Terrarium Care Guide

TLDR,

  • Keep your terrarium somewhere bright but not in direct sunlight
  • Don't let the substrate dry out - keep it moist like a wrung out kitchen cloth
  • Aim to water the roots not the leaves. Less water is needed in winter, more in summer
  • Don't feed - you should have a nutritionally rich substrate and that is plenty

WATERING

Never let your terrarium dry out and don't overwater. Most plants will struggle when they are sitting in wet soil so aim to keep the substrate just moist. There is no fixed rule as to how often you need to water as the environment around the terrarium will dictate the rate at which the substrate dries out.

If you can, use a mister and aim the mister into the roots and down the side of the glass so the water penetrates the substrate. Leave the water to soak in and then clean the glass.

Tap water is chlorinated and often has highly concentrated minerals which can be toxic to some plants. Wherever possible use deionised water or filtered water. If this is not available to you, then use water that has been standing for 24 hours as it will naturally dechlorinate in time.

LIGHT

Plants need light to photosynthesise, but direct sunlight is a death sentence to a terrarium - have you tried standing in a greenhouse on a 40 degree day? Bright natural light will reap dividends. If you want to get the best result, then use a growlight for your terrarium as you will have total control over the light it receives.

PRUNING

All of your plants will grow and grow at different speeds. Do not treat them as the same and give them a buzz cut, it will weaken them and increase the chances of them dying. Let them grow and only prune when necessary. Cut as close to a leaf node as you can to reduce rot and promote regrowth. If leaves are sitting against the glass it will increase the likelihood of them rotting and these should be removed.

SPRINGTAILS

A terrarium imitates the natural environment for the plants within it. Do not be afraid to introduce springtails or other fauna to it. They will work in harmony with the plants and the substrate to compost waste and aerate the soil improving its health.

ENJOY

Most of all, enjoy your terrarium and thanks for attending one of our workshops :-)