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 daily 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.