Open vs Closed Terrariums
Understanding the key differences to choose the right system for your plants
Introduction
Choosing between open and closed terrariums impacts everything from plant selection to maintenance. Each system creates a distinct environment with different moisture levels, airflow patterns, and care requirements.
This guide compares both approaches to help you select the system that best matches your lifestyle and plant preferences.
What You'll Need
Key Differences
Understanding the fundamental differences in environment and care requirements.
Plant Compatibility
Which plants thrive in each system and why.
Pros & Cons
The advantages and disadvantages of each terrarium type.
Making Your Choice
How to decide which system is right for you.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Environmental Differences
Closed Terrariums
- Self-contained water cycle
- High humidity (80-100%)
- Minimal airflow
- Stable temperature
- Requires indirect light
Open Terrariums
- Water evaporates into room
- Lower humidity (40-60%)
- Continuous airflow
- Temperature varies with room
- Can handle brighter light
Plant Compatibility
Closed Terrarium Plants
- Ferns (maidenhair, button)
- Mosses and Selaginella
- Fittonia (nerve plant)
- Peperomia varieties
- Miniature tropical plants
Open Terrarium Plants
- Succulents (Echeveria, Haworthia)
- Cacti (small varieties)
- Air plants (Tillandsia)
- Small aloe varieties
- Sedum and Crassula
Pros & Cons: Closed Terrariums
Advantages
- Nearly self-sustaining ecosystem
- Minimal watering (once every 4-6 months)
- Creates tropical microclimate even in dry homes
- Ideal for travelers or busy people
- Beautiful condensation patterns
- Perfect for humidity-loving plants
Disadvantages
- Higher risk of mold and rot
- Can overheat in direct sunlight
- Limited plant selection
- Harder to clean and maintain
- Challenging to access for pruning
- Growth can become unmanageable
Pros & Cons: Open Terrariums
Advantages
- Better airflow prevents mold
- Can include more plant varieties
- Easier to access for maintenance
- Better for desert plants and succulents
- Can handle brighter light conditions
- More control over growth and appearance
Disadvantages
- Requires regular watering (1-3 weeks)
- Not self-sustaining while you're away
- More vulnerable to pests
- Dust accumulates more easily
- Dry conditions can develop quickly
- Requires more consistent attention
Making Your Choice
Choose Closed If You:
- Want minimal maintenance
- Travel frequently
- Have dry home conditions
- Love ferns, moss, and tropical plants
- Enjoy watching self-contained ecosystems
- Prefer "set it and forget it" gardening
Choose Open If You:
- Enjoy regular plant interaction
- Love succulents and cacti
- Have bright, direct sunlight
- Prefer sculptural plants
- Want easier access for maintenance
- Enjoy hands-on gardening
Consider a flexible approach with removable lids that allows you to adjust conditions as needed. Many enthusiasts maintain both types to enjoy the benefits of each system.
Pro Tips
For closed terrariums, choose containers with removable lids for occasional maintenance.
In open terrariums, water at the soil level rather than misting to prevent leaf rot on succulents.
If you're uncertain which system to choose, start with an open terrarium—they're more forgiving for beginners.
Closed terrariums work particularly well in dry, heated homes during winter months.
To test if a plant is suitable for a closed terrarium, see if it thrives in your bathroom near the shower.
Consider your lifestyle—if you travel frequently, a closed terrarium will be more self-sufficient.
Start small with either system to gain experience before creating larger arrangements.
Conclusion
The choice between open and closed terrariums comes down to matching your system to your preferred plants and lifestyle. Closed terrariums offer a self-sustaining ecosystem with minimal maintenance, while open terrariums provide more flexibility with plant selection and easier access for care.
Remember that each system is ideal for different plant communities based on their natural preferences for moisture and air circulation. Select the terrarium style that complements both your aesthetic goals and maintenance preferences.
Whether you choose the lush tropical world of a closed system or the sculptural beauty of an open arrangement, you'll create a miniature landscape that brings natural beauty into your living space.
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.