Terrariums are a simple yet fascinating way to bring a piece of nature into your home with minimal maintenance. These self-sustaining ecosystems can regulate themselves for months, but they do require some basic care to stay healthy and vibrant.

If you already own a terrarium, this guide will help you keep it balanced and thriving. And if you don’t have one yet but want to create your own mini ecosystem in a jar, join one of our workshops in Barcelona or Madrid! Learn how to build your own terrarium and bring a touch of greenery into your home.

Now, let’s go over everything you need to know to keep your terrarium beautiful for a long time.

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1️⃣ The best location: Where should you place your terrarium?

Most terrarium plants are tropical species that naturally grow under the shade of trees. This means they need several hours of natural light per day, but never direct sunlight.

✅ Best places to put your terrarium:
✔️ Near a bright window, but at a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters to avoid temperature fluctuations.
✔️ In a space away from air conditioning, heating, or frequent drafts.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid:
❌ Do not place it in direct sunlight → The glass can trap heat and overheat the plants.
❌ Avoid dark corners → Plants need light for photosynthesis.

2️⃣ Adjusting humidity

A tropical terrarium needs humidity to stay healthy, but in the right amount. In the first few days, it’s important to help it regulate its internal moisture levels by following this process:

🔄 6-day humidity adjustment process:

• Days 1 to 3 → Keep the lid partially open (leaving about 1/3 of the jar uncovered).
• Days 4 to 6 → Close the lid, but open it for 3 hours per day.

After these 6 days, leave the lid closed and observe the condensation level:
✅ Light condensation on one side of the glass → Everything is balanced!
🚫 Condensation covering the entire glass or large water droplets forming → Open the lid for a few hours daily until the humidity stabilizes.

💡 Once the humidity is properly balanced, your terrarium will maintain itself with only minor adjustments over time.

3️⃣ When and how to water your terrarium

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. Remember, terrariums do not have drainage holes, so excess water can lead to root rot and mold.

✅ Watering frequency based on terrarium size:

• Large terrariums → 1-2 times per year.
• Medium terrariums (25-35 cm tall) → Every 3-4 months (75-100 ml of water).
• Small terrariums (20-25 cm tall) → Every 3-4 months (50-75 ml).
• Mini terrariums (e.g., 15 cm diameter glass ball) → Every 3-4 months (maximum 25 ml).

✅ How to know when it needs water:
✔️ The soil feels dry to the touch.
✔️ Plants look slightly wilted.
✔️ There’s a noticeable decrease in humidity inside the terrarium.

🚫 Never water if the soil is still moist! This can cause mold and root rot.

💡 Use distilled or filtered water to prevent mineral buildup on the glass.

4️⃣ Should I open my terrarium? Ventilation & balance

Yes, but only once a month for about 10-15 minutes to refresh the air and prevent excessive moisture buildup.

When to open your terrarium:
✔️ If there is too much condensation covering the entire glass.
✔️ If you notice a bad smell or white mold on the soil or plants.

🚫 Avoid opening it on very dry days, as it could lose too much moisture.

5️⃣ Basic maintenance: Pruning and cleaning

From time to time, check your terrarium and make these small adjustments:
✔️ Remove dry or fallen leaves to prevent excess moisture buildup.
✔️ Trim overgrown plants so they don’t take over the entire space.
✔️ If a plant dies, carefully remove it with tweezers and replace it if necessary.

6️⃣ Common problems

White mold → Remove it with a cotton swab and leave the terrarium open for a few hours to improve air circulation.
Tiny white bugs (springtails) → These are harmless and actually help break down organic material inside your terrarium.
Small flies in the terrarium → If there are only a few, open the lid so they can escape. If they increase, use a natural insecticide.
Black or rotting leaves → This is part of the natural cycle. Remove them manually with tweezers.

7️⃣ What to do if you’re going on vacation?

Your terrarium can take care of itself while you’re away, but follow these tips:
✔️ Leave it in its usual spot with no sudden changes in light or temperature.
✔️ Do not water it before leaving if the soil is still moist.
✔️ If there’s excess condensation, leave the lid slightly open before your trip.

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If you follow these simple care tips, your terrarium will stay healthy and beautiful for months with little effort. 🌱✨ And if you ever have any doubts about maintaining your terrarium, our team is here to help!

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Planteka