Plants

The appearance of a terrarium can be greatly enhanced with plants. Choose plants based on their compatibility with the particular type of habitat in the terrarium. Plants should be kept in pots, so they can be removed easily from the terrarium for cleaning. Conceal the plant pots behind rocks or logs to maintain a "natural look" in the terrarium.

Live plants should be avoided with herbivorous lizards and tortoises, since these animals will eat most foliage. Large reptiles such as iguanas, monitor lizards and pythons will constantly flatten and uproot real plants. Artificial plants provide a good alternative for use in terrariums with these species.