Ten practical tips for beginners on choosing a spot, watering and upkeep, so your terrarium or bottle garden stays healthy.
A healthy terrarium starts with three things: a bright spot out of strong sun, very little water and a bit of patience. A closed terrarium largely regulates its own water and humidity, so watering is often needed only once or twice a year. The ten tips below help you avoid the most common beginner mistakes and keep your terrarium or bottle garden green and thriving.
Plants in a terrarium need daylight. Place the terrarium somewhere bright, but not right in strong sun: direct sunlight can heat a closed glass bottle considerably and damage the plants. A desk, shelf or windowsill with plenty of light is often a good choice.
A terrarium is made of layers. Hydro pellets go at the bottom for drainage, then activated charcoal, then terrarium soil, and finally the plants and moss. Our DIY kits include all of these parts plus a step-by-step plan, so there is no need to hunt for materials.
For a beginner, a kit is the easiest option because the parts are matched to each other. The Jar Asparagus is one example: a glass jar of Ø 18 cm and 28 cm high, supplied with an Asparagus plant, two fresh moss balls, 0.75 litres of terrarium soil, 0.75 litres of hydro pellets, 35 grams of activated charcoal, a step-by-step guide and care instructions.
The biggest beginner mistake is giving too much water. In a closed terrarium, water evaporates, condenses on the glass and returns to the soil. That is why watering is often needed only once or twice a year. In doubt? Wait a little longer.
The recommendation is to open your terrarium for a few hours once a month. That refreshes the air in the bottle and lets you check that everything looks healthy. Close it properly again afterwards.
A little condensation on the glass is normal in a closed terrarium. If the glass stays completely fogged, it is often humid enough and you can leave the bottle open for a while. You can read more in our terrarium tips on heat and sunlight.
Take wilted leaves out with tweezers or a clean finger. Rotting plant material in a closed bottle can encourage mould, so clear it away quickly.
If a plant touches the glass or crowds the others, carefully snip a little away. That leaves room for the rest and keeps the whole arrangement looking tidy.
Does your terrarium have an LED cork? It is purely decorative and gives no grow light. The plants still need daylight, and the LED cork is no substitute for a bright spot.
A terrarium needs time to find its balance. Look at it regularly, but do not step in at every small change. You will soon learn what is normal for your terrarium.
Most problems come from the same corner: too much water, too much sun or too little patience. A terrarium in full sun can get too warm. A terrarium that is watered too often can start to grow mould. And a terrarium that you keep moving or rearranging gets little chance to settle. Keep it simple and follow the guide in your kit.
With a closed terrarium, often only once or twice a year, because the ecosystem largely regulates its own water and humidity.
In a bright spot, such as a desk, shelf or windowsill, but not in strong sun.
No. Our DIY kits include a step-by-step plan and all the parts you need, so you can start right away.
No, the LED cork is purely decorative and does not replace daylight.
Ready to begin? Browse our collection of terrarium DIY kits and pick your first terrarium.
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