Terrariums are a super fun way to bring nature into your space, creating little green worlds inside glass containers. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to add some greenery without the hassle of complicated plant care. Whether you’re just starting out with indoor gardening or you’re looking for easy-to-care-for plants, picking the right terrarium plants is key. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best low-maintenance plants that thrive in terrariums, plus some pro tips to help you create your very own lush, green oasis at home.
What Are Terrarium Plants?
A terrarium is like a tiny indoor garden, usually in a glass container, where plants grow in a controlled environment that mimics the conditions they need—like moisture, warmth, and humidity. There are two main types: closed and open terrariums.
Closed terrariums keep moisture trapped inside, making them perfect for tropical plants that love high humidity.
Open terrariums, however, allow for better airflow and are better suited for plants that like drier conditions, such as succulents.
Terrarium plants are chosen for their ability to thrive in these unique environments, with their roots kept cool and their leaves soaking up the humidity. Since they tend to be smaller in size, terrarium plants are perfect for apartments, small spaces, or anyone who wants to grow plants without taking up too much room.
How to Choose Plants for Terrariums
When picking plants for your terrarium, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Light: Most terrarium plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much sun can burn them, while too little can cause them to grow weak and leggy.
- Humidity: Closed terrariums need plants that love high humidity, while open ones, with better airflow, are better for plants that can handle drier conditions.
- Size and Growth Rate: Go for plants that stay small or are easy to trim. You don’t want your plants to outgrow the terrarium too quickly.
- Maintenance: Since you’re after low-maintenance plants, choose ones that don’t need constant care, like frequent watering or pruning.
Best Terrarium Plants for Beginners
Now, let’s check out some of the best terrarium plants that are perfect for beginners. These plants are not only gorgeous but also super easy to take care of, making them a great choice if you’re just starting your terrarium journey.
1. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
With its feathery, delicate leaves, the asparagus fern adds a beautiful touch to any terrarium. It loves humid conditions and can thrive in low light, making it perfect for closed terrariums. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, needing just an occasional watering to stay happy.
2. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The polka dot plant, with its eye-catching pink, red, and white spotted leaves, instantly adds color and charm to your terrarium. It thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making it perfect for both open and closed terrariums. Easy to care for, it brings a fun, vibrant vibe to your mini garden.
3. Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)
This plant is perfect for beginners because it stays small and thrives in medium light and humid conditions. With its round, fuzzy leaves and long runners, it adds a unique look to any terrarium. Plus, it’s super easy to propagate, so you can grow new plants from its runners and share them with others!
4. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The prayer plant is known for its stunning leaf patterns and the way its leaves “fold” at night, like hands in prayer. It thrives in medium light and high humidity, making it ideal for closed terrariums. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, needing just regular watering and the occasional misting to stay happy.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a super tough plant that can thrive in almost any condition. It’s perfect for beginners since it handles everything from low to bright indirect light and can bounce back if you forget to water it. Plus, its trailing vines make it a great choice for hanging terrariums or adding some height to your setup.
6. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
If you want to add a pop of color to your terrarium, the African violet is a perfect pick. It blooms with lovely small flowers in purple, pink, or white and thrives in medium to bright indirect light with moderate humidity, making it ideal for a closed terrarium. With just a little care, it can bloom for months on end!
7. Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)
Known as the “Chinese money plant,” Pilea has round, coin-shaped leaves that give it a unique and charming look. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and moderate humidity, making it a great fit for terrariums. Compact and easy to care for, it’s perfect for beginners who want to add a bit of variety to their plant collection.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are super low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of conditions. They handle everything from low to bright indirect light and need minimal watering, making them perfect for beginners. Plus, their long, arching leaves bring a nice touch of style to any terrarium.
9. Ripple Plant (Peperomia caperata)
The ripple plant, with its textured, heart-shaped leaves, adds a unique flair to your terrarium. It thrives in moderate light and humidity and is easy to care for, making it great for beginners. Its small size makes it a perfect fit for smaller terrariums.
Best Plants for Small Terrariums
When it comes to small terrariums, space is the most important thing to think about. You’ll need plants that are not only beautiful and easy to care for but also compact enough to thrive in a small area. Luckily, many terrarium plants naturally stay small or can be easily trimmed to fit tighter spaces. Here are some of the best plants for small terrariums that will bring a lush, green vibe to even the tiniest spots.
1. Baby Tears (Soleirolia)
Baby Tears is a tiny, fast-growing plant that loves the high humidity and low light of closed terrariums. Its small, round leaves create a soft, mossy look, making it perfect for filling in the base of your small terrarium. Known for its trailing growth, Baby Tears adds a natural, forest-like touch to any setup.
2. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are unique in that they don’t need soil to grow. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves from the air. These tiny plants are perfect for small terrariums, as they require minimal space but still add a lot of personality. Their spiky, textured leaves look fantastic when arranged creatively within a terrarium.
3. Baby Cactus (Various Species)
Air plants are unique because they don’t need soil to grow; they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves from the air. These tiny plants are perfect for small terrariums, as they take up little space but add plenty of personality. Their spiky, textured leaves look amazing when arranged creatively in a terrarium.
4. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia is a small, colorful plant with bold veined leaves in green, white, or red. Its compact size and ability to thrive in the humid, low-light conditions of a closed terrarium make it perfect for small spaces, while the vibrant veins add a touch of drama without taking up much room.
5. Moss (Various species)
Moss is an excellent filler for small terrariums, perfect for creating a lush, forest-like atmosphere. It thrives in the humid, low-light conditions of a closed terrarium and forms a soft, green carpet at the bottom of your setup. Many types of moss stay compact and do well in small spaces.
Final Thoughts
Creating a terrarium is a fun and rewarding way to add some greenery to your space without a lot of hassle. By choosing plants that are easy to care for and suited to your terrarium’s conditions, you can enjoy a lush, thriving garden with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add to your collection, these low-maintenance plants will help you create a beautiful green space at home. So, pick your favorites, set up your terrarium, and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your living room!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best plants to grow in a terrarium?
The best plants for a terrarium are small, easy-to-care-for varieties like ferns, mosses, polka dot plants, and succulents that thrive in the unique conditions of the container. Make sure to choose plants that suit the type of terrarium you have—humid-loving plants for closed terrariums and drought-tolerant succulents for open ones.
How many plants should I put in a terrarium?
For small terrariums (under 6 inches wide), 1 to 3 plants are ideal, while larger containers (over 6 inches) can fit 4-5 plants. Don’t forget to loosen the roots before planting to help them settle into the soil better.
How long do terrarium plants live?
Terrarium plants can live for months or even years with the right care. Closed terrariums tend to last longer because they create a self-sustaining environment.
Should I water my terrarium every day?
Terrariums don’t need daily watering. Closed terrariums might only need water once a month or less, while open terrariums usually need water every 3-6 weeks—just check the soil when it feels dry.
