Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before choosing your terrarium.
We have gathered the main questions about closed terrariums, care, delivery, natural variations, Gift Cards, orders, returns and professional access at (in)VITRO.
What is a closed terrarium?
It is a living composition inside a closed glass container, where plants, moss, substrate and humidity create a small, balanced microclimate.
Do terrariums need a lot of maintenance?
No. Closed terrariums are low-maintenance living pieces. They mainly need indirect light, stability and regular observation.
Is each piece exactly like the image?
Not exactly. Images represent the style, shape and overall composition, but each terrarium may show natural variations in colour, growth, maturity and arrangement of the elements.
Closed terrariums
Nature inside glass
Is the terrarium really closed?
Yes. Closed terrariums use a lid or cork stopper that helps retain moisture inside and create a stable microclimate.
Does the terrarium grow?
Yes. It is a living piece. The plants may develop, adapt, grow new leaves or slightly change position over time.
Is it suitable for indoors?
Yes. (in)VITRO terrariums are designed for indoor spaces with indirect natural light, such as living rooms, offices, bedrooms, shops, reception areas or workspaces.
Is it a decorative product?
Yes. It is a living decorative piece. It should not be ingested, handled by small children or left within reach of animals that could open it, break it or ingest natural elements.
Product choice
How to choose the right piece
What is the difference between the families?
Ampulla brings together more vertical, cylindrical pieces. Pinguis features wider, more prominent shapes. X-Libris includes more distinctive models with stronger visual impact.
How do I choose the size?
It depends on the space and the presence you want the piece to have. Smaller pieces work well on sideboards, desks and side tables. Larger pieces have more impact on consoles, reception areas, spacious rooms or commercial spaces.
Are the measurements approximate?
The measurements shown help you understand the real scale of the piece. Small variations may occur, especially when the natural composition or plant development slightly changes the overall visual perception.
Can I ask for help choosing?
Yes. We can help you choose the most suitable piece for the space, available light, decoration style and type of presence you want to create.
Care
How to keep the terrarium balanced
Should I water it?
In most cases, you should not water it frequently. A closed terrarium reuses the moisture inside. You should only intervene if there are clear signs of dryness.
Where should I place it?
In an indoor space with indirect natural light. Avoid direct sun, heat sources, intense air conditioning and large temperature fluctuations.
Is condensation normal?
Yes. Some condensation is part of the natural functioning of a closed terrarium. The ideal is balance: some visible moisture, but not constant excess that prevents you from seeing inside.
Can I open it?
Yes, but only when necessary. Opening it frequently can alter the internal balance of humidity and temperature.
What should I avoid?
Avoid direct sun, overwatering, heat near radiators or very exposed windows, direct air conditioning, falls, vibration, frequent opening and constant moving.
What if something seems unusual?
Contact us with photos and a brief description. Many situations can be corrected with small adjustments to light, temporary ventilation or placement.
Natural variations
Each terrarium is a living piece
Why can there be differences from the images?
Because we work with plants, moss and natural elements. Colour, maturity, growth, texture and arrangement may vary from piece to piece.
Are these differences defects?
No, as long as they correspond to the living and handmade nature of the piece. Natural variations in colour, growth, density, condensation or maturity do not, by themselves, constitute a defect.
Can the composition change over time?
Yes. A terrarium is a living piece. Plants may grow, lean towards the light, develop new leaves or adapt to the new environment.
Orders and delivery
From choice to delivery
Do you deliver nationwide?
Physical terrarium delivery is available in mainland Portugal. At the moment, we do not deliver to Madeira, the Azores or outside mainland Portugal.
What is the delivery timeframe?
Delivery is scheduled after order confirmation and may take between 5 and 30 business days, depending on the area, team availability and route planning.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery in mainland Portugal costs €19.90. It is free on orders of €199 or more. The applicable cost is shown at checkout before purchase confirmation.
How is delivery arranged?
After the order, the (in)VITRO team may contact you by email or WhatsApp, according to the details provided, to confirm delivery details.
Do I need to be present?
Yes. Because this is a living and fragile product, it is important that someone is available to receive the order at the agreed time.
What happens if I am not available?
Delivery will need to be rescheduled. If a new trip is required, additional costs may apply, depending on the area and the specific situation.
Gift Cards
A Gift with Life
The (in)VITRO Gift Card is an elegant way to offer nature, design and the freedom to choose. It is digital, sent by email, and allows the recipient to choose the closed terrarium that best suits their home.
How do Gift Cards work?
After purchase, a unique code is issued and can be used in the online store. The card can be sent to the buyer or directly to someone else.
Can I send it directly to someone else?
Yes. When this option is available on the product page, you can enter the recipient's name and email, add a personalised message and choose a delivery date.
Is there a physical delivery?
No. It is a digital product sent by email. It has no delivery fee, requires no scheduling and is not subject to terrarium delivery timeframes.
Can I choose the sending date?
Yes, when this feature is available at Gift Card checkout. In that case, the email to the recipient will be sent according to the chosen date.
Does the full balance have to be used at once?
No. The balance can be used in one or several purchases until it is fully spent.
Can it be used to pay for delivery?
Yes, when technically permitted at checkout, the Gift Card can be applied to the order total, including products and delivery costs.
Do Gift Cards expire?
At this stage, (in)VITRO Gift Cards do not have a defined expiry date, unless a different indication is clearly presented at the time of purchase or future applicable conditions are changed.
Can I request a refund for a Gift Card?
Once issued, sent or used, a Gift Card is generally not convertible into cash. Exceptional situations will be analysed according to the Returns and Refunds Policy.
Returns and support
When something needs attention
What if the terrarium arrives damaged?
Contact us as soon as possible at geral@invitro.pt, sending photos of the product, the packaging and a brief description of the situation.
Can I return a terrarium?
Returns are analysed according to the living, natural and fragile nature of the product, without prejudice to the consumer rights legally recognised.
Do natural variations justify an exchange?
Natural variations in colour, composition, growth, density, maturity or condensation are part of the product's nature and do not, by themselves, constitute a defect.
Do you provide support after purchase?
Yes. If you have questions about condensation, light, placement, watering or how the piece is adapting, you can contact us for guidance.
Professionals
For shops, projects and commercial spaces
Do you work with professionals?
Yes. (in)VITRO works with shops, florists, nurseries, commercial spaces, designers, architects, accommodation providers, hotels and other professionals.
Is there professional access?
Yes. Professional access is subject to validation and may include specific commercial conditions, ordering processes and delivery rules.
Do you create projects for spaces?
We can review requests for commercial spaces, reception areas, offices, accommodation, shops or decoration projects where living glass pieces make sense.
How do I request professional access?
You can contact us through the Professionals page or by email, indicating the type of business, location, interest and estimated volume.
Still have questions?
We are available to help you choose the right piece.
Talk to us about care, delivery, availability, Gift Cards or choosing the most suitable terrarium.
Contact us