Comprehensive Guide to Terrarium Maintenance: Steer Clear of These 7 Unwitting Errors
Mastering the subtleties of terrarium care can be a challenging journey. But hey, who needs an easy life, right?
A well-tended terrarium can virtually look after itself, thanks to its low-maintenance nature. Yet, many beginners often stumble in the early stages, trying to strike that elusive balance.
Over the years, I've constructed numerous terrariums (with quite a few experimental flops in the mix) and, in the process, identified common mistakes that usually crop up. In this guide, I'll walk you through steps to dodge those pitfalls and keep your terrarium thriving.
Let's dive in!
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Key Terrarium Care Tips to Avoid
1. Humidity Check - Are You Underwatering?
Since terrariums operate as a closed system, they should normally self-water if conditions are right. But that requires enough water within the system.
Condensation on the terrarium glass can help gauge the humidity. If you're seeing heavy fogging during hotter periods, you have an 80% or higher humidity, perfect for many tropical plants. On the contrary, if the glass is completely clear, it's time to add water.
2. Mindful Watering - Are You Overwatering?
Overwatering is much riskier than underwatering and can be quite tough to rectify. Look for indicators like foggy glass for excessive moisture, but remember to never have a saturated substrate. A light moisture is all we need. If the soil appears dark and wet, it's best to open up your terrarium and let it dry out.
To offer some flexibility in watering, use a drainage layer like LECA balls during construction. They are lightweight and absorbent, reducing the risk of excess water pooling.
👉 Dive deep into my guide on watering a terrarium.
3. Light Levels - Get It Right!
Light is essential for terrarium plants but remember, your terrarium serves as a mini greenhouse. Too much direct sunlight may scorch your plants, while many terrarium plants prefer low-light conditions.
The ideal light for most tropical plants is bright, indirect light — something you could comfortably read in, but without feeling the heat. A North-facing window is perfect for consistent indirect light, or place your terrarium a few feet away from a stronger light source.
👉 Dig deeper with my comprehensive guide on terrariums and light.
4. Curb Mold Growth
Mold creeps in silently, lurking in the corners of terrariums. While it can be harmless in small amounts, it can also damage your beautiful terrarium if left unchecked.
Regularly inspect your terrarium and open it up occasionally to allow better air circulation. Use hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to clean small patches, and consider introducing beneficial organisms like springtails to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
👉 Grab a springtail culture from our online store to keep mold at bay.
5. Identify and Remove Dead Plants
Plants are bound to pass away at some point, but it's crucial to act on it. A deceased plant provides an opportunity for mold growth if left unattended. Even a small bioactive clean-up crew may struggle to manage large amounts of decaying plant material.
6. Trim Excessive Growth
While we love thriving plants, growth can overtake your terrarium and create issues like reduced light and excessive moisture. Regularly prune plants, and adjust their root system if needed, to maintain a sustainable environment.
7. Clean the Terrarium Glass
A dirty terrarium glass not only looks unappealing but can also restrict the light your plants receive. Use a lint-free cloth with warm, deionized water to clean the glass and ward off calcium mineral buildup from hard tap water.
Terrarium Care FAQ
Q: How do you care for a terrarium?
A: Learning the basics of terrarium care is a good start, but each terrarium needs personalized attention to flourish. Keep observing your terrarium, and you'll become better at recognizing when adjustments are needed.
Q: Do terrariums smell?
A: A slightly earthy smell is typical for terrariums since they are made of soil and plants. Any unpleasant odor may indicate mold or decay.
Over to You
Achieving the ideal balance in your terrarium is not always straightforward. Share your routines and care practices to help us all keep our terrariums looking and feeling fantastic. Let us know in the comments!
Enhancing a terrarium's lifestyle, whether it's a part of your home-and-garden or a statement piece in your gardening collection, can truly be a fulfilling endeavor. By adhering to careful terrarium care, such as maintaining the right humidity, appropriately watering, optimizing light levels, and minimizing mold growth, your miniature, self-sustaining ecosystem can thrive for years to come.
