Caring For Your Open Terrarium

Our open terrariums require more maintenance than our closed ones, our care advice is designed to help you maintain your arrangement and keep the plants healthy and happy.

Watering

• Open terrariums lose moisture more quickly than closed ones, so you’ll need to water more often.
• Check the top 1–2 cm of soil once every 2–4 weeks; it should feel just barely damp, not wet.
• When the soil feels dry, use a spray bottle or pipette to add water gently along the edge, avoiding puddles.Aim for light, even misting rather than a heavy soak to prevent root rot.

Cleaning

• Open designs still collect dust and debris—light maintenance keeps your display clear.
• Gently wipe the inside walls with a soft, damp cloth as needed.
• Remove fallen leaves, dead plant material, or stray soil particles with tweezers.
• Never use chemical glass cleaners; plain water is sufficient and safe for plants.

Placement

• Proper light, temperature, and airflow are vital for healthy growth in an open setup.
• Light: bright, indirect sunlight or a full-spectrum grow light for about 6–8 hours per day.
• Temperature: maintain a stable range of 15 °C to 25 °C.
• Airflow: choose a spot away from drafty windows, radiators, and AC vents—your terrarium’s open top provides natural ventilation.

Humidity Management

• Although open terrariums breathe freely, you’ll still want to keep an eye on humidity levels.
• If soil dries out too fast or foliage wilts, place your terrarium on a shallow tray filled with damp pebbles to boost local humidity.
• Watch for shrivelling leaves (low humidity) or limp, yellowing foliage (overwatering or heat stress).

Pruning and Maintenance

• Regular trimming and housekeeping help sustain your miniature ecosystem.
• Trim back leggy stems and overgrown foliage to maintain shape and prevent overcrowding.
• Remove any dead or yellow leaves promptly to discourage pests and disease.Rotate the terrarium every few weeks for even light exposure on all sides.

Pests and Mould

• Good airflow lowers mould risk, but vigilance is key.
• Inspect plants monthly for common pests (aphids, fungus gnats).
• If you spot mould, gently lift affected debris with tweezers.
• Treat stubborn mould or pests with a mild neem-oil spray (5 ml per litre of water), then allow 2–3 hours of open-air drying.