Complete Gardening
Terrariums are an exquisite way to bring a piece of nature into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice plant lover, a terrarium offers a perfect blend of greenery and decor.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 28 ideal terrarium plants that are not only easy to care for but also thrive in enclosed environments. Each plant is selected for its unique beauty, resilience, and ability to flourish with minimal maintenance.
Dive in and discover the perfect terrarium plants that will transform your space into a lush, green sanctuary.
1. Peperomia
Peperomia is a favorite choice for terrarium enthusiasts due to its compact size and variety of leaf shapes. Its resilience makes it suitable for beginners. Keep it in indirect light, and water sparingly.
Peperomia comes in diverse colors, such as green, red, and silver, adding visual interest to any terrarium. With minimal care, it rewards you with vibrant foliage.
Actionable tip: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. This encourages healthy growth and prevents root rot, making Peperomia a low-maintenance yet attractive addition to your terrarium.
2. Moss
Moss is an essential element in terrarium design, offering lush texture and a soft appearance. It’s perfect for beginners due to its adaptability.
Moss requires minimal light and can thrive in humid environments, making it an ideal choice for enclosed terrariums. Its low-maintenance nature appeals to those new to gardening.
Try placing moss around rocks or as a ground cover for a natural look. Water it gently to keep it moist, and enjoy a verdant, green accompaniment to your terrarium plants.
3. Fittonia
Fittonia, or the nerve plant, is known for its striking veined leaves, making it a lovely focal point in a terrarium. It’s a forgiving plant that thrives in humid conditions.
With its vivid pink, red, or white veins, Fittonia adds a pop of color. Keep it in indirect sunlight, and maintain consistent moisture for best results.
Actionable tip: Regular misting will keep Fittonia lush and healthy. Its adaptability to low light ensures it remains a vibrant part of your terrarium collection.
4. Pilea
Pilea, often called the “friendship plant,” is loved for its charming round leaves and easy-care nature. It’s perfect for terrariums, thriving in moderate light.
This plant propagates readily, making it a delightful choice for sharing with friends. It requires little attention, other than regular watering.
Place your Pilea in a bright spot and water when the soil feels dry. Its peculiar appearance and ease of care make it a fascinating addition to any terrarium.
5. Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Tillandsia, or air plants, are intriguing additions to terrariums, as they don’t require soil to grow. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
Place them in bright, indirect light, and mist them a couple of times a week. Their unique structure allows for creative arrangement within the terrarium.
These drought-resistant plants are perfect for beginners seeking low-maintenance greenery. Their peculiar growth habit adds a whimsical element to your terrarium display.
6. Succulents
Succulents are beloved for their diverse shapes and colors, making them ideal for terrariums. They thrive in well-drained soil and bright light.
Arrange them in an open terrarium to prevent excess moisture. Their drought-tolerant nature suits new plant owners perfectly.
Experiment with different varieties to create a captivating display. Their resilience and aesthetic appeal make succulents a popular choice for terrarium gardening.
7. Ferns
Ferns add a touch of elegance to any terrarium with their delicate fronds and vibrant green color. They thrive in humid conditions, making them well-suited for enclosed terrariums.
These plants prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil. Regular misting will keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
Ferns’ graceful appearance enhances any terrarium, offering a lush and lively atmosphere. Their adaptability makes them a beginner-friendly option.
8. Baby Tears (Soleirolia)
Baby Tears, known for its tiny, delicate leaves, creates a lush carpet effect in terrariums. It’s perfect for beginners, thriving in humid and low-light environments.
This plant spreads quickly, offering a verdant backdrop for other terrarium plants. Maintain moist soil to keep it thriving.
Its soft, cascading appearance brings a sense of tranquility to any terrarium setting, making it an ideal choice for those new to indoor gardening.
9. Spider Plant
Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and striking variegated leaves. They’re easy to care for, making them a top choice for beginners.
They thrive in indirect light and prefer well-drained soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Their arching leaves and adaptability make spider plants a captivating addition to any terrarium. Enjoy cleaner air and a touch of elegance with this resilient plant.
10. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a hardy plant, perfect for beginner terrarium enthusiasts. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add a lush feel.
This plant tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it easy to maintain. It’s a great air purifier, enhancing the terrarium’s atmosphere.
Let its vines cascade for a dramatic effect. Golden Pothos’ resilience and beauty make it an excellent choice for those new to terrarium gardening.
11. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is an elegant plant that thrives in water-filled terrariums. Its unique stalks and vibrant green color make it visually appealing.
Place it in indirect light and refresh the water regularly. This plant symbolizes good luck and prosperity, adding positive energy.
Its simple care requirements make it a favorite among beginners. Enjoy its graceful structure and easy upkeep in your terrarium.
12. Creeping Fig
Creeping Fig is a charming vine that adds a lush, climbing effect to terrariums. It’s easy to care for, thriving in indirect light and humidity.
Its small, heart-shaped leaves grow quickly, covering surfaces with a lovely green carpet. Keep the soil moist for optimal growth.
This vine’s ability to cling and climb makes it a fun and lively addition to any terrarium. Its adaptability ensures a thriving green environment.
13. Bromeliads
Bromeliads stand out with their vibrant, colorful foliage and unique rosette shape. They’re an eye-catching choice for terrariums.
They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering. Keep the central cup filled with water to mimic their natural humidity.
Their exotic appearance and straightforward care make Bromeliads an attractive option for beginners seeking bold terrarium plants.
14. Small Orchids
Small Orchids add an exotic touch to terrariums with their delicate, intricate flowers. They thrive in well-lit, humid environments.
Provide them with consistent moisture and airflow for best results. Their striking blooms create an elegant focal point.
Orchids’ exquisite beauty and manageable size make them a sophisticated addition to terrarium arrangements, ideal for those new to orchid care.
15. Miniature Roses
Miniature roses bring classic beauty to terrariums with their vibrant blooms. They thrive in bright light and require regular watering.
Their compact size and striking flowers make them a charming addition. Prune spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
These roses’ elegance and easy maintenance make them a delightful choice for terrarium gardeners seeking floral beauty.
16. Cactus
Cacti are popular for their striking appearance and minimal care needs. They thrive in bright light and well-drained soil.
Their unique shapes and textures make them fascinating terrarium additions. Water sparingly to prevent root rot.
Cacti’s resilience and diverse forms provide a visually appealing and low-maintenance option for terrarium enthusiasts.
17. Venus Flytrap
The Venus Flytrap is an intriguing plant known for its carnivorous habits. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Its unique traps catch and digest insects, adding an exciting element to terrariums. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
This plant’s dramatic appearance and fascinating behavior make it an engaging choice for those interested in unusual terrarium plants.
18. Haworthia
Haworthia is a small succulent with spiky, fleshy leaves, perfect for terrariums. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
Its compact size and interesting leaf patterns make it a visually appealing choice. Water sparingly to ensure health.
Haworthia’s resilience and unique appearance make it a popular pick for beginners seeking low-maintenance terrarium plants.
19. Mini African Violets
Mini African Violets offer vibrant colors and soft, fuzzy leaves, making them a delightful terrarium addition. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Water from the bottom to prevent leaf damage and keep the soil consistently moist. Their petite size suits small terrariums beautifully.
These violets’ charming flowers and easy care make them a favorite among beginners. Bring a splash of color to your terrarium with these lovely plants.
20. String of Pearls
String of Pearls is a unique succulent with cascading, bead-like leaves. It thrives in bright light and well-drained soil.
Its trailing habit creates a captivating visual effect in terrariums. Water sparingly to avoid root rot.
This plant’s distinctive appearance and easy care make it a fascinating choice for those seeking something different in their terrarium collection.
21. Dracaena
Dracaena is a robust plant known for its striking sword-like leaves. It thrives in low to moderate light and well-drained soil.
Its architectural shape adds height and interest to terrariums. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Dracaena’s hardy nature and bold appearance make it an excellent choice for beginners looking to add drama to their terrarium.
22. Alocasia
Alocasia, with its large, arrow-shaped leaves, adds a touch of tropical elegance to terrariums. It prefers bright, indirect light and humid conditions.
Ensure consistent moisture for optimal growth. Its dramatic foliage stands out in terrarium arrangements.
Alocasia’s exotic beauty and manageable care make it a striking choice for those seeking to elevate their terrarium’s aesthetic.
23. Herbs (Mint)
Mint offers a refreshing scent and vibrant green leaves, perfect for terrariums. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
Regular pruning encourages bushy growth. Enjoy its aromatic leaves in culinary creations.
Mint’s easy care and versatility make it an appealing choice for terrarium gardeners who enjoy growing edible plants.
24. Philodendron
Philodendrons are known for their lush, heart-shaped leaves and easy care. They thrive in low to moderate light and well-drained soil.
Their trailing vines add a touch of elegance to terrariums. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Philodendrons’ adaptability and beauty make them ideal for beginners seeking a lush, green terrarium environment.
25. Calathea
Calathea is admired for its vibrant, patterned leaves. It thrives in indirect light and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums.
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide regular misting for best results. Its colorful foliage creates a stunning visual impact.
Calathea’s unique beauty and adaptable nature make it a top choice for those new to terrarium gardening.
26. Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm is a graceful plant with feathery fronds, perfect for adding a tropical touch to terrariums. It thrives in low to moderate light.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and enjoy its air-purifying qualities. Its elegant appearance enhances any terrarium setting.
The Parlor Palm’s easy care and lush greenery make it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a touch of the tropics in their terrarium.
27. Oxalis
Oxalis, known for its striking purple leaves and delicate blooms, adds vibrant color to terrariums. It thrives in bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and enjoy its charming flowers. Its compact size suits small terrariums well.
Oxalis’ unique appearance and simple care make it a captivating choice for those seeking a splash of color in their terrarium arrangements.
28. Jade Plant
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent with thick, round leaves, known for its easy care. It thrives in bright light and well-drained soil.
Its compact size and interesting texture make it a fascinating addition. Water sparingly to maintain its health.
Jade Plant’s resilience and beauty make it a favorite among beginners looking for a low-maintenance terrarium plant.