Backgrounds and side panels are among the most important design elements of modern terrariums. Textured terrarium backgrounds significantly increase the surface area available to animals and plants. This is particularly beneficial in tropical terrariums for poison dart frogs or other rainforest inhabitants, creating additional habitat that can be used by plants, microorganisms, and animals.
In the category Backgrounds & Xaxim at Rana Terraria you will find various materials and background solutions for natural terrarium landscapes – from natural tree fern panels to durable textured panels or natural cork backgrounds.
A well-designed background not only allows for an impressive rainforest look, but also offers climbing areas, planting sites and additional microhabitats that can be crucial for a functioning bioactive terrarium.
Xaxim or tree fern panels have proven particularly effective for humid rainforest terrariums housing poison dart frogs. These are cut from the trunks of large tree ferns and have a fibrous, porous structure.
Our Xaxim comes from sustainable plantation cultivation in New Zealand, where the tree ferns are harvested gently.
The special properties of Xaxim make it one of the best substrates for epiphytic plants in terrariums:
As an alternative to tree fern panels, Rana Terraria also offers polystyrene backgrounds with Elastopur and peat coatings. These also structure the terrarium very effectively and are ideally suited as a base for planted terrariums.
Over time, the surface can become covered with mosses and climbing plants, creating a natural look.
A major advantage of these background types is their long-lasting durability – unlike natural tree fern panels, they do not rot and remain stable for many years.
Natural cork backgrounds or coconut fiber mats are also very suitable for dry terrariums or less humid terrarium landscapes.
These materials offer:
Especially for semi-humid forest terrariums or dry desert terrariums, such backgrounds are a robust and easy-care solution.
Many terrarium keepers also customize their terrarium backgrounds. They use materials such as:
Very natural-looking backgrounds can be created. These can then be planted or covered with mosses.
There are virtually no limits to creativity – from rocky landscapes to root structures to complete rainforest backdrops.
Are you unsure which background is best suited for your terrarium or how to create a planted background? We are happy to advise you personally and help you to optimally implement your project.
Background walls significantly increase the usable surface area in the terrarium. Plants, microorganisms, and animals can utilize the vertical surfaces, creating a natural and functional terrarium.
Xaxim refers to tree fern plates harvested from the trunks of large tree ferns. Their fibrous structure makes them ideal as a substrate for orchids, bromeliads, and epiphytic ferns. Over time, with sufficient light and moisture, mosses can colonize them naturally.
Yes. Especially Xaxim or structured backgrounds allow plants to root directly on the surface or to settle there over time.
Xaxim is a natural material and can decompose slowly over many years. Alternatively, structural panels coated with Elastopur are available, which remain permanently stable.
Yes, many terrarium keepers design their own backgrounds. Materials like scaping foam and Elastopur allow for the creation of highly individual landscape structures within the terrarium.
Feel free to send us a message via our Contact form – We will help you as soon as possible.
