Designing a Mixed Terrarium: Cephalotus, Heliamphora, Drosera, Nepenthes, Utricularia

A hobbyist planned a terrarium with Cephalotus, Heliamphora minor × heterodoxa, Drosera capensis, Nepenthes burkei, and Utricularia longifolia. All are excellent terrarium candidates, but their differing soil needs mean individual pots within the tank—not a shared substrate.

Key Setup Guidelines

• Lighting: Place fluorescent tubes (e.g., twin 40W T8/T12) 3–4 inches above plant tops. A shop light on a 48-gallon tank works well.
• Humidity: Partially open top gives elevated humidity without stagnation. 70–85% is fine.
• Night Cooling: Locate the tank in a room that naturally cools at night (e.g., basement, near a window). Most listed species tolerate typical household temperature swings.
• Air Circulation: A small computer fan on a timer prevents stagnant air and mold.
• Soil (per pot):
  • Cephalotus: 1:1:1 peat/pumice/sand.
  • Heliamphora: Long-fiber sphagnum + perlite/pumice.
  • D. capensis: 50/50 peat/perlite.
  • N. burkei: Coconut husk + sphagnum + perlite.
  • U. longifolia: Peat/perlite or live sphagnum.

This "greenhouse tank" approach lets you tailor moisture and drainage per species while enjoying a unified display.