Springtails might be tiny, but they play a big role in the health of your terrarium. Whether you’re creating a bioactive setup or just want to keep your mini jungle clean and balanced, these microscopic helpers are your new best friends.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with springtails – what they are, why they matter, and how to care for them.

What Are Springtails?

Springtails (Collembola) are minuscule arthropods that thrive in moist environments. They get their name from a tail-like appendage called a furcula, which launches them into the air when disturbed.

They’re completely harmless to humans, pets, and plants — and incredibly helpful in terrarium ecosystems.

Why Add Springtails to Your Terrarium?

These tiny decomposers act as a natural clean-up crew:

🌿 Break down organic waste – dead leaves, mould, and decaying debris
🌿 Prevent mould outbreaks – by feeding on mould spores
🌿 Aerate the substrate – improving airflow and root health
🌿 Support bioactive systems – keeping balance in closed or live setups

🧪 Springtails are even used in scientific research as indicators of soil and environmental health.

Which Type of Springtails Should You Use?

There are two common types used in terrariums:

🌿 Temperate Springtails (Folsomia candida) – White, fast-breeding, and low-maintenance. Best for DIY terrariums and general use.
🌿 Tropical Springtails (Red Thai Springtails – Lobella sp.) – Reddish-orange, slightly larger, and thrive in warm, humid environments. Ideal for tropical terrariums and moss-heavy builds.

You can find both types in our Bioactive Supplies section, ready to introduce to your setup.

How to Introduce Springtails to Your Terrarium

1. Prepare the culture – Gently shake or swirl the container to loosen the springtails.
2. Add to the terrarium – Pour or spoon them in, near the moistest area of the substrate.
3. Mist lightly – This helps them disperse and settle.
4. Seal the terrarium – For closed setups, pop the lid back on to maintain humidity.

How to Care for Springtails

Once established, springtails are easy to maintain:

💧 Humidity – Keep the substrate moist with occasional misting
🌡️ Temperature – Ideal range is 18–24°C (temperate); tropical species prefer warmer
🍽️ Feeding – Supplement with a small pinch of rice, yeast, or powdered fish food if needed
🔄 Population control – Colonies naturally adjust to available food and space
🐜 If springtails disappear, it’s often due to dry conditions or lack of organic material.

Can You Culture Springtails Separately?

Yes — many hobbyists culture springtails to add them to new terrariums as needed. Here’s how:

1. Use a plastic container with a lid
2. Add 2-3 cm of charcoal or coco coir
3. Introduce springtails and keep the medium moist
4. Feed occasionally with a pinch of yeast or rice
5. Harvest by tapping or scooping out springtails with a spoon

Where to Buy Springtails in Australia 🇦🇺

You can find live springtails and other bioactive helpers in our Eko Lab shop, carefully packaged and shipped Australia-wide.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About Springtails

Can a terrarium have too many springtails?

Not really. Springtails self-regulate based on food and humidity levels. A sudden population boom usually means there’s plenty of decaying material.

Will springtails escape from a terrarium?

Not in a sealed setup. In open terrariums, a few may wander — but keeping things moist and enclosed helps them stay put.

Do I need to feed them?

In most cases, no. They survive on decaying matter. If you’re starting fresh or the setup is very clean, feed them lightly every few weeks.

Are springtails the same as mites?

No. Springtails are beneficial decomposers. Mites vary — some are pests. Springtails hop when disturbed, while mites move slowly.

Can springtails live without isopods?

Yes. They’re often paired with isopods but don’t require them. Springtails thrive on their own in balanced, humid environments.

Final Thoughts: Are Springtails Worth It?

Absolutely. Springtails are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your terrarium clean, balanced, and low-maintenance. Whether you’re setting up your first glass garden or managing multiple builds, these little decomposers are an essential part of any bioactive ecosystem.

Explore our range of DIY Kits, Springtail Cultures, and other bioactive supplies to get started.