DOOA Terra Base M

DOOA Terra Base M

A porous ceramic cylinder engineered specifically for epiphytic plants—small orchids, ferns, mosses, and bromeliads. The Terra Base M mimics the water-retention and evaporative cooling properties of natural rainforest tree trunks, providing an ideal substrate for mounting and growing epiphytes in terrariums and paludariums.

How It Works:

The Terra Base is made from a highly porous ceramic material that absorbs and stores water internally. As moisture seeps through the surface, evaporative cooling lowers the surface temperature—just like the bark of a living tree in a cloud forest. This creates a microclimate that epiphytes recognize and respond to, promoting healthy root attachment and growth.

Key Features:

• Water Storage: Absorbs water and releases it slowly through capillary action, maintaining consistent moisture for attached plants
• Evaporative Cooling: Surface temperature drops as water evaporates, mimicking the thermal environment of tropical tree trunks
• Porous Surface: Rough texture allows roots, rhizomes, and moss to attach securely without adhesives or ties
• Medium Size: "M" designation indicates a versatile size suitable for small to medium terrariums and paludariums

Applications:

• Mounting miniature orchids (Pleurothallis, Masdevallia, Restrepia, etc.)
• Epiphytic ferns (Pyrrosia, small Davallia, Microsorum)
• Moss gardens (Taxiphyllum, Fissidens, tropical Sphagnum)
• Bromeliads (Tillandsia, small Neoregelia)
• Emersed aquatic plants in paludarium setups (Bucephalandra, Anubias)

Setup Instructions:

1. Soak the Terra Base: Submerge in water for 24–48 hours before use to fully saturate the ceramic

2. Mount Plants: Use DOOA Terra Line or Terra Tape to secure plants to the base until roots attach naturally (typically 2–6 weeks depending on species)

3. Water the Base: Fill the bottom of your terrarium or paludarium so the Terra Base partially contacts water, or periodically mist the top so water percolates through

4. Optional Flow Pipe: Pair with DOOA Terra Base Flow Pipe 230 and a circulation pump to automate watering (water flows up through the base and drips down, irrigating attached plants continuously)