Starting your journey into the world of terrariums can be exciting yet intimidating. There are several common mistakes that beginners often make, which can quickly turn your lush, miniature garden into a disappointing mess. But fear not! Here are five of the most common terrarium mistakes and easy solutions to ensure your terrarium thrives.
1. Overwatering
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is overwatering their terrariums. Since terrariums are usually sealed, the water has nowhere to go, leading to a soggy environment that can harm your plants. Overwatering is tricky to fix and can lead to the demise of your entire terrarium.
Solution: Always use a spray bottle set to mist, and remember that less is more. The substrate should feel like a damp sponge that has been wrung out—just moist, not soaked. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the substrate or observing how it presses against the glass. A slightly moist substrate gives your plants the best chance to thrive.
2. Insufficient Light
Plants need light to photosynthesize, and without it, they will struggle to survive. Many people place their terrariums in corners where they receive little to no natural light, which is a common mistake.
Solution: Use artificial grow lights instead of relying on natural light, which can be too intense and hard to control. If you choose natural light, place your terrarium near a north-facing window where it won’t receive direct sunlight. The goal is to allow your terrarium to “see” the sky without sitting in the sun.
3. Using Unsuitable Substrate
The substrate is crucial for your terrarium’s health. Regular compost or soil is not suitable as it compacts too quickly, suffocating the roots and retaining too much moisture.
Solution: Use a specialized terrarium substrate mix. A good mix might include coir (for the main body), vermicast (as a fertilizer), lava rocks (to keep the substrate open), and sphagnum moss (for water retention). This combination provides the right balance of moisture, nutrients, and aeration, helping your plants thrive.
4. Incorrect Moss Species
Moss can be tricky to get right in a terrarium. Many people collect moss from the wild without knowing if it’s suitable, leading to browning and decay. Wild moss often needs specific conditions, such as a cold dormant period or high airflow, which are difficult to replicate in a terrarium.
Solution: Purchase moss from a reliable source instead of collecting it from the wild. Suitable species like bun moss (Lycobium glaucom) or Dicranum scoparium are great choices. If you do collect moss, take only a small amount and ensure it’s a species that can thrive in your terrarium environment.
5. Believing Terrariums Are Completely Self-Sustaining
Many believe that once a terrarium is sealed, it’s a self-sustaining ecosystem. While it’s true that a terrarium can survive when sealed, it rarely thrives without some care.
Solution: Open your terrarium every few days for about half an hour to allow fresh air to circulate. If your terrarium has a small opening, you can leave it slightly open to improve airflow. This helps maintain a balance between humidity and oxygen, which is crucial for plant health.
Bonus Tip: Managing Expectations
It’s important to manage your expectations when it comes to terrariums. They contain living plants that require care, and not everything will always look perfect. Plants may die, and the terrarium may need to be redone, but that’s all part of the experience.
Solution: Embrace the learning process. Every mistake you make is a chance to learn and improve. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as you go.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving terrarium. Happy gardening!