Botanical Insights
Selecting the perfect plants for thriving terrarium ecosystems
Introduction
Choosing the right plants is the key to a successful terrarium. This guide showcases the most reliable and visually striking options for both open and closed systems, helping you create beautiful, thriving miniature ecosystems.
We'll explore plant varieties that excel in terrarium conditions, their specific care requirements, and how to combine them for the best results.
What You'll Need
Plant Categories
We'll explore plants suited for different terrarium types including tropicals, succulents, mosses, and specialty plants.
Visual Identification
Clear images to help you recognize various terrarium-suitable plant species.
Growth Characteristics
Information on size, growth rate, and special requirements to help with selection.
Compatibility Guidelines
Recommendations for plant combinations that work well together in the same environment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Best Plants for Closed Terrariums
These moisture-loving plants thrive in the high humidity of closed terrariums:
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
- Stunning veined leaves in pink, white, or red
- Compact growth habit (4-6" tall)
- Thrives in high humidity
- Moderate to low light
Peperomia
- Diverse leaf shapes and textures
- Slow-growing and compact
- Semi-succulent leaves store water
- Adaptable to various light conditions
Miniature Ferns
- Delicate fronds create woodland feel
- Many stay naturally small
- Thrive in moist environments
- Prefer filtered, indirect light
Selaginella (Spike Moss)
- Creates lush carpeting effect
- Absorbs water through leaves
- Beautiful feathery texture
- Several varieties with different colors
Moss Varieties for Terrariums
Mosses create lush groundcover and help maintain moisture balance in terrariums:
Sheet Moss (Hypnum)
- Forms a dense, carpet-like layer
- Bright green color with fine texture
- Works on vertical surfaces
- Excellent base layer
Mood Moss (Dicranum)
- Creates tufted, cushion-like mounds
- Adds dimensional texture and height
- More pronounced vertical growth
- Great for creating miniature hills
For moss success, mist regularly rather than watering heavily, and avoid direct sunlight which can burn these delicate plants.
Best Plants for Open Terrariums
These plants thrive in the drier conditions and good airflow of open terrariums:
Haworthia
- Distinctive markings and patterns
- Tolerates lower light than most succulents
- Slow-growing, stays compact
- Zebra and pearl varieties are popular
Echeveria
- Forms elegant rosettes in varied colors
- Many varieties available
- Requires bright light
- Colors intensify with adequate sun
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
- No soil required
- Architectural forms add interest
- Occasional misting needed
- Many varieties and sizes available
Crassula
- Many miniature varieties
- Architectural growth habits
- Extremely drought-tolerant
- Jade plant relatives
For succulent success, ensure excellent drainage and restraint with watering. Always allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Specialty Plants for Visual Impact
These unique plants add striking focal points to your terrarium designs:
Jewel Orchids (Ludisia)
- Grown for stunning patterned foliage
- Velvety leaves with contrasting veins
- Thrives in high humidity (closed terrariums)
- Macodes petola has gold-veined leaves
Carnivorous Plants
- Create intrigue and conversation pieces
- Many species thrive in terrarium conditions
- Require pure water (distilled or rainwater)
- Sundews (Drosera) work particularly well
Specialty plants often have specific requirements, so research each species carefully before including them.
Plants to Avoid in Terrariums
Not all plants are suitable for terrarium life. These categories generally perform poorly:
Fast Growers
- Pothos (quickly outgrows containers)
- Traditional Philodendron varieties
- Spider plants
- Most tropical vines
Incompatible Needs
- Mixing desert plants with tropical
- Cacti in closed terrariums
- Ferns in open, dry terrariums
- Full-sun plants in low light
Focus on species adapted to terrarium conditions or naturally found in similar environments like forest floors or rock crevices.
Recommended Plant Combinations
These plant groupings work well together and create beautiful terrarium compositions:
Closed Terrarium Combinations
- Tropical Mix: Fittonia + Peperomia + Sheet moss + Mini fern
- Forest Floor: Selaginella + Baby's tears + Miniature Pilea + Mood moss
- Exotic Display: Jewel orchid + Hypoestes + Fern moss + Mini Syngonium
Open Terrarium Combinations
- Desert Scene: Haworthia + Echeveria + Small Crassula + Air plant
- Minimalist Design: Assorted small Echeveria + String of pearls
- Architectural: Mixed air plants + Small cacti + Aloe varieties
When combining plants, consider their growth rates and mature sizes to ensure long-term compatibility in your terrarium ecosystem.
Pro Tips
Choose specimens from the smallest pots available—they'll adapt better to terrarium conditions than larger plants.
Mix leaf textures and shapes for visual interest: pair feathery ferns with broad-leaved Peperomia or patterned Fittonia.
Research plant mature sizes carefully—many common houseplants that look appropriately sized when purchased will quickly outgrow terrariums.
Consider the plant's natural habitat: woodland floor species generally excel in terrariums since they've evolved in similar conditions.
Look for naturally miniature varieties rather than juvenile specimens of larger species. 'Dwarf', 'Mini', or 'Petite' in the name is a good indicator.
When you find a plant variety that thrives in your terrariums, learn to propagate it yourself for a continuous supply.
Conclusion
With the right plant selection, your terrarium becomes not just a decorative element, but a thriving miniature ecosystem. Each carefully chosen plant contributes to both the visual composition and the ecological balance of your creation.
Remember that the most successful terrariums often feature a restrained plant palette, focusing on quality specimens with complementary needs rather than maximizing variety. This approach creates more cohesive designs and healthier ecosystems.
As you experiment with different plant combinations, you'll develop your own preferences and discover which species thrive in your specific conditions. The joy of terrarium creation lies in this ongoing exploration and the unique living artwork that results.
Emma Greenfield
Terrarium Designer & Plant Specialist
This guide was carefully crafted to help beginners create beautiful terrariums with confidence. If you have questions or want to share your creation, find me on Instagram @emma_greenfield.