Choosing the right plants can make or break your terrarium. Pick the wrong ones, and you’ll be dealing with overgrown chaos or sad, dying plants. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a thriving mini ecosystem that barely needs any attention!
The good news? There are tons of gorgeous plants that absolutely love terrarium life. Let’s find your perfect green companions!
What Makes a Great Terrarium Plant?
Before we dive into specific plants, let’s talk about what works. The best terrarium plants share a few key traits:
- Small size with slow growth habits
- Similar care needs to their container mates
- Moisture preferences that match your terrarium type
- Shallow root systems that don’t need deep soil
- Non-aggressive growth that won’t overtake neighbors
Keep these traits in mind, and you’ll make smart choices every time!
Top Plants for Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are humid, tropical paradises. These plants thrive in that environment:
Ferns (Various Species)
Ferns are terrarium royalty! Small varieties like Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum), and Lemon Button Fern are perfect. They love humidity, tolerate low to medium light, and add beautiful, delicate texture.
Care level: Easy to moderate
Fittonias (Nerve Plants)
With their striking pink, white, or red-veined leaves, Fittonias are terrarium showstoppers. They stay compact, love humidity, and come in gorgeous color varieties that add instant visual interest.
Care level: Easy
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
These cheerful plants have spotted or speckled leaves in pink, red, or white. They’re compact, colorful, and absolutely thrive in humid terrarium conditions. Perfect for adding a pop of color!
Care level: Easy
Peperomia (Various Species)
Peperomias come in countless varieties, many of which are terrarium-perfect. Look for Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles), Peperomia caperata, or any small cultivar. They’re low-maintenance humidity lovers.
Care level: Easy
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
This tiny-leafed ground cover creates a lush carpet in terrariums. It spreads nicely without being aggressive and looks like a miniature lawn. Great for filling in empty spaces!
Care level: Easy
Mosses (Various Types)
Moss is the ultimate terrarium plant! It needs almost no soil, loves humidity, and creates beautiful texture. Try Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss, or Mood Moss for different effects.
Care level: Very easy
Miniature Orchids
Yes, orchids in terrariums! Small varieties like Jewel Orchids (Ludisia discolor) love the humid environment and add elegance. They’re more advanced but stunning if you’re up for the challenge.
Care level: Moderate to advanced
Top Plants for Open Terrariums
Open terrariums are drier and need plants that prefer less moisture:
Succulents (Various Species)
Echeveria, Sedum, and Haworthia are perfect for open terrariums. They need minimal water, love bright light, and come in amazing shapes and colors. Just make sure your soil drains well!
Care level: Very easy
Small Cacti
Tiny cacti add sculptural interest and need very little care. Look for varieties that stay small, like Fairy Castle Cactus or small Ball Cacti. They’re practically indestructible!
Care level: Very easy
Aloe Vera (Dwarf Varieties)
Small aloe plants work beautifully in open terrariums. They’re low-maintenance, architectural, and even have medicinal properties. Just don’t overwater!
Care level: Easy
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These unique plants don’t even need soil! Just place them on rocks or driftwood, mist them weekly, and they’re happy. Perfect for creating interesting designs.
Care level: Easy
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Small jade plants or cuttings work great in open terrariums. They’re slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and bring that lucky plant energy to your mini garden.
Care level: Very easy
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This trailing succulent adds a whimsical touch with its bead-like leaves. Use it sparingly—it can grow long, but you can easily trim it back.
Care level: Easy
Plants to Avoid in Terrariums
Not every plant works in a glass garden. Steer clear of:
- Fast growers like Pothos or Philodendron (they’ll take over!)
- Plants needing deep roots like large palms
- High-light demanding plants in low-light terrariums
- Plants with opposite needs than their container mates (don’t mix succulents with ferns!)
Mixing Plants: The Art of Plant Pairing
The secret to stunning terrariums is combining plants with:
- Different heights for visual depth
- Contrasting textures (smooth with fuzzy, fine with bold)
- Complementary colors (various greens with pops of pink or red)
- Similar care needs (this is the most important!)
For example, pair a small fern (height) with fittonia (color) and baby’s tears (ground cover) in a closed terrarium. Or combine echeveria (rosette shape) with string of pearls (trailing) and a small cactus (vertical) in an open one.
Where to Find Terrarium Plants
Most garden centers carry terrarium-suitable plants, often in their houseplant or succulent sections. Look for plants labeled as “miniature,” “dwarf,” or “compact.”
Online specialty shops offer even more variety, especially for rare ferns and unusual succulents. Just make sure plants arrive healthy and quarantine new additions before adding them to established terrariums.
Your Plant Selection Checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Does this plant match my terrarium type (open or closed)?
- Will it stay small enough for my container?
- Does it need the same care as my other plants?
- Do I have the right light conditions for it?
If you answered yes to all four, you’ve found a winner! Happy plant shopping! 🌿