Terrariums offer a beautiful and low - alimony way to bring nature indoors , whether you favor the humidness of a shut glass environment or the air flow of an overt one . Choosing the correct plants is cardinal to create a palmy , balanced ecosystem inside your terrarium .
From profuse , moisture - make out ferns to dauntless , drouth - tolerant succulents , this guide highlights 42 of the best plant life that can thrive in both candid and closed terrariums , helping you craft the perfect miniature garden for any outer space .
Different Types of Best Terrarium Plants
String of Hearts
TheString of Hearts , or Ceropegia woodii , features trailing vine with diminutive , bosom - determine leaves that are vibrant immature with charming silver - gray marbling .
Ideal as a Valentine ’s Day giving , this works thrives in open terrarium , where its leaves can creep along the soil or hang over the edges . As a semi - succulent , it prefers dry soil and well - drain flaxen substrates , as excess moisture can lead to root rot and impress other plants in the terrarium .
Peace in the Home
peace treaty in the Home , or Soleirolia soleirolii , features a lush fleeceable carpet of diminutive , delicate leaves that thickly cover the ground , make a soft , verdant appearing .
Also lie with as Baby ’s Tears , this plant is utter for compact terrarium , quickly filling gaps with its vivacious leafage . However , it can be tricky to handle for ; overwatering and too much shadiness are common issues . For optimal emergence , keep the soil systematically damp ( but not soggy ) and provide plenty of bright collateral light .
Aluminum Plant
The Aluminum Plant , or Pilea cadierei , is a prominent focal point in any indoor garden . Its unambiguously patterned leaves , adorned with silver stripe , resemble watermelon skin , creating an eye - catching display .
Also known as Watermelon Pilea , this industrial plant thrives in larger terrariums , making it an excellent centerpiece in brilliant indirect sunlight . Due to its improbable emergence habit , it works skillful as a central feature industrial plant , where its shimmery leafage can heighten the beauty of your arrangement .
Pothos
The GoldenPothos , or Epipremnum aureum , is a beloved houseplant . Its nitty-gritty - mold green leaves prosper in ornamental wickerwork potful , while its vines can trail or climb , creating a succulent appearance .
Resilient and adaptable , Golden Pothos excels in various conditions , make it a must - have for terrarium . These tight - growing vines take bigger spaces with abundant foliage , and with numerous cultivars available , there ’s something for everyone . Just avoid overwatering , particularly in closed terrariums , for optimal success .
Radiator Plants
Peperomia caperata , or Ripple Peperomia , is a charming houseplant with heart - shape leaves featuring deep ridges and a rich dark Burgundy wine color . A close - up shows it held in a small dark mess , highlighting its unparalleled texture .
idealistic for terrarium , this compact plant life adds delightful color and intrigue , crap it a front-runner among enthusiasts . The pocket-size Peperomia caperata thrives in terrarium , while Peperomia rotundifolia can trail close to the soil . With the right care , you might even see them flower , raise your terrarium experience .
Button Fern
The Button Fern , or Pellaea rotundifolia , features frail , rotund leaves on foresighted , slender frond , giving it a unique appearance .
Perfect for closed terrariums , this compact fern bestow hobo camp elegance with its adorable button - shaped leafage . Growing to about 12 inches tall , it thrives in the moist , high - humidity environment typical of terrariums , hit it an idealistic choice for creating a profuse indoor landscape .
Creeping Fig
The Creeping Fig , or Ficus pumila , is a heavyset vine that expand in sunlight , showcasing small , heart - shaped , dark unripened leaves with a glossy close .
Unlike many taller Ficus specie , Ficus pumila is idealistic for terrariums due to its nanus size . This vine is a great option to Hedera helix , easy climbing wall and occupy grunge gaps in closed terrariums . It can also be sequester to wood or rock for add artistic flare .
African Violet
TheAfrican Violet , or Saintpaulia , showcases fuzzy , heart - forge drear green leave and little , five - petaled purple flowers with pollyannaish jaundiced centers in a white tummy on a swooning windowsill .
sleep with for reliable indoor flowering and native to Africa , African Violetsare houseplant staples . Their summary size urinate them staring for terrarium , but moisture stage must be supervise closely to prevent unsightly spots on leave and base rot . With right care , they can blossom nearly all class round , bring vivacious colour to yourindoor space .
Miniature Orchids
Miniature orchids feature long , thin stems and glazed oval leaves . Their delicateflowers exhibit white petal with deep purpleveins , realise them rightfully refined .
These compact orchids expand in mellow humidity , make them idealistic for terrariums with the right potting mass medium . guardianship can be challenging , but maintaining high humidity and using easy orchidaceous plant bark or attach root to woodwind helps them flourish . choose for a terrarium with a blanket opening to protect get flower spikes .
Silver Sparkle Pilea
The Silver Sparkle Pilea , or Pilea libanensis , showcases small , round leave with shimmer silver dapple in a vivacious red - orange lot . This compact , track plant impart a captivating sense of touch to indoor spaces .
Often judge Pilea glauca or even Pilea peacock blue , its adaptability for terrarium is clear . Its lilliputian silver farewell can cascade over the edges of containers , and you could trim stems to root in your terrarium or use a single tumid plant . This flexibility induce it ideal for minuscule terrarium or artistic works undertaking , enhancing your indoor garden .
String of Turtles
TheString of Turtles , or Peperomia prostrata , sport long , trail vines with small , round leaves resembling a turtleneck ’s shell pattern , enhancing its allure .
As a member of the Peperomia genus , it ’s perfect for terrariums due to its adorability and compendious nature . To found , simply trim and root individual vines , making it easy to fit into narrow openings . With its delicious aesthetic , this plant raise any terrarium showing .
Spider Plant
TheSpider Plant , or Chlorophytum comosum , boast long , arching leaves with striking white grade insignia , make an attractive , spiky appearance .
Best suit for open environs , Spider Plants flourish in high humidity and are democratic among father gardeners . Tiny pups can easily be planted in humble containers .
While they can make it in closed in terrarium , they ask careful lacrimation to deflect decomposition .
Polka Dot Plant
ThePolka Dot Plant , or Hypoestes phyllostachya , features sullen green , elliptical leaves adorned with classifiable pink spots .
Its compact size and love for humidity make it perfect for closed terrarium . The unique spotted foliation comes in various vivid colors , with the spotty pink potpourri being especially democratic .
Incorporating a Polka Dot Plant into your terrarium guarantee a delicious fit of color that ’s laborious to replicate with other plants .
Nerve Plant
TheNerve Plant , or Fittonia , feature minor , vividly color leaf with contrast veins . Its dark unripe , oval leaves are adorned with pronounced blank veins , creating a striking visual effect .
Similar to thePolka Dot Plant , Fittonias are often chosen for terrariums due to their attractive leafage . rather of smear , they showcase brilliant venous blood vessel that attractively place upright out among other plants .
While varieties with white veins volunteer bold contrast , you could also find Fittonias with red veins or pink - tinted leaves . mate them with a pink Polka Dot Plant creates an heart - catching terrarium display .
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant , or Pilea peperomioides , features round , coin - shaped folio on sylphlike , unsloped stem . These bright green leaves , with distinct palmate mineral vein radiating from the centre , create a singular appearing .
Thriving in larger terrariums , this plant ’s upright increase and love for wet make it an idealistic pick . Known as the flapjack or UFO flora , its rounded foliage beautifully counterpoint with fawn vine or moss .
To add up a Chinese Money Plant to a terrarium with a minuscule opening , utilise a pup . These tiny edition of the parent plant can be easy rout and planted to make a replete display .
Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern , or Adiantum raddianum , features delicate , exquisitely separate fronds that resemble flaccid plume . Its saturnine greenness , lacy frond total an refined touch to any terrarium .
Ideal for grandiloquent terrariums , this fern ’s thin leafage are densely packed on minute stem , creating a refined arch . They thrive in moist environments , making closed terrariums perfect for their concern .
If you ’ve had trouble go along them alive in wry conditions , a terrarium might be the idealistic solution .
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
The Dwarf Arrowhead Vine , or Syngonium ‘ Pixie , ’ features minor , arrowhead - shaped leaves with dark-green and smooth-spoken variegation , creating an appealing optical effect .
Unlike its larger relative , this compact variety is perfect for terrariums . Syngonium podophyllum ‘ hob ’ thrives in bright collateral light but can tolerate abject light source , making it a versatile choice for diminished space . Whether you ’re a seasoned plant life enthusiast or a initiate , this delightful vine will brighten up your terrarium .
Crocodile Fern
The Crocodile Fern , or Microsorum musifolium , sport fronds with scaly patterns resemble crocodile skin , making it a typical option for indoor decor .
This compact fern is perfect for terrariums , thriving in gamy humidness while preferring well - debilitate land to avert sogginess . Slow - grow and patient of of pocket-size spaces , it does well in medium to bright indirect light , making it a various choice for indoor gardens .
Watermelon Vine
Pellionia pulchra , normally known as Watermelon Vine , features unambiguously variegated leaves resemble watermelon skin , with ellipse - shaped leaves in vibrant green grace with light upon dismal and light green pattern .
This flora thrives in terrariums , demand stable , high - humidness conditions to flourish . Unlike the edible watermelon vine , Pellionia pulchra is ideal for small chicken feed surround .
Though it can be challenging to find and maintain , this vine loves the logical humidity of terrarium . It is raw to environmental alteration , making a terrarium the perfect plate for this enthrall flora .
Dischidia
Dischidia plant in a mordant charge card dangling pot outdoors . This plant boast little , orotund or ellipse pale green leaves and trailing growth habits .
Dischidia is a low - criminal maintenance genus related to Hoyas . These compendious - leaved vines are ideal for exposed terrarium but postulate heedful watering to avoid bunkum . Their power to bind moisture pee them perfect for pairing with taller succulents , helping to fill in disruption in your terrarium showing .
Begonia
Begoniamasoniana is growing in a terrarium among other industrial plant . recognise as the Iron Cross Begonia , it feature large , glossy thick green leaves with a distinctive disconsolate brown to maroon grouchy - shaped shape at the shopping centre . The leaves have an crooked oval Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe with undulated bound .
begonia thrive in the affectionateness and in high spirits humidness of closed terrariums , establish them a various option . With a vast raiment of shapes , colors , and size , you ’re likely to see a begonia you adore . Their colorful patterned leaf stand out attractively , and under the good conditions , they produce lovely blooms as an added fillip .
These tropic plant prefer gamy humidity , so maintaining moisture horizontal surface is essential . Some species are sensitive to overwatering , so monitor the grease to protect the roots .
Prayer Plants
Prayer Plantknown scientifically as Maranta , this flora have slender stems and oval - shaped leaves deck with intricate patterns in various shades of fleeceable and contrast pink veins .
Marantas are well recognized by their vibrant , tropic foliage , reach them idealistic for terrariums . They thrive in humid environment , distinctive of terrarium circumstance , though their bombastic leaf can take up blank space . To prevent overcrowding , use them as a primal plant twin with lower - growing vines in larger terrariums .
Philodendron micans
This works features slender , vining stem adorned with velvety , heart - shaped leaves that play with iridescent hue , enhance its entreaty .
Philodendron micans is a humiliated - care plant , making it ideal for terrarium . Its salient , velvety farewell are centre - catching and can boom in a large terrarium frame-up , specially with cosmetic wood or a scurvy opening to showcase the climb vines .
Alocasia ‘Bambino’
Alocasia ‘ Bambino ’ is a outstanding houseplant sport deep gullible arrowhead - shaped leave with counterpoint lily-white vena . This compact cultivar of Alocasia amazonica maintains a small size , making it idealistic for terrariums , as its colors deepen in bright light , almost appear bootleg .
Unlike larger Alocasia form , ‘ Bambino ’ is perfect for those search to enhance their indoor garden with a spot of elegance . Its unique folio convention and growth habit have made it a favorite among flora partizan .
‘Fluffy Ruffles’ Sword Fern
‘ Fluffy Ruffles ’ Sword Fern ( Nephrolepis exaltata ‘ Fluffy Ruffles ’ ) features sorcerous , benighted green fronds with a distinctive rippled appearance . This compact cultivar grows to about 12 inch , making it ideal for closed in terrarium with high humidness .
While it can be tricky to care for , the moist environment of a terrarium and burnished collateral sparkle will aid it thrive . Its adorable name perfectly reflects its delightful rippled leaf , set it apart from larger sword fern .
Cushion Moss
Cushion Moss ( Leucobryum glaucum ) has a slow , compact form with soft green leaves that grow close to the ground , creating a riotous , carpet - similar grain . This moss is a staple in terrariums , providing a woodland touch while complement taller plants .
It does n’t diffuse extensively , allowing for heedful initial position . you’re able to either establish it in clumps or cover the grime with a heavy temporary hookup to let it thrive , enhancing the overall aesthetic of your terrarium .
Spikemoss
Spikemoss ( Selaginella kraussiana ) features tiny , feathery green leaves arranged in a dense , fern - corresponding pattern , resembling miniature pine branches . While not a on-key moss , it thrives in terrariums , making it an first-class groundcover .
This metal money requires high-pitched humidity , bright indirect light , and logical wet for optimal growth , which is well achieved in a unsympathetic terrarium . With these conditions , its delicate leaves will remain riotous and vibrant throughout the year .
Jade Plant
Jade Plant ( Crassula ovata ) resembles a small tree with a deep body and branched stems covered in circular , glossy , coloured unripened leaf . This intrepid succulent adapts well to various indoor status and can flourish in scurvy light .
While it grows easy , it can become large over fourth dimension , making size a consideration for terrarium placement . With proper care , modest jade green plants can comfortably reside in large terrariums before want move .
Haworthia
Haworthia , also eff as zebra cactus , constitute a compact rosette of fleshy , pointed unripe farewell with white grade insignia . Its little size makes it ideal for open terrariums . This plant produces offshoots , which can be easily distribute .
Like echeverias , Haworthia thrives in sandy soil with minimum watering . Its spiky , striped appearance and ease of attention make it a popular choice for succulent enthusiast , especially in lowly space .
String of Pearls
chain of Pearls ( Curio rowleyanus ) boast long , give chase stems invest with small , bead - like , light gullible leaves resembling pearl . This draping plant life thrives in down in the mouth light , do it ideal for terrarium with dispirited openings .
It ’s popular among houseplant enthusiast for its delicate , string up appearing and margin for less Light Within . To preclude the leaves from space out , place it in bright light . cosmic string of Pearls looks great when planted on the sharpness of terrariums , paired with tall succulents .
Hens and Chicks
hen and Chicks ( Sempervivum ) imprint summary , pear-shaped little potato of bright putting surface , triangular leaves with violet - canted point . sleep with for their geometric appearance , these depleted - care plants are ideal for open terrariums . The name comes from the minor outgrowth , or “ chicks , ” they produce around the al-Qa’ida , perfect for propagation .
To raise their look , insure the soil with decorative crushed rock , which also helps maintain the gritty , well - draining condition they require to fly high .
Panda Plant
The Panda Plant ( Kalanchoe tomentosa ) shape vertical stems with fleshy , oval hoary leaves covered in a soft , fluffy grain , accented by brown - orangeness dots along the edges . idealistic for taller overt terrariums , it contribute height and spell with its unparalleled , velvety foliation .
Known by cute cultivar name like ‘ Chocolate Soldier ’ and ‘ Teddy Bear , ’ this succulent ’s fluffy leaves make it a ducky among aggregator , bringing both lulu and a soft trace to any display .
Burro’s Tail
Burro ’s Tail ( Sedum morganianum ) is a trailing succulent with long stems densely covered in grim - gullible , plump , cylindrical farewell . Often planted in hanging sens or terrariums , its vines can drape graciously out of openings . This democratic succulent , resembling tails , thrives in bright light with minimum watering .
Like String of Pearls , it ’s complete for capable terrariums where the vines can cascade . Ensure enough light to prevent stretch and leafage drop cloth , making it a striking choice for any space .
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum Moss features balmy , feathery fleeceable leave that make a dense , carpet - like appearance . Often used in gardening as dried or peat moss , live sphagnum moss is a worthful addition to closed in terrarium .
It prosper in eminent humidity and need regular watering to prevent drying out . Pairing it with moisture - love plants enhances its lush , vivacious flavor in terrarium preferences . While it may be laborious to receive , it ’s well deserving sum to your collection .
Peacock Spikemoss
Peacock Spikemoss ( Selaginella uncinata ) features walk out blue - green foliage with an pearlescent quality . Its tiny leaf create a dense mat , resembling the vibrant colors of Inachis io tail feathers . This resilient industrial plant expand in low Light Within and fuddled conditions , making it ideal for terrariums .
With time , its leaves will develop a unique iridescent hue , supply visual interest . Use Peacock Spikemoss as a standout feature flora orground coveramong tall plant for a captivating display .
Mood Moss
Mood Moss ( Dicranum scoparium ) features soft , feathery leaves that form dense , cushion - similar Master of Arts in Teaching in vibrant green . This true moss thrives in closed terrariums , requiring logical moisture to flourish . Its captivating texture makes it a delightful touch , but it ’s best keep in a control environment to foreclose drying out .
have a go at it for being somewhat bad-tempered , Mood Moss postulate thoughtful care ; however , a closed terrarium help keep the ideal humidity levels to keep it lush and sizeable .
Tillandsia
Tillandsia ( air industrial plant ) feature slender stem and long , minute , grizzly - unripe leaves with a svelte off-white program . These unique plant thrive in well - lit , open environments , making them ideal for open terrarium .
Unlike many terrarium plants , Tillandsias can not handle enclosed spaces . They bring architectural flair to glass container , specially when attached to driftwood . Simply place the driftwood on decorative gravel , and you ’ll create scratch go décor that requires only episodic misting and vivid light to flourish .
Echeveria
Echeveria forms a round rosette resemble a rose , with large , overweight leaves that are bright green with pink boundary . pop in open terrarium , Echeveria succulent are favored for their compact shapes and attractive color .
They flourish in well - debilitate soil , so it ’s important to layer the terrarium to forestall excess wet at the substructure . To irrigate them without peril of rot , use a shuck to deliver H2O straight to the roots .
