Terrariums are miniature worlds that can bring a touch of nature into your home, offering a beautiful, low-maintenance gardening solution. These small, enclosed gardens are perfect for plant lovers with limited space or those looking to add greenery to their indoor environment.
Whether you’re using a large glass container or a small decorative jar, choosing plants is key to creating a healthy and vibrant terrarium.
In this article, we’ll explore the best terrarium plants that are easy to care for, thrive in these unique environments, and add an aesthetic appeal to your home. Whether you’re creating an open or closed terrarium, there’s a perfect plant for you!
Overview The Terrarium Types
A. Open Terrariums
Open terrariums are containers without lids, allowing for airflow and light exposure. They are best for plants that thrive in drier environments, like succulents and air plants. These terrariums require regular watering due to evaporation but provide excellent ventilation, reducing the risk of mold.
B. Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are sealed containers that create a humid, self-sustaining environment. Plants like ferns, mosses, and orchids flourish in this ecosystem. Watering is less frequent due to the water cycle inside the container. However, watch for condensation, which can lead to mold if excessive.
C. Hybrid Terrariums
Hybrid terrariums combine the principles of open and closed designs. These may have partially open lids, allowing you to grow a mix of plants with varied needs. These terrariums offer flexibility in both plant selection and maintenance.
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants
1. Light Requirements
Different plants have varying light needs. Open terrariums suit plants that prefer bright, indirect sunlight, while closed terrariums are ideal for plants that thrive in low light and high humidity. Choose plants that match the light available in your home.
2. Humidity Levels
Closed terrariums create a humid environment, ideal for moisture-loving plants like ferns and mosses. Open terrariums are better for plants that prefer dry air, such as succulents. Selecting plants based on humidity preferences ensures they will thrive.
3. Size and Growth Habits
Choose plants that will remain small or grow slowly to fit your terrarium. Dwarf varieties of common plants work well. Consider the layering of plants: place taller ones at the back and smaller ones at the front to create a visually pleasing display.
4. Maintenance Needs
Low-maintenance plants like succulents and air plants are perfect for beginners, while ferns and carnivorous plants may require more attention. Choose plants that fit your lifestyle and level of gardening experience.
Best Terrarium Plant Ideas – Perfect for Beginners And Plant Lovers Alike
Terrariums are the perfect way to bring nature indoors in a creative and low-maintenance way. Whether you prefer an open or closed terrarium, there are plenty of beautiful plants that thrive in these mini-ecosystems.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best plants to create a stunning terrarium—perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike.
Carnivorous Plants – A Fascinating Predatory Display
Overview:
Carnivorous plants like Venus Flytrap, Pitcher Plants, and Sundews are both functional and fascinating. These plants have evolved to trap and digest insects, providing a dramatic, interactive element to your terrarium.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Carnivorous plants thrive in high-humidity environments, making them ideal for closed terrariums. They not only look exotic but also reduce the number of flying insects in your home!
Care Instructions:
- Keep the environment moist by misting regularly and using distilled water.
- Provide bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight.
- No need to feed them—let them catch insects naturally!
Display Ideas:
Combine with moss and rocks for a “wild jungle” feel. A small enclosed terrarium can replicate the humid, swamp-like conditions these plants love.
Pilea (Chinese Money Plant)
Overview:
Pilea, especially the Chinese Money Plant, is known for its round, coin-shaped leaves. Its compact size and unique look make it a popular choice for terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Pilea is easy to grow and thrives in humid, low-light environments. It adds a modern, playful feel to any terrarium with its geometric leaves.
Care Instructions:
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
- Provide indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Pair Pilea with minimalist decor to highlight its clean, contemporary look.
Miniature Ferns – Delicate Elegance in a Glass House
Overview:
Miniature ferns, such as Maidenhair Fern and Button Fern, have delicate, feathery fronds that bring a lush, elegant look to terrariums. They thrive in humid environments, making them ideal for closed terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Ferns are perfect for terrariums because they love moisture and low light. Their compact size makes them a beautiful filler plant that adds texture and depth to any miniature garden.
Care Instructions:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist frequently to maintain humidity.
- Provide low to medium light.
Display Ideas:
Ferns pair beautifully with moss for a woodland aesthetic. Their soft green foliage can create a peaceful, forest-like vibe in your terrarium.
Peperomia Plant – Exotic Beauty in a Jar
Overview:
Peperomia is a compact plant with thick, waxy leaves that come in a variety of shapes and colors. Its small size makes it ideal for terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Peperomia is resilient and easy to grow, thriving in the high humidity of closed terrariums. Its unique foliage adds texture and interest to your display.
Care Instructions:
- Water moderately and let the soil dry between watering.
- Provide indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Peperomia works well alongside succulents or as a contrasting texture with ferns and moss.
Air Plants (Tillandsia) – A Breath of Fresh Air
Overview:
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are unique because they don’t need soil to grow! They absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air through their leaves. This makes them perfect for open terrariums, where airflow is essential.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Air plants are incredibly low-maintenance and versatile. Since they don’t require soil, you can display them creatively—on driftwood, rocks, or even hanging from the edges of your terrarium. They add a delicate, sculptural look to any space.
Care Instructions:
- Mist the plant 2-3 times a week or soak it in water for 20-30 minutes once a week.
- Provide bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Display Ideas:
Place air plants on decorative objects like shells or crystals to create a whimsical, modern display. Perfect for open terrariums, where they can get the airflow they need!
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Overview:
Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant, is loved for its bright, patterned leaves in colors like red, white, and pink. It’s a low-growing plant that adds a pop of color to terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Fittonia thrives in the humid environment of closed terrariums and can grow in low light. Its colorful leaves add a playful, eye-catching contrast to green plants.
Care Instructions:
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Provide indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Place Fittonia near the front of the terrarium to showcase its beautiful foliage. Pair with ferns and moss for a vibrant, lush look.
Succulents – Drought Tolerant Jewels
Overview:
Succulents like Echeveria and Haworthia are famous for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. They come in various shapes and colors, making them perfect for creating stunning visual displays.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Succulents are low-maintenance and thrive in dry conditions, making them a great choice for open terrariums where water isn’t trapped. They add a modern, clean look to any setup.
Care Instructions:
- Provide plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water sparingly—only when the soil is parched.
Display Ideas:
Add sand, pebbles, and driftwood to create a desert-themed terrarium with succulents. Open terrariums work best for these drought-tolerant plants.
Mosses – A Lush Green Carpet
Overview:
Moss, such as Sheet Moss and Cushion Moss, grows densely, forming a lush, velvety green carpet. It adds a natural, forest-like floor to any terrarium.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Moss thrives in the high-humidity conditions of closed terrariums. It’s easy to care for and creates a soft, green backdrop that enhances the beauty of other plants.
Care Instructions:
- Keep it moist by misting it regularly.
- Provide low to medium light.
Display Ideas:
Use moss as a base layer in your terrarium to cover the soil and create a seamless, natural look. It’s perfect for terrariums with miniature ferns and small decorative objects like stones or figurines.
Orchids – Exotic Beauty in a Bottle
Overview:
Miniature orchids bring a touch of elegance with their delicate, vibrant flowers. These epiphytic plants often grow on bark or moss instead of soil, making them ideal for terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Orchids thrive in high-humidity, low-light environments, perfect for closed terrariums. Their striking flowers make them a great focal point in any display.
Care Instructions:
- Mist regularly to keep the orchid’s roots moist.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Ensure high humidity by closing the terrarium.
Display Ideas:
Pair orchids with moss and decorative bark for a tropical, elegant look. They work well in tall, narrow terrariums where their blooms can be showcased.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia)
Overview:
Baby Tears is a fast-growing plant with tiny, delicate leaves that form a dense, green carpet. It’s perfect for creating a soft, cushiony look in terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Baby Tears thrive in closed terrariums, where high humidity encourages its rapid growth. It makes an excellent ground cover, softening the overall look of the arrangement.
Care Instructions:
- Keep the soil moist at all times.
- Provide indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Use Baby Tears as a filler plant to cover the soil, creating a lush, green base for other taller plants.
Bromeliads – Tropical Flair in a Miniature Landscape
Overview:
Bromeliads are known for their vibrant, rosette-shaped leaves and long-lasting flowers. They add a tropical feel to any terrarium.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
These plants thrive in high humidity and indirect light, making them ideal for closed terrariums. Their bright colors and unique shapes bring a bold, tropical look to your setup.
Care Instructions:
- Water the plant’s central “cup” rather than the soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light and maintain humidity.
Display Ideas:
Bromeliads work beautifully when combined with ferns and moss to create a lush, tropical scene. Their bold colors add vibrancy to any terrarium.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia)
Overview:
Spiderwort is a trailing plant with long vines and colorful leaves that range from green to purple. It’s perfect for adding movement and dimension to your terrarium.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Spiderwort is low-maintenance and thrives in moderate humidity, making it suitable for open terrariums. Its trailing habit adds a dynamic look to your display.
Care Instructions:
- Keep the soil slightly moist.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Let Spiderwort trail over the edges of your terrarium to create a cascading, waterfall effect.
Dwarf Trees – Bringing the Outdoors In
Overview:
Dwarf trees, like Bonsai and Dwarf Jade, allow you to create a tiny forest or garden within your terrarium. They add height and structure to your arrangement.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
Dwarf trees bring the beauty of the outdoors into a small space. They are visually striking and add an element of calm and serenity to your setup.
Care Instructions:
- Water sparingly—let the soil dry between watering.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
Display Ideas:
Use rocks and moss to create a miniature garden around the tree. Bonsai trees are perfect for larger terrariums where they can be the focal point.
Ferns (Button Fern, Maidenhair Fern) – Breath A Fresh Air
Overview:
These ferns are similar to other miniature ferns, bringing a soft, delicate texture to terrariums. Their small size and love for humidity make them perfect for closed terrariums.
Why It’s Great for Terrariums:
These ferns are easy to care for and thrive in the moist environment of a terrarium. They add elegance and charm with their soft, lacy fronds.
Care Instructions:
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
Display Ideas:
Ferns look great paired with moss or used as filler plants around taller terrarium pieces.
General Terrarium Care Tips
Watering: Water open terrariums more frequently, while closed terrariums need less watering due to humidity retention. Ensure the soil stays moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. A light misting may be all closed terrariums require.
Light: Place your terrarium in bright, indirect sunlight to avoid overheating the plants. Rotate the container occasionally to ensure even light exposure, which helps prevent plants from leaning toward the light.
Air Circulation: To maintain a healthy environment, especially in closed terrariums, open the lid occasionally to allow fresh air in. Proper ventilation reduces the risk of mold and helps maintain balanced humidity.
Cleaning: Keep the glass container clean for a clear view of your plants. Remove dead leaves and debris to prevent decay and potential pests. Clean the inside and outside of the glass regularly with a soft cloth.
Creative Display Ideas
- Layering and Arrangement
Arrange plants by height and texture for a dynamic display. Taller plants go in the back, with shorter plants and ground cover like mosses in the front. This adds depth and visual interest to your terrarium.
- Decorative Elements
Incorporate natural materials like rocks, sand, or driftwood to enhance the terrarium’s landscape. Add small figurines or decorative items like fairy garden pieces for a whimsical touch.
- Themed Terrariums
Create themed terrariums, such as a tropical jungle with ferns or a desert scene with succulents. You can also update your terrarium seasonally, adding small pumpkins for fall or snowflakes for winter.
- Container Selection
Choose a clear container to highlight the layers of soil, plants, and decorative elements. Experiment with shapes and sizes—tall glass jars create vertical interest, while wide bowls allow for sprawling arrangements.
Conclusion
Terrariums are a fun and beautiful way to bring greenery into your home, and the plants you choose can truly transform these miniature gardens. Whether you prefer the tropical feel of ferns and mosses or the low-maintenance appeal of succulents, there’s a perfect plant for every terrarium style.
With the best terrarium plant ideas, you can create a lush, vibrant display that’s easy to care for and suits your style. Start your terrarium journey today and enjoy the calming beauty of nature right inside your home!
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