Caring for your terrarium

Light

Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light.

Avoid:

• Direct sun through windows — this can overheat the glass and damage plants
• Dark corners with little natural light
• Harsh afternoon sun

Think bright room, filtered light.

Watering

Closed terrariums (with lids) and Mossariums

Closed terrariums and Mossariums create their own miniature water cycle and rarely need watering. Check the soil, and if it feels dry, spray lightly. Rain, distilled or filtered water is preferred, but if you don't have that, then just tap water will do.

Mossariums can be particularly sensitive to water and heat, and we recommend being more careful with them. A little tap water is fine, but too much can make them go brown, so having some rainwater or distilled water on hand is a good idea.

You may notice light condensation — this is normal and tells you the cycle is working. See the Condensation section below for guidance on what you're seeing.

With Closed terrariums, less is more.

Ventilated terrariums (with holes)

Ventilated terrariums have small holes at the top and lose moisture more quickly than closed terrariums. Check the soil regularly, particularly in summer, and if it feels dry, spray it with rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. If you don't have that, then tap water will do. After you live with your terrarium for a while, you will learn how much water it needs to thrive.

Ventilated terrariums require just a little more care than a closed terrarium.

Open terrariums

Open terrariums require more regular care as moisture naturally escapes.

Regular watering is required, but avoid overwatering, especially with terrariums that have a shallow base, as you don't want water pooling in the bottom. Check the soil and spray with rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. If you don't have that, then tap water will do. After you live with your terrarium for a while, you will learn how much water it needs to thrive.

Open terrariums are a little garden and require regular care.

Condensation

Seeing mist or fog on the glass? That's your terrarium's water cycle at work.

Pruning and maintenance

Plants will continue to grow.

Trim any leaves touching the glass to:

• Maintain airflow
• Prevent excess moisture build-up
• Keep your terrarium looking good

Remove any yellowing leaves as needed.

Temperature

Keep indoors in a stable environment.

Avoid placing near:

• Heaters
• Air conditioners
• Fireplaces
• Hot windows

A living piece of nature

Every terrarium is unique and will continue to evolve over time.

Small changes, new growth and seasonal variation are all part of the experience.