F.  A.  Q.

Is it normal that there are small white insects in the soil of the ecosystem?

Do not worry, it is completely normal. The white insects are called springtails, and are a natural part of a healthy ecosystem as they eat and break down dead plant material. Without them, the risk of algae and mold in the terrarium increases. They occur naturally in the soil and are not harmful to the plants within your ecosystem. They regulate themselves, ie in the beginning there are more, but after they have broken down the dead plant material, they decrease in numbers and are barely noticeable.

In short, they are not harmful to the plants but only do good and will reduce in numbers. If you continuously pick up dead leaves that have fallen, carefully and with kitchen tweezers for example, they should be barely noticeable.

Is it normal that the glass is often covered in condensation?

Condensation is essential to the balance of the ecosystem. Falling back into the earth, the water is absorbed again by the roots. The water cycle is then complete. It focuses on the coldest side of the glass garden. Turn it frequently so that the watering is homogeneous. If the condensation is uncomfortable to you, open the jar while you run a hand along the inner glass wall to make it flow faster. Do not open the lid as soon as condensation appears, otherwise the self-sufficiency of your growth will be threatened.

If a thick mist appears inside the container and prevents you from seeing the plants, it may be the consequence of too much heat or a sunburn. Therefore, we advise you to open the lid until the the temperature falls and the overflow of moisture evaporates. It is also a sign that your PETIT JARDIN must be placed out of the direct rays of the sun.

Why did the leaves of the tree turn yellow?

Yellowing of the leaves may be the consequence of too much or too low a presence of moisture in your composition.
If the earth at the base of the main tree is muddy or soggy, and that the mosses are dark green, and are drenched in water, then the PETIT JARDIN has been over-watered.

In this case, the lid must be left open for the time necessary for the overflow of moisture to evaporate and the surface earth to be moist and not soaked with water.

If, on the other hand, the earth seems dry to the touch, it means that the ecosystem has probably been opened too often or it is time to water it (in small quantities, do not hesitate to refer to the watering recommendations received with your PETIT JARDIN).

Also, yellowing of the leaves can also be caused by watering with water that is too calcareous (like tap water). It is important that watering is done with with filtered (distilled) or rainwater, and not water from the tap.

What do I do if i see black stains on the leaves?

Black spots on the foliage are caused by a fungus.

Leaves should be removed by hand to prevent further spread. Remember to remove the lid of your composition for 24 hours to allow time for your plant to heal.

However, black spots can also appear when you place your PETIT JARDIN in the direct sun, which should never happen. The sun crossing the glass of your terrarium will create a magnifying effect that will burn the foliage of the plant, causing the appearance of brown or black spot.

Why do leaves that look healthy and green fall from the tree?

This phenomenon is natural and caused by the aging of the leaf or the need for them to be replaced by younger leaves, as happens in nature.

If in the first weeks after the purchase of the PETIT JARDIN the phenomenon occurs frequently, it is the the plants reinforcing themselves by developing their root network and getting used to their new hygrometry (humidity of the air in the inside of the jar).

Why do the edges of the leaves dry up or curl?

The foliage of a plant tends to dry on its ends or around it when the heat is too strong or the interior humidity too low.

What do I do if i see mold in the petit jardin?

During the first few weeks after receiving your PETIT JARDIN, you may notice a development of mold on the mosses, branches, leaves or gravel. It will usually look like a white or gray cotton-like mold that appears due to the different living elements inside the PETIT JARDIN not being acclimated yet.

Remove the mold as quickly as possible with a clean cloth to prevent their growth. This should suffice to allow a new biological balance to be reached.
If a mold is spreading on the whole or a large part of a leaf, cut it at its base.
Light is a natural brake on mold growth. Be sure to follow the maintenance recommendations provided with your PETIT JARDIN to minimize the possibility of their appearance.

We also advise you to open the lid 24 hours, the time to ventilate the PETIT JARDIN and stop the spread of mold.

Be careful, do not place your PETIT JARDIN near a heat source. This could raise the temperature to levels that are too high for the plant and lead to the growth of mold and to leaves falling.

What should I do if the trunk of the tree becomes soft?

Generally, this phenomenon is accompanied by a loss of several leaves and that the trunk is soft to the touch. It is then the victim either of excessive watering which led to the rotting of the roots and the trunk, or of a xylophagous worm (that feeds on wood).

Unfortunately, in this case it will be necessary to replace the plant. Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail (hello@petitjardin.se) to arrange a replacement.

What should I do if i see insects in the ecosystem?

Not all insects are harmful to the development of your terrarium.

If you see earthworms in the earth, millipedes, small snails or gnats, you can let them cohabit with your plants (unless it bothers you, in which case you can remove them). If there are slugs or large snails, remove them to prevent them from feeding on your plants. They were probably incorporated into your ecosystem when it was created, in the state of larva or egg nestled in the moss or earth. Earth naturally contains such larva and eggs.

If you see mealybugs that are characterised by small cotton-like white spots on or under the leaves, you will need to treat your PETIT JARDIN by spraying the plants with a insecticide (unfortunately, to treat this kind of pests, organic products do not often suffice).

Other potential parasites may be red spiders or aphids. They will have to be treated like mealybugs.

In case we haven’t answered your question, please contact hello@petitjardin.se.

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