A: Anemones have a neat trick of closing their petals at night or when it’s cloudy. This behavior is believed to be a way to protect their pollen and nectar from the elements, preserving their beauty for when the sun returns. It's also thought to help them conserve energy.
A: Anemones naturally die back in the fall after their blooming season, especially the perennial varieties. This die-back is part of their life cycle, where the foliage wilts and the plant goes dormant for the winter. It's a sign that your plant is preparing for the colder months and is completely normal. Just make sure to cut back any dead foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
A: For the best results, harvest anemones when they’re fully open, but not yet starting to wilt. The stems should be cut early in the morning, when the blooms are at their freshest. Make sure to place them in water immediately after cutting and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prolong their vase life.
A: Yes, hibiscus can be grown indoors, particularly tropical varieties. Place your hibiscus in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. You may need to use grow lights if sunlight is limited during winter months. Ensure the room is warm and humid to mimic tropical conditions.
A: If you live in a region with cold winters, bring tropical hibiscus indoors before the first frost to protect it from freezing. Hardy hibiscus can be left outdoors with a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots. Consider cutting back the stems and covering the plant with frost cloth for extra protection.
A: The best time to plant hibiscus is during the spring or early summer, when the plant can establish itself before the cooler weather sets in. For tropical hibiscus, wait until the danger of frost has passed. Hardy hibiscus can be planted in the spring, once the soil has warmed up.
Yes! You can place a healthy leaf cutting in a glass of water, making sure only the bottom inch is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria buildup. Once roots develop (usually in a few weeks), transfer the cutting to soil.
Pretty much, yes! Snake plants are one of the most low-maintenance house plants. They can handle low light, little water, and general forgetfulness. Just don’t go months without watering it—or worse, overwater it. That’s the fastest way to kill it!
It’s rare, but yes! Snake plants can bloom, usually when they’re a little stressed (like being root-bound). The flowers are small, white, and slightly fragrant. Consider it a bonus surprise!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
