Terrarium Care Instructions

Terrariums come in two main styles: Open or Enclosed. Below are detailed care instructions for each type:


Open Terrariums

Open terrariums come in two varieties:

  • Tropical (leafier plants)
  • Cacti/Succulents

Tropical Open-Style Terrariums

  • Watering: Use a spray bottle to water your plants once a week. Apply 10–15 sprays (not mist) per plant.
  • Hot Weather Care: In warm or dry conditions, your terrarium may need extra watering. If the plants appear dry, spray water more than once a week.
  • Moss/Lichen: We use preserved moss and lichen, which do not require watering. Focus solely on watering the plants.
  • Positioning: Place in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight. Bright environments keep plants happy. If you can’t find an ideal spot, consider using our LED lights for healthy growth and to reduce leggy plants (click here).

Cacti and Succulent Open-Style Terrariums

  • Watering: These dry-loving plants require only a few squirts of water per plant using a spray bottle once a week or so. Avoid misting, as it can leave watermarks on the glass and may not provide enough water.
  • Lighting: Cacti and succulents thrive in bright conditions and even benefit from some direct sunlight. If your terrarium is in a warm spot, ensure consistent watering and adjust if needed. LED lights are also a great option (click here).

Enclosed Terrariums

Terrariums with lids or enclosed structures are low-maintenance.

  • Watering: Water only once a month or less. If you notice condensation and your plants appear healthy, you can skip watering. When watering, apply five squirts per plant and mist the moss.
  • Maintenance: Remove any dead leaves or plants immediately to prevent them from infecting healthy ones. Neglecting this may result in mould or rot.
  • Driftwood or Lichen: Fungus growth on driftwood or lichen is normal. Monitor it, clean if necessary, or remove the affected piece.
  • Positioning: Keep in a well-lit area, away from direct sunlight. A bright spot reduces issues. LED lights can be a helpful addition (click here).

Eternal Terrariums

  • Care-Free Design: Eternal terrariums are designed to last indefinitely without any care. Simply keep them out of direct sunlight and away from moisture.

Crystal Air Plants

  • Watering: Mist the plants once a week using a spray bottle.
  • Positioning: Place in a draft-free indoor area away from direct sunlight. Air plants thrive in humidity, so consider keeping them in a glass container.

General Tips

  • Rotating: Plants often grow towards the light. Rotate your terrarium weekly to encourage even growth. If plants appear unhappy, relocate your terrarium to a brighter spot or use LED lights.
  • Fertilising: Terrariums generally don’t need fertiliser, but an annual application can boost plant health.
  • Monitoring (Enclosed Terrariums): Watch for signs of rot in high-humidity conditions. In summer, open the lid occasionally to improve airflow.
  • Adjusting Watering (Open Terrariums): Water more frequently in warmer locations and reduce watering in cooler areas to prevent rot or mould.
  • Pruning: Regularly trim plants in tropical terrariums to prevent overgrowth. This is easy and therapeutic—our terrarium tools can help (click here).
  • Pests: Bugs may occasionally appear, particularly in enclosed terrariums. Use a plant-friendly insect spray like Yates Scale Gun. Reapply as needed.
  • Repairs: Replace dead plants yourself. Experiment with hardy varieties from your local garden centre to find what works best.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!