Terrarium Watering Techniques Explained by Experts
Tending to a terrarium may seem like a piece of cake, but watering it correctly is actually trickier than it appears. It's crucial to strike the ideal balance to avoid rot, mold, or going overboard with water, leading to an undesirable situation. Here's a down-and-dirty guide on how to water your terrarium like a pro.
When to water your terrarium?
- Substrate Dryness: A general rule of thumb is to water when the substrate feels dry. However, a better approach is to check for condensation levels against the glass or feel the substrate level with your hands. If you see beads of condensation throughout the substrate layer, there's enough moisture present.
- No Condensation: Keep an eye on the condensation throughout the top of the terrarium, particularly during sunny periods when temperatures are highest. If there's no condensation, it's a warning sign of low humidity and subsequently insufficient water in the system.
- Wilting, Yellowing, or Crispy Leaves: Check your plants periodically for signs of dryness, such as fading, discoloration, or wilting leaves. If you spot any of these, you might need to water your terrarium immediately. Some plants, like Fittonia plants, are more sensitive to dryness, so be cautious.
Frequency of watering depends on factors such as the terrarium’s size, materials, plants, and environmental conditions. Generally, closed terrariums with an efficient water cycle need to be topped up with water every couple of months.
How to water your terrarium?
- Mist it: You can use a simple water bottle with a spray function or, if you prefer, a mister/atomizer. Avoid drenching the plants with water directly from the tap or a bottle, as it could result in uneven water distribution and possible root rot.
- Quantity Control: Strive to evenly saturate the substrate but avoid soaking it. Leave no area soggy and no water standing on top or below the substrate layer.
What is the best water for a terrarium?
While water straight from the tap generally won't do too much harm, it's far from ideal. The chlorine can be detrimental to plants in large quantities, though, the levels in tap water are usually tolerable. The main concern is the salts found in tap water, which can leave white streaks on the container over time and potentially stress your plants.
Fortunately, there are suitable alternatives available such as:
- Reverse osmosis water: ultra-pure but extremely pricey
- Distilled water: very pure and still costly
- Deionized water: water with the salts removed, much cheaper and perfect for terrariums (preferably bought in bulk).
Happy terrarium tending! For more insights on caring for your terrarium, refer to our helpful guide. Keep in mind that every terrarium and plant is unique, so be sure to understand their individual requirements to find that perfect watering balance.
- For optimal gardening in a terrarium, it's essential to pay close attention to the home-and-garden aspect, such as watering regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your plants.
- While tending to your home-and-garden in a terrarium, always consider the type of water being used, as the best choice for a thriving environment is deionized water due to its absence of harmful salts.
