Terrarium Care

Caring for Your Open Tropical Terrarium

An open terrarium allows you to cultivate a miniature tropical paradise, but keeping your plants happy requires a bit more attention than a closed terrarium. Here's what you need to know:

Light It Up (Indirectly):

Tropical plants crave bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch them, so find a spot with good exposure but avoid harsh afternoon rays. Think of a room bathed in sunlight, but not where the sun directly hits the terrarium for extended periods.

Watering Wisely:

Unlike closed terrariums, open ones lack a self-sustaining water cycle. You'll need to water manually. The key is finding the balance: moist but not soggy. Tropical plants generally prefer consistently damp soil, but not constantly wet. Wait for the soil to look slightly dry throughout, then mist with a bit of water until the soil is damp, but not soggy. Too much moisture can lead to rot.

Fertilizing for Fun (Not Too Much!):

Tropical plants appreciate a light feeding during their growing season (usually spring and summer). Opt for a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for indoor plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause nutrient build- up in the soil and harm your plants.

Keeping it Clean and Tidy:

Regularly remove any dead leaves or debris from your terrarium. This will help prevent the spread of disease and keep your miniature world looking its best.

Bonus Tip: Prune leggy or overgrown plants to maintain a balanced look in your terrarium.

With proper care, your open terrarium brimming with tropical plants will thrive and bring a touch of the tropics indoors!

Caring for your Air Plant Terrarium

Open air plant terrariums offer a unique way to display these fascinating botanical wonders. Here's how to keep your air plants happy and thriving in their open container:

Light and Location:

Air plants crave bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some direct morning sun, avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch them. An east-facing window or a spot near a brightly lit window with sheer curtains provides ideal conditions.

Watering Wisely:

Unlike traditional terrariums with soil, air plants absorb moisture through their leaves. Mist them in the glass chamber every week or so, give it enough to leave behind some water in the gravel to help maintain a humid environment for the air plant.

Misting Magic (Optional):

In drier climates or during winter months, provide additional humidity with regular misting. Aim for a light misting 2-3 times a week, but avoid saturating the plants.

Fertilizing for Fun (But Not Too Much!):

While not essential, a light feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) can give your air plants a boost. Use a diluted, water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for air plants. Apply it very sparingly during their misting sessions.

Terrarium Refresh:

Open terrariums allow for easy access to your air plants. Take advantage of this by occasionally removing them to clean the container and inspect the plants for any signs of rot or discoloration.

Caring for Your Sealed Bioactive Terrarium

Sealed bioactive terrariums create a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem with plants and detritivores (like isopods and springtails) working together. While wonderfully low-maintenance, there are still a few things to keep in mind:

Light the Way:

Most sealed terrariums with tropical plants benefit from indirect sunlight. While the closed environment keeps moisture in, it can also filter out too much light. Find a brightly lit spot away from direct sun. You can even consider supplementing with a grow light if the terrarium seems dim.

Moisture Marvel:

The beauty of a sealed terrarium is its self-contained water cycle. Condensation on the walls is a good sign. Avoid opening the terrarium unless absolutely necessary, as this disrupts the delicate moisture balance. Watering is usually unnecessary, but if the glass looks persistently dry and the plants appear wilted, a very light misting with distilled water might be needed. If your terrarium has a tight seal, you will need little to no water, if it doesn’t it will need a little more water.

Temperature Talk:

Tropical plants prefer warm environments. Aim for a location with consistent temperatures between 68-80°F (20-27°C). Avoid placing the terrarium near vents or drafty areas. Do not place outside.

Critter Care:

Your detritivores (isopods, springtails) are the hidden heroes, cleaning up waste and keeping the terrarium healthy. They should be just fine, and will help to balance the ecosystem.

Terrarium TLC:

While sealed, a quick inspection every few months is recommended. Look for signs of excess moisture (persistent fogginess), or dying plants. If necessary, very briefly open the terrarium to allow some air exchange and address any issues. Opening them for about an hour every week or two in the first 3 months helps to refresh the air as the terrarium develops it’s own air balance.

Nature's Notification System:

Keep an eye on the terrarium's internal world. Excess condensation or fogginess might indicate overwatering. Conversely, if the glass is consistently clear and the plants look dry, a light misting might be needed.

By following these guidelines, your sealed bioactive terrarium will flourish as a self-contained ecosystem, offering a captivating glimpse of nature under glass.