General Terrarium Frequently Asked Questions
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a self-sustaining, closed or partially closed environment containing plants, soil and sometimes decorative rocks or small objects creating a miniature ecosystem.
What are the benefits of terrariums?
Terrariums are beneficial in many ways. They are great to grow plants because they hold in heat and moisture, creating a humid environment conducive to sprouting seeds and growing many types of plants. They are environmentally beneficial because they purify the air and remove pollutants and toxins. They are emotionally beneficial because they can relieve stress, boost moods and they are visually appealing. They are practical because they are low maintenance, space saving and long lasting. They are also a learning tool that can teach plant care and ecology. Terrariums make great gifts as well, sure to brighten someone’s day!
Where can I place my terrarium?
You can place your terrarium anywhere it will not be knocked over with indirect sunlight and consistent temperatures. It is best to keep your terrarium away from air vents.
Assembling Your Terrarium
What do I do with the soil puck?
You will want to hydrate your soil puck by adding the recommended amount of water specified in the instructions that came with your terrarium. Warm water works best as it absorbs into the soil more quickly. You will notice your soil puck rising as time goes by, it will take about 15-20 minutes to fully absorb the water. Once all the water is absorbed, you will want to use a fork to gently mix and aerate the soil until there are no solid clumps.
What kind of water should I use in my terrarium (not carnivorous)?
De-chlorinated water is the best water to use. This still has all the minerals but allows all the chemicals in the water to evaporate out. All plants prefer de-chlorinated watered versus water straight out of the tap or bottle.
How do I make de-chlorinated water?
To make de-chlorinated water, simply fill a wide container with water and leave out and open for 24+ hours. This will allow time for all the chemicals in the water to evaporate. You could also boil water for 10-15 minutes but be sure to allow it to cool completely before using it on your plants.
Caring For Your Terrarium
What if my terrarium is too wet?
Wipe the condensation from the inner sides of the glass and leave the lid off for 1-2 days so the water has a chance to evaporate. If the terrarium is excessively wet and puddles are visible on the surface, you can gently tip the terrarium to the side and let the extra water drain out. You have to be sure not to dump the contents of the planter.
What if my terrarium is too dry?
You will want to water your plants thoroughly, but be careful not to add to much water. You can also mist your plants to increase humidity within your terrarium. You will want to be sure your terrarium is not near an air vent and is not receiving too much sunlight as these things can dry them out. When you first plant your terrarium, it will be fully hydrated. If you observe how heavy it is, it should feel about the same in the future if it is fully hydrated. If your terrarium feels light, it likely needs water.
Why is my terrarium foggy?
You may see condensation forming on the inner walls of your terrarium, this is normal as it is part of the water cycle that comes with closed environments. Plants can also release moisture through transpiration. If you are concerned with the amount of condensation in your terrarium, make sure it is not in an area where the temperature is too high. You can reduce watering, remove the lid and allow the soil to dry slightly before replacing the lid.
What if I notice pests in my terrarium?
You will first want to isolate the terrarium away from any other plants to prevent the pests from spreading. Inspect your plants thoroughly and remove any affected areas if they are too infested. You can treat your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil or take a more organic approach such as using garlic spray or cinnamon.
What should I do if I see mold forming?
There are several different methods you can use to reduce mold growth in your terrarium. You can manually remove the mold with a cotton swab. You can also use a peroxide method. Water the surface of the soil with a 1:50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. If mold starts to appear, reduce the moisture and water the plants with a mixture of one capful of hydrogen peroxide to seven ounces of water. This will kill the mold but not the plant. You can reduce mold growth by sprinkling a small amount of cinnamon on the area where the mold is growing. Lastly, once the mold is removed, you can add a thin layer of sand or gravel on top of your soil, which can help prevent mold from forming or growing.
When do I take the lid off of my terrarium?
You can start taking the lid off the terrarium once the sprouts start touching the lid. You also want to take the lid off of the terrarium at least once a week for about an hour to allow for air circulation. This also helps to inhibit the growth of algae and/or mold.
Why does my terrarium lid have holes or vents in them?
The vents and holes are to provide air flow that helps prevent seedlings from damping off after they sprout. When you are germinating the seeds, you may want to cover the vents or holes with clear tape to keep all the moisture and humidity in, which will facilitate sprouting. You can remove the tape a couple weeks after the seeds have sprouted and started growing.
Caring For Your Plants
My plants are yellow and browning at the tips. What should I do?
You will want to trim them back and fertilize them. Browning can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, temperature fluctuations, pest or disease or humidity issues.
How should I trim my plants?
It is important that you use a sharp pair of scissors to minimize trauma to the plant. Trim your plant right above a set of leaves one to two inches above the planting mixture. Water your plant well, replace the top, and place it in bright light.
How do I transplant plants from my terrarium?
You want to prepare the container you will be transplanting into first. Moisten the soil and dig a hole about 2 inches in diameter. Make sure the soil is moist in the planter with the plant you wish to transplant. Use a spoon to try to dig out a small root ball of soil about an inch in diameter to minimize the root disturbance. Place in the pre-dug hole and backfill with soil. Press gently down to eliminate any air pockets and water thoroughly.
What are some techniques I can use to make my seeds sprout faster?
There are a variety of ways to get your seeds to sprout faster. You can soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours in a small amount of water. Make sure the soil is moist, and the cover is on the container tightly. You should see the condensation form on the sides. Producing heat will speed up and improve germination. You can put your terrarium in a warm place, such as on top of a refrigerator. You can also purchase a heating mat used to start your seedlings. These are typically available at a garden center.