About the Store

+ Why is your shop called Roosevelt's Terrariums?

Teddy Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States, and he was into terrariums, just like everyone else in his day. As a young man, he and his younger brother Elliot turned their upstairs bedroom into a natural history museum complete with many homemade terrariums and habitats for his pets. So, our shop reflects what Teddy himself would have had in his upstairs museum of natural history — rocks, minerals, fossils, taxidermy and most imporantly, lots and lots of terrariums.

+ What's a terrarium?

A terrarium is a self-sustained ecosystem that thrives in any clear glass container with a nicely fitting lid. That lid traps moisture and gas inside, recycling these elements over and over to keep the plants and moss happy and healthy for decades to come. Plants absorb water at the roots, push it out their leaves, and the lid acts like a rain cloud, trapping the moisture and raining it back down into the soil where the cycle begins again. Most true terrariums can live decades without even being opened or rewatered! However, they will not remain pretty without an occassional triming and cleaning.

+ I want to make my own terrarium. What are my options?

We’re so excited you’ve decided to join such an awesome hobby! We have a couple options available for you to make your own terrarium:

-Purchase a fully planted terrarium off the shelf. We keep our shop stocked with a wide variety of beautiful terrrarims of all shapes and sizes at prices anyone can afford.

-Join us in store for an [in person class][1]. Learn about the science and history of terrariums while you make one step by step with expert instructor advice. This is a great option for beginners who have lots of questions and want to know the nitty gritty of terrarium gardening. [1]: https://www.rooseveltspdx.com/classes

-Take supplies to go. Have a great container at home and the confidence to plant it? Buy our supplies al la carte in store and bring them home with you! We sell all supplies you need to make a terrarium from top to bottom, including drainage layers, soil, plants, rocks, and moss.

+ I have a really cool container that I want turned into a terrarium. Can you do that for me?

Yes, we are happy to plant your own container if you bring it into our shop during regular open hours. We charge a $10 fee for cleaning your container and a $35 minimum fee which includes all of the plants, soils, rocks, gravels, and mosses needed to provide you with an smaller terrarium. Larger terrariums are priced at $75 per cubic foot. Give us as much input as you'd like on what the end design should look like or let Master Planters surprise you with a "Master's Choice" design! Plantings over $99 will will be under our No-Fault Warranty.

+ Am I able to return a terrarium?

Unfortunately, no. Because of the nature of our products as live plants, we do not accept returns for a refund. Only the plantings are under our No-Fault Warranty. Broken glassware is not covered, but we will give you a very good deal on purchasing a replacement container and then transfer your old plants for you into their new home.

+ What payments do you accept in store?

We accept cash, all major credit or debit cards, and apple pay.

+ Do you sell just the empty containers?

Yes. We offer our wide range of empty containers for just 1/3 of the retail price of the same planted terrarium! Please pop in to the shop to pick your favorites.

+ Do you sell terrarium building supplies in store?

Yes. We sell all our terrarium building supplies in store al la carte style. WE offer everything you need for your terrarium projects, including drainage layers, soil, plants, moss, and decorative rocks. Items are subject to availability and quantities may be limited.

+ Do you sell terrarium livestock like isopods, springtails, or dart frogs?

We do not sell any live animals in our store, but we’re happy to recommend some wonderful local businesses that can help you find a perfect pet! Please contact the store for more information.

Caring For Your Terrarium

+ Do I have to water my terrarium?

All terrariums need to be watered, but not nearly as much or as often as houseplants, which makes them excellent gifts for people still developing their green thumbs. The secret to many months between waterings is a good fitting lids- tight lid terrariums can go many months and even years between being watered! If the lid to your container is a cork, screws on tight, or has a rubber gasket, chances are your terrarium only needs to be watered about once a year. Looser fitting lids are watered anywhere from every two to eight months.

+ How do I water my terrarium?

Watering your terrarium can be one of the most daunting experiences of new terrarium parenthood, but worry not! There's an easy secret to know when to water your terrarium and how much, and that secret is the color of the soil. The soil in your container should be dark and saturated, like the color of a cup of black coffee. If your soil looks light, airy, and the color of hot chocolate, that's a good sign to go ahead with a rewatering. Use a spray bottle to spray directly at the glass of your terrarium- you should be able to see the soil immediately change color along the sides as it absorbs all that water. Spray around every side in a full 360 degree motion until 90% of the soil changes color. Put your lid back on and you're set until the next rewatering!

Worried you added too much water? Hold your terrarium up so you can see the very bottom, and gently tilt it back and forth. If you see lots of water sloshing back and forth for the next day or two, that's a good sign that you added a little too much water. Just leave the lid off for a few days until that water evaporates.

+ Is tap water okay for my terrarium?

Tap water can be terrarium safe, but we recommend leaving the water you intend to use in your terrarium on the countertop overnight to give all the chlorine a chance to evaporate. If you aren't sure about the quality of your local tap water, bottled water without electrolytes is always a safe bet.

+ What kind of lighting does my terrarium need?

Terrariums are great options for keeping at home on your coffee table, in an office, on a windowsill, or even in your bathroom! Our terrariums contain tropical rainforest plants, which means that in the wild these plants would grow under a tree canopy and sunlight would never fall directly on them for extended periods of time. Think about the lighting on the forest floor as you hike or even walk around your neighborhood under the trees- this lighting is called indirect lighting, and it's what our terrariums prefer. The ideal spot would be the brightest place in your home without direct sunlight falling on it after 12 PM. A north or east facing window, a bright skylight, or far enough away from a west or south facing window that no sunlight touches your container are all examples of suitable spots for your terrarium to live in.

+ Why do you only use tropical plants in your terrariums?

Because terrariums with a lid on them have a daily 80-90% humidity level, tropical plants are perfectly designed to survive and thrive in that kind of moisture! Tropical plants also provide beautiful, colorful foliage year-round, which makes them wonderful specimens to view in containers. Your tropical plants might even flower after a few months!

Because our terrariums have such high humidity, we do not work with cacti or succulents. Please call the store for recommendations on some wonderful local businesses that can make your arid desert dreams come true!

+ Help! My terrarium died. Can you help?

Terrariums are living organisms, and sometimes things can go wrong. This is why we offer our No Fault Warranty on all terrariums priced at $99 or more. If anything looks unhealthy in your terrarium after purchasing or building it in the class, just bring it in and we will take care of it at no charge (i.e. just for tips).

+ I live too far away to bring my terrarium in to your shop. How can I maintain it myself?

If you live too far away to bring your terrarium in, we're happy to assist you over the phone in doing your own repair. Text us pictures at 503-734-9996 and we'll give you advice on what to do to bring your terrarium back to life and beauty!

+ How do repairs work?

Bring your terrarium in at any time during our regular open hours, no appointment needed, for a “terrarium spa” if it’s looking overgrown, unsightly, or just plain dead. We’ll advise you on what would be the next best step for your terrarium. Some terrariums only need a quick haircut and trimming, while some may need to be completely replanted with a deep sanitization and rebuilt from scratch. Your terrarium comes with a warranty after purchase or after you build it in a class. Repairs get checked in for anywhere from one to four weeks depending on size, and we call or text when they’re ready. Any terrariums not picked up within 30 days of completion become property of the store and will not be returned to you.

+ Will you repair my terrarium even if I didn't buy it at Roosevelt's?

Absolutely! Bring your terrarium into the shop and we're happy to assist you with that, for a small fee. All terrariums must have a lid on them as our tropical plants require high humidity. We do not offer cacti, succulents, or other arid plants.

In-Person Classes

+ What's included in the in-person class?

Your class registration includes a $25 class credit, which can be used toward whatever container you choose to plant. We have a large selection of beautiful artisan glass containers at multiple price points (starting at $49 after your class credit), which includes all the materials you will need to plant it. Choose from our wide selection of tropical rainforest plants, live mosses, colorful stones, and other terrarium-building materials. Classes are booked for two hours, and we have multiple availabilities throughout the week. You'll hear a quick lesson on cool facts about terrariums, why we love tropical plants so much, and then you'll be helped by an expert teacher and terrarium builder through each step from start to finish. Come prepared to make something unique and exquisite! Book online with us here.

+ How many people can take the class?

We offer public classes from 1-16 people, and private classes of 8 or more. Pricing is as follows:

1-3 people: $59.95 per person

4 or more people: $ 29.98 per person

8 or more people: Please call or fill out our request form. If you do not book over the phone we cannot guarantee you a private class.

Classes are public, meaning that smaller groups may be mixed together to fit up to 16 people per class. For example, a group of 3 and a group of 5 will be combined if they both want to book the same date and time. If you would rather your class be private, please call to book 8+ people to guarantee you have the classroom space to yourself and your group.

+ How old do you have to be to take the class?

Terrariums are fun for all ages! We love the opportunity to each anyone and everyone about plant sciences. Because building a terrarium takes a good amount of hand-eye coordination, we recommend terrariums for children 12 and up. Children under 12 are welcome to come along and help a parent or guardian make a terrarium, but please be warned that our store is not baby safe as we use many different sharp tools and work with glass. All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult who will be present upstairs during the entire class.

+ Can I bring my own container to the class?

Unfortunately, outside containers cannot be brought to the class but we have many different sizes and styles of containers for you to choose from! Please scroll up to our "About the Store" section of the FAQs to see your options for planting your own container, our check out our "Happy Hour" option.

+ Can I add more people to my class after I've booked?

The more the merrier! As long as class spaces are available, we're happpy to add more people to your party. Please call ahead to add them to your reservation to ensure you get the available open seat. All added spots will be paid for upon arrival before starting your class.

+ Can I bring food or drinks?

Yes! You are welcome to bring food, drinks, snacks, or anything else you need to have a wonderful terrarium building time. Our classes are BYOB, so please feel free to bring beer, wine, cider, or seltzer but we ask please, no hard liquor.

+ My group booked a class, but I don't want to make a terrarium. Can I sit upstairs in the class space?

At this time we do not allow spectators upstairs in the classroom area. Everyone who attends a class must have a spot paid for, but you are not required to make a terrarium. Special exceptions to this rule include: children under 6 who are planting with an adult, parents or guardians chaperoning children under 16 years old, and people who are physically unable to make a terrarium. Please call for more details if any of these situations apply to you.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that life and traffic may be unpredictable. Each booking is entitled to one free rescheduling before the class start time. After this, each rescheduling is $25 per person in your booking. No call no shows will be charged the $25 per person rescheduling fee. Class spots are refundable if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Because our classes are booked back to back, we cannot extend your reserved time if you are late. Classes that are more than twenty minutes late past the start time will be cancelled, and charged the aforementioned rebooking fee. We do not offer refunds or "to-go" options if anyone in your group does not show up so please make sure to fill each spot accordingly. We do free reschedulings for things outside of our control like power outages or inclement weather, and will contact you via email and phone to reschedule you in these types of situations.

+ I want to plant my own container. What does that entail?

Found an awesome container out at a thrift store or your favorite shop? We offer our terrarium bar, by appointment only. Bring your container in with you and we'll quote you a price for unlimited access to our supplies, including drainage layers, soil, decorative rocks, tropical plants, and moss.

Prices are up to associate discretion and some additional charges may be incurred depending on your ideal design. Containers must be cleaned out, dry, and suitable for plant life.

+ What kind of containers make for a good terrarium?

When choosing a container to bring into happy hour we have a few recommendations and guidelines. Containers brought from home must be clean, dry, and empty. Because the secret to longevity in a terrarium is a self-sustaining water cycle, we very highly recommend choosing containers that have a lid. Lidless terrariums are possible but will require frequent or daily watering to keep our tropical plants happy and healthy. No problem if your hand cannot fit inside your vessel- if you're feeling adventurous we have all types of specialized tools for planting in bottles and narrow containers. Glass should be clear or very slightly tinted to let as much light through as possible.