FAQ & Care Guide

We guide you step by step in caring for your living vase, a miniature ecosystem designed to evolve with elegance and simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered the most common questions to guide you every step of the way: discovering our terrariums, ordering with confidence, and taking care of your creation.

Les Vases Vivants are small self‑sustaining ecosystems that naturally evolve over time. This section answers the essential questions to help you understand how they work, how to care for them, and what they need to thrive.

A terrarium is a transparent glass container, either closed or open, that houses a miniature ecosystem made up of plants or terrestrial animals. It functions like an aquarium, but with soil instead of water.

Common plants include mosses, ferns, succulents, and carnivorous plants. In a closed terrarium, humidity recycles itself naturally: water evaporates, condenses on the glass walls, then falls back onto the substrate, creating a microclimate ideal for growth. This setup is perfect for plants that require a humid and stable environment—conditions that are difficult to reproduce in a typical home.

A well‑designed and well‑maintained terrarium can last for several years.

  • Unlike cut flowers, it stays vibrant with minimal care.

  • It evolves slowly, offering a living and durable decorative piece.

No, maintenance is simple—especially for closed models, which become autonomous once balance is established.

  • Trim the plants if they become too invasive.

  • Remove dead leaves to prevent mold.

  • Clean the glass walls if needed.

A bioactive vase includes beneficial microfauna that help maintain the ecosystem.

Springtails and isopods—tiny arthropods invisible to the naked eye—eliminate mold and pests. They remain confined inside the vase and pose no risk to your environment.

Watering depends on the season and the type of terrarium.

  • Winter: 1 to 2 light mistings per month using rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water. Avoid tap water.

  • Summer: 1 spray per week, depending on ambient conditions.

The substrate should never be completely dry. The moss should remain moist and glossy. If it becomes pale or whitish, it’s time to water.

Yes, you can place it in most rooms, as long as you avoid direct sunlight.

  • Avoid south‑facing window sills.

  • If needed, diffuse the light with a light fabric.

  • Some models include an integrated LED grow light.

  • Compatible lamps are also available as an option.

Ideal conditions:

  • Between 1500 and 2500 lux

  • 8 to 10 hours of light per day

  • Use a timer to automate lighting

You will find here all the practical information you need to place an order, customize your vase, and understand the associated timelines and fees. This section guides you step‑by‑step to ensure a simple, clear purchase tailored to your needs.

  • If the vase is in stock: delivery or pickup within the week following your purchase.

  • For custom orders: allow about 1 month for creation and plant acclimation.

  1. Visit the Our Creations section.

  2. Fill out the contact form and specify the models you’re interested in.

  3. We will contact you to confirm availability and delivery details.

  4. If the vase is not available, we recreate it using the same plant varieties.

  5. You receive your living vase, ready to enhance your space.

Yes, you can choose the vase size, plant types, and decorative elements (rocks, driftwood, etc.).

  • Creation time: about 1 month

  • Price: varies depending on the plants and components

  • Minimum price: 150 $

 

Yes. A 40% deposit is required at the time of ordering.

It covers:

  • design

  • reservation of the creation time slot

  • purchase of plants and materials

The remaining balance is payable upon delivery or pickup.

The deposit is non‑refundable, as the creation is made specifically for you.

We offer three options:

  • Delivery within Montréal (fees vary by zone)

  • Free pickup by appointment at our workshop (Rosemont district)

  • Pickup at select partner boutiques

  • Montréal: 20 $

  • South Shore: 30 $

  • North Shore: 30 $

The exact delivery zones are listed on the website.

Delivery times are estimates and may vary by a few days depending on:

  • completion of the creation

  • plant acclimation period

  • weather conditions

In cases of extreme cold or heat, delivery may be delayed to protect the plants.

This section guides you through the first days with your vase and explains the services available if any issue arises. You will also find solutions to maintain, adjust, or evolve your creation over time.

We provide:

  • Personalized follow‑up and care advice included

  • Biannual maintenance services or plant‑sitting (in case of long absences), available upon request and for an additional fee

You have 15 days to report:

  • a damaged plant

  • a visible health issue

  • an imbalance in the ecosystem (e.g., mold)

Please provide clear photos and a description of the problem.

If an issue occurs within 15 days of receiving your vase, we offer:

  • replacement of the defective plant, or

  • an in‑studio adjustment, free of charge

The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper care.

 

After the 15‑day period, the health of the vase depends on its care (light, watering, temperature, environment).

We can still assist with:

  • replacing a plant

  • adjusting the vase in our studio

These services are billed according to the work required.

No. Due to their biological nature, living vases cannot be returned.

However, we remain available to support you with their care.

If you purchased an LED grow light, it includes a built‑in timer. Plug in the lamp and set it by selecting the 9‑hour daily light option.

Yes, we offer:

  • Dimmable grow lights with integrated timer (40 $ alone, 30 $ with the purchase of a vase)

  • Specialized care tools: tweezers, scissors, pipettes, spray bottles

Care Guide

To ensure the health and longevity of your living vase, consult our care guide.
It details best practices for watering, lighting, ventilation, fertilization, and the essential biological parameters needed to maintain balance.

Download the care guide