A Comparative Study of Microclimate and Vegetative Growth of Land Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and Red Chili (Capsicum annuum) in Open and Closed Terrarium Models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69836/nexus.v2i2.370Keywords:
chlorosis etionlation microclimate terarium vegetativ growthAbstract
Microclimate conditions play an important role in regulating plant growth, physiological processes, and morphological development. This study aimed to compare the effects of open and closed terrarium models on the microclimate and vegetative growth of land spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and red chili (Capsicum annuum). A true experimental design using quantitative and qualitative comparative approaches was conducted over three weeks, from May 29 to June 12, 2026, at Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Two terrarium models with different air circulation conditions were established using identical containers, growing media, and planting configurations. Microclimate parameters, including temperature and relative humidity, were monitored, while plant growth was assessed weekly by measuring stem height and observing leaf color, stem strength, and morphological abnormalities. The results revealed substantial differences between the two models. The open terrarium maintained temperatures of 23.5–27.0°C and relative humidity of approximately 65%, supporting proportional growth, sturdy stems, and healthy green leaves in both plant species. In contrast, the closed terrarium maintained temperatures of 24.0–25.5°C and extreme relative humidity of 96–99%. Under these conditions, land spinach exhibited excessive stem elongation, with one specimen reaching 35 cm and a relative growth rate (RGR) of 6.75 cm/week, accompanied by bending and competition for light and space. Meanwhile, red chili growth slowed considerably, with the lowest recorded RGR of 0.90 cm/week, alongside weak stems and leaf chlorosis. These findings demonstrate that restricted air circulation and excessive humidity produce species-specific growth responses. Although the closed terrarium stimulated rapid stem elongation in land spinach, it compromised plant structure and negatively affected red chili development. In conclusion, open terrarium systems with adequate air circulation provide more favorable conditions for healthy vegetative growth, particularly for red chili. Future research should incorporate ventilation control and additional physiological measurements to improve understanding of plant responses to microclimatic variation.
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