🏯 Overview
The Zen Garden Terrarium recreates a Japanese-inspired landscape inside a tall glass vessel.
Typical plantings include:
Cushion moss (Leucobryum or similar) – the bright green carpet
Fittonia (nerve plant) – red-veined accent in the foreground
Miniature woody shrub (often a dwarf Ficus or small boxwood cutting)
Compact grassy accent (such as dwarf mondo grass or Selaginella)
These species all thrive in humid, bright-indirect environments and can coexist with minimal intervention once established.
💧 Watering
Baseline schedule: Water once per week.
Check moisture first: Press the top layer of moss or soil. If it feels dry or looks pale, mist or drip water until evenly moist.
In warm or low-humidity rooms, you may need to water twice a week.
Use filtered or dechlorinated water; avoid hard tap water which can leave mineral spots and stress moss.
Moss should stay slightly damp but never waterlogged—standing water leads to root rot and mold.
☀️ Light
Provide bright, indirect light—a north or east window is ideal.
If using the included LED lamp, run it for about 8 hours per day.
🚫 Do not expose to harsh direct sun or keep the lamp on 24/7; plants need a nightly dark period to respire.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Best range: 18–25 °C (65–77 °F) with moderate household humidity (50–70 %).
Avoid cold drafts, heating vents, or air conditioners.
If indoor humidity regularly drops below 40 %, a light daily mist can help maintain a stable micro-climate.
🧹 Cleaning & Upkeep
Glass care: Wipe the inside of the glass gently with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any condensation or algae film.
Plant grooming: Trim Fittonia or moss if they begin to overgrow paths or decorative features.
Remove yellowed or fallen leaves to prevent fungal growth.
❓ Troubleshooting
Moss turning brown: Often from too much direct sun or drying out—relocate to softer light and mist more consistently.
Fittonia wilting: Classic sign of underwatering; water lightly and it usually perks up within hours.
White fuzzy patches: Usually harmless mold from excess moisture; reduce watering and improve airflow, wipe gently if visible.
Condensation dripping down glass: Reduce watering slightly and ensure room air circulation.
🌿 Long-Term Tips
Fertilizer is rarely needed; if growth slows, a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer once every 6–8 weeks during spring/summer is sufficient.
The dwarf shrub can be lightly pruned to maintain its miniature “bonsai” shape.
🔗 More Help
For universal guidance on lighting, cleaning, and problem prevention, see
Terrarium Care & Maintenance: The Essentials.
For replacement plants or hardscape questions, email support@plantpico.com.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.