OPEN AND CLOSED TERRARIUM CARE
Terrariums are miniature contained gardens that help bring greenery to any indoor space! They’re easy to care for, look fantastic and are the perfect environment for growing your cacti, succulents and air plants!
We always have a varied selection of terrariums at our centres, and to help keep your terrarium in tip top shape, Emma and Laura (our Tingley houseplant experts) have put together their guide to terrarium care!
WHERE TO PLACE…
The amount of light you should give to your terrarium is entirely dependent on the plants it contains! Open terrariums filled with succulents and cacti need bright, direct sunlight but those with peace lilies, fittonia, ferns and polka dot plants are much better suited to bright indirect sunlight to ensure their leaves don’t get scorched!
HOW TO WATER…
When watering always remember that your terrarium doesn’t have the same drainage as a pot with holes. Your terrarium should always have a layer of grit or pebbles at the bottom for excess water to pool into. We recommend following a general rule of minimal watering throughout the seasons and in winter reducing this to a small drizzle.
ONGOING CARE…
Just like plants from your garden, browning leaves or spent flowers should be removed regularly. Over time, you may notice green algae forming on the glass of your terrarium, this can be easily wiped away and discarded. The same can be said for any decorative stones or ornaments too!
OUR FAVOURITE PLANTS FOR OPEN TERRARIUMS:
Cacti
Succulents
Pilea
Tillandsia
Peace Lily
WHERE TO PLACE…
It’s important to keep your closed terrarium in a bright spot but away from any direct sunlight. Avoid placing them next to radiators or in conservatories as too much heat can cause an increase of humidity inside the terrarium which can quickly make plants wilt and die.
HOW TO WATER…
The closed terrariums we have in store are very easy to care for and require minimal watering, often going months before needing a top up! We recommend adding a small teaspoon of water at the base of the plants in your closed terrarium every few months. Remember, a happy terrarium will have spots of condensation on the inside of the glass, this is normal and means your plants are happy! If you are concerned about prolonged spells condensation you can take off the lid of your terrarium and leave it for a few hours to allow any excess water to evaporate.
ONGOING CARE…
You may need to prune your terrarium from time to time. To do this, simply cut the plants back to a suitable height and trim any stems that are touching the glass.
It’s a good idea to keep removing any yellowing or dying leaves to prevent mould growing inside your terrarium!
OUR FAVOURITE PLANTS FOR CLOSED TERRARIUMS:
Asparagus fern
Fittonia
Calatheas
Orchids
Spider plant