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Terrarium Care
Please read here a summary of our care instructions for terrariums from Four Store. We’re here to help — if you have any questions, pop into any of our stores or contact us.
Care
Terrariums are renowned for being easy to look after as they create their own microclimate within the glass vessel. The key to this is placement and stability.
Light, not bright
Like all plants, the terrarium relies on light to thrive. However, too much direct exposure can cause damage as well as raise the temperature and lead to excess condensation. Too little light won’t produce enough energy.
When the spring season arrives, avoid direct sunlight as the composition can dry or burn. In winter months, the terrarium can be placed near a window to absorb sufficient light.
If you choose to use artificial light, use a white bulb (6200–6500K) for 8 hours per day.
Turning the terrarium routinely will help to light the whole composition evenly.
Stable room temperature
A range between 15–25ºC is ideal, but what’s most important is to keep it consistent.
If the room gets too hot, this may cause excess condensation. While condensation is good and necessary, if the water droplets are large and visibility is low, open the terrarium lid for 10–15 mins to return the humidity to equilibrium.
The terrarium is composed of indoor plants, ideal at room temperature and relatively adaptable to hot and humid environments.
Avoid placing your terrarium near a heat source like a radiator or in the bathroom.
Watering & misting
The cyclic conditions inside a terrarium mean it can hydrate and rehydrate itself naturally. What we must do is to ensure the water levels are always balanced.
As long as the moss is healthy, green and moist, the terrarium is sufficiently hydrated and does not need to be watered. Normally, just one or two waterings per year are enough.
If the moss is dry or pale in colour, despite recent watering, lightly spray the moss with rainwater.
Pruning
When the leaves touch the terrarium glass, it’s time to trim the branch. A few simple scissor strokes should suffice.
Allow some time for the plant to heal by leaving the terrarium lid open for about 2 hours. Be sure to carefully collect any fallen leaves to avoid mould as they decompose.
Troubleshooting
Some changes to a terrarium’s visible condition are common as well as harmless. Here are some simple tips should you observe any growths or discoloration.
Algae growth
Algae is not harmful to the terrarium. Algae growth may indicate excess light or moisture.
Moss colour
If the colour of the moss appears pale, or even dry to the touch, it is likely time to water your terrarium. If you have already watered recently, lightly spray the moss with rainwater.
Dark brown moss is a sign of excess moisture. Open the terrarium lid for up to one hour to return the humidity level to equilibrium.
Leaf loss
It is a natural process for some leaves to occasionally be shed. Carefully remove leaves to avoid any mould from decomposition.
If a lot of leaves are being lost, this may indicate excess heat. Open the terrarium lid for 1–2 hours to cool the temperature inside. Reconsider where your terrarium is placed, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources like a radiator or in the bathroom.
Flies
Sometimes flies may appear inside your terrarium, typically during the warmer months. Fortunately, they are not harmful to the plant contents or their environment, but can understand- ably be a bit of a nuisance.
Using a plant-safe bug spray, or briefly opening your terrarium to encourage the flies out can help alleviate this issue. It may require some patience to get rid of them entirely.