What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a sealed or open transparent container typically housing plants and sometimes small animals, creating a miniature ecosystem.
In a closed terrarium, plants release moisture through transpiration, which condenses on the glass and trickles back down to water the plants, creating a self-sustaining cycle. In open terrariums, watering is required occasionally.
Tropical plants and mosses thrive in the humid environment of closed terrariums, while succulents and cacti are better suited for open terrariums due to their preference for drier conditions.
With proper care, terrariums can last for years or even decades, making them a long-lasting and low-maintenance addition to any space.
Terrariums require minimal maintenance, including occasional watering for open terrariums and ensuring proper light exposure for the plants to thrive. Cleaning and pruning may be needed periodically to maintain the ecosystems balance.
General Care
Terrariums typically need around two weeks to adjust to their new environment. During this period, some leaf loss may occur, but it is normal as long as you remove any dead leaves promptly to prevent decay. Even if some plants do not survive, the remaining ones will adjust and thrive with proper care.
Terrariums thrive in indirect light ranging from low to bright. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause heat and light magnification, potentially harming the plants. Short periods of dappled sunlight are beneficial, but artificial light sources like energy-saving bulbs or LEDs are also suitable for low-light spaces.
Healthy terrariums exhibit condensation, appearing on the glass surface. About a quarter of the glass should show condensation twice a day, indicating a balanced ecosystem. If moss appears dry, lightly mist it once a month. Closed terrariums regulate moisture with their lids; if condensation is excessive, partially open the lid or wipe away moisture. Consistency of the substrate layer serves as a moisture indicator, aiming for a moist, not saturated, texture resembling a freshly baked cake. Monitoring these factors helps maintain a healthy terrarium, avoiding overwatering.
Tips
Disturbing the balance in your terrarium is more likely with excess water rather than insufficient. When in doubt, assess the consistency of the substrate (soil layer). Additional details can be found in the General Care section.
You might observe uneven growth in your terrarium due to lighting variations. To promote uniform growth, consider rotating your terrarium periodically. A rotation every month or every couple of months should be adequate.
Be mindful of seasonal lighting changes in your home. Natural light may shift to different areas throughout the year.
Glass amplifies both heat and light, so besides avoiding direct sunlight, it is wise to keep terrariums away from direct heat sources like radiators in winter. Terrariums flourish in temperatures ranging from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius. If you observe a sudden surge in condensation without adding water, it indicates excessive heat. You can either relocate it to a cooler area or slightly open the lid to release some heat while temperatures are elevated.
Tips
Mold can sometimes clear up on its own, but if it persists or starts dominating the ecosystem, you can slightly open the lid and expose your terrarium to up to one hour of direct sunlight per day for a few days until the mold clears. Keep in mind that this process may cause some moisture loss through evaporation, so monitor condensation levels a few days after closing the lid and replace it as necessary.
Fungi are a natural component of the ecosystem and may occasionally emerge in your terrarium. This typically indicates high-quality soil and can enhance its natural appeal. Mushrooms and fungi often have brief lifespans, growing and decaying within a few days. To manage them, use terrarium tweezers or chopsticks to carefully remove mushrooms, avoiding direct contact with your skin, and dispose of them properly.
Untreated mold can attract Fungus Gnats, resembling common fruit flies. Promptly remove any gnat noticed in your terrarium. To tackle them, create a mixture of
equal parts honey, vinegar, and dish soap in a deep bowl. Place the bowl next to the terrarium with the lid removed to attract and eliminate the gnats.