Question
I have a large aquarium that I want to turn into a terrarium. What type of plants do I get and do I get a grow light?

Answer
Hi Trena,

For your terrarium, you want to use plants that like a humid environment, moderately low light, and grow slowly and don't get too large.

Some good possibilities include most ferns - table fern, maidenhair fern, rabbits foot fern - Spathiphyllum 'wallisi,'  polka dot plant, various mosses, and various carnivorous plants such as Venus flytrap. There are many others that fit these criterion, but these are the ones that come to mind.

A terrarium must be protected from direct sun shining into it as the heat will build up the inside and fry the plants. If you can place it close to a north window or off to the side of an east or west window, that would be good. Otherwise, a fluorescent light fixture is necessary because it will provide adequate light and little heat. Do not use an incandescent grow light because it will create too much heat.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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