Are you a gardening enthusiast who wants to bring the outdoors inside, or a city dweller looking to escape the concrete jungle with a little green oasis? Terrarium plants might be just what you need!
Terrariums, often confused with “jarrariums,” are miniature plant ecosystems housed in glass containers. They’ve taken the gardening world by storm for several reasons. First, they’re low-maintenance. Second, they fit easily on a tabletop. Third, they’re a charming addition to any room.
Whether you choose cacti, succulents, or tropical plants, terrariums are self-contained and require minimal care—just the right amount of sunlight and water, and they’ll thrive for years!
Before you grab a glass jar and dive into the world of terrariums, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best plants for your mini-ecosystem.
What Are Terrarium Plants
Terrarium plants are typically small, slow-growing plants housed in a glass vessel. They’re perfect for those who want greenery but may not have the best track record with houseplants.
Terrariums can enhance your indoor spaces, making them feel more lively and inviting. Plus, they come in all sizes, so you can choose to go big or keep it simple.
If you’re a beginner, here are a few tips to get started:
- Use various glass vessels like cloches, open globes, bulbs, and jars.
- Pick plants such as ferns, carnivorous plants, air plants, and succulents that thrive in these spaces.
- Create stunning landscapes—turn your terrarium into a mossy woodland, whimsical fairy garden, desert cacti scene, or a lush tropical jungle.
- Add decorative pieces like seashells, glass pebbles, and driftwood to bring it all together.
Choosing the Best Terrarium Plants
As a general rule, the best plants for terrariums are petite and slow-growing. You don’t want plants that will eventually crowd the space or touch the sides of the container.
Terrariums can be divided into two types: open and closed. Here’s how to choose plants based on which type you want to create.
Open Terrarium Plants
Open terrariums are perfect for beginners because they promote better airflow and have less risk of mold and rot. Plus, plants in open terrariums don’t have to worry about condensation.
These plants prefer dry conditions and often need more direct sunlight. Here are some ideal plants for an open terrarium:
- Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants don’t need soil to grow. They take nutrients from the air and are perfect for those who want a low-maintenance addition to their terrarium. They also purify the air!
Tip: Place them on driftwood or use a flat stone as a base for a minimalist look. - Succulents
With their thick, fleshy leaves, succulents are perfect for people who forget to water their plants. They store water and thrive in low-moisture environments, making them ideal for dry terrariums.
Tip: Water them sparingly—once a week should suffice. - Button Ferns (Pellaea Rotundifolia)
Unlike most ferns, button ferns are drought-tolerant. With their evergreen nature and attractive round leaves, they add a lovely touch to open terrariums.
Tip: They prefer subdued light during summer and bright indirect light in winter. - Cacti
Want to create a desert-inspired look? Cacti are the way to go. They need minimal watering and thrive in open terrariums with good airflow.
Note: While beautiful, they do require regular airflow and low humidity to flourish. - Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
Known for its beautiful, fleshy leaves, jade plants are often seen as symbols of good luck. They do best in open terrariums and need regular watering when the topsoil dries out.
Tip: Place it on your desk or work table for a touch of green luck.
Closed Terrarium Plants
Closed terrariums are more self-sustaining mini ecosystems. They’re great for moisture-loving plants because they maintain their own humidity, but they require more care compared to open terrariums. Here are some easy-care plants for closed terrariums:
- Peperomia (Peperomia Pellucida)
With its compact growth and variety of colors, Peperomia plants thrive in humid conditions, making them perfect for closed terrariums.
Tip: There are over 1,000 species of Peperomia, so you’ll have plenty of options. - Moss
Mosses thrive in low-light, high-humidity environments, making them a perfect choice for closed terrariums. They’re also slow-growing, so they won’t outgrow their space.
Tip: Use carpeting mosses like java moss for a woodland vibe. - Nerve Plants (Fittonia)
Nerve plants are striking tropical plants that enjoy warm, humid conditions. They make a great addition to closed terrariums, growing only to about 10-15 cm tall.
Tip: They love partial to full shade and require high humidity. - Ferns
Small ferns like lemon button fern and maidenhair fern love the humid, warm environment of closed terrariums. They help add volume and texture to your garden.
Tip: Prune regularly to keep them lush and healthy. - Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
This plant adds a splash of color to your terrarium, with leaves that come in pink, purple, red, or white. It loves warmth and humidity, perfect for closed terrariums.
Tip: It blooms tiny lavender-colored flowers in the summer under ideal conditions.
Small Terrarium Plants
Some plants are naturally small and ideal for growing in terrariums. These miniature plants are small in both height and foliage, ensuring they won’t outgrow their space. Here are a few options:
- Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga Stolonifera)
These small plants only grow to about 8 inches, and they produce delicate white flowers in late spring, making them ideal for terrariums. - Miniature Orchids
Mini orchids are a joy to grow in a terrarium. They prefer warmth and humidity, making closed terrariums perfect for them.
Tip: Look for miniature jewel orchids or miniature Phalaenopsis varieties. - Miniature English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
This compact ivy grows small, pointed leaves and makes an excellent ground cover in terrariums.
Tip: Regular pruning will keep it in check. - Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
Known for its small, rounded leaves, this plant forms dense mats, making it perfect for ground cover. It thrives in humid environments and stays small. - Bonsai
Bonsais can thrive in both open and closed terrariums. Their small root systems and petite growth habit make them ideal candidates. Tropical varieties like ficus or aralia work best in closed terrariums.
Tip: Bonsais need occasional fresh air, so open the container for a few minutes every now and then.
Large Terrarium Plants
Larger plants can also be placed in terrariums, though they’ll require more pruning to prevent them from outgrowing their space. Here are some great choices for larger terrariums:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Known for its long, green-and-white striped leaves, this plant thrives in high humidity and is perfect for terrariums.
Tip: Watch out for plantlets—remove them before they take over your terrarium. - Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)
These carnivorous plants love the moist conditions of a terrarium. Provide them with full sun and a bit of sand and leaf mold for the best growth.
Tip: Venus flytraps will thrive in terrariums that mimic their natural wetland environment. - Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
This popular vine is known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of growth. It’s ideal for both open and closed terrariums and can handle occasional neglect.
Tip: Be prepared to prune this vigorous grower regularly. - Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum)
Crotons bring vibrant color to your terrarium with their bold, multicolored leaves. They prefer open terrariums with plenty of sunlight. - Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
Named for the way its leaves fold up at night, this plant thrives in warm, well-watered environments.
Tip: If the leaves remain folded even during the day, it might need more light.
Caring for Your Terrarium Plants
Terrariums are low-maintenance, but they still require some care to stay healthy. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Light: Terrarium plants need bright, indirect light. Too much sunlight can burn their leaves, but too little will lead to mushy, unhealthy plants.
Tip: Rotate your terrarium regularly to ensure even sunlight exposure. - Air Ventilation: Closed terrariums need to be aired out occasionally to prevent mold from forming due to excess moisture.
Tip: Air out your terrarium during the day and cover it at night. - Watering: An enclosed terrarium needs little to no watering, as it recycles its own water. Open terrariums may need a light watering once a week.
Tip: Shriveled leaves? Time to water. Yellow or mushy leaves? You’ve overwatered. - Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to prevent overcrowding and to keep plants healthy. Remove spent flowers and dead leaves immediately.
Tip: Don’t let plant matter decompose inside—this can encourage fungal growth. - Fertilizing: Terrariums generally don’t need fertilizer, but if the plants appear malnourished, use a weak mixture of houseplant food.
Tip: Use a quarter-strength mixture to avoid encouraging rapid growth. - Cleaning: Clean the glass regularly to ensure your plants get enough light. Wipe away any debris from inside and out.
Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning the inside of the terrarium.
Where to Buy Terrarium Plants
Terrarium plants are easy to find at garden centers, nurseries, and florists. If you’re looking for a wider selection, many online stores offer a fabulous range of options. You can find sets that include terrarium plants, mini-plants, or climbing vines, or even specialty collections for creating unique terrarium landscapes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking for a way to brighten up your home, terrariums are an easy and rewarding way to add a touch of greenery. With just a little care, these mini ecosystems can thrive for years, providing you with a relaxing and therapeutic hobby. Get started today and enjoy creating your own little world under glass!
