Decor

The decor of a vivarium, the driftwood, rocks and the scupltures, can bring a nice looking vivarium to the next level. The also provide places to grow epiphytic plants and for animals to escape to. Learn about what is safe and stable in a terrarium, and also how to construct fake wood and fake rocks from scratch.

Wood

Diftwood can be found in nearly every terrarium. And for good reason. The right piece of driftwood can really bring a terrarium together. “Driftwood” in a terrarium does not necessary need to have drifted. However, there are some precautions to follow. The wood should be relatively rot resistant. If the wood is too prone to rotting, such as grapewood, it will mold significantly and may never become attractive before it completely decays. More importantly, the wood should not have a strong smell and should not be sappy. Fragrant wood, such a cedar, suggests the presence of defensive sap which may be harmful to small animals kept in an inclosed space with it. Some driftwood which has proven suitable for terrarium usage includes cypress, Malaysian driftwood, and Ghostwood (Manzanita).

Stone

Used appropriately, stone can look wonderful in a vivarium. Unfortunately, the weight makes stone unpractical in most situations. If you have a single small stone piece, it should be fine to use. Larger pieces, and extensive stone walls should be facsimiles, which will allow you to significantly reduce the weight. Fake pieces also allow you to customize the piece to fit you terrarium perfectly.

Artificial Stone and Wood

If you cannot wait to unleashe your inner artist, you might consider making artificial stone and wood. For an excellent guide to making artifical stone/fake rocks, please read Timo Helameri's Ultimate Guide for Making Fake Rocks and Artificial Wood.