How to care for it
Four simple things, and your terrarium will mostly run itself.
Light — bright, but never direct sun
Give it bright, indirect light — a well-lit spot out of the sun's direct path, or a small LED grow light for 8–10 hours a day. Gentle daylight keeps the plants green and compact.
Water — far less than you think
Your terrarium is a closed water cycle — condensation on the glass is a good sign. Give the moss a light misting when it looks dry. Only water the soil — slowly — when the soil looks dry or the false bottom (the drainage layer at the base) has run dry of water. Overwatering is the number-one cause of a terrarium going downhill (rot and mould).
Air — let it breathe
Open the lid for 15–30 minutes every week or two for fresh air — and any time it fogs up so heavily you can't see in. A little airflow is what keeps mould away.
Temperature — cool and steady
Room temperature is ideal. Keep it out of direct air-con draughts and away from heat — terrariums like the calm, stable conditions of the rainforest floor they're modelled on.
What's normal at first
A new terrarium is settling in, so don't panic if you see:
- Heavy condensation — normal as it finds its balance. Open the lid for a bit if you can't see in.
- A few yellow or dropped leaves — your plants are shedding their old leaves and growing new ones adapted to life inside the terrarium. Snip off the old ones.
- New growth — the sign it's happy and taking hold.
Frequent problems you might face
White, fuzzy mould — remove it with a cotton bud, open the lid more often, and mist less. A springtail clean-up crew keeps it away for good.
Plant "melt" (leaves go soft or see-through) — normal for some plants adjusting to terrarium life. Trim off the mushy leaves and leave the roots; healthy new growth follows.
Green algae on the glass — wipe it off with a tissue, and check it isn't getting too much light or water.
Leggy or stretched plants — often a sign of too little light, so move it somewhere brighter (still no direct sun). Trim to shape — terrariums respond well to a haircut.
Stays fogged up, can't see in — air it out, and make sure it isn't catching any direct sun.
Widespread yellowing or wilting — almost always too much water or direct sun. Ease off the misting and move it to bright shade.
Add a clean-up crew (optional)
Tiny springtails and isopods are nature's janitors — they quietly eat mould, fallen leaves and debris, keeping the whole system balanced with zero effort from you. Give the terrarium 2–3 weeks to settle before you add isopods — the soil needs to establish some biofilm and decaying matter for them to feed on, so they have a food source waiting. Most established terrariums then run beautifully with a little crew inside. We can set you up — just ask.
Good to know
Will it attract mosquitoes or insects?+
No. A closed terrarium has no open, standing water for mosquitoes to breed in, and the sealed lid keeps insects out — it's one of the cleanest ways to keep greenery indoors.
What can live inside a terrarium?+
It's designed as a living plant display. The only "livestock" is an optional micro clean-up crew — springtails and isopods — that eats mould and debris. A nature terrarium isn't a home for fish, reptiles or amphibians; those need a vivarium or paludarium.
How long will it last?+
Years, with the basics above. A well-kept terrarium is a long-lived, largely self-sustaining system — the plants grow and the scene shifts over time, which is part of the charm.
How much maintenance does it need, and how do I clean it?+
Very little. Mist only when needed, trim overgrowth, wipe any algae off the glass, and pick out dead leaves. There's no "deep clean" — a clean-up crew handles the rest.
What tools do I need?+
A misting/spray bottle, a pair of long tweezers for placing or removing things, and small scissors for trimming. That covers it.
Can I add new plants later?+
Yes. Pick humidity-loving plants (ferns, mosses, fittonia and the like), rinse off any soil and pests first, tuck them into the substrate and mist them in. Avoid succulents and cacti — they don't like the humidity.
Need a hand?
You built it with us, so you're never on your own with it. If something looks off, message us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll tell you exactly what to do — or bring it down to the studio for a reset.