Semi-Aquatic Ecosystem

DIY Semi-Aquatic Ecosystem in a Jar

 Build your own mini wetland! This do-it-yourself activity creates a semi-aquatic ecosystem—where land meets water—and is a great way to explore wetlands, amphibious plant life, and the interaction between terrestrial and aquatic zones.

Semi-aquatic ecosystems occur where land and water overlap—think marshes, mangroves, and pond edges. These areas host a mix of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and are vital for water filtration, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling.

What You’ll Need:

• A clear glass container or jar (wide and deep enough to hold both soil and water zones)

• Pebbles or gravel (for drainage and base)

• Activated charcoal (optional, to prevent odor)

• Pond mud or nutrient-rich soil (for the plant zone)

• Clean pond or dechlorinated water

• Semi-aquatic plants (like lucky bamboo, mint, spider plant, or umbrella palm; roots in water, leaves in air)

• Moss, small terrestrial plants (optional, for the upper soil area)

• A few snails or aquatic micro-life (optional)

• Sunlight (indirect natural light)

• A mist spray bottle

How to Make It:

1. Add Pebbles (1–2 cm): This creates a drainage layer and simulates the waterbed.

2. Layer with Activated Charcoal (optional): Helps keep water fresh in closed systems.

3. Add Mud or Soil: Place a sloped layer of soil—higher on one side to form a land zone, lower for the water zone.

4. Pour in Water Gently: Fill only part of the jar with water—just enough to cover the low side of the soil layer.

5. Plant Semi-Aquatic Plants: Place their roots in the water or moist soil. Add moss or small plants to the drier "land" side.

6. Add Creatures (optional): Introduce a small snail or tiny aquatic insect if available.

7. Mist the Soil Side: Keep the upper land area moist, not soaked.

8. Seal (optional): You can keep it open or loosely cover it. A closed lid helps maintain humidity but should be opened occasionally to prevent mold.

Care & Observation:

• Keep in bright, indirect light—avoid direct sun to prevent overheating.

• Observe the zones: You’ll see how water evaporates, condenses, and nourishes both land and water plants.

• Look for interactions: Roots in water, leaves above; moisture moving between zones; small organisms at work.

• If water gets cloudy or smelly, open the lid briefly or remove excess debris.

• Don’t overwater—maintain a visible separation between land and water zones.