Complete Gardening
Explore the charming world of tiny terrarium plants that fit perfectly inside a mason jar. Ideal for both closed humid environments and open succulent-friendly settings, these 17 plant varieties offer a delightful range of textures, colors, and forms. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, these pint-sized plants are sure to captivate your heart and enhance any small space.
1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
The Fittonia, or Nerve Plant, is admired for its striking foliage adorned with pink or white veins. This plant thrives in humid environments, making it a perfect choice for closed terrariums. Its vibrant colors add a lively touch to any green space. Known for its need for moisture, this plant appreciates a gentle misting and occasional watering. With a little care, it becomes a stunning feature in a mason jar. Known for its resilience, Fittonia is a favorite among plant enthusiasts seeking to create a lush, mini-ecosystem.
2. Pilea glauca (Aquamarine)
Pilea glauca, also known as Aquamarine, captivates with its cascading tiny blue-green leaves. This plant is perfect for crafting miniature fairy gardens within a mason jar. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, adding a dreamy touch to any setting. Known for its compact growth, Pilea glauca creates a whimsical woodland vibe. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s a hardy plant, resilient to occasional neglect. This makes it a beloved choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add magic to their space.
3. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby Tears, or Soleirolia soleirolii, form a plush, moss-like carpet that brings softness to any terrarium. This plant thrives in humid conditions, making it ideal for closed environments. Its tiny leaves cascade beautifully, resembling a gentle waterfall. Known for its rapid growth, it’s perfect for covering the surface of a mason jar terrarium. With its delicate yet tenacious nature, Baby Tears create a tranquil atmosphere. Despite their tenderness, they offer a robust presence, turning a simple jar into a verdant oasis.
4. Pellionia repens (Trailing Watermelon Begonia)
The Trailing Watermelon Begonia, or Pellionia repens, enchants with its textured, watermelon-like leaves. Perfect for a humid terrarium, it trails gracefully, adding depth and character. Its unique foliage pattern resembles artistic brushstrokes, creating a visual masterpiece within a jar. While it’s particular about its environment, requiring humidity and indirect light, its striking appearance rewards the attentive gardener. Pellionia repens is a botanical treasure, ideal for those seeking to introduce a touch of elegance to their tiny green universe.
5. Miniature Ferns (Maidenhair, Button Fern)
Miniature ferns, such as Maidenhair and Button Ferns, offer a delicate, lush appeal perfect for terrariums. Their intricate foliage adds texture and softness to humid environments. These ferns thrive with consistent moisture, flourishing in the gentle confines of a mason jar. Known for their intricate leaf patterns, they create an elegant, layered effect that captivates plant lovers. These ferns bring an air of sophistication, transforming a simple jar into a miniature forest. Ideal for those who cherish detailed, verdant displays.
6. Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles)
Peperomia prostrata, famously known as String of Turtles, is loved for its unique turtle-shell pattern on tiny, round leaves. This trailing succulent thrives in both open and closed terrarium setups, adapting well to varying conditions. Its slow-growing, trailing nature makes it perfect for cascading over the edges of a mason jar. With minimal care, it provides a long-lasting, striking display. As a hardy plant, it is ideal for busy plant enthusiasts looking for an engaging, low-maintenance addition to their collection.
7. Selaginella (Club Moss)
Selaginella, also known as Club Moss, intrigues with its feathery, prehistoric appearance. Favoring humid environments, it thrives in closed terrariums. Its lush texture mimics a miniature forest floor, adding depth to any setting. Known for its resilience, Selaginella is perfect for those new to plant care. This plant’s ability to recover from neglect makes it an attractive option for busy gardeners. Its vibrant green hue and unique texture act as a visual anchor, transforming a simple jar into a lively, verdant paradise.
8. Haworthia (Zebra Plant)
Haworthia, commonly referred to as the Zebra Plant, stands out with its small, strikingly striped leaves. Ideal for open terrariums, this succulent is known for its architectural elegance. Its compact size and hardy nature make it a favorite for those looking to create a low-maintenance plant display. Preferring bright, indirect light, it thrives even with minimal watering. Haworthia’s unique visual appeal and ease of care make it an excellent choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners alike, adding a touch of elegance to any space.
9. Echeveria minima
Echeveria minima, a charming succulent, is prized for its beautiful rosette shape and blue-green hue. Suitable for open terrariums, it thrives in bright light and dry conditions. Its compact form makes it perfect for small spaces, adding a sculptural element to any display. Despite its delicate appearance, Echeveria minima is resilient and easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering. Its slow-growing nature ensures a long-lasting presence, making it a beloved choice for succulent enthusiasts seeking an artistic touch in their plant collection.
10. Lithops (Living Stones)
Lithops, affectionately called Living Stones, are unique succulents that resemble pebbles. Ideal for open terrariums, they blend seamlessly into sandy landscapes. Their camouflage ability and compact size make them a fascinating addition to any plant collection. Requiring minimal water, Lithops thrive in bright light, adding a touch of desert charm to any space. Known for their slow growth, these plants are perfect for patient gardeners. Their striking appearance and easy-care nature make them a conversation starter and a treasured piece in any terrarium.
11. Sedum ‘Little Missy’
Sedum ‘Little Missy’ delights with its trailing habit and petite leaves edged in pink. Perfect for open terrariums, it thrives in bright, sunny spots. Its cascading nature adds movement and color to any arrangement. Known for its hardiness, this succulent is ideal for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually interesting plant. Its cheerful, pastel-toned foliage creates a lively display, bringing a sense of playfulness to any setting. Sedum ‘Little Missy’ is a lively addition, perfect for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
12. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air Plants, or Tillandsia, are remarkable for their ability to thrive without soil. Perfect for open terrariums, they absorb moisture from the air, needing only occasional misting. Their unique form allows for creative displays, suspended elegantly within glass containers. Known for their resilience, Air Plants are ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. These versatile plants introduce a modern, minimalist aesthetic to any setting, transforming a simple jar into an intriguing, floating garden. Their adaptability and ease of care make them a popular choice among plant lovers.
13. Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’
Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ captivates with its stacked, pagoda-like leaves, creating an architectural marvel. Ideal for open terrariums, this succulent thrives in bright light and dry conditions. Its compact structure and unique appearance make it a standout piece in any plant collection. Despite its intricate look, Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and attention. Its impressive form and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for those seeking to add a touch of Zen to their green spaces.
14. Cushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum)
Cushion Moss, or Leucobryum glaucum, enchants with its soft, fluffy texture and bright green hue. Perfect for closed terrariums, it forms a rounded, velvety mound, adding a touch of wilderness to any display. This moss thrives in humid conditions, creating a miniature, forest-like atmosphere. Its vibrant color and plush appearance make it a favorite for creating lush, verdant landscapes. Known for its resilience and ability to thrive with minimal care, Cushion Moss is an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet enchanting plant.
15. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish Moss, known scientifically as Sagina subulata, forms a dense, velvety mat of vibrant green. Ideal for closed terrariums, it thrives in humid, shaded conditions. This moss creates a lush, carpet-like surface, adding texture and depth to any plant arrangement. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for covering the base of a mason jar terrarium. Despite its delicate look, Irish Moss is hardy and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of green luxury to their miniature landscapes.
16. Star Moss (Tortula ruralis)
Star Moss, or Tortula ruralis, delights with its tiny star-shaped clusters. Perfect for closed terrariums, it thrives in moist environments. Its unique appearance adds a celestial touch, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Known for its drought tolerance, it can survive dry spells, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Star Moss enhances any display with its whimsical form and vibrant color. Its ability to recover quickly from dry conditions makes it a resilient and charming addition to any terrarium.
17. Miniature Clover (Trifolium repens ‘Pipolina’)
Miniature Clover, or Trifolium repens ‘Pipolina’, captivates with its tiny, delicate clover leaves. Ideal for closed terrariums, it forms a charming, micro clover field. This plant thrives in moist, shaded environments, adding a touch of whimsy to any setting. Known for its rapid spread, Miniature Clover creates a lush, green carpet, perfect for covering the base of a mason jar. Its adorable appearance and easy-care nature make it a beloved choice for those seeking to add a playful element to their plant collection.