Aquarium Terrarium

Grow a terrarium in a fish bowl or aquarium

FamilyEducation Editorial Staff

Updated: December 1, 2022

Aquarium Terrarium

An Imagination Station Activity

Age: 8 and up
Time: 2 - 3 hours or less
Type of Activity: Science

Materials needed:

A small to medium size aquarium
Charcoal (finely ground)
Small pebbles
Perlite
Soil mix
Assorted small plants, such as ivy, mini-african violets, small herb plants, or cacti
Glass or plastic for top

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the aquarium.
2. In thin layers, add the charcoal, pebbles, perlite, and soil.
3. Make soil deep enough to support a small plant, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep.
4. Water plants well and remove from their containers.
5. With a teaspoon, dig a small hole for the root and plant the herbs, flowers, and small plants. Do not put them too closely together.
6. Cover the aquarium with a glass plate or plastic wrap; condensation will develop.
7. At least once a day, remove lid to let area dry out a bit.
8. Place in light but not direct sun. Water only with droplets since this will be a moist environment.
9. Enjoy watching it grow.

Follow up projects:

Keep a log or garden journal on what does and does not grow.

Clip or pinch back plants as they grow to encourage fullness. Use these clippings when they are big enough and press them in a small flower press or thick phone book.

If you have success with a small aquarium, you can experiment with a large one and really get a little forest growing -- just let your imagination bloom!