Remove mould in a terrarium

Mould; a process you tried to prevent by using active charcoal. Still, the fungus has already nestled itself and all you can do is stand by and watch.

Or isn’t it? Can you actually do something against the fungus in the ecosystem? In short: yes. And we are happy to help you!

Is fungus in a terrarium bad?

To be brief: no. Mould in a terrarium is something that happens. Especially at a stage when the mini houseplants still have to get used to the new habitat.

In a closed glass pot the humidity is many times higher than when you just have the plant in your living room.

Fungi and bacteria develop, just like in a terrarium, also in nature. This usually dissolves by itself. Especially in such a closed environment! Because the terrarium is closed, a fungus, mushroom or moss formation can bring extra nutrition in the living environment, and therefore the ecosystem remains intact.

Mouldy leaves can transform themselves into compost that can be used for the rest of your ecosystem. However, we recommend that you remove them if a plant is completely mouldy.

Combat fungus in a terrarium

Step 1: add active charcoal

When creating a terrarium, adding a layer of active charcoal between the potting soil and plants is very important. After all, active charcoal works as a real mould fighter, and this is done as follows. Just like the intestines, active charcoal can interact with viruses, bacteria and fungi. The active charcoal absorbs the wrong substances. A kind of natural water filter!

Step 2: gloves and kitchen paper

It is best to remove mouldy plants. Despite the fact that nature has its way, the fungus can spread quickly in a terrarium. To remove the mouldy leaves or plants it is best to put on gloves. In this way you avoid that other plants are infected with the fungus. The plants can be removed from the ecosystem using kitchen paper.

“Let the terrarium air for 24 hours is often the solution."

First of all, map out where the fungus is and how much it is. Then investigate why mould has developed at this exact spot. It is possible that your ecosystem is too humid.

And how do you solve that? Too much moisture in the ecosystem can be dissolved by airing the ecosystem for 24 hours, closing it for another 3 days and repeating this process. This is also the best method if you are going to make your own ecosystem. By airing and closing off the environment you let the piece of nature get used to it.

Will it stay very moist in the glassware despite the aeration? Then open your ecosystem for a longer period of time.

Doesn’t airing the ecosystem help at all? You can also try to dry the sides of the glass with some kitchen paper. This way you can easily remove most of the moisture.

A terrarium reuses the moisture that is in the living environment, by removing the lid, some of the moisture condenses and can be removed.