Terrarium Care Guide
What Is a Terrarium, Really?
A living world in a glass—designed to thrive, effortlessly.
At Photosynthesis, a terrarium isn’t just a plant in a jar.
It’s a living, breathing work of art. A tiny rainforest, captured in time.
Each piece is carefully designed to be both beautiful and low-maintenance—a self-sustaining ecosystem that brings nature indoors without the stress. It’s a way to reconnect with something organic, something real, and let it quietly flourish in your space.
With just the right light and a little care, your terrarium will evolve, grow, and bring joy for years to come—a small world you don’t have to worry about, but will love to watch change.
Read on to learn a detailed guide to care for your new work of art!
What do we need to care for our terrarium?
First, we need to provide light!
Our plants require light to perform photosynthesis and stimulate healthy growth.
Photosynthesis is the process where plants turn sunlight, CO₂, and water into sugars and oxygen—the fuel they need to thrive.
So, it’s important your terrarium gets plenty of light—but not direct sun.
Why not direct sunlight?
Terrariums are enclosed in glass vases, which act like magnifying lenses. Direct sunlight can dramatically increase the temperature inside, causing heat stress and damaging the plants.
If this ever happens, just remove the lid and let the terrarium cool before sealing it again.
What’s the ideal location?
Place your terrarium in a bright room with filtered light, and keep the temperature between 20°C and 25°C—this mimics the gentle, stable environment of a rainforest floor.
Next, let’s talk about water.
The water inside your terrarium recirculates, just like in nature. When the temperature drops, the moisture inside will condense on the glass, then drip back into the soil.
This cycle is natural and important.
You’ll notice condensation in the early morning or evening—this is a sign your terrarium is balanced and healthy.
Too much condensation?
If your terrarium looks foggy all day and water builds up on the inside, it might be holding too much moisture.
High humidity and temperature can lead to mould or fungus, especially around leaves and moss.
To fix this:
Remove the lid and let it breathe
Wipe away excess condensation with a clean paper towel or cloth
Only seal it again once the glass has cleared
Not enough condensation?
If you stop seeing droplets, your terrarium might need a little help.
Signs include:
Crispy or yellowing leaf tips
Moss looking pale or dry
Soil appearing dusty or dry
Add just a couple of light sprays and check again over the next 2–3 days. It’s always better to underwater than to overdo it.
Why most terrariums fail (and how we fixed it)
The number one reason most terrariums fail is overwatering.
When too much water is added, traditional soil becomes compacted, trapping moisture and blocking oxygen from reaching the roots. The result? Plants slowly suffocate.
That’s why we created the Photosynthesis Mix—a premium, sterile blend designed for long-term balance.
It improves airflow, helps manage moisture, and resists compaction, dramatically reducing the risk of overwatering.
Learn more about it here: www.photosynthesis.com.au
Good light, fresh temperature, and balanced condensation. Anything else?
Yes—cleaning.
To keep your terrarium beautiful and healthy, check it every few weeks:
Remove any mould, yellowing leaves or debris using tweezers or chopsticks
Trim your plants to encourage new growth
Clean the glass with a soft cloth or our Photosynthesis Terrarium Cleaner to make sure your plants receive all the light they need
Lastly… we're always here to help
If you’re unsure about anything, or your terrarium isn’t looking its best, reach out.
We’re more than happy to help your little ecosystem flourish for years to come.