Terrarium Netting – Your Complete Guide To Creating Lush Vertical
Ever look at the back wall of your terrarium or paludarium and think it’s just… flat? You’ve got beautiful substrate, healthy plants, and happy critters, but that vertical space feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a common feeling, and one that can leave your stunning ecosystem feeling a little two-dimensional.
I’m here to let you in on a simple, game-changing tool that will unlock a whole new dimension of creativity and natural beauty in your setup: terrarium netting. Don’t worry—it’s far less complicated than it sounds, and the results are absolutely breathtaking.
Imagine a living wall of green, where vines and mosses climb and cascade, creating a lush, jungle-like backdrop. This isn’t just a dream for expert keepers. With the right approach, you can achieve it, too.
In this complete terrarium netting guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover what it is, the incredible benefits, how to choose the right materials, and a step-by-step guide on how to install it. Let’s turn that blank wall into a masterpiece!
What Exactly is Terrarium Netting and Why Should You Care?
At its core, terrarium netting is simply a mesh-like material that you attach to the background or sides of your terrarium. Think of it as a trellis or a scaffold specifically designed for your enclosure’s interior.
Its primary job is to provide a sturdy, textured surface for vining and climbing plants to grab onto. Plants with aerial roots, like many Pothos and Philodendrons, will naturally weave their roots into the mesh, climbing upwards towards the light just as they would in nature.
This simple addition transforms a flat, glass background into a dynamic, living feature. It’s one of the easiest ways to add depth, complexity, and a truly authentic feel to your setup, whether it’s a high-humidity tropical terrarium, a vivarium for your dart frogs, or a paludarium for your semi-aquatic friends.
The Amazing Benefits of Terrarium Netting in Your Setup
So, why go through the trouble of adding netting? The answer is simple: the payoff is huge for both the look of your tank and the well-being of its inhabitants. The benefits of terrarium netting go far beyond just aesthetics.
- Maximizes Growing Space: Your terrarium’s footprint is limited, but its vertical space is often completely unused. Netting lets you grow upwards, effectively doubling or tripling your planting area without needing a larger tank.
- Creates a Naturalistic Environment: In the wild, surfaces are rarely smooth. Tree trunks, rocks, and forest floors are covered in textures that plants and animals use. Netting mimics this, creating a more realistic and enriching habitat.
- Enhances Animal Welfare: For many terrarium inhabitants like tree frogs, geckos, and anoles, vertical space is crucial. Netting provides secure climbing surfaces and countless hiding spots, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.
- Improves Plant Health: By growing plants vertically, you improve air circulation around their leaves. This can help prevent common issues like fungal growth or rot that can occur when leaves are packed too tightly on the substrate.
- Visually Stunning Results: Let’s be honest—it just looks incredible. A fully grown-in netting wall creates a breathtaking backdrop that makes your entire setup pop. It’s the secret ingredient behind many of those jaw-dropping professional terrariums you see online.
Choosing the Right Material: A Guide to Sustainable Terrarium Netting
Not all netting is created equal. The material you choose will impact its longevity, appearance, and how well your plants can attach to it. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options, with a focus on making an eco-conscious choice.
Eco-Friendly & Natural Fibers
For those seeking eco-friendly terrarium netting, natural fibers are the way to go. They look fantastic and are biodegradable.
- Coir (Coconut Fiber) Netting: This is my personal favorite. Coir is rough, absorbent, and provides an excellent grip for aerial roots. It holds moisture well, which can help maintain humidity, and it has a beautifully natural, earthy look.
- Jute Netting: Similar to coir, jute is another great natural option. It’s slightly smoother than coir but still provides plenty of texture for plants to cling to. It’s a very sustainable terrarium netting choice.
Pro-Tip: Natural fibers will eventually break down over several years, especially in very high-humidity environments. Don’t see this as a downside! By the time they do, your plants will have established a robust root system on the background itself, and the decomposing netting will add nutrients to the system.
Durable Synthetic Options
If longevity is your top priority, synthetic materials are a solid choice. They won’t biodegrade and will hold their structure indefinitely.
- Plastic Mesh: Look for aquarium-safe plastic mesh, often sold as “egg crate” light diffusers or in garden centers. It’s rigid, easy to cut, and provides large openings for plants to grow through.
- Nylon Netting: This is more flexible than plastic mesh and can be stretched to fit custom shapes. Ensure it’s 100% nylon and free of any chemical treatments before using it in a tank with animals.
How to Terrarium Netting: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! This is the fun part. Installing the netting is a straightforward process. Follow this terrarium netting guide, and you’ll be done in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You won’t need much. Before you start, make sure you have:
- Your chosen terrarium netting
- A measuring tape
- Heavy-duty scissors or wire cutters (depending on the material)
- Your attachment method of choice (more on this below)
- An empty and clean terrarium
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Netting
Measure the dimensions of the background or side panels you want to cover. I recommend cutting the netting slightly larger than your measurements—about an inch extra on all sides.
This extra material gives you some wiggle room and makes it easier to pull the netting taut for a clean, sag-free finish. You can always trim the excess later.
Step 3: Choose Your Attachment Method
How you secure the netting depends on your terrarium and whether you have a custom background (like foam or cork).
- For Glass Backgrounds: The best method is to use aquarium-safe silicone. Apply small dabs of silicone to the corners and every few inches along the perimeter of the glass. Press the netting firmly into the silicone and let it cure completely (usually 24-48 hours). You can also use heavy-duty suction cups with hooks for a less permanent solution.
- For Foam or Cork Backgrounds: This is even easier! You can use small stainless steel hooks, U-shaped pins, or even zip ties threaded through small holes to pin the netting securely to the background.
Step 4: Secure the Netting
Start by securing the top corners first. Pull the netting taut as you move down, securing the sides and finally the bottom. The goal is to eliminate any major sagging. A little bit of give is fine, but you want it to be a stable surface for your plants.
Once secured, trim any major excess material. And that’s it! You’re ready to start planting.
Best Plants & Terrarium Netting Best Practices
With your netting installed, it’s time to choose your climbing crew. The best plants are natural climbers and vines that will readily attach to the mesh.
Top Plant Choices for Your Netting Wall
- Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): A classic for a reason. This vigorous vine has tiny leaves and sticky roots that will cover your netting in a dense green carpet.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Varieties like ‘Neon’ or ‘Marble Queen’ are hardy, fast-growing, and will happily climb or cascade.
- Vining Philodendrons (e.g., Philodendron hederaceum): The heartleaf philodendron is another bulletproof choice that thrives in terrarium conditions.
- Shingling Plants (e.g., Rhaphidophora hayi): For a truly unique look, these plants press their leaves flat against the surface as they climb, creating a shingle-like effect.
- Mosses: You can encourage moss growth by blending sphagnum moss with water or yogurt and “painting” it onto natural fiber netting.
Terrarium Netting Best Practices
To ensure success, keep these simple terrarium netting tips in mind:
- Start Small: You don’t need mature plants. Small cuttings or starter plants are often better as they will acclimate and start climbing more quickly.
- Give Them a Hand: Initially, you may need to gently weave the vines through the mesh or use plant-safe wire to guide them until their own roots take hold.
- Provide Adequate Light: Vertical surfaces need good lighting, too. Ensure your terrarium light reaches the background so the plants there can photosynthesize properly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Plant a few starter vines at the base of the netting. They will fill in the space over time. Overcrowding can lead to competition and poor air circulation.
Solving Common Problems with Terrarium Netting
Even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. Don’t worry! Here are solutions to a few common problems with terrarium netting that you might encounter.
Problem: My Netting is Sagging or Detaching.
Solution: This usually happens if the netting wasn’t pulled taut enough during installation or if the attachment points are too far apart. If it’s a minor sag, you can often add another attachment point (a dab of silicone or another pin) in the middle of the sagging area to pull it tight. If it’s detaching, you’ll need to re-secure it with a stronger application of silicone or more robust pins.
Problem: My Plants Aren’t Grabbing Onto the Netting.
Solution: Be patient! It can take a few weeks for a plant to establish itself and start climbing. Make sure the humidity is high enough to encourage aerial root growth. You can also give the netting a daily misting to entice the roots. As mentioned before, gently guiding the vines through the mesh can give them the hint they need.
Problem: There’s Algae or Mold Growing on the Netting.
Solution: This is typically a sign of poor air circulation or soil that is too waterlogged. Ensure your terrarium has some ventilation. You can also introduce a clean-up crew like springtails and isopods—they are fantastic at managing minor mold outbreaks and are a vital part of a healthy bioactive ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terrarium Netting
Can I use terrarium netting fully submerged in an aquarium?
Generally, no. Most “terrarium netting,” especially natural fibers like coir and jute, will break down very quickly underwater and can foul your water. For underwater use, you should look for 100% aquarium-safe plastic mesh, often used for creating moss walls.
How do I clean my terrarium netting?
This is a great question for our terrarium netting care guide! You typically don’t need to “clean” the netting itself. A healthy bioactive setup with a clean-up crew will manage waste. If you get a spot of algae, you can gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using any soaps or chemicals.
Will the netting harm my dart frogs, geckos, or other small animals?
As long as you choose an appropriate material, it’s perfectly safe and highly beneficial! Just ensure the mesh size isn’t so large that a small animal could get its head or limbs stuck. For most common netting types, this is not an issue.
Your Vertical Oasis Awaits
There you have it—everything you need to transform that boring back wall into a thriving, vertical garden. Terrarium netting is more than just an accessory; it’s a tool that unlocks the full potential of your enclosure, creating a healthier, more engaging, and visually spectacular environment for your plants and animals.
It’s an easy weekend project that offers incredible rewards for months and years to come as you watch your living wall grow and mature.
So go ahead, pick out your favorite netting and a few climbing plants. Your journey to a stunning 3D aquascape starts now. Happy scaping!
- Gold Mystery Snail Water Temperature – Unlocking Vibrant Health & - October 15, 2025
- Golden Mystery Snail Floating: The Ultimate Guide To Why It Happens & - October 15, 2025
- Can My Mystery Snails Flip Themselves Over – Your Definitive Guide To - October 15, 2025