Creating a self-sustaining closed terrarium is like building a mini Earth in a jar. This tiny ecosystem, while beautiful and fascinating, is also delicate and can easily fail if not set up correctly. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error how to extend the life of my terrariums from just one month to over a year. In this blog post, I’ll share the most common problems encountered when making closed terrariums and the solutions that have worked for me. Additionally, understanding terrarium care is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your plants. A crucial element in preventing mold and maintaining a healthy terrarium is the drainage layer, which can be made using materials such as LECA and activated charcoal. Attending terrarium workshops can provide valuable tips and guidance on how to prevent your terrarium from dying and ensure it thrives.
The Balancing Act of Water
Water in a terrarium is like having a guest who overstays their welcome. They can bring joy in small doses but can cause chaos if they overdo it. Managing the moisture level is crucial for the health of your self-sustaining closed terrarium. The right amount of water depends on several factors, including the number of terrarium plants, the size of the terrarium jar, and the amount of soil. Improper watering can lead to root rot, which is a serious issue caused by overwatering. It is important to manage moisture levels to prevent excess water from accumulating, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
This terrarium is almost dead because the water level was insufficient. In rare cases, under watering can also be a problem, in contrast to the more common issue of overwatering.
How to Find the Perfect Moisture Level:
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Pre-Water the Substrate: Instead of adding water after completing your terrarium, pre-water the substrate before transferring it into the jar. This allows you to control the water level more accurately. If you add too much water, you can compensate by adding more soil.
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Observation Period: After setting up your terrarium, observe it for two weeks to see how the water behaves. If there’s too much water, leave the glass terrarium open until some of the water evaporates. If it’s too dry, add water in small increments. Once you achieve the perfect balance, seal the terrarium for long-term health.
Sterilization is Key
Everything that goes into your terrarium must be sterilized to prevent mold and bacteria. Sterilizing materials is crucial to prevent the presence of fungal spores. Sterilization also helps to kill pests that could harm the plants. This includes the soil, plants, and any decorative items. Think of it like making sure all your ingredients are fresh before cooking a meal. Sterilization helps ensure that your terrarium remains a healthy environment for your plants.
Choosing the Right Materials
Making a healthy closed terrarium starts with the right container. Check out our guide. Not all materials are suitable for a terrarium. For example, adding any random piece of wood can be like inviting termites to a picnic. Certain types of wood can introduce mold or decay, which can quickly ruin your terrarium. Always research and choose materials that are known to be safe for terrariums. Using horticultural charcoal and orchid bark as part of a suitable substrate can help create an ideal soil mix that drains well and mimics a terrestrial version of an orchid mix.
Systemic pesticides play a crucial role in protecting plants by being absorbed into all parts of the plant, making them effective against pests that contact pesticides might miss. However, it’s important to choose safe materials and treatments to ensure the health of your terrarium.
Temperature Control in Humid Environments
Terrariums need to be kept in a cool environment. Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial to prevent mold growth in humid environments. If your home is consistently over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your terrarium is at risk. High temperatures can cause the plants to wilt and die. Heat can also damage plant roots, affecting the overall health of the plants. Think of your terrarium like a bowl of ice cream on a hot day – keep it cool to keep it intact.
The Role of Activated Charcoal
Activated carbon helps manage the gas exchange inside your terrarium. Activated charcoal can prevent mold by adsorbing toxins and chemicals. It prevents the build-up of harmful gases and supports healthy plant growth. Adding the correct amount is crucial: too little, and plant growth will be stunted; too much, and the plants might grow too quickly, making maintenance difficult.
Placement for Direct Sunlight in a Closed Terrarium
The placement of your terrarium is vital. Improper placement can create a perfect breeding ground for mold due to high moisture and poor ventilation. Most terrariums thrive in indirect sunlight, especially if they contain tropical plants. Direct sunlight can be too intense, causing the plants to burn. Think of your terrarium like a vampire – it loves the light, but direct sunlight can be fatal.
Most plants need at least some light to survive and thrive in a terrarium.
Selecting the Right Terrarium Plants
Not all plants are suitable for small jar terrariums. For instance, succulents are generally not compatible with the humid environment of a terrarium and are likely to die. Choose plants that are known to thrive in the specific conditions of a terrarium, such as ferns, mosses, and tropical varieties.
It is important to remove diseased or dying plants to protect the well-being of the other plants in the terrarium. This helps prevent the spread of disease or problems from one plant to another. Additionally, removing dead plant material is crucial to prevent mold growth. Check out our guide to selecting the right plants.
Terrarium Kits for Adults and Kids
If you’re new to this hobby or looking for terrarium ideas, consider starting with a terrarium kit. These kits often include everything you need to create a successful plant terrarium, from the terrarium jar and substrate to the appropriate terrarium plants. Sphagnum moss is often included in terrarium kits for its benefits in moisture retention and aeration. There are terrarium kits for adults that cater to more advanced setups, as well as kits designed for kids that make the process simple and educational. Both types of kits can simplify the process and ensure you have all the necessary components to build a thriving ecosystem.
To tackle mold growth in closed terrariums, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective solution. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be applied using a cotton bud on affected areas. For soaking affected decors, a diluted solution is recommended. Additionally, for white filamentous cobweb mold, a weak hydrogen peroxide solution can be sprayed over the mold and then wiped clean after 10-15 minutes.
Watch our complete terrarium tutorial to learn more:
Conclusion
Creating a thriving self-sustaining closed terrarium takes careful consideration and attention to detail. By managing moisture levels, sterilizing materials, choosing the right components, controlling temperature, using activated carbon, placing the terrarium correctly, and selecting appropriate plants, you can significantly extend the life of your terrarium. Managing decaying organic matter is also crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the terrarium. With these tips, your miniature ecosystem can thrive for over a year, providing a beautiful and low-maintenance piece of nature in your home. Whether you’re using a terrarium kit for adults or kids, or building your own from scratch, these insights will help you create a lasting, vibrant plant terrarium.
