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I GOT a glass terrarium for Christmas. The plants I have put inside are going mouldy. What am I doing wrong? Rob Curtis, via email CONDENSATION builds up in a sealed environment. To prevent it causing soggy soil, which encourages root rot and fungal diseases, you need to add a little ventilation. Open the top occasionally and keep the terrarium out of direct sunlight at all times.

It’s also important to check plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases and remove affected leaves promptly. Plants tend to grow quickly in this humid microclimate and some will quickly swamp others unless trimmed occasionally. If you let them run riot they will ruin the display.