Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're buying your first terrarium or looking for advice after your order arrives, we've answered the questions we're asked most often below.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're always happy to help.
🌿 Before You Buy
Why choose Flower & Twig?
Because we genuinely love terrariums.
Flower & Twig started from a love of plants and a fascination with the tiny ecosystems you can create inside glass. We know buying a terrarium kit can feel a little daunting if you've never made one before, so we've designed our kits to be simple, enjoyable and beginner friendly.
Every order is packed by hand in Melbourne using carefully selected plants and quality materials, and if you ever have a question, you'll be talking to a real person who genuinely wants to help.
Our goal has never been to simply sell terrariums. We want to help more people discover how relaxing and rewarding they can be.
What makes Flower & Twig different?
We like to think we're building more than a shop.
Yes, we sell DIY terrarium kits, plants and supplies, but we also want to be a place where people feel confident learning about terrariums. That's why we're constantly adding care guides, helpful articles and practical advice to make the hobby feel less intimidating.
We're also a little obsessed with the details. From choosing healthy plants to making sure your glass is packed safely, we put the same care into every order that we'd hope for if it was arriving at our own door.
Do I need a green thumb?
Definitely not.
If there's one thing we've learnt over the years, it's that almost everyone tells us they're "terrible with plants."
The funny thing is, many of those same people end up becoming completely hooked on terrariums.
Closed terrariums are surprisingly forgiving because they create their own little ecosystem. Once they're established, they need very little watering and only the occasional trim.
So if you've been putting off buying a terrarium because you don't think you're a plant person, we'd encourage you to give it a go. You might surprise yourself!
What's included in a terrarium kit?
Everything you need to build your own miniature ecosystem.
Depending on the kit you choose, you'll receive:
- A glass terrarium
- Live terrarium plants
- Living moss
- Drainage materials
- Decorative sand
- Premium terrarium substrate
- Decorative stones
- Decorations (where included)
- Step-by-step instructions
The only thing you'll need is around 20-30 minutes to yourself. Put the kettle on, clear a little space on the table and enjoy creating something that's completely your own.
Can I trust buying live plants online?
Absolutely.
We know ordering live plants online can feel a little strange if you've never done it before, but they're much tougher than they look.
Every order is packed carefully by hand to help protect both the plants and the glass while they're travelling. We choose plants that are well suited to terrariums and travel well, so they arrive ready to become part of your miniature ecosystem.
If there ever is a problem with your order, just let us know. We'll always do our best to make it right.
Can I contact you if I need help?
Of course.
Whether you're trying to decide which terrarium to buy, wondering if a particular spot in your home is suitable, or you've built your terrarium and just want to check that everything looks right, we're always happy to help.
One of the nicest parts of running Flower & Twig is hearing from plant lovers and people discovering terrariums for the first time.
And if you're worried your question might be silly... we can almost guarantee someone else has asked it before!
We're here to help you enjoy your terrarium, not just sell you one.
🌱 Getting Started
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a miniature garden grown inside a container.
Think of it as your own little piece of nature, carefully arranged to create a tiny living landscape. Over time the plants grow, the moss settles in and the whole terrarium slowly develops its own character.
One of the things we love most about terrariums is that no two are ever exactly the same. Even if two people start with the very same kit, they'll each create something completely unique.
How does a closed terrarium work?
This is one of the reasons terrariums are so fascinating.
Inside a closed terrarium, water is constantly recycled. As the day warms up, moisture evaporates from the soil and plants, creating condensation on the inside of the glass. As it cools, that moisture drips back into the soil, where the plants can use it again.
It's like a tiny water cycle happening inside the glass.
Because the moisture is recycled, closed terrariums need very little watering compared to most houseplants, which is one of the reasons they're so easy to care for.
Are your terrarium kits suitable for beginners?
Absolutely!
In fact, they're designed with beginners in mind.
Most of our customers have never built a terrarium before, so we've created our kits to make the whole experience simple and enjoyable. Everything is included, and our step-by-step instructions guide you through the process from start to finish.
We've also chosen plants that naturally thrive in a terrarium, so you're already off to a great start.
If you can follow a recipe, you can build a beautiful terrarium.
How long does it take to build a terrarium?
Most people finish building their terrarium in around 20–30 minutes.
Some like to take their time, experimenting with different layouts until everything feels just right. Others just jump straight in and enjoy seeing it come together.
There's no right or wrong way to do it.
Our advice? Put your favourite music on, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy slowing down for half an hour. Building your terrarium is all part of the experience.
Do I need any gardening experience?
Not at all.
You don't need to know the names of plants or have years of gardening experience to build a terrarium.
We've already done the hard work by choosing plants that grow well together and providing everything you'll need to get started.
The only thing you really need is a little curiosity and the willingness to have a go.
We've lost count of the number of customers who've told us, "I wish I'd tried this sooner."
🪴 Choosing the Right Terrarium
What's the difference between an open and closed terrarium?
A closed terrarium has a lid or cork that helps keep moisture inside, creating a humid environment that tropical plants love. They're perfect for plants like Fittonias, ferns, Peperomia and moss, and because they recycle their own moisture, they're wonderfully low maintenance once established.
An open terrarium doesn't have a lid, so fresh air can circulate freely. They're better suited to plants that prefer drier conditions, like succulents and cacti.
If you're hoping to create a lush little rainforest, we'd recommend a closed terrarium every time. If you're more drawn to a clean, minimalist look with succulents, an open terrarium is a great choice.
Which terrarium is best for beginners?
Without a doubt, we'd recommend a closed terrarium.
People often assume they're more difficult because they look so impressive, but it's actually the opposite. Once the ecosystem settles in, a closed terrarium looks after itself remarkably well.
Because the moisture is constantly recycled, there's very little watering to think about, making them one of the easiest ways to enjoy indoor plants.
If you're buying your very first terrarium, we'd confidently point you towards one of our beginner-friendly closed terrarium kits.
What size terrarium should I buy?
There's no right or wrong answer - it really comes down to where you'd like to display it and how much space you'd like to create with.
Smaller terrariums are perfect for desks, shelves and bedside tables. They're also a lovely introduction if you've never built one before.
Medium-sized terrariums are our most popular because they give you enough room to create a beautiful landscape while still fitting comfortably into most homes.
If you're looking for something that really catches people's attention, a larger terrarium gives you even more freedom to experiment with different plants, moss and decorations.
If you're ever unsure, just send us a message. We'd much rather help you choose the right size than have you wondering after it arrives.
Can I buy a terrarium kit without the glass?
Yes, you can, we have lots of options available in our kits without glass section here.
Our terrarium kits without glass are a great option if you already have a container at home or you've found a piece of glassware that would make the perfect terrarium.
You'll receive all the plants and materials needed to build your terrarium - you simply provide the glass.
It's also a lovely way to give an old vase or glass jar a new purpose. We're always on the hunt for unusual glass in our local opshops!
Which terrarium makes the best gift?
That's a bit like asking us to choose a favourite!
If you're buying for someone who's completely new to terrariums, we'd usually recommend one of our beginner-friendly closed terrarium kits. They're easy to build, simple to care for and make a wonderful introduction to the hobby.
What we love most about giving a terrarium as a gift is that it's more than just something to unwrap.
The person receiving it gets to slow down, build something with their own hands and enjoy watching it grow over the months and years ahead.
It's part gift, part experience - and that's exactly why so many of our customers choose them for birthdays, housewarmings and Christmas.
Where should I put my terrarium?
One of the lovely things about terrariums is that they don't need a huge amount of space.
A bright shelf, coffee table, desk, kitchen bench or bedside table can all be great spots, provided the terrarium receives plenty of bright, indirect light.
We don't recommend placing it in direct afternoon sun, as the glass can heat up quite quickly.
If you're not sure where yours will go, don't worry. Once it arrives, we're always happy to help you find the perfect spot.
🍃 Plants
Are the plants in your terrarium kits real?
Every Flower & Twig terrarium kit includes real, living plants that have been chosen because they naturally thrive in the warm, humid environment of a closed terrarium.
One of our favourite things about terrariums is that they're never "finished". Your plants will continue to grow, settle in and change over time, so your terrarium becomes something that's uniquely yours.
Will my terrarium plants grow?
Yes - and that's exactly what they're meant to do.
A terrarium isn't something you build once and leave exactly as it is forever. It's a living ecosystem, so you'll notice new leaves appearing, plants becoming fuller and your terrarium gradually developing its own personality.
Sometimes customers ask us if they're doing something wrong because a plant has grown taller than expected.
Quite the opposite!
New growth is usually a sign that your terrarium is happy.
Do I need to trim my terrarium plants?
Every now and then, yes. Think of it like giving your terrarium a little haircut.
As your plants grow, you might notice one becoming a bit taller than the others or starting to touch the glass. A quick trim helps keep everything balanced and encourages many plants to grow back even bushier.
It's one of the lovely things about terrariums! They're always changing, and a little maintenance every now and then helps keep them looking their best.
Why has my moss changed colour?
Don't panic! This is one of the most common questions we get.
Moss naturally changes throughout the year depending on moisture, light and temperature. It might become a little lighter, darker or develop some brown patches from time to time.
That doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
As long as your terrarium is receiving bright, indirect light and the moisture levels are about right, healthy moss will often recover on its own.
If you're ever unsure, you're always welcome to send us a photo. We're happy to take a look.
Can I buy terrarium plants and moss separately?
Yes you can! Whether you're refreshing an older terrarium, replacing a plant or building your own terrarium from scratch, we stock a range of terrarium plants and living moss that are perfectly suited to closed terrariums.
If you're not sure which plants work well together, just ask.
Helping people choose plants is one of our favourite parts of the job, and we're always happy to point you in the right direction.
All of our current plants and moss are available here.
Will my terrarium look exactly like the photos?
Because we're working with real, living plants, every terrarium is slightly different.
Plants naturally vary in size, shape and colour depending on the season and how they're growing. We occasionally substitute a plant if one variety isn't available, but we'll always choose something that's just as suitable for your terrarium.
No two terrariums are ever exactly the same, which means the one you create will be completely your own.
💧 Looking After Your Terrarium
How often should I water my terrarium?
This is easily the question we get asked the most!
The good news is that closed terrariums need far less water than most people expect.
Once your terrarium has settled in, it will usually only need watering every few months. That's because the moisture inside the glass is constantly recycled. Water evaporates from the soil and plants, collects on the inside of the glass, then slowly drips back down into the soil to begin the cycle all over again.
Rather than watering to a schedule, we always recommend watching your terrarium instead.
A light mist of condensation on the glass in the morning that clears during the day is usually a sign that everything is working exactly as it should.
If you're ever unsure, it's almost always better to wait another week than to add too much water.
Where should I keep my terrarium?
Terrariums love bright, indirect light.
A spot near a bright window is usually perfect, provided it isn't sitting in strong afternoon sun.
If you've ever walked through a rainforest, think about the plants growing beneath the trees. They receive plenty of light, but it's filtered rather than harsh. That's exactly the sort of environment your terrarium is happiest in.
We'd also recommend keeping it away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plants.
Why is there condensation on the glass?
Seeing condensation is actually a good thing.
It's one of the signs that your terrarium's little ecosystem is doing exactly what it should.
Ideally, you'll notice a light mist on the glass during cooler parts of the day, which gradually clears as the temperature changes.
If the glass is dripping with water all day, your terrarium probably has a little too much moisture. Simply remove the lid for a few hours to let some of the excess water escape before sealing it again.
A little condensation is healthy. Constant heavy condensation is your terrarium's way of telling you it would like to dry out a little.
My terrarium doesn't look the same as when I built it. Is that normal?
Completely normal.
In fact, we'd be more surprised if it did look exactly the same!
Terrariums are living ecosystems, so they're always changing. Plants grow, moss settles in and the whole landscape slowly evolves over time.
That's one of the reasons we love them so much.
Unlike artificial plants, your terrarium tells its own little story as it grows, and no two will ever develop in exactly the same way.
There's a little mould in my terrarium. Should I be worried?
This is one of the questions we hear most often from first-time terrarium owners, and the good news is that a small amount of mould is quite common while a new terrarium settles in.
As the ecosystem finds its balance, fungi help break down natural material, and in many cases the mould disappears on its own after a week or two.
If there's more than you'd expect, remove any dead leaves, leave the lid off for a few hours and avoid adding more water until things settle down.
And if you're still unsure, just send us a photo. We'd much rather help you early than have you worrying that you've done something wrong.
Can I save my terrarium if something goes wrong?
One of the biggest misconceptions about terrariums is that they're delicate, but the truth is, they're surprisingly resilient.
If you've accidentally overwatered it, noticed a little mould or think one of the plants doesn't look quite right, don't panic.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply give your terrarium a little time. Small changes often settle naturally without needing much intervention.
If you can't work out what's happening, send us a few photos and we'll happily point you in the right direction.
Helping people get their terrariums back on track is one of our favourite emails to receive.
How long will my terrarium last?
With the right care, your terrarium can be enjoyed for many years.
Because it's a living ecosystem, it will continue to grow and change over time. You might occasionally trim a plant, tidy the moss or replace a plant that's outgrown its space, but that's all part of the experience.
Some of the oldest terrariums in the world have been growing for decades.
While every terrarium is different, there's no reason yours can't be something you enjoy for many years to come.
📦 Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
We currently ship our DIY terrarium kits and live plants to Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT.
Unfortunately, due to Australia's biosecurity regulations, we're unable to send live plants to Western Australia, Tasmania or the Northern Territory.
Each Australian state has its own biosecurity regulations designed to protect local agriculture and native ecosystems.
We know this can be disappointing, but it's a legal requirement that we must follow.
If you're looking for terrarium supplies that don't include live plants, moss or soil, feel free to get in touch. We'll always let you know what's available.
Can I get Express Post?
Express post is available as an option for all orders under 5kg. The weight is calculated at checkout. If your order is under 5kg, the express option will be available there.
Please note Express Post speeds up the delivery once your parcel has been dispatched - it doesn't skip the production queue.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We usually pack and dispatch orders within 3–5 business days.
Once your parcel is with Australia Post, delivery times will depend on where you live. As soon as it's on its way, we'll send you a tracking number so you can keep an eye on its journey.
If you're ordering for a birthday, special occasion or a particular date, we'd always recommend ordering a little earlier where possible. It gives your parcel plenty of time to arrive without any last-minute stress. Please let us know if you need it urgently and we will do our very best to get it to you.
How are live plants shipped?
With lots of care.
Every order is packed by hand here in Melbourne, and we take our time making sure both the plants and the glass are well protected for their journey.
The plants are carefully prepared before they're packed and are surprisingly resilient while in transit. Once your order arrives, simply unpack everything as soon as you can and your plants will be ready to become part of your new terrarium.
We still get excited packing every order, and we hope opening the box feels just as exciting.
Do you ship during very hot weather?
We always keep an eye on the weather when shipping live plants.
If extreme temperatures are expected, we may occasionally delay dispatch for a short time to give your plants the best chance of arriving safely.
If this happens, we'll let you know.
What should I do when my terrarium arrives?
The first thing you'll want to do is unpack everything and have a look through your kit.
If you're planning to build your terrarium straight away, you're ready to go!
If you'd like to wait a day or two, simply take the plants out of their packaging and place them in a tray somewhere with bright, indirect light. A little bit of water, if needed, will help keep them happy until you're ready to start. The moss will be fine in the sealed bag it is in, just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight - it's not a big fan of it!
What if something is missing from my order?
We're sorry if that happens.
If you think an item has been missed, please let us know as soon as possible.
We'll check your order and arrange to send any missing items as quickly as we can.
What if my glass arrives broken?
While it's rare, we know accidents can occasionally happen during shipping.
If your glass arrives damaged, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery and send us a few clear photos of the damaged glass, the packaging and the outside of the box.
We'll organise a replacement as quickly as we can so you can get on with the fun part - building your terrarium!
Can I collect my order?
Yes, we now offer click and collect! If you're local to Melbourne, you can select local pickup during checkout.
We'll let you know as soon as your order is packed and ready to collect. They normally take 1-2 business days to prepare. Please put your preferred pickup date in the notes to seller at checkout. If you need it sooner than that, please give us a call or text on 0407994777 and we'll do our best to have it ready asap.
Pickup is from our warehouse in Clik Collective, 40-44 Robbs Rd, West Footscray, 3012 VIC. Pickup hours are Monday to Friday 9-5pm.
Please go to reception with your order number and one of the friendly staff members will grab your order for you.
Can I choose when my order is shipped?
If you'd like your order dispatched on or after a particular date, simply leave us a note at checkout and we'll do our very best to accommodate your request.
While we can't guarantee a delivery date once your parcel is with Australia Post, we're always happy to help where we can.
I'm not planting my terrarium straight away, how do I care for the plants?
You just need to pop them in a tray in bright, indirect sunlight and keep them moist until ready for planting.
The moss will be fine in the sealed bag it is in, just make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight - it's not a big fan of it!
A little note from us...
Every Flower & Twig order is packed by hand.
We know how exciting it is to receive a parcel you've been looking forward to, so we take the time to carefully wrap the glass, protect the plants and check that everything is just right before it leaves us.
It might take a little longer than simply putting items in a box, but we think it's worth it.
After all, we'd pack your order exactly the way we'd hope someone would pack ours.
🛒 Orders & Returns
I entered the wrong shipping address. What should I do?
Don't worry, just contact us as soon as you can.
If your order hasn't been dispatched, we'll happily update your delivery address before it leaves us.
If Australia Post has already collected your parcel, we'll do everything we can to assist, although changes may not always be possible.
Can I change my order after I've placed it?
Yes, as long as your order hasn't already been packed or dispatched.
If you've realised you've ordered the wrong kit, forgotten to add something, or entered the wrong details, simply get in touch with us as soon as possible. We'll always do our best to make any changes before your order leaves us.
Once your parcel has been dispatched, we may no longer be able to make changes, but we'll still help wherever we can.
What if I change my mind?
We understand that plans can change.
If you've changed your mind about your order, contact us as soon as possible.
If your parcel hasn't been dispatched yet, we'll be able to cancel your order.
If it has already been shipped, our standard returns policy will apply where eligible.
I forgot to add something to my order. Can I include it?
If your order hasn't been packed yet, contact us as soon as possible and let us know what you'd like to add.
We'll do our best to include the additional item so everything arrives together.
Can I cancel my order?
If your order hasn't been packed or dispatched, we'll usually be able to cancel it.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can check the status of your order.
If your parcel has already been sent, our normal returns policy will apply.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept a range of secure payment methods, including the options displayed during checkout.
You'll be able to choose your preferred payment method before completing your purchase.
Is it safe to order through your website?
It is very safe and secure. Our website uses secure payment processing to help protect your personal and payment information.
You can shop with confidence knowing your checkout is encrypted and processed securely.
Will I receive an order confirmation?
As soon as your order has been placed, you'll receive a confirmation email with your order details.
If you don't receive it within a few minutes, it's worth checking your junk or spam folder.
If you still can't find it, get in touch and we'll be happy to resend it.
When will I receive my tracking information?
Once your order has been packed and dispatched, we'll send you an email containing your Australia Post tracking number.
You can use this to follow your parcel all the way to your door.
Do you accept returns?
We offer a 7 day return policy, so if you need to return an item, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order.
Return Eligibility
To be eligible for a return, your item must:
- Be in the same condition you received it, with no signs of use, damage or neglect.
- Include healthy, living plants.
- Be accompanied by your proof of purchase.
Please note that we can't accept returns or exchanges that have been sent back without contacting us first.
To request an exchange, email us at hello@flowerandtwignursery.com.au. If your request is approved, we'll provide instructions on how and where to return your item.
Return Shipping
- If your item arrives damaged or faulty: We'll cover the cost of return shipping.
- If you've changed your mind or would like to exchange your item: Return postage is the responsibility of the customer.
Do you offer advice after I've received my order?
Yes we do, we're here long after your parcel arrives!
If you have any questions while building your terrarium or caring for it afterwards, simply get in touch.
Whether you're unsure about watering, trimming or identifying a problem, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Gifts
Do terrarium kits make a good gift?
We might be a little biased, but we think they make a pretty special gift.
A terrarium kit is more than just a box of plants - it's something to create. The person receiving it gets to slow down, build their own miniature landscape and then enjoy watching it grow over the months and years ahead.
It's thoughtful, a little unexpected and something people often remember long after the occasion has passed.
Whether you're buying for a birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, a housewarming or simply because someone loves plants, a terrarium is a gift that's made to be enjoyed.
What if they've never built a terrarium before?
Many of our customers are building a terrarium for the very first time.
Every kit includes everything they need, along with clear step-by-step instructions that guide them through the process.
One of our favourite things to hear is, "I was worried I'd get it wrong... but it was actually much easier than I expected."
That's exactly why we designed our kits the way we did.
Can I send a terrarium directly as a gift?
Yes, you can! Simply enter the recipient's delivery address during checkout and we'll send it directly to them.
If you'd like to include a personal message, leave it in the order notes and we'll handwrite it on one of our gift cards.
We also don't include invoices or pricing information inside gift orders, so your recipient can simply enjoy opening their surprise.
What if I'm not sure which terrarium to choose?
If you're buying for someone who's new to terrariums, we'd usually recommend one of our beginner-friendly closed terrarium kits.
They're easy to build, simple to care for and make a wonderful introduction to the hobby.
If you're still not sure, just get in touch.
Tell us a little about the person you're buying for and we'll happily recommend a kit we think they'll love. We do it all the time, and it's one of our favourite conversations to have.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we have gift cards available.
If you're shopping for someone who loves plants but you're not quite sure which terrarium they'd choose, a Flower & Twig gift card is a wonderful option.
It lets them pick exactly the kit, plants or supplies they'd like, while still giving them the experience of creating something themselves.
Gift cards are delivered digitally, making them perfect for those last minute occasions when you still want to give something thoughtful.
Still have a question?
We know buying your first terrarium can come with lots of questions, and that's completely okay.
Whether you're choosing a kit, looking for advice or wondering if terrariums are right for you, we're always happy to help.
Just send us a message through our contact us page and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.