How to Make a Terrarium from Scratch: A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever thought about creating a small ecosystem at home? A terrarium is the perfect way to get closer to the natural world, housing tropical plants or animals like geckos, snakes, or insects in a controlled, fascinating, and decorative environment.

In this guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to get started, even if you're a beginner!

🔍Choose the Terrarium Type

The first question is: what do you want to host?

• 🌴 Tropical : humid, suitable for tropical plants and animals such as chameleons, geckos or frogs.
• 🌵 Desert : Dry, perfect for reptiles such as bearded dragons or snakes.
• 🌿 Plants only : ideal for those who want a green and decorative terrarium, without animals.

🧱 The Container: Glass or Plastic?

• Glass : aesthetic, retains humidity better.
• Plastic : lighter and easier to move.

🌱The Substrate: The Foundation of Your Terrarium

Each environment needs its ideal substrate :

• For humid environments: coconut fibre, sphagnum moss, expanded clay
• For dry environments: fine sand or gravel
• For plants: draining soil + activated carbon

🛒 Find the right substrate here

💡Lighting and Heating

• UVB lights → essential for reptiles
• Heating mats or spots → to create the hot spot
• Full spectrum LEDs → ideal for plant growth

🔌 We help you choose the perfect lamp for your terrarium!

🪵Decorations and Furnishings

Create a natural environment with:

• Real or fake plants
• Woods, rocks and hiding places
• Functional accessories (bowls, ramps, sprayers)

🎁 Check out our complete kits

🔄 Maintenance: Easy but Important

• Mist the environment 1–2 times a day (if tropical)
• Check humidity and temperature (use a digital thermometer)
• Remove organic waste and clean windows

🎯 Ready to Get Started?

At Animal Instinct Roma, you'll find everything you need to build your first terrarium, with free consultations from our expert staff.

📍 Come visit us at Via di Monteverde 2i, Rome
📩 Write to us on Instagram, Tiktok or visit the online shop

🛍️ Buy the Beginner's Terrarium Kit → www.animal-instinct.it
❤️ Or contact us and we'll prepare it tailor-made for you!