STORE FAQS:
What types of products does Terrarium carry? Our store specializes in indoor and patio plants, custom terrariums and terrarium supplies, and botanically inspired decor and gifts. While most of our plants are live, we do carry a selection of faux, dried and preserved plants as well. Our home and gift selection features unique finds from many independent makers and creative brands you won’t find in other stores in our area.
What are your store hours? We are open 11am – 5pm Tuesday- Friday, 10am – 5pm Saturdays, and 1pm-4pm on Sunday. We are closed on Monday. Exceptions to this schedule may occur during holidays, market dates, special events, and inclement weather. Follow our Facebook Page or Instagram for regular updates.
Do you sell actual Terrariums? Yes of course! We have a variety of pre-designed terrariums in all shapes and sizes, ready to perfectly compliment your decor or to be shared as a lovely gift, but we will also have all the supplies you might need to design your own as well.
Do you sell outdoor plants? No, we specialize in indoor house plants. However, Houston is lucky to have a climate that tropical plants find very agreeable for many months of the year. Don’t be afraid to make those indoor plants outdoor plants in comfortable weather!
Can you help me with general plant care? Yes, we will:
-Repot plants for you for a small fee
-Provide advice on lighting, pests, watering, etc
-Trim your plant for you for propagation
-Diagnose plants with ailments
-Assist with staking and moss-poling your large climbing plants
Do you accept returns? Please make sure you thoughtfully choose each product you plan to purchase, and LOVE the selection you have made before you pay for it. We can not accept returns and all sales are final. Because we offer assembled by hand, one-of-a-kind and limited quantity items, we are not able to allow our customers to return or exchange their purchase. Distressed, aged, and vintage products are sold AS IS with all their lovely flaws. If you change your mind, consider gifting your item to someone who would love it.
Can I have a party at Terrarium House? Yes! Throw a green-themed party here in store with us. From private shopping time to group DIY classes, we’re happy to help your party come to life. We have a modestly sized private space for small parties. Please contact us here for more information.
Is your shop pet friendly? Yes! We welcome all well behaved, leashed animals.
Will you buy my plants? No, we do not purchase plants from non-wholesaler accounts. If you have plants you’d like to rehome we’d be happy to help you set them up with new owners.
I have a product that I think would make a great addition to Terrarium’s selection. Who do I talk to? We LOVE unique items and collaborations with small businesses like ourselves. Feel free to send us some product details via email at info@terrariumplanthouse.com for consideration.
Is your store and classroom space ADA accessible? Unfortunately due to the age of our building, there are no wheelchair ramp accessible entrances.
Where do I park? We are located directly next to a free public parking lot on the corner of W Main Street and S Cherry Street.
CLASSES FAQS:
What’s included in the DIY Terrarium Building class? Our classes teach you everything you need to know about terrarium building and upkeep step by step from start to finish.
Included in the class sign up fee:
-A 1 quart mason jar with a custom glass lid
-Drainage layers and terrarium soil
-Live tropical plants
-Live green moss
-Decorative rocks
-Our 30 day warranty
Available for additional purchase:
-Larger, more decorative vessels
-Fun trinkets to put inside your terrarium
-Maintenance kits
When are the DIY Terrarium Building classes? We currently offer the following times for classes:
Fridays 5:30-7:30 PM
Saturdays 10:00-12:00 PM
Sundays 4:30-6:30 PM
If any of these days do not work for you, please reach out about scheduling an off-hours private class.
How long is the DIY Terrarium Building class? We book classes in 2 hour increments, but you may finish before or after that time frame. No rush!
Do you recommend this class for children? Absolutely! Terrariums are a wonderful way to teach children about the plant life cycle and watching ecosystems in action. We recommend the terrarium class for children 8 and up. Children younger than 8 may need parent assistance.
Can I bring my own container? Unfortunately no, we ask please no outside containers in the class. Only certain containers are suitable to be used as terrariums and we want to set you up for success with the right type of vessel.
Can 2 people share making a terrarium? Yes, but both students must pay for a class spot, and each class spot includes the 1 quart mason jar. To get the most bang for your buck we recommend sharing the creation of two terrariums together, or have your instructor make the 1 quart mason jar for you while you and your friend work on your joint project.
Can I still attend a class if I don’t want to make a terrarium? Because space is limited in our studio, we do not allow “spectators” in our classes. Every single person in the classroom space must have a spot paid for regardless of whether or not they intend to make a terrarium. Some exceptions to this rule are parents helping a child make their terrarium, or people who physically cannot make terrariums or need assistance. If you have questions about someone in your group wanting to attend a class but not participate in creating a terrarium, please contact us.
Can I bring food or drink to my class? Classes are BYOB! Please feel free to bring your own beer, wine, seltzer, or cider. We ask please, no liquor. Food is only permitted for private classes.
What if I want to book more than 6 people? Have a planty party at Terrarium House! Groups of 7 or more are welcome to book our classroom space for a private event like a birthday party, team building, girl’s night, bachelor party, school trip, or more. Please contact us here for more information.
I don’t have time to take a class. What are my options? We sell assembled terrariums and DIY kits in store. Come visit us!
What is your cancellation policy? Terrarium Plant House understands that sometimes schedules change and therefore request at least 72 hour notice when rescheduling your class. We do not offer refunds for booked classes. A credit card on file is required to book and reschedule classes. We offer 1 rescheduling free of charge and all reschedules after that will incur a 50% cost fee of (half of cost of class) per person booked.
Please note that if you are over 15 minutes late to your class you will be considered a no show and we will be forced to reschedule you with a no show fee of 50%.
If a person in your party cannot attend the class, a to-go terrarium kit will be packaged and sent home with you for that person.
TERRARIUMS FAQS:
What is a Terrarium? By definition, a terrarium is a glass container, partially or completely enclosed, used to house living plant specimens. Originating in the Victorian Era and created as a means to transport plant specimens from faraway places, the art of terrarium making has evolved into a much more eclectic use of materials and styles, and with a much more decorative than scientific purpose.
Are Terrariums hard to maintain? Not at all. Closed terrariums create their own little ecosystem that helps maintain moisture levels and will only need a little additional water and fresh air every now and then, and the occasional pruning of expired leaves or plants. There are actually some studied closed bottle terrariums that are reported to be over 50 years old. Open terrariums, such as those commonly used for succulents, are watered sparingly – sometimes only once every 2 weeks or more. If you are looking for a NO maintenance option, terrariums can even be created with some truly lifelike faux or preserved plants we carry as well.
Why do people put bugs in terrariums on purpose? Springtails are small, harmless bugs that love to help with the maintenance of terrariums. They are a crucial part of the decomposition cycle of the ecosystem inside your jar. In fact, they are so tiny you may never see them! They will live their lives entirely inside your jar and are not at risk of escaping into your home or other plants.
Do you sell live animals for terrariums? We are in the process of preparing live isopods and springtails for purchase! Please stay tuned. If you are interested in larger animals like dart frogs, lizards, or invertebrates, we are happy to recommend many local Houston businesses.
Help! What do I do about mold? Mold is a normal part of a terrarium’s life, and especially common in the first six months of a terrarium as it’s balancing its moisture cycle. Remove anything that seems overcome by mold as it may be feasting upon a dead leaf. We highly recommend the addition of springtails to control mold and plant waste.
Help! My terrarium grew a mushroom? Congratulations, you made a thriving ecosystem! While beautiful, mushrooms can be destructive by the amount they’re capable of disrupting the gas cycle inside your terrarium. We recommend trimming mushrooms at the base and discarding to prevent sporing. Do not eat the mushrooms that grow in your terrarium.
My terrarium is not thriving. What should I do? If your terrarium is a bit under the weather, don’t panic! We are here to help. Please send pictures to us via text or email and we’ll be happy to consult you on bringing it back to life. Terrariums that are beyond repair can be brought in to store and replanted for the cost of supplies.
Will you make a terrarium for me? Absolutely! Bring us your container or come shop one of ours and tell us how you’d like it to look.
Do your terrariums ever need water? While some terrariums last years and years being sealed, we do not recommend aiming for a terrarium that never needs to be opened until you’re very familiar with the water and gas cycles involved. Most terrariums in store need to be opened and watered anywhere from every 1 to 10 months depending on how tight the lids are, what’s planted inside, what time of year it is, and more.
HAPPY HOUR FAQS:
What is Happy Hour? Happy Hour is our open studio hours, DIY Terrarium bar time on Fridays from 11 to 5. This is a “lite” version of the class experience where you are welcome to use our space and supplies to create your own terrarium in store. We highly recommend attending a class first to learn how to create terrariums as Happy Hour is designed for people with previous terrarium experience who want to make more. There are no teachers available during Happy Hour and all creations are self-taught.
When is Happy Hour? Happy Hour is Fridays from 11 to 5 PM. Occasionally, the classroom space may be closed for private events. Please check our Instagram for up to date schedules.
Can I bring my own container to Happy Hour? Yes! Happy Hour is your opportunity to plant a container that you brought from home. We price your jar depending on the amount of supplies that can fit inside.
General recommendations for a terrarium-worthy container are:
-Clear glass that allows light to pass inside
-Clean inside without food, liquid, or chemical residue
-A lid of some sort, as lids are important factors of the terrarium water cycle
-A hole large enough to fit your hand in, or great hand-eye coordination with tweezers!
How much does Happy Hour cost? Our DIY kits in store start at $49 and go up with size. We have containers that match every budget and vision.
You are welcome to bring your own jar to Happy Hour. A Terrarium House associate will price your jar depending on the volume of the container and what you plan to put inside it. Prices generally range from $15-60. Please feel free to text or email a picture of your jar with an item for scale to our store for a general quote.
Can I bring food or drinks to Happy Hour? Like our classes, Happy Hour is BYO beer, wine, seltzer, or cider. We ask please, no liquor and no food.
Is my Happy Hour creation covered under warranty? No, the 30 day warranty only applies to terrariums created in our DIY Terrarium Building Classes. If something goes wrong with your Happy Hour build we cannot take responsibility but will be happy to assist with recovery advice.
ONLINE PURCHASES FAQS:
What methods of payment do you accept? Our payments are processed via Square where you are able to safely pay via your chosen credit card. All payments require a U.S. billing address.
Are payments secure? YES! Payment processing occurs on the trusted Square secure servers so you don’t have to worry about your sensitive payment information getting into the wrong hands.
What size plants do you ship? The majority of our plant selection is available in 4″-6″ pot sizes. We do offer some plants in terrarium and starter sizes around 2″-3″ and a few larger 8″ plants.
How long does shipping take? Can I expedite my purchase? In order for us to be able to offer you the best prices possible on our items and reduce your shipping costs as much as we can, we are not able to expedite or rush ship our products.
Live plants are generally shipped directly from our growers within 48 hrs of placing your order. You will receive tracking info for your shipment.
Please allow 7-10 business days for processing and delivery of non-plant items, though many non-perishable items may arrive using the same schedule above as for plants.
You will receive an email with delivery information once your item has shipped. Keep in mind that we can not control special circumstances such as weather related delays.
Where do you ship? At this time we can only ship to the 48 contiguous United States.
Do all my items arrive together? To keep your shipping costs as low as possible, some items may ship separately. Your shipping costs remain the same regardless, but some items in your order may arrive before others based on what it is.
How much is shipping? Our shipping fees are based on the total purchase weight at checkout. Large items may incur an additional surcharge (generally $10-$30) for extra packaging and handling requirements, and/or truck shipping. Once you have made your selection, you can review the shipping charges and any large item surcharges applied to your order prior to processing your payment.
Do you accept returns? Make sure you read the descriptions carefully for each product and LOVE the selection you have made. We can not accept returns. Because we often offer limited quantity items and unique styles at below standard retail price, we are not able to allow our customers to return or exchange their purchase. If you change your mind, consider gifting your item to someone who would love it. If the item is damaged upon arrival, let us know immediately via email and include photos of your package prior to opening and damaged items so we can arrange for a replacement or exchange.
An item I previously saw is no longer available on the site. Will it be available again? Unfortunately we can’t always guarantee that an item will return to stock, so if you love something, don’t wait! Many items are only available in small quantities. A great way to stay informed about our latest items and last chance items is to follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook and sign up for our newsletter.
I purchased an item but received an email stating it is no longer available. What gives? This is rare, but can happen. If an item is in limited quantity, and several people purchase at the same time, our inventory may not have time to catch up and update on our site before your checkout. If this happens, we will contact you regarding when the item will be back in stock and available to ship, or we can offer to refund your purchase.
Can I purchase an item that is on backorder? If an item is in high demand, we may allow you to purchase the item on backorder to guarantee you get that item when a new shipment is available.
Didn’t find an answer to your question here in our FAQs? Then feel free to email us at info@terrariumplanthouse.com. We are happy to help you with your needs.