Because the plants inside a terrarium create their own self-contained environment, they can thrive for years with little help from you, other than occasional pruning or trimming to keep the terrarium in shape. Sometimes, when the delicate balance inside the terrarium is disrupted by the accumulation of too much moisture, fungus or mold forms on decorative items such as pieces of driftwood. Correcting the problem requires cleaning the wood and restoring the balance of moisture inside the terrarium.
Open the terrarium to allow air to circulate freely. A buildup of moisture and lack of adequate air circulation is likely the cause of the problem with fungus. Getting the air moving and encouraging moisture to evaporate is the first step to correcting the problem.
Remove the wood pieces that show signs of fungus. Examine all the wooden pieces in the terrarium closely. If they appear wet or soggy, remove and treat them as well to prevent fungus problems in the future.
Scrape the fungus from the wood with a knife or paint scraper. Place the scrapings in a plastic bag and tie securely. Dispose of the bag in the trash to prevent the fungus from infecting other areas of your home.
Soak the affected sections of wood in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the wood and scrub it with a scrub brush to loosen any residue. Dip the wood into the bleach and water solution to rinse away the bits of residue.
Place the piece of wood in a sunny location to dry thoroughly. The bleach and water solution kills mold and fungi, while drying the wood thoroughly eliminates the conditions needed for fungus and mold to regrow.
Reintroduce the sanitized and dried wood in the terrarium after the terrarium has aired out and the moisture level has decreased. The soil in your terrarium should feel slightly moist but not soggy. Plants should be free of excess moisture.
Check the terrarium daily for signs of excess moisture or drying and adjust your care accordingly to re-establish the delicate balance inside the terrarium.
Things You Will Need
- Plastic bag
- Place an old jar cover or plastic lid under the wood to prevent contact with moist soil.
- Water the terrarium only when the soil is dry or when the plants show signs of wilting.
- Open the top of the terrarium to air it out periodically. Although some condensation on the lid or sides is normal, especially when the terrarium warms in the morning, heavy condensation on the sides or top signals the interior of the terrarium is too moist.
- Bleach kills mold and fungus on the surface, but some spores may remain deep inside the wood and regrow when exposed to moist, warm conditions.
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