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Best Terrarium Plants: Top Picks for Your Open or Closed Terrarium Setup

Published on
December 2, 2024
Best Terrarium Plants: Top Picks for Your Open or Closed Terrarium Setup
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Growing an Avocado From Seed Q&A

Q: Can I grow an avocado tree indoors year-round?

A: Yes, you can! But keep in mind, avocado trees need a lot of light. Make sure to place it in a sunny spot (preferably south-facing) or use a grow light to help it thrive indoors.

Q: Are avocado trees self-pollinating?

A: Yes, avocado trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t need another tree to produce fruit. However, having two trees can improve fruit production by increasing pollination.

Q: How much space do I need to plant an avocado tree?

A: Avocado trees need a lot of room to grow—expect them to reach 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide! Be sure to plant them at least 15-20 feet away from other trees, structures, or fences to give them room to spread out.

Perennial Herbs For Your Garden Q&A

Q: What’s the difference between a perennial and an annual medicinal herb?

A: Perennial herbs come back year after year, so once you plant them, you’ll have them for a long time! Annual herbs, on the other hand, only last for one growing season, so you’ll need to replant them each year. Perennials like mint, echinacea, and yarrow save you the hassle of replanting every spring.

Q: How can I harvest medicinal herbs without killing the plant?

A: The key is to harvest selectively! Only take what you need from each plant—this lets it continue to grow and regenerate. For herbs like mint and sage, you can snip off the top leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. For larger plants like echinacea or valerian, cut back the flowers once they’ve bloomed to keep the plant healthy.

Q: What’s the best way to use my herbs for medicinal purposes?

A: There are tons of ways to use your medicinal herbs! Fresh leaves can be used in teas, tinctures, or poultices. Dried herbs ar

Early Spring Blue Flowers Q&A

Q: Are early spring blue flowers annuals or perennials?

A: Most early spring blue flowers like Crocus and Iris reticulata are perennials. They come back every year, giving you reliable, beautiful blooms each spring. However, some, like Scilla and Chionodoxa, are typically planted as perennials, too, but depending on your climate, you may treat them as annuals if they don’t come back reliably in colder areas.

Q: Aside from blue flowers, are there any white flowers that bloom in early spring?

A: Absolutely! If you’re looking to mix things up, there are some gorgeous white flowers that bloom just as early as blue ones. Snowdrops are a classic—these delicate flowers pop up right when the snow is melting. Anemone is another great option; it has simple, pure white blooms that are perfect for adding a clean, crisp touch to your spring garden.

Q: What’s the best way to combine white and blue flowers in my garden?

A: For a stunning contrast, try planting blue ones like Crocus and Iris reticulata next to white ones like Anemone or Lily of the Valley. The combination of the cool blues with the fresh white blooms will create a striking visual impact. You can also create a natural look by planting them in clusters or drifts across your garden.

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best terrarium plants infographic: moss, fittonia, air plants, peperomia, baby tears

If you’ve ever thought about creating your own little green world inside a glass container, you're not alone! Terrariums are having a moment—and for good reason. They're like mini ecosystems that bring a burst of nature into your home, and they’re surprisingly easy to care for. In this post, we’re diving into some of the best terrarium plants to make your indoor garden thrive.

14 Best Terrarium Plants

1. Spike Moss

Spike Moss thriving outdoors

Spike moss is one of those plants that will immediately make you think of a mini rainforest. Its vibrant green, fern texture gives it a lush, almost magical vibe that’s perfect for closed terrariums. I love how its compact size means it can thrive in the tiniest of spaces, like a little glass globe or a small glass jar. It loves high humidity, which makes it ideal for a low maintenance, self-sustaining environment. Honestly, if you’re a fan of easy-care plants but still want that “wow” factor, spike moss is your friend. It’s a forgiving little plant that doesn’t demand much attention, making it great for both beginner and seasoned gardeners.

  • Soil: Moist, nutrient-rich soil with excellent drainage.
  • Water: Mist 3–4 times a week to maintain moisture.
  • Light: 6–8 hours of indirect light daily.
  • Temperature: 60–75°F.
  • Humidity: 70–90%.

2. Baby Tears

Baby Tears plant inside a jar thriving

If you want a plant that adds a lush, soft touch to your terrarium, baby tears should be on your list. This little creeping plant forms a dense mat of tiny, rounded green leaves that look like the softest carpet you could walk on—if only it was big enough! Baby tears, a miniature plant. thrive in humid environments, so they’re a perfect choice for closed terrariums. It's one of those plants that’s truly satisfying to watch grow, and I promise you’ll love how vibrant and full it looks in your setup.

  • Soil: Loamy soil with good drainage.
  • Water: Water 2–3 times a week to keep the soil evenly moist.
  • Light: 6 hours of filtered light daily.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 60–80%.

3. Creeping Fig

Creeping Fig inside a pot thriving

Creeping fig is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in open terrariums. This vine is perfect for creating a cascading effect—its heart-shaped leaves grow rapidly and can easily spill over the edges of a container. It's great if you love plants that bring a touch of nature into your home. It's low-maintenance, but the more light and space it gets, the better it grows. If you want a plant that can handle being tucked into corners or hanging down over the sides of your terrarium, creeping fig will not disappoint.

  • Soil: Well-draining soil with organic matter.
  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly, keeping the soil lightly moist.
  • Light: 6–8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Temperature: 60–85°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

4. African Violet

African Violet inside a terrarium thriving closeup

African violets are the divas of the terrarium world—beautiful, vibrant, and just a bit fussy. They bring a lovely pop of color to your terrarium with their velvety leaves and small, delicate blooms that come in shades of purple, pink, and white. Although they can be a little more delicate than some other plants, their beauty is totally worth it. If you’re someone who likes having flowering plants indoors, this tropical plant is a great choice because they’ll bloom almost year-round if you treat them right

  • Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5).
  • Water: Water 2 times weekly, avoiding wetting the leaves.
  • Light: 8–12 hours of indirect light daily.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 50–60%.

5. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia (Nerve Plant) thriving inside a terrarium

Fittonia is a stunning choice for any terrarium, with its striking veined leaves in shades of green, pink, or white. It's like nature’s version of a decorative rug—bold, vibrant, and full of life. The contrasting veins in the leaves really pop, and it’s surprisingly easy to care for. It does best in a humid, closed setup, which makes it perfect for beginners who want to experiment with dynamic, colorful foliage in small spaces.

  • Soil: Peat-based potting mix.
  • Water: Water 3 times a week to maintain consistently moist soil.
  • Light: 6–8 hours of low to medium indirect light.
  • Temperature: 60–80°F.
  • Humidity: 60–90%.

6. Polka Dot Plant

Polka Dot Plant closeup thriving inside a pot

This plant lives up to its name with speckled leaves in shades of pink, red, or white. It adds such a playful and cheerful element to your terrarium, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys bold and unique foliage. Polka dot plants are super easy to grow in both open and closed terrariums. The best part? It’s fairly low-maintenance and will grow just as happily in a small glass container as it would in a larger one.

  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
  • Water: Water 2–3 times weekly, keeping the soil lightly moist.
  • Light: 8 hours of filtered light daily.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

7. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air Plants (Tillandsia) inside a terrarium thriving

Air plants are nature’s little marvels, growing without soil and needing minimal care. Their sculptural, almost alien-like appearance makes them a fun choice for creative gardeners. Perfect for open terrariums, they can be perched on driftwood, shells, or decorative rocks for an artistic display.

  • Soil: None needed—attach to surfaces or use decorative materials.
  • Water: Mist 2–3 times a week or soak in water for 20 minutes weekly.
  • Light: 8–12 hours of bright, indirect light.
  • Temperature: 65–85°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

8. Moss

Moss inside a glass jar thriving

Moss is one of the easiest plants to incorporate into your terrarium, and it’s a must-have for anyone who loves that natural, woodland aesthetic. It creates such a soft, plush ground cover, and I personally love how it brings everything together in closed terrariums. It thrives in the moist, humid environment which makes it an excellent choice for closed terrariums, and it really helps create that little ecosystem vibe. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’ll stay green and vibrant with minimal effort.

  • Soil: Moist, acidic soil with organic content.
  • Water: Mist 3–4 times weekly to maintain humidity.
  • Light: 6 hours of indirect light daily.
  • Temperature: 55–75°F.
  • Humidity: 70–90%.

9. Prayer Plant (Maranta)

Prayer Plant (Maranta) inside a terrarium thriving

The prayer plant is one of those plants that constantly surprises you. I’ve had one in my terrarium for a while, and I just adore how its dark green leaves fold up at night like it’s "praying"—it’s a cool natural phenomenon. The intricate leaf patterns are what really make this plant stand out. It’s perfect for closed terrariums because it loves the humidity and the high moisture. If you’re someone who loves dynamic plants that change with the light, the prayer plant will keep you entertained.

  • Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
  • Water: Water 2–3 times weekly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
  • Light: 6–8 hours of indirect light.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 60–80%.

10. Pilea (Friendship Plant)

Pilea (Friendship Plant) thriving in a pot indoors

Pilea, or the "Chinese Money Plant," is one of those plants that makes you feel like you’re on top of your indoor gardening game, even if you’re a beginner. With its vibrant, round, coin-shaped leaves, it brings a playful, modern touch to any room. This houseplant is great if you have a corner of your home that doesn’t get a ton of natural light as they can live happily in low light conditions, though they will appreciate bright, indirect light if you can give it to them. Pilea also tends to ‘pup,’ sending off little baby plants that you can propagate and share with friends (or just enjoy for yourself!).

  • Soil: Well-draining, light potting mix.
  • Water: Water 2 times weekly, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly.
  • Light: 6 hours of indirect, bright light.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

11. Peperomia

Peperomia plants thriving in their own pots

Peperomia is one of those plants that comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. From the thick, fleshy leaves of Peperomia obtusifolia to the stunning variegated patterns on Peperomia caperata, it’s a plant that can easily adapt to different aesthetics. This plant is perfect for people who might forget to water their plants for a while (no judgment here!). Plus, they’re great in small spaces like terrariums because they stay relatively compact.

  • Soil: Well-draining, loose potting mix.
  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Light: 8 hours under bright and indirect sunlight
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

12. Begonia

closeup of Begonia flowers thriving

Ah, begonias. These plants just never fail to impress.Their intricate, waxy leaves, paired with the colorful flowers (usually in shades of pink, red, or white), make them a must-have for any plant enthusiast. Begonias thrive in high humidity and moderate temperatures, making them perfect for closed terrariums. Plus, the wide variety of begonias means you can find one to suit any aesthetic—whether you love the fancy, ruffled leaves of Begonia rex or the compact, easy-care Begonia semperflorens. The care is pretty simple, but I’ve noticed that keeping their leaves dry and giving them the right amount of light is key to keeping them happy.

  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
  • Water: Water 2–3 times weekly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Light: 6 hours of filtered sunlight daily.
  • Temperature: 65–75°F.
  • Humidity: 60–80%.

13. Pothos

Pothos plant thriving in a container

Pothos is like the easy-going, laid-back friend of the plant world. I’m sure you've seen it in homes and offices because it’s so easy to grow and care for. If you're looking for something that will thrive even if you forget to water it for a few days, pothos is your plant. It’s one of the best plants for beginners because it tolerates a wide range of light conditions and is super forgiving when it comes to watering. Plus, its trailing vines can grow quite long and can be trained to cascade down or climb up a trellis—so if you love the look of a trailing plant in your terrarium, pothos is an ideal choice.

  • Soil: Well-draining soil
  • Water: Water 1–2 times weekly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Light: 6–8 hours of indirect sunlight.
  • Temperature: 65–85°F.
  • Humidity: 50–70%.

14. Boston Fern

Boston Fern thriving in a small garden outdoors

The Boston Fern is a classic choice for terrariums, loved for its lush, feathery fronds that bring a soft, elegant vibe to any space. The way its fronds drape and move gently with the slightest breeze gives it a dreamy, almost whimsical feel. The leaves are bright green, and they tend to get even more vibrant with the right humidity and light. What’s cool is that it does really well in a low-maintenance environment, making it ideal if you’re looking for something that doesn't require constant attention.

Quick Care Tips:

  • Soil: Well-draining, moist, acidic soil is a must.
  • Water: Water 1-2 times per week, depending on humidity levels; ensure the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
  • Light: 6-8 hours of indirect light per day. Keep it out of direct sunlight, as it can burn the fronds.
  • Temperature: Best kept between 65-75°F.
  • Humidity: 60-80%, which is why it's the best plant for closed terrariums with high humidity.

FAQs

Q: Can succulents thrive in terrariums?

A: Succulents can thrive in open terrariums but are generally not ideal for closed terrariums. Open terrariums provide the airflow and drier environment that succulents need to prevent root rot and overhydration. Closed terrariums, with their high humidity and limited ventilation, create conditions that are too moist for most succulents to survive.

Q: Can I use cuttings to start a terrarium?

Absolutely! Using cuttings to start a terrarium is one of the best ways to grow plants in a small, contained environment. Many plants, like Pothos and Peperomia, are great for this because they root easily. You can simply snip off a healthy stem, place it in water for a while, and then add it to your terrarium once it's rooted. It’s a fun, cost-effective way to propagate your favorite houseplants, and it helps your terrarium flourish without having to buy a new plant every time!

Q: Can I grow cactus in a terrarium?

Cacti can be a bit tricky when it comes to terrariums because they prefer dry, well-ventilated spaces, which can be tough to achieve in a closed container. While they thrive in open terrariums with lots of light and airflow, you’ll want to be mindful of humidity. Too much moisture in the air can cause them to rot. If you love the look of miniature cacti, just be sure to pick a terrarium with plenty of ventilation and avoid over-watering.