How To Make And Care For A Closed Terrarium

How To Make And Care For A Closed Terrarium
A closed terrarium (sealed terrarium) is a self sustaining ecosystem and in this terrarium tutorial, I’ll show you how to make one. Closed terrarium care is simple but you need to know a few terrarium basics to succeed. With this terrarium setup (terrarium ecosystem or jar ecosystem), I made sure I chose the right closed terrarium plants like terrarium moss, nephrolepis ferns and selaginella uncinata. Adding collembola or springtails in terrariums is always a good idea. I hope you enjoy this how to make a terrarium / terrarium diy guide
__________
Follow Me On Instagram - / worcesterterrariums
On Facebook - / worcesterterriums
Join My Beginner Friendly Discussion Group On Facebook: / 2959370267632386
__________
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES I USE
ARCADIA Jungle Dawn LED Bar - amzn.to/2QxxMR7​
Charcoal - ebay.us/BGm1kG
Coir - amzn.to/2OH75bL
Springtails - www.microexotics.co.uk/store/...
Sphagnum Moss - amzn.to/3dkyuup
Vermicast - amzn.to/3as2nHt​
Warm White LED Lights - amzn.to/3sA6yYh
__________
LINK TO THIS VIDEO - • How To Make And Care F...
__________
Say Hello :)
Email - [e-mail]
Facebook - / worcesterterrariums
Instagram - / worcesterterrariums
__________
NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support.
#worcesterterrariums​​​ #closedterrarium #terrariumguide​

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

What is the longest you have ever kept a terrarium sealed for?

[@samullakk1974]

I have just starter a terrarium and so far its going good

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Great to hear 😁

[@cheesejam1373]

2 days before I realised putting it on a metal surface caused burns XD

[@hallucinatinghawk3917]

I’ve had one for approximately 3 years now. I made it in grade 8 and it’s covered in algae.

[@drawingaccount9590]

My science teacher got one from a student 3 years ago and never once opened it and it is still thriving today. quick question, if you even see this, if you have animals such as woodlice and springtails and earthworms, do you need to take out the pruned plants? I'm just worried that they might not be fed enough if I do. Along with that, are there any other creatures I could keep in a closed terrarium for extra flair, like fireflies or something?

[@Mradamsthe3rd]

This is gonna come off harsh but it was so nice that you stopped talking for making the terrarium and put that nice music in the background really got me sucked in and chill while staring at the 2 terrariums in front of me that you and another channel inspired me to make.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Haha that's cool. I'd rather listen to music than myself waffle on

[@BLTxRJB420]

That was some lame music would 0f preferred something not so wierd

[@przemyslawkruszka]

@@BLTxRJB420learn to write

[@jonathan__anthony]

@@BLTxRJB420stuff it, the music is calming and perfect for the type of content.

[@njIV86]

Just built a small terrarium myself for the first time- been going for a month before I had to water it very lightly, and I am pleased that they are growing well. Will take the tip on opening the lid every two or three weeks. Thanks much! Liked and subscribed!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Awesome! Good luck 🙂

[@kellyashton5328]

Your videos are like deeply informative meditations for plant nerds. I'm so informed and so relaxed!

[@christifernopper5449]

You’re an artist. I completed something similar to this before ever seeing a video on making one. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and you have taught me so much before starting my second.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thank you! Best of luck with your terrariums!

[@stanlindert6332]

Just bought a nice enclosure. Going to start a new hobby that has always been intriguing.

[@lebearpolarr]

I'm planning on starting on my first terrarium soon and your videos have been very informative and helpful! Thank you and looking forward to more videos :)

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Amazing! Best of luck Belle!

[@citycritteradventures7427]

really enjoy your vids, and thanks for giving details on how to and how much to allow fresh air in.

[@grahampain453]

I am new to this but very keen to try. Congratulations on your success at the Chelsea Flower Show. Greetings from Perth, Western Australia.

[@magdamedeiros2184]

I love your videos and your designs. Can you please give us an up close tour of all your terrariums along the wall. Your set up looks amazing. Also I appreciate how meticulous you are about tidying your work area as go along.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Your comment gave me the idea for this weeks video! Check it out!

[@SALOLAMASEKIND]

Thanks mate plain and simple.

[@fatimabernadetelopes9416]

I loved it!!! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks, Fatima. Absolutely my pleasure and thank you for watching

[@ros335]

It’s good to see Heath Ledger back on camera

[@acediary1600]

i just start my terrarium today hope it will survive watching your videos😊

[@lokilaufenson6183]

Love your vids. They chill me out massively

[@moos5221]

I'm about to start my first terrarium with my kids and was wondering about placement, because I figured direct sunlight would be too much for mosses, but this wasn't talked about in other videos I've watched. Now you've answered that question, thanks a lot! =)

[@hamtrash]

Maybe a bit late, but indirect sunlight is optimal. Of course you can adjust; when the plants turn yellow there's too much light, if the plants reach for the sun they need more light. Hope this helps 😊

[@moos5221]

@@hamtrash Yeah, that makes sense. We've had our 3 terrarriums for 3 weeks now, placed in indirect sunlight and they seem to be doing fine. Some plants died that just weren't suited for the terrarrium, we just used what we found in our garden. Developed some interesting insects in there, some spiders, centiped and even two flies in mine which must have entered as eggs. Fun thing to have and if it goes bad, we can just rebuild it with better knowledge. =)

[@D.D.1963]

🌿 Love the step By Step 🌿

[@VictoriaLeeCreates]

I just subscribed. Hello I'm an aquascaper from Chicago Illinois. Love the way you create

[@prettybutterflyin]

Loved your detailed video! Could you please help me with lighting arrangement I may require for less/no day light room?

[@zanngg2402]

Thanks for the help

[@olaoluwayimikaolugbenle710]

Thanks for a great video! Would you recommend following this process for growing Spinach?

[@romsnsama23]

best terrarium guides 👍🏻🥰😇love your channel .you made me learn many things about terrariums😇GL. your channel deserves lot more subs 👏

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Cheers man!

[@lauraastorga6505]

I´ve keep closed one of my terrariums for about a year, but I´ve notice that my other terrariums need to be open time to time due to almost all day condensation, so i open them a few hours so the excess evaporates, I think -in my experience-, it depends on many factors, weather, where you place it, the amount of mosses and plants that live inside (and breath of course), temperatures along the day... I´ts a journey of observation!! I like to just look at them and notice all this changes and behavoirs...

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Totally agree. There are many variables which is why it's difficult to give exact instructions. Every home and terrarium is different so this will factor into its care. Great point made!

[@harryme472]

My observation also .....I have two small , almost identical terrariums , with identical plants , one at a west facing , window and the other at a northern window , in a different room . I`m in the Southern hemisphere , ( it`s autumn here now ) and the watering requirements are quite different . They need to be moved before summer of course or they will both cook the plants.

[@syffesyfelix]

Terrarium is looking great, Ben! 😁

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks Felix :)

[@wolfcatgti]

After leaving one completely sealed for over a year I noticed it did not fare well compared to others I repeatedly interact with lol and I'm DEFINITELY gonna open all mine from time to time for proper circulation. Perhaps I allowed too much moisture as well. Thanks for the great advice as always, Ben!

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Interesting! I think it makes total sense. Thank you for watching :)

[@XibaXela]

I just want to say I thought you were great in Peep Show, I never knew you did Terrariums to!

[@xavierdranciang9164]

I love all your videos I'm Xavier from phillipines. I always love watching your videos I also love terrarium but i dont have enough materials and plants to use🙁

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks very much! Sorry to hear you can't get terrarium supplies

[@lella7]

Great work, I love your videos always very helpful. How do you know is there is enough water in terrarium, I m always strugglin whit that.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

The substrate should look and feel like a damp spong. Slightly moist but certainly not wet

[@Kyle_Hubbard]

May I ask where you get your containers from? I've been trying to find something large with a wide neck but I've been very unsuccessful, online doesn't really turn anything up (could be because I lack the knowledge of search terms) and I've been out to local shops like The Range, Wilko, Ikea, etc and not found anything large enough. I've seen small things like small jars and what not but that's about it.

[@bobeardington4044]

Awesome work

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks!

[@diegosuescun8609]

Hey, What can an alternative for leucobryum glaucum be? I live in Colombia and i believe that type of moss is not that common here. I want to try and make my own and first terrarium with plants i can easily find around Thanks!

[@Sylkis89]

what do you think about water retrieved from a dehumidifier? It should be pure right just whatever stuff condensed from the air

[@whitelion_videos]

Hi, for full spectrum LED lighting period on closed terrarium usually how many hours needed? Tia

[@scottishdancer8823]

I've ggt a large green glass carboy. will this let enough light in? it's in front of a frosted glass door panel.

[@bazmac3184]

Do you have any with little living things in? I've just ordered my 1st jar and I find the whole thing fascinating 👍

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Yep! I use springtails in most of my builds

[@Vino3437]

I like the thought of just putting as many different soils, seeds and insects in a jar and let natural selection do it’s part for some decades. Biodiversity is a big evolutionary advantage so I’m sure my underlings will find a way. Plants might develop bigger palisade mesophyll or stoma to adapt to the unusual circumstances after decades of enslavement

[@smors2391]

I’m building a terrarium right now, im not sure if i should put my plants closer because i’ve done it in the past and mold grew on it, im not sure if it’s just over watering or maybe not enough nutrients

[@debbiew6370]

Hi. This is great thank you. Just about to embark on thoi as a hobby !You touched lightly on light. Can i just buy a standard warm light strip from anywhere and rig up in the book case.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Yep, warm white light works!

[@usernamenotfound6515]

I recently discovered enclosed terrariums and have been wanting to have one since! This video was very informative, and the slides with all the materials and instructions on them worked really well and it helped me take notes. I was wondering if putting in bark or small sticks would work in a terrarium? Do you think it would help diversify the terrarium or would it cause problems? Also, are there other alternatives to springtails? Thank you for the great video! (:

[@drawingaccount9590]

An alternative to springtails are woodlice, but other than that I can't answer questions because I am also trying to make my first rn.

[@garywayne9698]

I love the music in the video. Where is it from?

[@stephanieh.7464]

Hi, my daughter and I are just kind of getting interested in terrariums. We have three or four planted in 1.5 gallon and smaller apothecary jars. Our plants like coleus maidenhair fern, and hypoestes and the tiny palm you show in your examples, some moss, things like that, have bushed out considerably, pushing at the top of the jar. Do you have a video devoted on how to prune and thin out your terrarium or what to do when the plants grow so tall as to grow above the lip of the terrarium? I need that info! Thank you! Love your vids!

[@greenjars_]

I'm not so much an expert on plant pruning but in terms of moss, get a clean pair of sharp scissors and simply snip to a point youre happy with. You can even replant the cuttings else where to grow more moss :)

[@chloewraight4713]

The cuttings you added, pressing the ends into the soil... does this ensure they don't die? Will they continue to grow? Love the videos, so therapeutic 😌

[@Kyle_Hubbard]

Plants will vary. Not everything can grow from a cutting. That said the ones that can grow from a cutting need to be placed into soil. The reason being is that a cutting needs a support structure but more importantly a cutting has a higher chance of being successful if buried. Plants can grow without being transplanted but it's always best practise to insert them into a substrate.

[@Lchends]

I made 2 of them with my brother, a couple of weeks later and they had lost all the green. A thing that we noticed is that putting worms in closed terrariums are no good, they dies a couple of days in. Besides that, we're not sure about the amout of light and for how many hours should we light the terrariums a day, any help?

[@eyden1562]

You should make a terrarium with quartz and other crystals, instead of rocks. On on hand, depending on the crystal, they can benefit the plants, but I also think crystal terrariums would be absolutely GORGEOUS.

[@reshiroooooow437]

Amazing video

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Thanks Rosie ❤️

[@reshiroooooow437]

@@WorcesterTerrariums ♥️

[@StuartOliver83]

Your long fingers are perfect for this trade mate,mine are stubby and no good 😂😂

[@wb8047]

what are you thoughts on just using soil from outside? and adding some underbrush plants to it? I've wanted to try just grabbing a chunk of soil and seeing what grows, still using the techniques you've mentioned with the drainage layer, mesh barrier, etc.

[@momlife2690]

Did you do it?! I think I'm trying it with my kids tomorrow!

[@jessdigs]

The music is the vampire song from forgetting Sarah Marshall

[@safar793abok]

Does this way work on Avogado

[@sharkocat9332]

can you show us how to create a closed terrarium that could support small herbivores and carnivores

[@rkarlson0083]

Would a southern facing window work?

[@rat_in_a_bucket]

I have to make a terrarium for a science project for school. It has to do with ecosystems :] I thought i'd watch more videos on jt, just so i don't do it wrong.

[@atishamullin7009]

Like the video but can you make your instructions easier to read in future please mate, black on green is super hard to see with bad eyes. Nice one keep up the good work x

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

My apologies! I will certainly take your feedback onboard. Thank you 🙂🙏

[@scottishdancer8823]

and............... what are spring tails and do I have to use them please? thanks. fab video.

[@MrHase-jn6rv]

Springtails help dissolve dead plant matter into new nutrients and they feed on mold

[@MrHase-jn6rv]

Not necessary but really helpful

[@summoner2183]

I havent started yet to be honest, but all i have for substrate potentially currently is mixed garden soil/compost, cocopeat, activated carbon and a bit of dried spaghnum. And is it true you need some kind of false bottom in a terrarium?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

It can help but it's not a necessity :)

[@wiccanplays1330]

where does one buy these plants? I live in the desert so cant forage myself :(

[@nafizkamarudin6378]

Help needed! I started a closed terrarium (10L jar) about 2 months ago. the plants are growing new shoots. The isopods have also reproduced. but I noticed my isopods biting some of the leaves so I bought an Isopod feed (pellets) and drop some inside. 3 days later it starts to mold. quite badly. now 5 days later I see maggots crawling up the glass jar. I read online to do spray Chamomile tea and air the jar, which I already did before I notice maggots. after airing and the chamomile tea, I can see some of the mold dying but I can't possible leave the jar open after I see maggots crawling out. I also read that hydrogen peroxide can rid of the mold and pests. My worry is it will also kill off my isopods and springtails. Will it? Just to note, I also topped up more springtails because i read it will cause the mold to die off. What should I do? Should I wait? Should I use hydrogen peroxide? Last resort is to start all over because it will be so troublesome to source out new plants again.

[@nafizkamarudin6378]

I added more springtails in hopes of clearing the molds. 2 days later, today, all the springtails and isopods are dead. 😔

[@PlantsNPaws]

Have you considered doing asmr terrarium planting? 10/10 would watch that

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

YES I actually have one coming very soon

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Hey! Here is the video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGjFYpabhNBjo6M

[@potjezalf]

Where do you get your glass jars or containers... can't find any under 20 euro.... seems off to me.

[@MrHase-jn6rv]

Ikea

[@bookfordindia218]

Is it air tight.?

[@andrewweller5119]

good informational video. pleas lose the music or tone it down for the next one please :D

[@samullakk1974]

Why did you put the soil Lower at front and higher at back??? Is it just for looks???

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

It adds a sense of depth/scale to the terrarium. It's certainly not a necessity ☺️

[@lingbentelspacher3989]

Hello, can springtails be omitted in a closed terrarium?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Yes absolutely

[@shinlee5244]

What do you feed your springtails

[@vivimannequin]

Springtails are detrivorous meaning they'll eat the stuff that other animals will not including dead plant matter and mold. They even eat their own poop

[@CelebrityLyrics]

What I don’t understand is how the springtails are able to survive in a closed terrarium. If the plants aren’t able to make o2 due to lack of co2 then how will springtails get o2? Won’t they suffocate? I really want springtails but I just don’t understand this concept

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

I think keeping a terrarium totally sealed at all times isn't wise and I recommend opening it up from time to time to allow air in. Check out this article which explains a little more than I am able to - www.ambius.com/learn/plant-doctor/ultimate-guides/ultimate-guide-to-terrariums/#:~:text=Photosynthesis%20converts%20carbon%20dioxide%20into,will%20not%20damage%20the%20plants.

[@Kyle_Hubbard]

I'm in no way an expert, in fact I've not even made on yet. That said I like to try and learn as much as I can on any subject before I even actually do anything practical, I just like succeeding 'first' try. Anyway to the point. It really depends on the enviroment. There are loads of videos on here and general posts on the internet with people showing off theirs. You basically need a balance like anything in life. You need, drainage, charcoal for water cleaning and stagnation prevention, substrate, plants and hardscape (optional). You need "workers" insects that eat dying matter and predators that eat these workers. Lastly, water. The basis of living on Earth.

[@mogii7766]

What type of soil did you use?

[@J_Star_34]

He has a video about it, but basicly, charcoal, worm poop, crushed pores rock, dinosaur fragments and etheral

[@bitazerbes9371]

Why do you put the moss in first? I always make the design with the other plants first then add the moss last.

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

It's just a matter of personal preference. I often make terrariums with smaller openings and adding the moss is 3/4 of the work so I like to get it out of the way first. Also, I tend to use Leucobryum glaucum and sometimes the lines between each piece of moss can be difficult to blend together. By planting on those joins it helps soften the lines.

[@bitazerbes9371]

Thanks so much! BTW I am Apuseni Rainforest Reflections on IG

[@sophisticatedmorons]

What is "substrate" and where can I buy some. the store manager looked at me funny

[@samullakk1974]

My terrarium is always full of fog and droplets, how do i prevent this?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

It's difficult to say without seeing it but take the lid off from time to time and don't water it. You can wipe the sides down too which will clear the glass

[@samullakk1974]

Ok thx

[@HBRX_]

How u can get springtail?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

I buy mine from a supplier. If you are in the UK I have attached a link in the description.

[@bobbysnider2719]

This may be a stupid question, but could a frog or toad survive in a closed terrarium?

[@vivimannequin]

If you feed it then maybe but there's no way it'll survive if the terrarium is permanently closed

[@brindasuchde3936]

What substrate do you use?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

A mixture of coir, sphagnum moss, lava rock and vermicast. I have a video dedicated to it on my page 😊

[@brindasuchde3936]

@@WorcesterTerrariums thank you very much for responding. I have shortlisted that video.

[@harryme472]

@@WorcesterTerrariums I use worm castings in my substrate mix , and it works very well for me also.

[@beveridge1942]

can I keep a Darlingtonia Californica and a Nepenthes Bloody Mary in the same terranium?

[@americanladybug3354]

What are the 2 plants in your terrarium at 8:39?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Asparagus fern and bun moss!

[@americanladybug3354]

@@WorcesterTerrariums cool. I got an asparagus fern today! I also picked up Irish moss and 2 venus fly traps. Think that is an OK closed terrarium?

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

@@americanladybug3354 fly traps need a cold dormant spell in winter so not a long term option. Unsure what Irish moss is...

[@worldofameiso5491]

I went to your website...I can't say I was particularly impressed...

[@splatapple]

May be if you contacted him beforehand he could have made adjustments to his website so that you would have been impressed.

[@setheheart4911]

I appreciate it, but I'd rather just do random natural systems from lakes. Just scoop up sand and dirt, with some lake/pond water and see what happens. To each their own.

[@WarbuddaV]

He looks like pellekofficial

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

lol

[@zeyalzee]

Heath Ledger

[@kurtisderoller3965]

This is the biggest waste of life I've ever encountered