your site.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between a closed terrarium and an open terrarium?

A closed terrarium keeps its water: it evaporates, settles on the glass and runs back down. The air inside is very humid, which suits mosses, ferns and fittonias. An open terrarium lets the air through. The environment stays dry, which suits succulents and cacti.

Can you put succulents in a closed terrarium?

No. Succulents store water in their leaves and live in dry places. In the humidity of a closed terrarium, their roots rot. That is why the tool always answers "open" if you choose succulents.

Which jar size should you choose for a first terrarium?

Aim for five litres and an opening of twelve centimetres. Three litres is the sensible minimum. Below two litres, heat and humidity change too fast, and the terrarium needs to be checked every day.

Why does the tool never recommend a closed terrarium in full sun?

Closed glass traps heat. In direct sun, the temperature rises fast and the plants burn. A closed terrarium needs bright light, but no direct sun.

Which type of terrarium needs the least care?

The closed terrarium, once it has found its balance. You water it a few times a year and trim it two or three times a year. An open terrarium of succulents is watered every two to three weeks in spring and summer.

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A kit is the easiest way to start: the glass, the plants, the soil and the guide arrive together.