»CLOSED TERRARIUM GENERAL CARE & MAINTENANCE«
You’re intrigued by or you’ve just welcomed a tiny, self-sustaining ecosystem into your home, complete with plants, moisture, and even beneficial bugs like springtails. Closed terrariums are simple to care for and almost magical in how they function. Whether this is your first terrarium or you’re adding another to your collection, here’s everything you need to know to keep it happy and healthy.
Also, make sure to take a look at our Restoration Guarantee to help remedy any lingering doubts about purchasing your own tiny little ecosystem!
Closed Terrarium 101
Let’s Break It Down
Sunlight Requirements
Closed terrariums love *bright, indirect light*.
Too much direct sunlight can cause overheating, which leads to excessive condensation and stressed plants.
Think of spots like a few feet from a window or a room with good natural light—just keep it out of direct beams.
In-Home Location
Aim for a spot with *indirect light*—bathrooms or kitchens with good natural light and higher humidity can be perfect.
Just be careful to avoid any direct sunlight or cold, drafty areas.
Watering Requirements
Since your terrarium recycles moisture, *watering is rarely needed*.
Use *distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water* to avoid mineral buildup that can harm your plants and bugs.
If the soil looks dry or plants droop, mist lightly. Too much moisture? Let the lid off for a few hours to balance things out.
Pruning Requirements
Occasionally, plants may get leggy or outgrow their space. Trim them back with *sterilized scissors*.
To sterilize, simply wipe the blades with *rubbing alcohol* or dip them in *boiling water* for a few minutes. This prevents the spread of bacteria or mold inside the terrarium.
Snip away any dead leaves or overgrowth to keep everything tidy.
Fertilizing Requirements
*No need for fertilizer* in your closed terrarium—it’s selfsustaining.
Humidity Requirements
Your terrarium naturally maintains *high humidity*—great for the plants and springtails inside.
If you notice heavy condensation on the glass, pop the lid open for a few hours to let things balance out.
Temperature Requirements
Terrariums prefer a cozy temperature between approximately *60°F and 75°F (15°C 24°C)*.
Keep them away from cold drafts or direct heat sources like radiators or air vents.
Beneficial Bugs | Springtails
»SPRINGTAILS ARE YOUR HELPFUL CLEAN UP CREW«
These tiny bugs *work hard to keep your terrarium healthy* by eating mold and breaking down dead plant material.
They help maintain balance in your mini ecosystem, so no need to worry about pests—they’re part of the team!
Substrate & Soil Requirements
The base of your terrarium should have *layers of small stones or activated charcoal* for drainage, topped with a *light, welldraining soil mix*.
Charcoal is especially helpful to filter water and prevent odors, keeping the environment fresh for both plants and springtails.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
*Condensation:* Too much water on the glass? Open the lid for a few hours to release some moisture.
*Mold:* If you spot mold, wipe it away and remove any dead plant matter. The springtails will handle most of the cleaning for you.
*Sterilizing Tools:* Use rubbing alcohol or boiling water on any tools before pruning or working inside the terrarium. This helps prevent introducing any bacteria.