Semi-Closed Bell Terrariums - Fern, Moss & Ludisia discolor
Fern, Ludisia discolor & Moss
(30 × 30 cm)
This larger, softly rounded terrarium is designed to feel calm, balanced, and quietly lush. The wide glass body creates a generous internal landscape, while the narrow opening at the top allows the system to breathe just enough to stay stable and forgiving.
Planted with a graceful fern, velvety Ludisia discolor (jewel orchid), and living moss, this terrarium thrives with very little intervention and continues to evolve beautifully over time.
Why I Love This One
This terrarium feels like a small forest floor captured in glass. The fern provides movement and softness, the jewel orchid adds depth and contrast with its dark, veined leaves, and the moss slowly knits everything together.
It’s one of those pieces that doesn’t demand attention, but quietly rewards it. The proportions, plant choices, and glass shape work together to create a system that feels settled almost immediately.
This terrarium is designed as a semi-closed system, allowing minimal air exchange through the narrow opening. This makes it very stable and easy to care for.
If desired, the buyer can add a cork or glass stopper to convert it into a fully closed terrarium, creating a more self-contained ecosystem.
Light
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Bright, indirect light
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Avoid direct sun, which can overheat the glass
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Water
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Use reverse osmosis or distilled water only
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Add water very sparingly — this setup prefers slightly moist conditions, not wet soil
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In most cases, water is only needed every few months, depending on your home environment
Overwatering increases the risk of rot (and sometimes mould), especially in semi-closed setups.
Only add small amounts of water at a time
Do not let water rise into the soil layer
If you can see water pooling above the clay balls/stones, it’s too much , leave it open to dry out a bit
Important: this terrarium has a drainage reservoir (clay balls / stones) at the bottom.
That reservoir is there to keep roots out of standing water, but it should not be filled like a water tank.-
Condensation
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Light condensation is normal and healthy
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Persistent heavy condensation means there is too much water or heat
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Simply leave the opening uncovered for a short time to rebalance
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Temperature
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Best kept in normal indoor temperatures
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Avoid placing near heaters, fireplaces, hot windowsills, or areas with strong temperature swings
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If the glass ever feels warm to the touch, it’s getting too much heat/light
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Care & Maintenance
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No regular air refresh needed when kept semi-closed
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If converted to fully closed, open briefly every few weeks or if condensation persists
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Trimming is rarely needed — growth is slow and controlled
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If trimming is needed, do small trims and “feed” the terrarium rather than removing lots of plant material (to keep nutrients cycling in the system)
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