Sterilize decor for terrarium

It is recommended to sterilize items used in terrarium prior to use to reduce the risk of contaminants. There are 3 main ways to sterilize items; heat, chemical and desiccant.

Heat sterilization

must be 140°F for 5+ mins to kill chytrid
typically used with leaves and wood

For Leaves:

Microwave– Place damp leaves in microwave for 5 mins

Boiling– Boil rinsed leaves in clean water for 5-10 mins

Baking– Bake rinsed leaves @ 200°F for 30-45 mins

For wood:

Bake– Give wood a good scrub and bake at 200°F for several hours until the center temperature reaches 140°F.

Chemical sterlilization

1% solution of bleach for 1 minute
typically used on plants & mosses

Most common chemical for sterilization is bleach. 5% solution for 5 minutes. Rinse in clean water until bleach smell is gone and allow to air dry.

Desiccant sterlilization

typically used on leaves, wood and mosses

Dry out items until they are crispy. Please note, it may take 6+ months. In the case of woods, it may take over a year.

What method do you use? Leave a comment below!

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