Terrarium Aftercare Information
Welcome to your tiny garden under glass! This page is your one-stop care guide for terrariums purchased from Moss & Mist Terrarium Co. or built with our DIY kits. Bookmark it—and if you’re gifting a terrarium, feel free to print or share this page with the recipient.

Terrarium Types (How We Define Them)
Closed Terrariums (Has a Lid)
Sealed or mostly sealed glass. Planted with humidity-loving species such as fittonia, peperomia, tiny ferns, and live moss. Prefer bright indirect light and very light watering (if any).
Open Terrariums (No Lid)
Always open to the air. Planted with succulents and cacti. Prefer bright direct light and infrequent watering.
Preserved Terrariums (Zero-Maintenance Décor)
Designed with preserved moss and dried/natural elements. These are non-living displays—no watering, no trimming, no vents required. Think of them as botanical art.

Quick-Start (First 14 Days)
Ready-Made (already planted by us)
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Place immediately in the correct light for its type (see below).
- Closed: look for a light morning mist that clears by midday—don’t water.
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Open: don’t water for the first 10–14 days.
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Preserved: place and enjoy—no care needed.
DIY Kits (you planted today)
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Keep out of harsh sun for 3–5 days while plants settle.
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Closed: if you see heavy droplets all day, crack the lid 2–6 hrs; if glass is bone-dry for days, add 5–15 ml down the inside edge.
- Open: no water for two weeks, then begin the “soak & dry” cycle below.

Light & Placement
- Closed: bright indirect light—north/east windows or a bright room 30–60 cm from sun.
- Open: a sunny sill or strong grow light (10–12 hrs/day).
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Preserved: any room light; avoid direct sun to prevent colour fade.
Temperature: 18–24 °C is ideal for living terrariums. Keep all types away from radiators, heaters or areas with cold drafts.
Watering & Ventilation
Rainwater is best to water your terrariums
Closed (Tropical/Moss)
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Aim for morning mist → clear by midday.
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If fog persists all day: vent for a few hours; wick excess from the base with a twisted paper towel if pooling.
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If no mist for several days and plants droop: add 5–20 ml water down the glass edge.
Open (Succulents/Cacti)
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Water deeply but rarely: every 3–6 weeks (less in winter).
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Pour slowly onto the soil, not the plants; allow soil to dry completely between waterings ("soak & dry" method).
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Soft, translucent leaves = overwatered → stop watering and increase light/airflow.
Preserved
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Never water.
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No vents needed.


Simple Care Routine
Weekly (fortnightly for open succulents):
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Rotate a quarter turn for even light.
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Check glass and foliage.
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Closed: optional lid-off 30–60 mins once a week unless your mist cycle is perfect.
Monthly:
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Trim any leaves touching the glass (closed).
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Remove leaf litter (closed/open).
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Wipe inside glass above the plant line with a dry cotton bud.
Preserved:
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Occasionally dust with a soft brush or cool air from a can of duster. Keep dry.
Troubleshooting
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All-day condensation (closed): too wet/cool → leave the lid off until the soil looks less wet.
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No condensation for days (closed): slightly dry → add 5–20 ml down the edge.
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Mould on soil/leaves (closed/open): remove affected bits, vent more; dab soil with 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cotton bud.
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Green film/algae (closed/open): shorten light hours slightly; improve airflow; shade bare soil with moss/gravel.
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Succulents soft/transparent (open): overwatered → pause watering until fully dry and increase light.
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Preserved fading/warping: move out of direct sun and away from heat or steam.


Quick Reference
Closed (Tropical/Moss)
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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
Open (Succulents/Cacti)
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Light: direct sun / strong grow light
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Water: every 3–6 weeks, soak & dry
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Always open; never sealed
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Red flags: soft, translucent leaves
Preserved (Zero-Maintenance)
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Light: room light, no direct sun
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Water: none
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Care: occasional dust only
FAQs
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How long will they last?
Closed and open (living) terrariums can thrive for years with the right light and watering. Preserved pieces are long-lasting décor; colours stay richest out of direct sun.Can I keep one on a windowless desk?
Yes—use a small grow light 20–40 cm above. Set to 8 hrs/day (closed) or 10–12 hrs/day (open).Do preserved terrariums ever need misting?
No—keep completely dry.
