Quick Care
1. Set in a Safe Place in a Well-Lit Room
- If placed near a window, direct sunlight should NOT be hitting the glass. Penetrating sun-rays get magnified on their way in and cause issues.
2. Limit the Times you Open the Container
- Try not to remove the lid more than 3 times a month. Doing so can offset moisture cycling and lead to issues.
3. Rotate the Container
- Condensation will begin to gather on the cooler side of the glass. Be sure to turn the container at least every other week to insure good health.
Excessive Condensation
- Closed Terrariums cycle their moisture in phases, so some condensation is normal.
- Persistent droplet formation on all sides of container is likely a lighting issue.
- Excess Humidity and poor light conditions can facilitate fungal growth (not ideal).
Too Much Light
- Large moisture droplets on all sides of glass (sweating).
- Leaves that are facing the light turn brown (burning).
- Moss/Soil looks extremely dry.
- MAKE SURE GLASS IS NOT IN PATH OF SUN.
- ROTATE MORE OFTEN.
- KEEP GLASS AWAY FROM EXTERNAL HEAT SOURCES.
Not Enough Light
- Plants begin to turn brown and/or pale and lanky.
- Fuzzy white fungus or other molds start. appearing.
- Moss looks Soggy/brown.
- RELOCATE OR PUT A SMALL LAMP NEARBY.
- REMOVE LID FOR 10 MINUTES.
- GIVE TERRARIUM 1 WEEK TO ADJUST TO NEW LIGHTING CONDITIONS.
Fungus and Molds
- Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungus, of which there all different kinds are present in living soil.
- Molds on the other hand can be a sign that your terrarium is having issues that need to be addressed sooner than later.
- Fungus and Molds almost always follow a change in moisture flow. Try to find the cause to help your terrarium stay healthy.
Sometimes Mushroom Can Appear
- In some cases mushrooms are a sign of a balanced ecosystem at work.
- Their bodies decay though, leaving a residue behind.
- Can be an issue if affecting pants or releasing spores that coat everything.
- IF NECESSARY, SAFELY REMOVE MUSHROOM.
- LEAVING IT'S BODY TO DEGRADE IS OKAY TOO.
What The Fuzz
- Molds are recognizable by their cloudy appearance.
- They will interrupt photosynthesis if spread increases.
- Usually a sign of imbalance (Light/Humidity).
- REMOVE LID FOR 20 MINUTES AND RELOCATE TO BRIGHTER AREA.
- IF POSSIBLE, DAB FUNGUS WITH PAPER TOWEL.
Long Lasting Life
A healthy terrarium can last years, even decades!
- Once the terrarium has settled in, look at the moss, plant leaves, or visible topsoil. Are they moist or are they dry and browning? Are the lower level drainage rocks bone-dry?
- Over time terrariums can loose/use a good deal of the moisture and it may be necessary to give them some water. If the terrarium is doing well, it will only need water 1-3 times per-year, depending on its age and light exposure.
How to Add Water
- For large containers: 1/2 to 3 Fluid Ounces.
- For Med & Small containers: 1/4 to 1 Fluid Ounces.
- Aim for exposed rocks if using spray bottle, and avoid getting leaves wet.
- ONLY USE PURIFIED OR DISTILLED WATER.
- BASTER CLEANS DEBRIS WHILE WATERING.
- LEAVE CONTAINER OPEN FOR 30 MINUTES.
Excessive Growth
- Clean snippers with isopropyl before cutting.
- Remove lid when ready and prune crammed or dead leaves.
- Make sure to remove all material that you cut.
- SANITIZE TOOLS BETWEEN USE.
- CUT 1/3 OF GROWTH TO THE NEAREST NODE.
- LEAVE CONTAINER OPEN FOR 30 MINUTES.