Watering a Terrarium Properly - Insider Tips
Watering a terrarium isn't just dumping H2O into a container and hoping for the best. It's all about balance and discretion.
To Know Exactly When to Water Your Terrarium:
- Pay attention to the moisture level of the substrate. If you can feel dryness or the substrate doesn't show condensation, it's time for a refresh.
- The absence of visible condensation on the terrarium's exterior and lack of humidity are signs it needs water.
- Check out for crispy, yellowing, or wilting leaves, which might indicate your plants are thirsty.
- Every plant is unique, but common signs of dehydration across various species include dryness, discoloration, and wilting.
How Frequently to Water Your Terrarium:
- Closed terrariums require misting every 1-2 months or 2-4 weeks, depending on the moisture level and whether you frequently ventilate your terrarium.
- Open terrariums need more frequent watering—every 1-3 weeks based on soil dryness.
- Some delicate plants require specific care; for example, orchids may need weekly watering with just enough to fill a shot glass.
Method of Watering Your Terrarium:
- Misting is ideal for closed terrariums to maintain humidity without oversaturating the soil. Use a spray bottle or pipette for accuracy in dispensing moisture.
- For open terrariums, directly add water to the soil. Use a pipette or small watering can for precise control of the volume of water.
- Place a saucer beneath open terrariums to collect runoff and prevent waterlogging.
Water Suitable for Terrariums:
- Use room temperature water to prevent shocking your plants.
- Opt for clean, filtered, or distilled water for sensitive plants to avoid mineral buildup or chlorine damage.
- Rainwater is usually ideal since it is naturally soft and free of chemicals.
- Avoid hard water or water with additives that could potentially harm terrarium plants.
When tending to your home-and-garden terrarium, take care to water it mindfully, consider the unique lifestyle of each plant and adjust your methods accordingly. For closed terrariums, practice misting with a spray bottle every 1-2 months to maintain the right balance of moisture in the soil. On the other hand, open terrariums need more frequent watering, typically every 1-3 weeks based on the dryness of the soil, with some delicate plants requiring weekly watering.
