Terrariums usually require minimal to no care, but sometimes they need a helping hand. Read on to learn about the most common problems.
1. Plants or moss are dying
It’s not uncommon for plants to wither away in a terrarium, especially for new terrarium owners or lazy plant parents. While it might be sad to see your terrarium not flourishing, it can usually be fixed quite easily. Below are some of the most common care-related issues that could be causing your terrarium plants to decay.
Too little water
If you find crispy leaves and crunchy moss, please check the soil in your terrarium. Does it feel dry to the touch? If so, add some water. This should help your plants and moss perk back up!
Root rot
While your terrarium needs a layer of water at the bottom to sustain itself, it is crucial to keep the water level under control. When there is too much water, your plants are at risk of developing root rot. Yellow leaves, brown leaf spots, wilting, and leaf drop are common symptoms of excess water and root rot!
If you notice signs of rot, please allow your terrarium to dry out by leaving it open for a few days. Once the water level has dropped and is no longer touching the soil, you can close it up again.
Sun scorching
Because most terrariums are made of glass, it can get pretty hot inside, especially if you leave the terrarium sitting in the sun! If the plant leaves & moss seem scorched, and the yellowing is worse on the bright side of the terrarium, then you will want to place it in a more shady spot.
Too little light
If your moss is doing great, but the plants are leggy, dull, and wilting, then it is a sign of too little light. Moss excels at lower light levels, but most tropical plants will need some of those juicy sunrays.
Tip: if you see the leaves of plants reaching for the light, you should probably place them a little bit closer to your window.
2. Mould is forming
Mould can happen for a number of reasons. Fungal growth is typically a combination of too much water and too little light is the main issue. Test to see if your terrarium is too wet. Is the water level touching the soil? If so, leave it open for 24 hours and check again.
Tip! Add springtails to prevent mold and make the terrarium completely bioactive. Springtails feed on dead plant matter and release nutrients back into the soil, making care and maintenance much easier for you!
3. The plants are outgrowing the container
If your terrarium is doing well, like really well, you probably will have to give it a haircut sooner or later. Using some regular scissors, you can easily snip off the tallest plants.
Tip: Propagate the cuttings to create even more plants.
4. Plants are reaching for the sun
Since the sun only hits your terrarium from one side, sometimes, you want to rotate your terrarium around so each side gets enough sunlight! Doing this ensures your plants do not become leggy and lopsided and will prevent moldy spots that can form in areas where the sunlight does not reach.
Do you have any other issues or want advice about your terrarium? Reach out to us, and our terrarium experts will happily help you out!
