Making A Bonsai Treehouse Village Terrarium
I’ve wanted to make a bonsai tree terrarium for a few years now. However, I have to admit, it’s a very intimidating space to explore creatively. The patience, techniques, and craft are unique from what I’m used to doing. But I love challenges and inspiring you, so let’s make a bonsai treehouse village!
If you’re new to the concept of a Bantamarium, I highly recommend checking out the detailed guide I’ve created. In essence, a Bantamarium is a versatile vivarium designed to bring miniature ecosystems to life. It’s a concept I’ve developed to make it easier for anyone—regardless of experience level—to create a thriving, visually stunning vivarium that blends art with nature.
A Bonsai Treehouse Village
The theme I have in mind for this project is a fantasy village that exists in a high tree canopy. I’ve pulled a lot of my inspiration for this one from several utopian-style digital drawings of fantasy worlds I’ve seen on Pinterest, off and on. I wanted something that the bonsai tree would naturally conceal if looked at from a particular angle.
Making A Bonsai Tree Terrarium
This bonsai tree terrarium will be a simple project if done correctly and won’t require as many materials as some of my other builds. As always, I’ll start by listing off everything I used to make mine and walk you through the process:
Materials:
-
- Bonsai Tree (I Recommend Walmart or Home Depot)
Tools:
The Treehouse Village Pack Decor:
The Treehouse Village decor is a very nifty pack to work with. I’ve structured it in a way to allow total customization. A single treehouse can be used as a standalone decor, or multiple packs can be combined to make a very populated town.
Preparing The Bonsai Tree For A Terrarium:
I’d normally start with the jar and substrate, but we will have to start our journey on a slightly different path for this world. To make things easier, construction-wise, I will set everything up on the bonsai before placing it into the tank.
The first thing we will need to do is a strategic trim for many reasons. First, we need it to be small enough to fit into our terrarium. Second, we want a specific look.
I went for a semi-moon shape for the bonsai tree so that I could set the treehouses up inside of it. I’m using UV resin to glue the models into the tree. I think plant glue, as well as some super glue, will work just as well. I prefer UV resin because I can set things up at a moderately quick pace. If I don’t like the position of something, UV also peels off easily.
I start with the wooden decks to get an idea of how the overall real estate will fit into the tree. I use some of the stems I cut earlier as supports to help prop up the deck on weaker branches.
As I’m placing the decks, I’m mindful about where ladders and bridges will go and glue those in as I go. I even glue the houses on as well, so I don’t have to worry about them when I’m ready to relocate the tree.
Once everything is in place, I take one last look at it to make sure I’m confident about the overall aesthetic before proceeding to the next step.
Creating The Ultimate Bonsai Treehouse Village:
Now that the hard part is out of the way, we can proceed with the stuff I’m very comfortable and familiar with… picking a jar! Lol
Like always, we will need to set up a drainage layer for stagnant water to accumulate… Trees are no different from most other plants, with not do well in a well-drained substrate.
I’m using a beautiful mixed grey pebble to establish the drainage layer. The natural assortment of colors these guys come in will bring out the overall look I’m going for with this terrarium.
I’m adding a layer of sand to help separate the gravel from the substrate. This looks good and helps hold those roots back from going straight into the gravel.
My choice of soil is coming straight from the bonsai tree. This will make the overall transplant process a lot smoother, and if there are any issues with the tree’s health later, I can easily rule out the soil.
Now here’s where things get interesting: we are ready to bring our bonsai tree over to its new home. This was a little challenging for me since my hands are huge and the setup is a tight fit.
Finish this build-off with preserved sheet moss. This will help the soil retain its moisture longer. Working with preserved moss will also make this setup much easier to maintain, as you’ll see in the care guide portion of this tutorial.
Best Animals For A Bonsai Tree Terrarium
I haven’t decided on what inhabitants will call this bonsai tree terrarium home just yet. I might just stick with the usual springtails and isopods since they help keep things clean and stay under the moss most of the time.
Bonsai Tree Terrarium Care
Small trims and adding water to the drainage layer are all I have planned for this terrarium. This one will require patience to know if things are going well or not.
Final Thoughts
Whew! An actual bonsai treehouse village terrarium. What a marvel to see in person. This one makes another world for the books, and I truly hope I nailed it in the inspiration department. I look forward to seeing some of the ideas you guys brew up from this guide.
If you’re interested in seeing updates on how this, as well as other enclosures, progress, follow me on social media. If you’d like to get your tall tweezers on one of these limited edition vivarium decors yourself, check them out in our shop.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Builds
Another one from the big hand. Shows how to rig up a treehouse, @C.J . But you ain’t even hooked what creatures will live there. Guess we just wait and see if it floats. Not much of a catch, that.