Light & Placement

Indirect Sun Only: Place your terrarium in a spot receiving bright, indirect natural light (such as near an east- or north-facing window).

Avoid Heat Traps: Direct sunlight through glass acts like a magnifying greenhouse, raising internal temperatures rapidly and scorching foliage.

Viewing Tip: When placed near a window, natural condensation typically forms on the cooler rear glass pane, leaving the front display clear.

Moisture & Watering

The Natural Rain Cycle: Sealed terrariums continuously recycle their internal moisture through evaporation and condensation. Keep the lid sealed to maintain this closed loop.

When to Water: If the glass remains dry for several days, moss loses its vibrant color, or the substrate turns pale, lightly mist the ecosystem using filtered, distilled, or rainwater.

Substrate Target: The soil should always feel like a well-wrung sponge—consistently damp to the touch, but never sitting in pooled standing water.

Mister Bottle

Airflow & Mold Prevention

Balancing Humidity: Excess moisture combined with stale air can occasionally cause white fuzzy mold or powdery mildew.

Ventilating: If mold appears, remove the lid for 12 to 24 hours to let fresh air circulate and lower humidity levels. Gently wipe away any visible spots with a clean cotton swab before resealing.

Pest Management: If common greenhouse pests appear, treat the affected area lightly with a gentle organic pesticide spray.

Pruning & Canopy Management

Controlling Growth: Different species grow at varying speeds. Trim back dominant stems just above a leaf node to keep the design balanced and ensure lower-growing mosses receive light.

Clear the Glass: Routinely snip back any leaves pressing flat against the wet glass walls. Constant contact with trapped condensation will cause foliage to rot over time.

Terrarium Pruning Scissors

Nutrients & Rejuvenation

No Fertilizer Needed: Terrariums recycle nutrients naturally as micro-foliage sheds and breaks down. Adding synthetic fertilizers can burn delicate roots and cause excessive, leggy growth.

Long-Term Refresh: After 2 to 3 years, refresh the ecosystem by lightly trimming root-bound plants, replacing the top layer of substrate, and wiping the interior glass clean.

Terrarium Soil

Terrarium Paraphernalia

All the bits and bobs your need to make or maintain your little piece of rainforest!

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Need Personalised Advice?

Have questions about your setup or need help troubleshooting a specific plant? Reach out to us at info@elderflowernursery.co.za — we're always happy to help your terrarium flourish!