- The essential traits of the best plants for terrariums
- Beginner-friendly mosses, ferns, climbers, and more
- Care tips for maintaining plant health in closed terrariums
- Which plants to avoid and why
- Expert tips on combining species for a thriving mini-ecosystem
Introduction: Why Choose a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a self-contained, miniature garden inside a transparent container. While open terrariums exist, closed terrariums—which trap humidity and recycle water—are especially popular for their ease of care and tropical charm.
For beginners, they’re a gateway into the world of indoor gardening. Terrariums are compact, easy to maintain, and bring a slice of nature to any corner of your home. But the secret to their long-lasting beauty lies in one key decision: selecting the right plants.
If you’re curious how these ecosystems work, check out our full guide on terrariums as closed ecosystems.
What Makes a Plant Suitable for a Terrarium?
Terrariums create an enclosed, humid environment that mimics a jungle floor—not a desert. That means not every plant thrives within them. Here’s what to look for when selecting your greenery:
- Compact size & slow growth: Overgrowth can lead to overcrowding and resource competition.
- High humidity tolerance: Moisture-lovers will thrive; desert plants will rot.
- Low to medium light needs: Terrariums diffuse light, so shade-dwellers are best.
- Shallow root systems: Limited space means root-heavy plants won’t be happy.
Mosses: Lush Green Carpets for Structure and Moisture
Mosses are a terrarium staple. They hold moisture, add lush texture, and form soft backdrops or groundcovers. Their low upkeep makes them perfect for beginners.
Popular Moss Varieties
- Sheet moss (Hypnum): Forms a dense, velvety carpet; great for base coverage.
- Cushion moss (Leucobryum): Puffs into tidy green mounds; visually sculptural.
- Fern moss (Thuidium): Feathery fronds add soft, natural character.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Consistently high humidity
- Bright, indirect light
- No standing water—moss will rot in soggy conditions
Use moss as a soft base, to nestle around larger plants, or even glued to rocks or wood for vertical accents.
Small Ferns & Miniature Foliage Plants: Variety and Texture
Few plants match ferns and mini foliage in creating the “mini jungle” look. They introduce texture, form, and color—and most love the humidity.
Ferns
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum): Delicate, lacy fronds; needs steady moisture and humidity.
- Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia): Round, coin-like leaves and compact habit.
- Lemon button fern (Nephrolepis ‘Duffii’): Releases a lemony scent; neat, small form.
Miniature Foliage Plants
- Baby’s tears (Soleirolia): Covers soil with tiny leaves like moss but grows faster.
- Fittonia (Nerve plant): Striking veined leaves in pink, red, or white.
- Dwarf Peperomia: Succulent-like but humidity-tolerant; comes in cute, chunky forms.
Maintain medium to high humidity and place terrariums in filtered light. Trim occasionally to keep growth in check.
Creeping Vines & Climbers: Groundcover and Cascading Beauty
Trailing plants can soften edges, climb wood or rocks, and add depth. With a little pruning, you can shape their flow and spread.
Top Choices
- Pilea depressa: Tiny leaves on fast-growing vines; easy to tame.
- Creeping fig (Ficus pumila ‘Quercifolia’): Mini oak-shaped leaves trail elegantly.
- Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera): Sends out runners with colorful rosettes.
Tips for Use
- Layer trailing plants around the base or edges of hardscape pieces.
- Trim new runners to prevent over-colonizing.
Epiphytes & Bromeliads: Elevate Your Plant Mix
Want to get creative? Epiphytes naturally grow on wood or bark instead of soil, bringing vertical dimension and tropical interest to your glass world.
What Are Epiphytes?
These are plants that grow on other surfaces—like trees—without drawing nutrients from them. In terrariums, they don’t need traditional pots.
Best Epiphyte Choices
- Air plants (Tillandsia): No soil required—just perch them on wood or rocks.
- Mini bromeliads (like Neoregelia species): Bold color patterns and rosette forms hold water in their “tanks.”
Care Tips
- Mist regularly, especially if airflow is low
- Provide bright but filtered light
- Avoid soggy roots—epiphytes dislike constant wetness
Plants to Avoid in Closed Terrariums
Terrariums aren’t for every plant. Some beautiful options don’t play well with high humidity or limited space.
Plants to Skip
- Succulents & cacti: Thrive in dry air; too much moisture leads to rot.
- Fast growers: Like Tradescantia and mint—they outcompete others quickly.
- Tall or spindly plants: They quickly bump the terrarium “ceiling.”
The bottom line: choose manageable, moisture-loving mentees over dramatic divas.
Combining Plants for a Healthy Microclimate
Mixing species can turn your terrarium into a balanced ecosystem—if done with purpose. Here’s how to match plants harmoniously:
Strategies for Smart Pairing
- Group plants with similar light and humidity needs
- Mix upright growers (fern) with trailers (Pilea) for depth
- Balance textures—add Fittonia for color, mosses for softness
- Prevent overcrowding by spacing plants and leaving room for growth
Sample Plant Combo
| Base Layer | Focal Point | Accent |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet moss | Button fern | Fittonia + Pilea depressa |
Planting and Maintenance Tips for Success
Once you have the right plants, a strong foundation is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how to build and maintain a healthy terrarium:
Layering Steps
- Add 1-2 inches of drainage stones (e.g., aquarium gravel)
- Optional: Add mesh or charcoal to prevent odors
- Layer in potting soil suitable for tropical plants
- Top with moss or foliage
Helpful Tools
- Chopsticks or tweezers for precision planting
- Long-handled spoons or brushes for rearrangement
Maintenance Must-Dos
- Water sparingly—closed terrariums recycle moisture
- Open occasionally to release excess condensation
- Rotate for even light exposure
- Prune back plants and remove debris to prevent mold
Conclusion: Build a World in Glass
When it comes to the best plants for terrariums, remember: small, slow-growing, and moisture-loving is the sweet spot. With the right plants, you’ll create a thriving ecosystem that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and arrangements inside your glass world—you’re the designer of this micro jungle. And always start small. Watch how your mini ecosystem evolves and adjust as needed.
Want to deepen your knowledge? Visit our complete guide to closed terrarium ecosystems.
