Care Guide

Understanding the ecosystem.

A terrarium is a living ecosystem contained within glass, where moisture is naturally recycled through evaporation, condensation, and absorption. With the right conditions and only minimal care, it remains balanced, allowing the plants inside to thrive over time.

Core Maintenance

The three metrics of balance.

Designed to remain largely self-sustaining, each ecosystem requires only occasional care. Maintaining the right balance of light, moisture, and airflow allows both open and closed biomes to flourish for years.

Light Management

Place your terrarium where it receives bright, indirect natural light. Avoid direct sunlight at all times, as the glass can quickly trap heat, creating a greenhouse effect that may overheat the ecosystem and damage delicate plants. Closed Biomes: Flourishes in bright, diffused indoor light. Keep away from windows that receive prolonged direct sun. Open Biomes: Prefers the same bright, indirect lighting, while also benefiting from slightly more open spaces with gentle natural airflow.

Watering Balance

Mist gently using a fine spray mister, allowing the ecosystem to regulate its own moisture whenever possible. Closed Biomes: Lightly mist once a week, or only when the natural condensation cycle on the glass is no longer visible. Open Biomes: Mist once every 2-3 days to maintain humidity, keeping exposed mosses healthy, hydrated, and vibrant.

Air Circulation

Balanced airflow is essential for regulating moisture and maintaining a healthy ecosystem over time. Closed Biomes: If dense condensation covers the glass continuously for more than 24 hours, remove the lid for 2–3 hours to release excess humidity and restore the natural balance. Open Biomes: No manual ventilation is required, though placing the terrarium in a room with gentle, consistent household airflow is recommended.

Substrate Stratification

Four layers. One enduring foundation.

Every Sylva Auris terrarium is built upon a carefully layered substrate system. Each layer performs a specific role—from drainage and filtration to root support—working together to create a stable environment for long-term plant health.

The Canopy

Sustained Micro-Flora

The living surface layer, composed of mosses and carefully selected slow-growing plants that regulate moisture, produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and shape the terrarium's evolving natural landscape.

The Matrix

Bespoke soil blend of coco chips, peat moss, perlite, and terracotta chips

A carefully engineered growing medium designed to retain moisture while remaining well-aerated, providing stable root support, healthy drainage, and long-term growing conditions.

Filtration Layer

Charcoal to keep water pure and eliminate odors/mold

A thin layer of charcoal that naturally filters circulating moisture, reduces unwanted odors, suppresses microbial growth, and helps maintain a clean, balanced internal environment.

Drainage Bed

Inert gravel/pebbles to prevent root rot

A foundation of carefully graded inert gravel that collects excess moisture below the soil, preventing waterlogging while protecting plant roots from prolonged exposure to standing water.

Things to Avoid

Protecting your living ecosystem.

A few simple precautions will help your Terrarium remain healthy, balanced and beautiful for years to come.

Do not overwater.

Terrariums are designed to recycle moisture naturally. Adding too much water can cause root rot, mold growth, and an unhealthy ecosystem.

Keep away from direct sunlight.

Direct sun can rapidly overheat the glass enclosure, damaging plants and creating excessive condensation. Always place your terrarium in bright, indirect light.

Avoid opening closed terrariums frequently.

A closed terrarium maintains its own balanced humidity. Opening it unnecessarily disrupts this delicate environment and reduces moisture stability.

Do not use chemical fertilizers.

Our terrariums contain carefully balanced growing media that provide everything the plants need. Fertilizers may encourage excessive growth and disturb the ecosystem.

Avoid placing near heaters or air conditioners.

Rapid temperature fluctuations and dry airflow can stress the plants and upset the terrarium's natural moisture cycle.

FAQ

Common questions.

Everything you need to know about caring for your Sylva Auris Terrarium.

Very rarely. Closed terrariums typically require only occasional watering when condensation no longer forms or the substrate becomes noticeably dry. Open terrariums may require slightly more frequent watering depending on the plants.