What Are Springtails?

Springtails (Collembola) are tiny, harmless decomposers that thrive in humid environments. They’re best suited for closed terrariums, where they break down mould, leaf litter, and waste – acting as a natural clean-up crew that helps your plants and microfauna thrive. Once established, they usually require no ongoing care in your terrarium.

Tropical Red Springtails (Neanuridae family) are rare, slow-moving, bumpy-bodied, and non-jumping, making them easier to observe.

White Springtails (the common kind) are small, white, and often “jump” when disturbed.

📦 Cold Weather & Dormancy

Springtails can become dormant during transit or when left out overnight in cool weather. They may appear dead – motionless and clumped together – but often just need time and warmth to recover, as they’re quite hardy.

If your culture looks inactive:

• Mist lightly with dechlorinated water, if the charcoal / substrate is dry.
• Leave the lid cracked open for fresh air.
• Place in a warm spot indoors (18–24°C).
• Wait 3-4 hours and check for movement.

You should soon see them crawling or jumping again. If not, contact us!

Introducing Springtails to Terrariums

Springtails from Eko Lab come in a small container with either a charcoal substrate, or one containing a mixture including sphagnum moss or coco coir. When introducing springtails to your terrarium:

• Using your fingers or tweezers, pick up a piece of substrate and gently tap it on the side of your container. The springtails will fall or jump into your terrarium. Repeat until you have at least 20 springtails in your terrarium.
• You can also pour some charcoal / substrate into a corner and mist it – springtails will move into the terrarium naturally.
• Keep the remaining culture to reseed other terrariums or boost the population later.

Once added, drop in a small amount of food to get them started. They’ll soon settle in and require no ongoing care in most cases.

Culturing Springtails

White Springtails:

• Container: Shipped in a 280ml round container with charcoal, containing a large population, perfect as a starter culture!
• Temperature: 18–24 °C (room temp).
• Feeding: A Small pinch of yeast granules once a week. Only add more once all food is gone.
• Longevity: Can thrive in their shipping container for several months or years with minimal care.

Tropical Red Springtails:

• Container: Shipped in a small 100 ml container with coco coir / sphagnum moss and charcoal. Must be removed from their shipping container, especially if it contains sphagnum moss.
• To culture successfully, place the contents into a 280ml+ container and fill with damp charcoal (works okay), coco coir (works well) or a dedicated substrate blend containing a mix of coco coir, sphagnum moss, orchid bark, aqua soil and leaf litter (works best!).
• Temperature: 20–28 °C (thrive in warmer temperatures, but room temp is fine!) .
• Feeding: A couple of fish flakes once a week. Only add more once all food is gone.
• Longevity: While not as hardy as white springtails, if transferred into a larger container, and housed in a warm environment, your tropical red springtail population can thrive for years!

General Culture Tips (Both Types):

• Keel your substrate damp by misting occasionally, or if using charcoal substrate, leave a small amount of water in the bottom of your container.
• Keep in a shaded spot out of direct sun.
• Open the lid briefly every few days for airflow.
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent mould and mites.

With the right care and environment, springtails can be cultured successfully, allowing you to have an endless supply of your clean-up crew of choice.

 🔗 More care guides: Care Instructions

💡 For more in depth information: Springtails: A Beginner’s Guide

✉️ Need help? Contact Us and we’ll be happy to provide specific advice!