Terrarium Aftercare Information
Terrariums are low-maintenance, but they’re still living ecosystems, and a few good habits will keep yours magical for years. In this aftercare guide, you’ll learn about light and humidity, water without overdoing it, spot early warning signs (hello, foggy glass and droopy moss), and give your plants the occasional tidy-up so they don’t outgrow the glass.
Quick-Start Guide: Closed Terrarium Aftercare
This guide is designed for Closed Terrariums purchased from Moss & Mist Terrarium Co.
"Closed Terrariums (with Lid)
These are sealed or mostly sealed glass or plastic environments planted with humidity-loving species such as fittonia, peperomia, miniature ferns, and live moss. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need only minimal watering—often none at all."
Terrariums are beautifully self-sustaining and require far less care than traditional houseplants. However, when you first bring your new terrarium home, there are two key factors to get right:
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Light & Placement
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Watering & Ventilation
Follow this quick guide to set your terrarium up for success—and enjoy a little world that stays lush and magical for years to come.
Light & Placement
Light: Closed terrariums like, bright indirect light—north/east windows or a bright room 30–60 cm from sun. See illustration for more information on types of light in a typical living room.
A light meter is the best way to test the light in a space. For closed terrariums, aim for around 500 foot candles or 5,000 lux of light. There are phone apps that can take light readings, but they are less reliable than a light meter.
Temperature: 18–24 °C is ideal for living terrariums. Keep all types away from radiators, heaters or areas with cold drafts. Sun and heat are amplified inside the glass container
Watering & Ventilation
Tap water often contains chlorine and minerals that can stress or damage delicate terrarium plants. For the healthiest ecosystem, use rainwater whenever possible, but filtered water is also a great alternative.
How to Water
- Less is more: Closed terrariums are self-sustaining ecosystems that recycle their own moisture through evaporation and condensation (mist). Once balanced, they rarely need watering, and overwatering is far more harmful than a brief dry spell. Because of this, terrariums do not need regular watering. They only need to be watered if you see signs of dryness.
- Ideal balance: Aim for a light morning mist that clears by midday, this shows your terrarium’s natural water cycle is working properly.
- Too much moisture: If condensation lingers all day, open the lid for a few hours to vent.
- Too little moisture: If there’s no mist for several days and plants begin to droop, gently spray the terrarium. Remember it is easier to add water than to remove!
Simple Care Routine
Weekly
- Rotate: Turn the terrarium a quarter each week for even light exposure and balanced plant growth.
- Inspect: Check the glass and plant foliage for moisture, mold, or decay.
- Ventilate: If your humidity levels aren’t perfectly balanced, remove the lid for 30–60 minutes once a week to refresh the air. This also helps to reduce chances of mould.
Monthly
- Prune: Trim back any leaves that touch the glass. This reduces chances of decaying plants.
- Clean: Remove any fallen or decaying leaves.
Troubleshooting
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All-day condensation: too wet/cool → leave the lid off until the soil looks less wet.
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No condensation for days: slightly dry → add 5–20 ml of water.
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Mould on soil/leaves: remove affected bits, vent more; dab mould with 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cotton bud.
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Green film/algae: shorten light hours slightly; improve airflow; shade bare soil with moss/gravel.
- Brown moss: ensure water is filtered or rain water.
- Foul smell when opened: likely mould or rotting leaves. Remove any fallen leaves or dead plants, remove any rot.
Quick Reference
Closed Terrarium:
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Light: bright indirect
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Water: maintain light morning mist
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Vent: 30–60 mins weekly if needed
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Red flags: dripping walls, sour smell
Download our printable PDF guide for easy reference:
