· Avoid strong, direct sunlight. Glass can magnify heat and cause the terrarium to overheat.

· Keep away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and other sources of heat.

· Avoid very cold or draughty areas.

· Do not move the terrarium unnecessarily once you have found a suitable position.

1. Where to place your terrarium
Choose a bright position with plenty of indirect light.

· Avoid strong, direct sunlight. Glass can magnify heat and cause the terrarium to overheat.

· Keep away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and other sources of heat.

· Avoid very cold or draughty areas.

· Do not move the terrarium unnecessarily once you have found a suitable position.

1. Where to place your terrarium
Choose a bright position with plenty of indirect light.

· Do not routinely water your terrarium unless the care instructions supplied with your specific terrarium tell you to.

· A small amount of condensation is normal and shows that the water cycle is active.

· If the glass is constantly covered in heavy condensation and you cannot see into the terrarium, it may be too wet.

· If the terrarium appears very dry for an extended period, contact us before adding a large amount of water.

2. Watering

One of the easiest ways to damage a closed terrarium is to overwater it. Your terrarium should already contain the moisture it needs when you receive it.

· Light condensation is normal.

· A clear view of the plants is not required at all times.

· Persistent heavy condensation may indicate excess moisture or poor airflow.

· Do not open the terrarium repeatedly just because you see condensation.

3. Condensation

Condensation naturally forms as moisture moves around the terrarium. It can vary throughout the day depending on temperature and light.

· Do not panic if you notice a small amount of white fungal growth.

· Remove obviously dead or decaying plant material if it is safe and practical to do so.

· Do not add household fungicides, cleaning products or other chemicals.

· If mould is persistent, spreading rapidly or you are unsure what you are seeing, contact us for advice.

4. Mould and Fungi

A terrarium is a small ecosystem containing living organisms. Occasional small amounts of fungal growth can occur, particularly while the ecosystem settles.

· Seeing springtails is normal.

· You may see more of them at some times than others.

· Do not remove them unless advised to do so.

· Do not add pesticides or insecticides to the terrarium.

5. Springtails

Where springtails are included, they form part of the terrarium's clean-up crew. They feed on decaying organic material and help maintain the ecosystem.

Older leaves may yellow, brown or die naturally.

· Plants may produce new leaves and roots.

· Growth direction and plant shape may change.

· Moss and other living materials may change in colour or appearance.

· An individual leaf or even an individual plant may naturally decline as part of the life cycle of the ecosystem.

6. Your plants are alive!

Plants are living organisms and your terrarium is an evolving ecosystem. It will not remain exactly the same as the day you received it.

· Clean the outside of the glass with a soft, clean cloth.

· If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with water.

· Avoid spraying glass cleaner or other chemicals directly onto or into the terrarium.

· Take care not to knock or disturb the plants and hardscape.

7. Cleaning the glass

· Do not place the terrarium in direct sunlight.

· Do not routinely overwater it.

· Do not add fertiliser unless specifically advised.

· Do not add pesticides, insecticides, fungicides or household chemicals.

8. What NOT to do.

Some natural plant loss can occur in any living ecosystem. This does not automatically mean that there is a problem with your terrarium.