Closed terrarium mistakes and how to avoid them
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video we will look at 10 closed terrarium mistakes that beginners as well as other terrarium enthusiasts make. We will also look at ways in which these can be avoided. Making a terrarium is definitely not a rocket science but keeping some basic concepts in mind will ensure a long term success of your green projects.
These are all based on my experience with building terrariums in a tropical region. Your experience could actually vary based on where you live.
Also many ecosystem enthusiasts believe that a terrarium/ecosystem should not be opened at all and that is perfectly ok from their point of view. I prefer to maintain the aesthetics of my terrariums and also want them to do well in the long term which will not possible without conducting periodic maintenance.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:12 - Poor choice of container
1:02 - Not having a false bottom
1:54 - Overwatering
2:39 - Exposing to sunlight
3:12 - Incorrect substrate
3:47 - Using incompatible plants
4:31 - Not sterilising hardscape
5:04 - Opening too frequently
5:27 - Not keeping a close watch
6:12 - Not conducting maintenance
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The urban nemophilist lives in the city but his heart and soul lives in the forest and wherever there is green.
The celebration of colours, the ambient sounds, the mystic scent and the fascinating wildlife that make up the forestlands and waterbodies of our earth is the elixir of his life.
The urban nemophilist attempts to capture all of this through his green art and sustainable gardening activities while his sketching and music sets up the mood for what is nature-appreciation at its best.
His goal is to create awareness on conservation of nature and wildlife through is art and sustainable initiatives.
Terrariums | Aquascapes | Dish Gardens | Bonsai | Gardening |Sketching | Music | Nature Walk
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Music :
Emotional Piano Improvisation by Alexander Nakarada | www.serpentsoundstudios.com
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#theurbannemophilist #terrariums #terrariummistakes
Check out my terrarium building course (A to Z of Terrarium Building) here
th-cam.com/play/PL2B6lN6qObdqpxnaF3u30ETDgYVID3PlI.html
I'm sorry so sorry not drunk just dyslexic. Can't spell to save life and just so sorry .
THANK YOU
you can name the melody
@@user-ii5dj1vn9n its in the description. Emotional piano by Akexander Nakarada
i have question.
do I need to add Nutrients to water when spraying it to my terrarium...?
if it so, what kind of nutrient sollution I should add...?
can I use Charcoal in next layer after Gravel...?
thanks for advice.
Adding spring tails, or woodlouse would prevent mold and such. Not only that, they will help the plants out a bit too.
Very true and thanks for the note. This video is mostly aimed at folks who do not have access to beneficial critters which is quite common in my region. Feel free to check out my video on springtails and terrarium care.
Everyday woodlice? Like the ones I can find in my forest? Thanks for the advice
@@to_discover_life yeah. Roley poleys if you will haha
that's the name of the bug I was looking for thanks got sinapeads doughty they help thanks again
@@to_discover_life I'd just keep an eye on any Isopods/woodlice you decide to add, they can be known to eat the plants.
Number 7 can be completely eliminated by adding Springtails, they will eat all mould and keep you terrarium healthy and in pristine condition on the bio scale.
All plants and gardens need the eco balance these little guys can provide and save you a lot of frustration and cleaning maintenance.
Springtails can be bought online or caught in your own back yard.
Plenty of information online how to do this very easily if you don't want to buy them.
Springtails are all over the globe and there are thousands of different varieties.
Great video mate, love the look of your terrariums 👍🏽
Thanks for the note. Yes springtails are very useful indeed. Do check out my videos on springtails and mold prevention. Thanks
@@TheUrbanNemophilist
Haha, awesome, didn't know you had one.
Cheers mate👍🏽
is there any possibility that the springtail population gets too big for the terrarium and then they become a problem? or also, they end up not having enough food?
@@pershop4950
If the colony gets too big then you can move some to other potted plant, terrariums, or even put them in your garden.
They do well on yeast, or just add a some leaf litter for them to eat.
Heaps of information online and here on TH-cam about how to care for them.👍🏽
This maybe seems a bit silly to the seasoned terrarium builder, however the background of these tips I very much appreciate. I knew for example I had to put in a flash bottom but I did not know why (durr it's for drainage). This vid does tell me why, as well as that for aquatic plants, aquasoil would be enough. This makes me feel a lot more confident about what I'm doing!
Happy to know. Thanks
Clear and useful instructions, beautifully filmed, with soothing music. Thank you!
Thank you 🙏
Such a beautifully put together video. Very relaxing as well as informative ❤
Thanks
Love the format of this and all usefull , more on aquarium plant tips would be amazing and how to convert from submerged plants to emersed.
This is so informative! So much is learned from this video. Priceless tips! 👍👍👍
Thanks Paul Avish
Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
Great tips my friend.
Location in particular , can make a huge difference when keeping a terrarium.
Thank you
Excellent video, Sushanto! Valuable information delivered beautifully. Clear Concise statements focusing on the topic, not telling us about what your dog ate for breakfast, or your underwear color preference. Thanks for posting.
Thank you
awesome thanks for your video, I'll be saving it for when I set up a terrarium in the future!
Thank you
Great summary. Great Job. Thanks.
Thank you
Brilliant loved every second of your vid!!
Thanks
Watching this and realizing you made every mistake possible
Blhahahahaha
Nice informative video. Considering building my first terrarium and hence the timing of this video in my feed is opportune.
Thank you! Happy to know that you find it informative.
Thank you for the video
I need to choose better glass container, then
I got two mother plants of fitonnia. What is the best way to propagate more from them?
You can propagate from stem cuttings.
Very useful information. Thank you.
Thanks
So nice and relaxing
Wonderful terrascape art work👍👍👍 💯💯
Hey, thank you for making this video, it helped me alot!😉
Happy to know it was helpful. Thank you
Good n informative video. Thanks .
Such an informative content. Thanks for this
Thanks
I already see how your channel will become more popular in future! :D Just wanna be one of those people who will say I was here before they had 10k subs :P
😀
What a lovely video!
Helpful thanks
Awesome video and very relaxing!
Thank you very much!
Great video - thanks for the tips.
Question - what do you suggest using for the mesh barrier layer btw the false bottom and substrate? I see some ppl suggesting carbon fibre mesh but I can only find carbon fibre fabric. Is fibreglass mesh ok to use?
Thanks. Fibreglass is fine. You can use a muslin cloth or even a piece of polythene with holes punched into it.
you can also use window screen.
Non-metal window screen. Metal will rust inside terrarium.
thank u very much!
very tips was awesome
Amazing ! So peaceful
Thanks
Great video! Can you make videos showing common signs of dying plants and how to prevent it
Thanks for the suggestion. I will try to make one in the future. Thank you
brillant advice
Thanks
Very helpful and nice music thanks!
Thanks
A very good tips for a beginner 👍
Tq so much
Thanks
Thank You.
Very helpful ❗️
Happy to know. Thanks
Great video, thanks 👍
You are welcome. Thanks
Very good and informative video thank you for sharing
You are welcome. Thank you
Nice work..
Thank you
🙏🏼 Thank you ! 💃
good tips. This will really help me with my second try! I just planted a new terrarium and will keep a closer eye on it this time. And now I know what to do for the humidity and stuff.
I am thinking about making another terrarium with my baby anthuriums, but I'm not sure if they're suitable for this? Internet has not been very helpful so far. I would hate for them to die as I spent 2 years growing them from seeds (I randomly had fruits on my big anthurium)
Thank you
I made a terrarium about a month ago. It has a small hole at the top and recently added a bit of moisture to my mosses. After a few days I noticed small flys (looks like fungus gnats) inside the terrarium. Any advice on how to prevent this? I didn’t have them for the first month I had the terrarium, only after I added a bit of water to the mosses.
It’s common in open terrariums. You could trap them with sticky cards or let the terrarium dry out a bit. Once it’s clear of gnats you should find a way to close the terrarium.
Just don't have a hole.
Use sand to completely cover the substrate so no moisture.
They need moisture to lay eggs
You can make a diluted neem oil solution. Safe for plants and keeps bugs and their egg away. Just be aware of UV sensitivity for couple days post.
I have placed a cactus alone in a closed jar almost 2 years ago, and seem to have overwatered it since it is always moisty in there, and it i sitting on a window with direct sunlight for about 2-4 hours per day
The cactus is still alive and well, with some moss on the substrate, sometime nature really is more resilient than one might think
That is absolutely amazing to know. I would like to have more details about the setup and learn more about it. Pls share pictures on my instagram if possible.
Pls also share-
Your geographic location
Container, type of lid it has and substrate used
Scientific name of the cactus
Heres my insta handle
instagram.com/the_urban_nemophilist?r=nametag
@@TheUrbanNemophilist will do, as soon as i am home
Very good video! However I have a question in regards to the lighting. Is your typical lamp enough to sustain such an ecosystem or do you need more special lighting? Thanks in advance.
Thanks. Any white led light should work
@@TheUrbanNemophilist thanks! I'll try a waterecosphere with 8-10 h of lighting a day and see if that works ^^
@@valentinsteinerberger6173 I am starting a heavily Planted Aquarium. I learned that too much light can cause also cause Algae to grow... along with a heavy nutrient rich substrate.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist so, a full-spectrum light would be too much?
Thanks for the tips! One question: I don't have access to artificial lights, at least not the type that you would use for this kind of thing as they're usually quite expensive. Indirect light would be fine, right? Like having the terrariums on a shelf on the other side of the room from a window that doesn't get too much sun through the day.
Indirect sunlight may not always work. Artificial lights are better.
yes it would, whatever is convenient
any led light will work
Great video. To the point, and easy to understand. Really appreciate it! Will also check out your other videos.
I'm wanting to make a terrarium with a bella palm, some fittonia, and moss. Don't want to keep it closed, cause palm might rot if kept in closed container.
Don't want to use springtails if it'll be open part of the time. Anything else I can use to prevent mold?
My house is pretty dry, so terrarium will have to be closed part of the time to keep good humidity level, but don't want it closed all the time. Any suggestions?
Thank you 🙏. Open terrariums are not prone to mold. I would suggest a closed setup. You can check out mold prevention tips in this video th-cam.com/video/aurxzGFJhfI/w-d-xo.html
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thanks! I always appreciate reference to another video. Sometimes the playlists are so long, I can't find what I'm looking for. Have a great day!
i made in in a small jar like that in the beginning and sense i live in a place with quite a bit of sun in the south, none of the animals inside have died nore have the plants necessarily cuz they grow back very quick i mean like within a day and the isopods stay healthy even when the plants die because they have other food sources that grow inside. and my isopods have even mated. Its been nearly 7 months!, and they're still thriving! oh and i dont even use artificial lights.
Thanks!
Thank you for the Super Thanks!
Super
Hey I'm planning to build an open terrarium using a large unused fish bowl I've got lying around. I'm gonna follow all your tips + adding springtails to combat the mold issue (I live in India, so it gets pretty humid and mold is definitely gonna show up in no time).
Do I need to keep it closed with a glass lid or is it okay if I leave it open ? And any plants you'd recommend growing alongside Fittonia?
Depends on where you live in India. You will need RH 70% plus. If you get that level naturally the terrarium may thrive open but I would still recommend a lid. Below videos on mold prevention and plants may be useful for you
th-cam.com/video/aurxzGFJhfI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/_h0LS9DJMfE/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/E1ETOhLDpQM/w-d-xo.html
For mold you can also use spring tails ;)
Very true and thanks for the note. This video is mostly aimed at folks who do not have access to beneficial critters which is quite common in my region. Feel free to check out my video on springtails and terrarium care.
A lot of people in the comments have a mold problem in their terrarium. I didn't try it yet, but you could use effective microorganism, that take away the basic needs of mold, but help plants grow at the same time.
Thanks for the note.
thanks for the vid!
can I put some product to not condense water and make it easier to see ?
Thanks. I am not very clear on your question. Condensation is important because it is an indication of the water cycle inside the closed ecosystem.
Hi there, I made up two terrariums and one is thriving while the other went bad! I removed all the dead plants but now what’s left is covered in mould, should I just empty and start again or add a load of springtails and hope they can clean up? Thanks for any advice
I think it would be better to empty and start again
Hi quick question is medical gauze a good barrier for the false substrate? Also great video
Thank you. Never used it but feel free to try it out. Does it have any medical coating or finish? Let me know how it worked.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist no it doesn't it's like a cloth material used for blood
Thanks for the tips, i just built my first terrarium!
But how often do i have to spray water in the terrarium like you did after opening it? Only when i feel like its to dry or regularly?
You are welcome. Answers to your question in this video th-cam.com/video/Qbmva1FF4Mc/w-d-xo.html. Thanks
Anyone know what I could use instead of springtails I live in the southwest reign along the new Mexico and Texas border where it's less likely to find in the wild or maybe even how to farm my own soringtails
You could check out this video in answer to your query th-cam.com/video/GRaYRx57JLk/w-d-xo.html
Beautiful video. Nice and simple. What is the name of the song in your video? I would love to learn how to play it on the piano! :)
Thanks. Its in the description
I recently made my first terrarium with tropical plants. My container lid is wooden. If I have a grow light over it, will enough light bend around and reach the plants even though the top lid isn't clear, or should I create a clear lid of some sort?
Clear lid needed
Good afternoon. Please tell me what kind of musical composition sounds at the beginning of the video?
Music details in the description
I have a question I have all of the above in my terrarium except a rock bottom I have a mini orchid that looks to have lost some roots I caught it pretty early but is keeping the terrarium open a good idea? I think it might have been getting too much light/humidity to be an enclosed plant terrarium. Lmk please
Diffucult to say without getting into details and taking a closer look. However you can always try the open method. Let me know the results. Thank you
Hello
I’ve following your channel very closely being a nature lover and terrarium enthusiast. I have a question.. How to plant Riccia fluitans in a terrarium, using SWA cup. ? Do we need to insert it a little in soil to form a carpet or just keep it over the Aquasoil ?
Thanks. Just place it over soil
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thanks bro
@@TheUrbanNemophilist even i wish to share my work with you, all
Learnt from you
Can i use my bedroom light for the terrarium? Or it needs a stronger light?
All about lighting covered here th-cam.com/video/_3-WPc6n-6A/w-d-xo.html
I made my first native terrarium a week ago it was not only a plant terrarium it had also isopods, springtails, snails and a spider. I followed every tip I added a right amount of water, light and a drainage layer. But I also added a lot of substrate which filled most of the terrarium. (For example plants like grass could not fully extend it's leaves)After 5 days isopods and springtails started dying and plants turned yellow. Could too much substrate be the problem?
That could be a reason. There can be several other factors too.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thank you
I filter my drinking water. This is the same filtered water that I use for me, my dog, my House Plants, and my Freshwater Aquarium.
Condensation takes place on my terrarium as well but it won't stay for long
Yes condensation is basically the rain for the plants. Since the water inside cant evapourate and make clouds, it evapourates and creates condensation on the glass which then drips down onto the plants. Completeing the water cycle.
How do we season wood? Do we boil wood?
You can only sterilise wood by boiling. Seasoning is a longer process. It happens in nature over a period of time. You could also study about seasoning processes on the internet which can range from soaking in water to kiln burning.
How so you deal with excess water gathering at the bottom? Wouldn’t it keep accumulating?
Covered here th-cam.com/video/Qbmva1FF4Mc/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I have a fittonia plant in a closed terrarium and lately the leaves have turned yellow and droopy. Could it be due to overwatering? If so, what should I do?
Really difficult to say without taking a close look. Can be due to overwatering or other reasons like lighting and temperature. If you have identified overwatering as the cause then you can leave the lid open to let some moisture evaporate out. If plant is in a very bad shape rehousing in a conditioning box may also help.
Thanks for your reply! I tried adding links of pictures I took but they kept getting auto-deleted. I suspected overwatering was the cause partly because there's a ton of condensation on the terrarium walls. So now I'm leaving it open for a couple of days to see how it goes 🤞
Thank you! You spared me time, money, efforts and disappointment… I wanted to try making terrarium with one of my ferns, but not doing it anymore. Too much trouble…
Hi, May I know the reason as to why cushion moss tend to turn white after a while? Thanks
Some types of moss may not work very well in enclosed spaces.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Tks
well still batting mold not as bad but I just so happe to have asadently put two baby sinapieads in will they help
Not sure. You could also check out this video on mold prevention
th-cam.com/video/aurxzGFJhfI/w-d-xo.html
i would suggest for aquariums to still have gravel underneath the aqua soil, because it acts as a filtration layer and helps colonies of beneficial bacteria to form.
Everytime, a lot of small flies coming from nowhere, probably from the soil...
Hey mate, I made a closed terrarium today and it got two large cracks on both sides from the top to bottom, I sealed it with silicone do you know why it cracked?
No idea at all
Could be some gasses coming from something and building a high pressure, cracking the jar
@@beta4201 Gasses usually don't build up so quickly to a pressure that is high enough to crack a jar. I guess it may have been because you accidentally put it down too hard and it cracked, or that you bought it already cracked but didn't notice. If you're sure that isn't the case, then it may have been from a quick temperature change. Otherwise, sorry that I couldn't help!
Hi guys, couple questions: 1. can I use coffee grounds as substrate? 2. I live in a desert, impossible to find tropical plants, or springtails, any suggestions on what plants I should use?
Closed terrariums are generally for moisture living tropical plants only. Coffee grounds as substrate not sure. You can try. Springtails are not essential but good to have.
So, about the light, do we need to keep the terrarium in a dark room with only artificial lights over it all the time?
Answers in this video
th-cam.com/video/_3-WPc6n-6A/w-d-xo.html
You don't need artificial to keep then alive sunlight works too just not direct sun light
You can keep it in the sunlight only, just not in direct sunlight. The reason is that it will burn the plants. You know how when you get into a car on a hot day and inside the car is so much hotter than outside? Essentially the same thing will happen with your plants. Just avoid direct sunlight and you should be good.
what kinds of artificial lights should we use
Covered here th-cam.com/video/_3-WPc6n-6A/w-d-xo.html
I only have one terrarium so can I use a study lamp for light?
Yes sure.
Why remove mould why not just add springtail and such to eat it and keep it down to start with,serious question....I'm on my first one and have made many of these mistakes like no false bottom and mine is thriving ,although mine is moss and fern only...but them wee bugs do their jobs ...Also Isopods 🙂
More info here th-cam.com/video/GRaYRx57JLk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=11z6UAbWcVZsG2f2
Is there any way to make a terrarium that regulates itself and does not need maintenance?
Yes if you are not bothered about looks or failures because they can fail or look very overgrown and poor. Try bigger containers and it may be possible to successfully build an eternal terrarium.
Nerve plant didn’t survive in my terrarium - fern and syngonium did...I think water was too much may be...but not sure
Nerve plants can be difficult at times. They love high humidity but do not like their roots sitting in moist soil
What if you're creating a wild terrarium from plants from outside. Should the wood and stones still be sterilized?
Yes always better. But you can use direct too for native builds if you like.
Is it okay to open a closed terrarium? To trim and remove mold
Yes
Is a barrier really necessary to separate substrate and the false bottom?
I don’t use it anymore for smaller builds but I can recommend for larger ones. It also helps prevent mixing up of substrate and gravel in the event if a dismantle.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thankyou!
On a daily basis,should you see condensation to the point that the glass looks a bit 'blurry' to look through? What are signs that it is too moist in a closed terrarium...anyone?
Condensation is normal and an indication of the water cycle. However it should clear up duting the day when inside and outside temperatures match. If its too fogged up all day round it could be overwatering. Sometimes it can happen due to quality of glass if its too thick resulting in poor conduction of heat.
@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thank you! 👍
@dwade6322 good question , I'm about to attempt one in the next coming days, I am only watching urban so I don't go overwhelming myself with info, we are so lucky to have this channel ❤️ #namaste
@@TheUrbanNemophilistlove you bro #namastemybrother thank you for taking the time to be able to give us top class info and not to mention replying to your viewers 🎉love that
How is yours coming along?
Well, if you keep opening the terrarium to trim plants, then it's not exactly self sustaining, is it?
In this context it means that it can sustain on its own without regular care like watering and fertilising once it is established. Trimming becomes necessary due to growth in an enclosed space. Bigger containers can eliminate the need for a long time.
Can you use a clear acrylic jar?
Yes you can. If its thin it may bend as acrylic absorbs water. If it is joined by silicone it may come off.
If I make an open terrarium how often do I water them?
Will depend on the size of the container and how fast the water in substrate evaporated. You will need to water whenever the soil gets dry. Will also depend on the type of plants. Tropical plants may need frequent watering. Cacti and succulents need to be kept on the drier side.
What i don't understand is why would i sterilize it when i collect woodland myself? Don't i want the bacteria and little critters for good biodiversity?
To avoid mold which can destroy the terrarium
please suggest some animals/insects that can survive in a closed terrarium for a week
Springtails. More than weeks
❤
if I left it half a day in the sunlight, will the plants already be dead?
Mostly yes
Question: Can a false bottom just be rocks or pebbles?
Yes
💚💚💚
If it is that much work, I wonder if it is worth it...
I’ve sterilized all my wood and stone only thing I haven’t is my 60 pound peice of mopani wood in my 120 gallon vivarium would be a little too hard too😅
Can I use termite instead of springtails
No, in my opinion
@@TheUrbanNemophilist I went to the forest in search of springtails but couldn't find one and when I came back home and as i was cleaning my kitchen there was a colony of them right at the bottom of my waste bin lol .Thanks you for the reply .
Can we use a plastic container?
Yes but visibility may not be great.