Preserved Terrarium vs. Living Terrarium – Which One Is Right for You?

A terrarium is like a little world under glass, it’s charming and self‑contained, thriving for years or even decades when you get the basics right: light, water, airflow. But here’s the catch: you’ve got two different styles to pick from. One is living terrariums, packed with growing plants that change over time. The other is preserved terrariums, where real plants are treated to look fresh, without needing any care.

Below, we'll take a close look at both, with a simple table, reasons to pick each one, things to watch out for, and answers to your burning questions, so you can decide which is best for your space.

What’s the Difference Between Living and Preserved Terrariums?

A living terrarium is like its own little eco‑system. Inside, you’ll find plants like moss, ferns or Fittonia that photosynthesize, breathe, and grow. You’ll need to mist, trim, and open them now and again to stop mold. But do it right, and they can stay alive for years.

On the flip side, a preserved terrarium is basically a botanical snapshot. The moss and foliage are treated (often with glycerin) so they look alive without actually living. No watering, no pruning, just lasting beauty.

Living vs. Preserved: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Example of an XL live terrarium with Live S-Shaped Bonsai. Find it here. 

How They Stay Fresh

Living terrariums stay lush by recreating the cycles of nature. In a closed terrarium, moisture from the soil and plants evaporates, then condenses and drips back down, meaning your plants get watered naturally. The live plants inside perform photosynthesis by day and respire at night. In some terrarium setups, tiny “clean-up crew” insects like springtails can help keep things tidy by eating decaying matter, which helps prevent mould. They’re not always needed for a terrarium, many closed terrariums can survive and thrive perfectly well without them. 

Preserved terrariums rely on science to stay fresh in appearance. Their plants and mosses have been treated with glycerine, which replaces the natural water in their tissues, keeping them soft and colourful. Some are gently dyed to enhance or lock in their green shades. Since nothing inside is growing or decaying, you won’t see sudden browning or withering. As long as you don’t introduce moisture or direct harsh sunlight, a preserved terrarium will look just as good as the day you bought it.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both types are fantastic, but your ideal terrarium depends on what you want out of the experience.

Choose a living terrarium if:
- You enjoy hands-on plant care and don’t mind a little upkeep.
- You want a dynamic display that changes and grows over time.
- You have a spot with good natural light (not direct sun, but bright enough).
- You’re excited about a DIY project and want to use a kit or create your own little world.

Choose a preserved terrarium if:
- You want zero maintenance. If you often forget to water your plants, this is your dream option.
- You’re placing it somewhere with low light or where live plants would struggle (such as an office, hallway).
- You travel frequently or just can’t commit to caring for living greenery.
- You’re looking for a beautiful, long-lasting gift with a “wow” factor but no hassle.

Why We Love Preserved Terrariums

Preserved terrariums really are a game-changer for plant decor. They look every bit as lush and inviting as living terrariums, but without the worry of watering, trimming, or checking for bugs. They’re perfect if you want a pop of green in a tricky spot (like a windowless office) or if you want a stylish centrepiece that always looks fresh. And if you’re buying a terrarium as a gift, preserved options mean the recipient won’t have any plant-care anxiety. Just keep them out of high humidity and direct sun, and they’ll brighten your space for years.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Preserved terrariums are designed to be decorative accents for your home or office, rather than functional gardens that actively grow or help purify the air. They will retain their original shape and appearance and won’t change over time, so if you’re hoping for the satisfaction of watching new leaves appear or plants develop, a living terrarium is a better choice. When deciding where to display your preserved terrarium, it’s important to keep it away from very humid environments, such as bathrooms, and to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, since too much moisture or harsh light can cause mould or make the colours fade. Some preserved moss and foliage may have a faint earthy scent when they are brand new, but this usually disappears after a short while.

Explore Our Tropical Glass Preserved Terrariums

Here’s what we offer:

• Small Dome Terrarium, snap that classic look with a sleek glass dome on cork.
• Large Cloche Terrarium, a modern design meets natural texture.
• Boa Vista Geometric Terrarium, a bold statement piece, great for desks or tables.

All handcrafted in the UK, all preserved and ready to display, no fuss, no follow‑up care.

Deciding between a living or preserved terrarium depends on what you want: a breathing mini-garden or a maintenance‑free art piece. Either way, both bring a touch of green and a bit of joy.

Browse our collection of terrariums and find the one that suits your style. If you have questions about care, starter kits, or want some help picking, just reach out. We’d love to help you bring a little world of green into your life.

FAQs

Do preserved terrariums need water?

No, preserved terrariums should never be watered. Unlike living terrariums, which benefit from occasional watering, preserved terrariums are meant to stay completely dry. Any moisture can damage the preserved plants and moss, leading to discolouration, mould, or premature deterioration. For best results, simply place your preserved terrarium somewhere safe and dry and enjoy the low-maintenance greenery with no need to reach for the watering can.

Can preserved terrariums get mold?

It’s very unlikely for preserved terrariums to develop mould, provided they are kept in a dry location and away from excess humidity. However, if water is accidentally added or the terrarium is placed in a damp environment, there is a risk of mould forming on the preserved materials. As long as you avoid moisture and keep your terrarium in a typical indoor climate, it should stay fresh and mould-free for years.

How long do preserved terrariums they last?

Preserved terrariums typically keep their vibrant colour and appearance for three to five years, and with good care, some can last up to ten years. Over time, you might notice a gentle fading of colour or a slight change in texture, but their beauty is remarkably long-lasting compared to fresh arrangements. To maximise their lifespan, display your preserved terrarium out of direct sunlight and away from areas with high humidity.

Are preserved terrariums good gifts?

Absolutely. Preserved terrariums are a brilliant gift idea because they are unique, long-lasting, and completely hassle-free. Their natural appearance is a real conversation starter, and because they require no ongoing care, they’re perfect for anyone, especially those who might not have a green thumb or much time for plant care.

Can you mix preserved and live terrarium plants?

It’s not recommended to mix preserved and live plants in the same terrarium. Each type has opposite requirements: living plants need moisture and a humid environment, while preserved plants and moss need things to stay dry. If you try to combine them, either the live plants will dry out or the preserved elements will suffer from excess moisture, so it’s always best to choose one approach per terrarium.