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Water
Water
The great thing about terrariums is that they are low maintenance. In a a container with a lid, the plants only need an occasional misting when condensation no longer appears on the glass. Depending on how tight the lid is, this could be every few weeks or every few months. Closed-lid containers are ideal for mosses and certain houseplants like Fittonia that prefer high humidity, many of which won't grow that well otherwise. Since mosses don't have roots, they take in water that collects on the surface of their leaves, including from condensation. So lots of humidity is essential for them. If water is starting to gather in the drainage layer or if you see the growth of fungus (including mushrooms), you have too much water and will want to open the lid at night to let some of it evaporate. Purified or distilled water is best for misting because tap water will leave mineral deposits on the container's glass surface. You don't want that, and the mosses might not like those minerals either.
Sunlight
Moss doesn't need a ton of light, being that is usually grows near the forest floor. But it does still need light, and so a spot near a window with minimal direct light would be best. Other plants in your terrarium should do alright with that too. They may grow more slowly, but that is ok. Generally in the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows get the most direct light, and north-facing windows get the least amount. East/west-facing windows get strong light in the morning/evening. Pick a location and watch the plants in your terrarium closely during the first few weeks. If the moss turns dark/brown, it may be getting fried in too much direct light; if it turns light/white it may not be getting enough light. Orient the terrarium so that the plant leaves are facing the sun. Once the plants are established and seem happy in the location you have chosen, you can try gradually rotating the terrarium to get more even growth if needed. In the absence of sunlight, there are many stylish desk lamps or lights available that can do the job.
Nutrients, Air, & Drainage
Plants need more than sunlight and water, they also need a source of essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorus. Most plants get this from the soil through their roots. But mosses mostly absorb what they need through their leaves instead. If growth seems stagnant, this can eventually be provided occasionally by misting with fertilizers sold for that purpose. Rooted plants in Mossaria terrariums shouldn't need much more fertilizer than what is already in the soil. As carbon-based life forms, plants also need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. So it's a good to open a closed terrarium every few weeks to refresh its atmosphere. This also prevents fungal growth. Mossaria terrariums all have a layer of small rocks or shells for water drainage on the bottom. Eventually, plant roots will find their way down there and draw the water they need. You may see the occasional tiny white insect among the moss, but do not worry -- they are friends. These are called springtails, and their purpose is to feed on fungus, keeping it in check. They will stay in the soil, and cannot escape or thrive outside the terrarium.
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