Closed cases amplify hitchhikers: snail or slug eggs in root balls, fungus gnats in damp nursery compost, spider mites on Selaginella and ferns, and mould spores on leaves.
One infected cutting can undo weeks of cycling; prevention is cheaper than tearing down a jar.
Outdoor or garden-centre plants may carry residues that harm springtails and isopods — chemical quick fixes often poison the cleanup crew first.
Never bake living plants. Avoid systemic pesticides in bioactive systems. Wild moss and wood can introduce unwanted life and, in some places, collection restrictions — buy cultivated material when unsure. Exact soak recipes vary; always rinse thoroughly and test plant sensitivity.
