Comprehensive Guide to Terrarium Maintenance: Steer Clear of These Seven Common Blunders
Mastering the art of terrarium care might take a bit of time, but it's worth the effort. These low-maintenance beauties can thrive with the right attention and care to avoid common pitfalls. Here's a guide to help you steer clear of common mistakes and keep your terrarium flourishing.
Identifying Terrarium Care Issues
1. Humidity Test - Are You Underwatering?Terrariums, being closed systems, usually self-water if conditions are right. Check humidity as an indicator of moisture level. If condensation on the glass is low (or even missing), it could be time for a top-up. Look for other signs like wilting, dry soil, and desiccated leaves.
Conversely, if there are heavy droplets consistently present, you might be overdoing it.
2. Mindful Watering - Are You Overwatering?Overwatering is a much greater risk than underwatering. Watch out for heavy condensation, wet and dark soil, and saturated substrate. Remember to incorporate a drainage layer (such as LECA balls) into your build and avoid excess water pooling.
See my complete guide on watering terrariums for more details.
3. Light Check - Is the Terrarium Receiving Right Light?Sunlight is vital for terrarium plants, but remember, it's essentially a greenhouse. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching, and ensure there's enough. Aim for bright indirect light - somewhere you could comfortably read a book without feeling warmth on your skin. North-facing windows are great for consistent light, and you can also move your terrarium a few feet away from a stronger light source.
For more help, check out my complete guide to light for terrariums.
4. Mold WatchMold lurks in the shadows of terrariums and can quickly snowball into an unpleasant sight. Dealing with it early is essential. Opening up the lid, using a Q-tip and hydrogen peroxide, or even using chamomile tea to ward off mold are all potential solutions. If you're fighting a big mold bloom, springtails may be your best bet to keep it under control.Get a springtails culture from our online store to keep mold in check.
5. Prune Plants - Overgrown TerrariumsHealthy terrarium plants may grow excessively, impacting light and water availability. Trimming or pruning plants is essential to maintain balance and prevent overgrowth. Watch out for plants that block light, grow too tall, take over quickly, or grow against the container walls.
6. Clean the GlassDirty glass not only looks unsightly but can also hinder the plants' access to light. Clean the inside of the glass with a lint-free cloth and warm purified water to maintain a clear view of your terrarium.
Terrarium Care FAQ
How do you maintain a terrarium?Learning the basics of terrarium care is crucial, but each terrarium may require different attention depending on its type and contents. Over time, you'll become familiar with your terrarium's nuances and be better able to identify when something is amiss.
Do terrariums smell?Terrariums have an earthy aroma, but any foul odors could indicate trouble brewing. Keep an eye out for unpleasant smells and address the issue promptly.
Over to YouBalancing a closed terrarium isn't always straightforward. Share your care routines and tips to help others keep their terrariums in prime condition.
Here are two sentences that contain the words 'closed terrarium care', 'lifestyle', 'home-and-garden', and 'gardening':
- Caring for a closed terrarium can be an exciting addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle, bringing a touch of gardening indoors.
- Mastering closed terrarium care can be a rewarding skill, enhancing your overall gardening knowledge and contributing to a unique home-and-garden lifestyle.
