Our Secret Garden terrariums feature a glass vessel with a wooden base and a wooden ball top. Since this vessel isn’t completely sealed, it requires a little more maintenance. Like most small ecosystems, they contain plants, animals, and beneficial microorganisms that mimic natural processes in the wild to create a mostly self-sustaining environment. If your terrarium is enclosed with a ball lid, you will need to water it more often, as the top isn’t 100% sealed, allowing moisture to evaporate.

To maintain the balance of the ecosystem, you need to regularly inspect it and ensure everything is running smoothly. Here are a few things to keep an eye on.

Watering Your Terrarium

**An Established Bioactive Terrarium Should Only Need to Be Watered every 2 or 3 months**

Maintaining proper moisture and humidity levels in a bioactive terrarium is essential for the health of all the organisms involved. If you see condensation forming at least once a day, then the water levels are correct. If no condensation forms, add a small amount of water and monitor it over the next few days, repeating this process until you start to notice the condensation cycle.

It is very important not to overwater your terrarium. If you notice constant condensation throughout the day, this is a sign that you have overwatered. You will need to leave the terrarium open for a few days to let the excess water evaporate. I suggest adding a piece of mesh or cling wrap with small holes so your isopods and springtails don’t escape. You can also use a paper towel to wipe up the excess condensation on the glass.

Plant Growth

**Keep Your Plants Happy**

You can prune the plants so they don’t outgrow your terrarium. Even though I love the look of an overgrown terrarium, if you let the plants take over, they will eventually start to die due to insufficient sunlight. 

Make sure to remove any dead plants that your cleanup crew hasn't taken care of. You need to ensure there isn’t too much decaying matter; if there is an overwhelming number of dead plants and mould in your terrarium, your cleanup crew won’t be able to maintain the balance, which could lead to your terrarium failing.

Clean Glass

**Keep Your Terrarium Clean**

I recommend wiping down the glass, both inside and out, with just water and a paper towel to ensure your plants can get enough sunlight to thrive.

Feeding Your Cleanup Crew

**Don’t Add Too Much Food Too Often**

Although you don’t need to add food to your bioactive terrarium, it’s a good idea to occasionally reward your cleanup crew with a treat. Remember to only add a small amount to ensure they finish their delicious treat before it turns mouldy. Adding a small amount of food will also ensure your little friends leave your plants alone.

Sunlight for Your Terrarium

**Do Not Place Your Terrarium in Direct Sunlight**

Place your terrarium in a spot where it can receive 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light each day, or use a grow light instead. Avoid placing your terrarium in front of windows or outdoors. If your terrarium gets too much sunlight, heat will build up inside, and it may cook your plants.