Editing Terrarium (section)

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}{{Short description|Container used for keeping plants and animals}}
{{about||the novel book by Scott Russell Sanders|Terrarium (book)|the video game|Terraria}}
[[File:Regenwaldterrarium.jpg|thumb|A temperature-controlled terrarium with plants inside]]

A '''terrarium''' ({{plural form}} '''terraria''' or '''terrariums''') is a glass container containing soil and plants in an environment different from the surroundings. It is usually a sealable container that can be opened for maintenance or to access the plants inside; however, terraria can also be open to the atmosphere. Terraria are often kept as ornamental items.

A closed terrarium's transparent walls allow heat and light to enter, creating a very favorable environment for plant growth. Heat entering the sealed container allows the creation of a small [[water cycle]] due to evaporating moisture from the soil and plants. The water vapor then [[Condensation|condenses]] onto the walls of the container, eventually falling back onto the plants and soil below. Light passing through the transparent walls allows [[photosynthesis]]. Open terraria are not sealed and are better suited to plants requiring a more arid environment.