My Costa Rica hike inspired a new terrarium approach.

Seeing the rainforest layers made me add more levels to my terrariums.

3 comments

3 Comments

Oh totally, that makes so much sense. I mean, seeing how plants actually stack up in real life totally changes how you build those little worlds. I tried something similar after a camping trip, just trying to copy all the different little pockets of damp and dry and shade I saw. It's a game changer for making it feel less like a flat box and more like a real slice of somewhere. Idk, it just looks more alive when you get those levels right.

andrew_kelly2mo ago

Yeah copying the exact spot never works for me either. I get obsessed with the wrong details. Like I'll spend an hour on moss placement and the whole layout feels off. Better to just remember the vibe.

caleb_walker63mo ago

Spot on about how real life changes how you build, @leo667. The only thing I'd gently push back on is trying to copy exactly what you see. In my experience, that can sometimes make a scene feel too busy or random. The real trick is learning why plants stack up that way, then using that logic in your build. It's more about the rule than copying each specific plant. That way it feels real but also clear and designed, not just a direct copy.