Terrarium Love & Care
To ensure proper growth and health of your own miniature ecosystem, I'd advise first understanding the requirements of the plants inside. Our ready made terrariums that contain multiple plants include species that have been specially selected to reflect similar growing requirements to ensure all plants compliment and continue to grow happily along side each other.
When making your own terrarium and selecting plants, make sure you follow the same principles - aim to pick plants which require the same growing conditions, you don't want one plant to thrive and the other to struggle because one needs shade and the other needs full sun. Be mindful that certain species may look pretty at first but aren't always suited to the growing conditions terrariums provide, and subsequently will struggle to survive.
Terrariums are a great alternative to the traditional potted plant and require less watering. They are one of the most sustainable forms of gardening on a micro scale. As a general rule of thumb, open terrariums require more frequent watering, whilst closed can go longer periods without, sometimes months at a time. Avoid pouring water directly onto the plants as this can saturate them to the point where it can not drain away quickly like normal potted plants, leading to root rot and other fungal issues which is usually a death sentence for plants. Use a plant sprayer to mist your terrarium when required. After watering, let it air out a little first and then place the lid on. This will maximize humidity and conditions reminiscent of the plant's natural habitat.
Terrariums should only be watered when the top soil is almost dry. Condensation on the glass mainly in the morning and evening is a good sign of adequate moisture. Too much moisture on the glass throughout the day may indicate too much moisture inside. If this is the case, wipe away excess water on the glass and leave open overnight.
The best type of water to use is distilled, rain water or spring water as it has less impurities and contains more natural minerals for the plants. Tap water can eventually leave marks on glass over time and it's strongly advised to avoid tap water for moss and carnivorous plant terrariums especially.. as this will kill them!
During hotter months, keep an eye on open terrariums to ensure they do not dry out completely and mist accordingly - sometimes daily in extreme heat. Keep a look out for droopy foliage or browning moss...these are usually a sign of over heating, over watering or dehydration. If it is dehydration that your plants are suffering, they will usually spring back to life and go green as if by magic once hydrated with fresh water.
In Winter, it's especially important not to over water - soil should be slightly moist but not wet and generally will require less watering through this season.
Avoid placing your planted terrarium in direct bright light or areas with no natural light and keep away from very hot or very cold surfaces. The perfect placement is near filtered natural light or areas with low - medium light (dependent on plant species). If you are concerned your plants aren't getting enough natural light, LED grow lights may provide a good lighting alternative.
Like all plants, the ones contained within their glass world still require oxygen in order to thrive. Take the lid off every now and then so they can breathe. To aid in the natural breakdown of biological materials, beneficial springtails have been added to all our ready made terrariums. These amazing tiny invertebrates feed on decaying matter, fungus and mould.
Long tweezers and scissors are ideal for removing any fallen leaves or decaying matter you may see, as well as handy for trimming any plants you wish to remain compact.
Once you have the basics down pat, this glass world is very easy to keep and enjoy for many years to come.
