An open tropical terrarium is a beautiful addition to any home or office. It's a miniature ecosystem that mimics the natural conditions of a rainforest, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature indoors. Terrariums are low-maintenance and can thrive for years if properly cared for. Here's a detailed care guide on how to take care of your open tropical terrarium after it has been created:
Placement:
The first step in caring for your terrarium is to find the right spot for it. Terrariums thrive in bright, indirect light, so find a spot near a window or under a skylight that receives filtered sunlight. Avoid placing your terrarium in direct sunlight, as it can cause overheating and damage to the plants.
If you don't have a natural light source, you can use a deak lamp, preferably a grow light or a white LED light with high brightness would do as well. Desk lamps are a good cheap option.
Open terrariums do best kept away from harsh airflow. Some airflow is recommended, but if it gets too much, it'll dry out the terrarium more, which requires watering the terrarium more. Especially if you have an AC, keep the terrarium away from the cold air path, it will dry out your terrarium.
Watering:
Watering is the most crucial aspect of terrarium care. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the plants to wilt and die. To water your terrarium, use a spray bottle to gently water the soil. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Test the soil moisture level by looking at the soil layer. A light brown indicates the soil is too dry, if this is the case, keep misting the terrarium evenly until most of the soil is dark (moist) or water starts dripping to the bottom layer.
Humidity:
Tropical plants thrive in high humidity. Your terrarium will naturally have higher humidity levels than the surrounding air, but you may need to supplement it with misting. Use a spray bottle to mist the plants once a day to help maintain humidity levels.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to keep your terrarium healthy and maintain its appearance. Use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim back any overgrown branches or yellowing leaves. This will help promote new growth and keep your terrarium looking lush and vibrant.
Fertilizing:
Fertilizing your terrarium is necessary to provide essential nutrients for your plants. Use a liquid fertilizer that is formulated for tropical plants. As most of the nutrients are kept inside the system, a terrarium requires little fertilizing. All of our terrariums contain worm casting fertilizer for the initial boost the plants need. Our terrariums will be handed over after fertilizing the terrarium, which will be enough to keep the plants thriving for the next few months. Fertilize every 8 to 12 months, half strength of what's recommended on the fertilizer.
Pests:
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can infest your terrarium. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or white cottony masses. If you notice any signs of infestation, if possible, isolate the affected plants and treat them with a natural insecticide or neem oil.
Maintenance:
Lastly, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your terrarium healthy and thriving. Clean the glass with a soft cloth or sponge and remove any debris that may accumulate on the soil surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may harm your plants.
With the right care, your terrarium can thrive and bring a piece of nature into your home or office for years to come. By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of your miniature rainforest every day.