How to Care for your Terrarium
Welcome!
Terrariums are very simple to care for, so don't worry, no need to learn any complicated routines!
What's Inside?
To understand terrarium care, it's important to know what's inside:
Plants: tropical, humidity loving plants thrive in terrariums.
Hardscape: decorative rocks or wood added for detail.
Moss: Moss thrives in a humid environment and provides an area for propegation.
Substrate: the terrarium 'soil' providing nutrients to the plants.
Charcoal: absorbs impurities and stops odours.
Drainage: allows excess water to drain out of the substrate.
Natural Lighting
Terrariums need lots of bright indirect sunlight, which can usually be found in the UK in an east or west facing window. Placing it in a south facing window, can risk overheating and cooking the plants.
North facing windows can work but may be too dim in the winter months, therefore extra light may need to be supplemented.
In the winter windowsills can get cold, so moving the terrarium back from the glass or shutting the blind behind it at night can help.
Artificial Light
Alternatively, you can use artificial lights which often look better and are more reliable than natural light. Using a desk lamp or grow light on a timer can be a fantastic way to light up your terrarium and show it off!
Watering
Closed terrariums (any terrarium sealed shut with a lid) rarely need any water. This is because they recycle water within the jar in their own mini water cycle.
As plants transpire, the water evoporates off thier leaves and condensates on the glass. This then falls back into the substrate and the cycle continues.
As a result it's hard to advise on a strict watering schedule as every terrarium is different.
However, there are some key ways to tell how the water cycle is doing.
It needs water if:
- Moss starts to go crispy or pale.
- Substrate looks dry and crisp and is pulling away from glass.
- No condensation for multiple days running.
- Leaves Curling and browning on plants.
It's been overwatered if:
- It grows mould.
- Algae Blooms on the side of the jar.
- Substrate looks soggy or waterlogged.
- Moss looks yellow and mushy.
To adjust levels:
- Add water with a mister or teaspoon.
- Remove water by leaving the lid off the terrarium.
Condensation can also be used as a sign to tell if your terarium is healthy:
Light morning condensation that clears in the afternoon is healthy.
Heavy permanent fog and dripping is unhealthy. However, terrariums that are new will fog up while they establish!
No condensation for days running is unhealthy.
Newly built terrariums may also condensate more than normal and will need some time to stabilise and settle in.
Terrarium Longevity
- Over time your terrarium will grow and change, it could even grow a mushroom!
- If you prefered a polished terrarium look you can trim the plants and re-use the cuttings.
- Or it can look cool when the terrarium becomes overgrown and plants start to fill out the jar.