KRYSTAL GARDEN JOURNAL / CARE & MAINTENANCE
Caring for Your Moss Art & Living Terrarium
Two kinds of natural beauty. Two different approaches to care. A practical guide to looking after your piece—and knowing when to ask for support.
The right care begins with knowing what you own. Preserved moss art is a decorative composition made with preserved natural materials. A living terrarium is a planted landscape that continues to grow.
They may share similar colours and textures, but their needs are different. Water that supports a living display can damage preserved moss. Before changing anything, check the instructions supplied with your piece or contact us to confirm the product type.
The essential distinction
Preserved moss: no watering or misting.
Living moss: light and moisture managed for the individual terrarium.
01 / PRESERVED MOSS ART
Protect the materials, rather than tending a plant
Preserved moss is real moss that has undergone a preservation process. It is no longer growing and does not need watering, plant food, or trimming.
Its ongoing care is about protecting its appearance and the structure of the piece.
- Keep it indoors and out of direct sun. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, heat, and harsh environmental changes.
- Keep water away. Do not mist, wash, or apply household cleaning products to the moss.
- Limit handling. Avoid pressing, rubbing, or pulling the botanical material. Handle movable pieces by their frame or base.
- Clean the surrounding surfaces carefully. Use a soft, dry cloth on suitable frame surfaces, keeping it clear of the moss. Ask for advice before cleaning the botanicals themselves.
Preserved moss needs suitable indoor conditions even though it needs no routine plant care. Follow the material-specific guidance provided with your piece.
02 / LIVING MOSS TERRARIUMS
Observe first. Adjust gently.
A living terrarium responds to its surroundings. The container, plant selection, light, and room conditions all influence how moisture behaves inside it.
Choose suitable light
Many moss-and-fern terrariums suit bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun on the glass, which can overheat the display. If the room is too dark, discuss suitable plant lighting rather than assuming the terrarium can thrive without light.
Follow the individual watering guidance
There is no single watering schedule for every terrarium. A closed design may retain moisture for long periods; an open design can lose it more quickly. Follow the instructions for your particular piece, including the recommended water type, amount, and method.
Condensation is only one clue to conditions inside a terrarium. Consider it alongside the substrate and plant condition; do not add water just because the glass looks clear.
Keep interventions small
Remove fallen or decaying leaves carefully where accessible, and monitor plants for changes. Pruning and ventilation should suit the specific design. Avoid adding fertiliser, treatments, or replacement plants without checking their suitability.
Good care starts with observation, not a fixed routine applied to every piece.
03 / WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
A change is a reason to check—not to guess
Get in touch if you notice persistent mould, an unusual smell, spreading discolouration, soft or decaying plants, loose decorative elements, a damaged frame, or cracked glass.
Similar symptoms can have different causes. Browning moss, for example, is not enough on its own to identify a moisture problem. Share clear photographs before making major changes or applying a treatment.
Help us understand your piece
Send an overall photo and close-up of the concern, your order reference if available, the display location, recent care or changes, and when the issue began.
04 / SUPPORT FOR HOMES & PROJECTS
Care beyond the original installation
Krystal Garden welcomes maintenance, repair, and warranty enquiries for small and large projects. Where on-site service is available, our artisans can visit your home or project location to assess the display and discuss the appropriate work.
Depending on the piece, support may include condition checks, terrarium care, adjustments to the composition, or repair and replacement of damaged elements. The proposed work, materials, cost, and timing are confirmed following assessment.
Service availability depends on your location and project requirements. Warranty support follows the coverage agreed for your order; maintenance and repairs outside that coverage are quoted separately.
A LITTLE GUIDANCE GOES A LONG WAY
Let’s care for your piece.
Send us photos, a brief description, and your location. Whether it is a desk terrarium or a larger feature, we can discuss the next step.
Request Care & Maintenance Support ↗General guidance only; follow the care instructions for your individual product. Images are AI-generated illustrations, not photographs of Krystal Garden service visits.
Further reading: RHS: Terrariums and bottle gardens · Garden on the Wall: Preserved moss care