Top 11 Terrarium Plants: Best Choices for Your Home

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Our Editors

How does it feel to be a creator? Not just a content creator, but the creator of a tiny world? That’s what being a terrarium hobbyist is like. Making a terrarium is a calming, intriguing, and inspiring activity. You set up a mini-ecosystem with plants, stones, gravel, moss, and water, and then you watch it thrive on its own.

Of course, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind, but you get to enjoy the beauty of what you’ve created! 

Take a moment from your busy day to observe the subtle changes in your mini-ecosystem: a new leaf unfurling, moss spreading its velvety carpet a little further, and dewdrops glistening on tiny leaves. It’s like your baby growing, isn’t it?

Also, you can make as many terrariums as you want, and add life to any space. Terrarium plants work great as decorations or centerpieces while silently improving air quality and filling your home with good vibes.

So, let’s get to the point. This blog will cover the different types of terrariums, the easiest plants to use, where to buy them, and how to care for your terrarium and your little world. Let’s dig in!

Terrarium And Its Types

Terrariums are like miniature gardens you can create and nurture right in your home. They’re perfect for plant lovers with limited space or those who want a low-maintenance garden. You can create either an open terrarium or a closed terrarium. 

Types of Terrariums

Closed Terrariums: 

Closed terrariums are fully or partially sealed containers that create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The sealed environment allows water to cycle through the system, mimicking nature’s water cycle. Water evaporates from the soil and plants, condenses on the glass, and falls back as “rain.” Because of this, the closed terrariums are the most common types of terrariums.

Open Terrariums: 

Open terrariums have no lid and allow free air circulation. They’re more like mini container gardens. There’s more scope for adding elements and making them more beautiful. And, plants can grow as tall as they want, which isn’t in the case of a closed terrarium.

The key to creating a beautiful and thriving terrarium is choosing the right terrarium plant for it. Let’s see how to select the best terrarium plants.

How To Select The Best Terrarium Plants?

When selecting plants for your mini garden, consider factors like plant size, light requirements, and humidity needs. Opt for compact, slow-growing species that won’t outgrow your terrarium quickly. Here’s how to find the perfect terrarium plants.

The Perfect Plants for Your Terrarium

Some of the best and easy terrarium plants include nerve plants, air plants, succulents, ferns, and mosses. These small, low-maintenance terrarium plant varieties thrive in the humid, enclosed environment of a terrarium. 

Selecting the Best Greenery for Your Mini Garden

When choosing plants, look for dwarf or miniature varieties that won’t quickly outgrow your terrarium. Avoid large, fast-growing plants that may quickly take over the space. Consider decorative terrarium plants that add visual interest to your mini garden.

Small but Mighty Plants

For closed terrariums, small plants are ideal. They fit well in limited spaces and create a lush, green environment without taking up too much room. Small plants often have a delicate charm and allow for more creative arrangements, giving you the freedom to design intricate landscapes within your terrarium.

Compact Plants for Limited Spaces

Look for plants that stay small and compact. They should be able to grow comfortably in the confined space of your terrarium without outgrowing it quickly. Compact plants are easier to manage and maintain, ensuring your terrarium remains neat and visually appealing.

You can pick compact plants like baby’s tears, creeping figs, and miniature African violets are excellent choices for terrariums. Their small size and slow growth make them well-suited for the confined space. These easy terrarium plants are perfect for novices looking to create their own mini garden.

Ideal Tiny Plants for Terrariums

Choose plants that naturally stay small. These will make your terrarium look full and vibrant while maintaining the perfect size for your mini garden. Tiny plants are perfect for creating detailed, miniature worlds that mimic larger landscapes on a small scale.

You might consider including delicate beauties like peperomia, polka dot plants, and button ferns in your terrarium. These diminutive species thrive in humid, protected environments. Best decorative terrarium plants for indoor gardens include a variety of low-maintenance species that can thrive in limited space.

Humidity-Loving Beauties

Many terrarium plants thrive in humid conditions. These plants often have lush, green foliage that adds a vibrant touch to your terrarium, making it look alive and healthy.

For closed terrariums, choose plants that love high humidity, such as ferns, and mosses, and tropical plants like nerve plants and bromeliads. These will flourish in moist, greenhouse-like conditions. Closed terrarium plants require specific care and attention to stay healthy and grow.

Here is more information about the qualities of closed terrarium plants that you must know to select the right plant for your terrarium.

Best Plants for Closed Terrariums

Closed terrariums are entirely sealed, which enables it to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. You can control the environment of a closed terrarium easily and that’s what makes them more interesting. In a closed terrarium environment, low-light plants and humidity-loving species will thrive. 

Low Light Survivors

Ferns, mosses, and some tropical plants like peperomia and nerve plants can handle the lower light levels found in closed terrariums. These plants are ideal for creating a lush, miniature indoor garden.

These closed terrarium plants can survive with minimal light, allowing you to place your terrarium in a variety of locations without worrying about direct sunlight.

Flourish in Dim Conditions: Low Light Plants

When selecting plants for your closed terrarium, look for species that can tolerate partial shade or indirect light, such as maidenhair fern, club moss, and peace lily. These low-light plants can thrive in the enclosed environment of a terrarium.

11 Best Terrarium Plants For Your Home

These are the best 10 decorative terrarium plants you can use to create a stunning terrarium. Take a look and learn about their basic nature and requirements to find the best terrarium plant for your project. 

Artillery Fern (Pilea microphylla)

Artillery Ferns are known for their small, delicate leaves and ability to spread quickly, creating a lush green carpet inside your terrarium. They add a soft, feathery texture to your mini garden, making it look more dynamic and vibrant.

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light
• Notes: This plant thrives in closed terrariums. 

Care:

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)

The Aluminum Plant is named for its striking silver markings on the leaves, which add a unique and decorative touch to your terrarium. It grows well in humid conditions and can tolerate lower light levels, making it a versatile and attractive addition to your mini garden.

• Light: Low to medium light
• Notes: Prefers humid environments. 

Care:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Mist to increase humidity.
• Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves.

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka Dot Plants are loved for their colorful foliage, which comes in shades of pink, red, and white. These vibrant colors add a pop of brightness to your terrarium, making it a lively and cheerful display. They thrive in bright, indirect light and enjoy the humid conditions of a closed terrarium. One of the best decorative terrarium plants to have.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Notes: Enjoys closed terrariums. 

Care:

• Keep soil consistently moist.
• Provide high humidity by misting.
• Pinch back stems to promote bushiness.

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The Prayer Plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling praying hands. This unique behavior, along with its beautiful patterned leaves, makes it a fascinating plant to watch and care for in your terrarium. It prefers medium, indirect light and thrives in humid environments.

• Light: Medium, indirect light
• Notes: Suitable for humid conditions. 

Care:

• Water when the top of the soil feels dry.
• Mist regularly for humidity.
• Wipe leaves to remove dust and allow for better light absorption.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a popular choice for terrariums due to its hardiness and low maintenance needs. It can grow in a variety of light conditions but does best in bright, indirect light. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it a beautiful and versatile plant for any terrarium.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Notes: Easy terrarium plants to maintain. 

Care:

• Allow soil to dry out between watering.
• Low maintenance; prune to control size.
• Can tolerate lower light but thrives in brighter conditions.

Ripple Plant (Peperomia caperata)

The Ripple Plant has distinctive, corrugated leaves that add texture and interest to your terrarium. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is well-suited to the enclosed environment of a terrarium. Its compact size and unique appearance make it a standout choice for your mini garden.

• Light: Warm, humid conditions
• Notes: Grows well in terrariums. 

Care:

• Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Provide bright, indirect light.
• Mist occasionally to maintain humidity.

Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Baby Tears is a charming plant with tiny, round leaves that form a dense mat of greenery. It needs bright light and consistent moisture to thrive, making it ideal for closed terrariums where humidity is high. This plant adds a soft, cushiony effect to your terrarium, enhancing its overall look.

• Light: Bright light
• Notes: Requires consistent moisture. 

Care:

• Keep soil evenly moist at all times.
• Mist frequently to maintain high humidity.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Button Ferns have small, round leaves that grow along thin, wiry stems. They do well in shaded conditions and add a delicate, airy feel to your terrarium. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for small spaces, adding a touch of elegance to your mini garden.

• Light: Full shade to filtered light
• Notes: Easy terrarium plants as it does well in terrariums. 

Care:

• Water when the soil feels dry.
• Mist to increase humidity.
• Keep in shaded or low-light areas.

Creeping Fig (Ficus primula)

Creeping Fig is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of light conditions, but it prefers partial sun. It has small, heart-shaped leaves and a trailing growth habit, making it ideal for adding vertical interest to your terrarium. It requires occasional watering to stay healthy and vibrant.

• Light: Partial sun
• Notes: Needs occasional watering. 

Care:

• Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Prune to control growth and shape.
• Provide bright, indirect light.

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Hens and Chicks are succulents that thrive in bright light and can tolerate drought conditions. Their rosette-shaped growth pattern and ability to produce offsets (chicks) make them an interesting and attractive addition to your terrarium. They add a touch of desert charm and are perfect for low-maintenance terrariums.

• Light: Bright light
• Notes: Tolerates drought. 

Care:

• Allow soil to dry out completely between watering.
• Provide bright, direct light.
• Remove dead leaves and offsets to encourage new growth.

Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)

Air Plants are unique because they don’t need soil to grow. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them perfect for open terrariums. They thrive in bright, indirect light and require occasional misting to stay healthy. Their unusual appearance and easy care make them a popular choice for terrarium enthusiasts.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Notes: Ideal for open terrariums.

Care:

• Soak in water for 20-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks.
• Mist occasionally between soakings.
• Ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.

Remember, the secret behind a thriving terrarium is selecting plants with similar light, water, and humidity requirements. So, all the terrarium plants can live and breathe together in a small or big, open or closed terrarium in harmony. 

Now, if you’re looking to shop terrarium plants online, there are many options available. Online shops offer a wide variety of the best terrarium plants, decorative terrarium plants, and easy terrarium plants. Here are a few places to buy best terrarium plants online.

Where To Buy Best Terrarium Plants?

For terrarium plants for novices and terrarium plants for beginners, look for recommendations and customer reviews to ensure you’re getting healthy plants. Shopping online also allows you to find terrarium plants for sale and compare prices easily. Here are your best options:

The Sill is an online plant store offering a wide variety of houseplants, including houseplants for bathroom and must-have bathroom plants. They provide plants in stylish pots, along with plant care products and subscriptions. The store emphasizes plant education and customer support, making it easy for both beginners and enthusiasts to find suitable plants and care instructions. They offer nationwide shipping and have physical store locations in select cities. For bathroom plants, they feature low-light and humidity-loving plants ideal for bathroom conditions.

PlantVine is an online plant store specializing in a wide variety of houseplants, including houseplants for bathroom and options ideal for indoor and bathroom settings. They offer a carefully curated selection of lush, tropical indoor plants, paired with excellent customer service. The store provides detailed plant care guides and a 45-day guarantee on their plants. PlantVine also features categories like pet-friendly, air-purifying, and low-light plants, making it easier to find the perfect bathroom plant.

Home Depot offers a wide range of indoor plants, including houseplants for bathroom and must-have bathroom plants. Their selection includes low-light, air-purifying, and humidity-loving plants, perfect for indoor environments. They provide various plant sizes and types, such as succulents, tropical plants, and pet-friendly options. Home Depot also offers free delivery, in-store, and curbside pickup, along with plant care guides and accessories like planters and potting soil.

Lively Root is an online plant store offering a diverse selection of indoor plants, perfect for various home environments, including houseplants for bathroom. They provide easy-care, pet-friendly, and humidity-loving plants, making it convenient to find the right match for your space. Lively Root emphasizes sustainability and offers plant care guides, personalized recommendations, and plant subscriptions. They also provide nationwide delivery and a range of plant-related accessories.

Terrarium Plants: Ideas and Essentials

When setting up your terrarium, it’s important to consider some terrarium essentials like the right container, terrarium fertilizer, and terrarium hardscape. 

You know, the used-up aquarium terrarium containers are a great choice for terrarium making because of its clear visibility and aesthetic appeal. 

Also, adding a good terrarium fertilizer ensures your plants get the nutrients they need, and using a well-thought-out terrarium hardscape can create an attractive base for your plants.

Tips for Good Terrarium Keeping

Keep in mind these tips to keep the little world of yours growing!

• Research the specific care requirements of the plants you choose to ensure their long-term health.
• Maintain a consistent watering schedule based on the type of terrarium and the plants’ needs.
• Monitor your terrarium for any signs of pests or diseases and address them promptly.
• Enjoy the process of creating and maintaining your terrarium, and let your creativity shine!

Wish to dive deeper into Terrarium care tips? Learn here.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

By now you know that creating a terrarium is more than a hobby – it’s a way to honor the beauty and resilience of the natural world. It reminds us of the delicate balance in ecosystems and our role in preserving them. As you tend to your tiny garden, you’re not just nurturing plants; you’re cultivating patience, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of life.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a curious beginner, the joy of terrarium making is within your reach. It’s a chance to slow down, create, and bring a little piece of the great outdoors into your home.

We hope that you find the best plants for your terrarium nearby or look for the recommended brands, you won’t be disappointed! Also, we are sure that green spaces are very dear to you. So, we have another interesting read here to enhance the greenery in your office space.

Still waiting? Common, take the first step! Your little world of green awaits, ready to bring joy, peace, and a touch of natural magic into your life. Happy Terrarium Making!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I shop for terrarium plants online?

Online stores like Etsy, Amazon, and specialized plant nurseries offer a variety of terrarium plants. These platforms provide detailed plant care instructions, customer reviews, and often have rare or unique plant species suitable for terrariums.

2. What are easy terrarium plants to start with?

Beginner-friendly terrarium plants include Pothos, Spider Plants, and Air Plants. These plants are low-maintenance, adaptable to various conditions, and thrive with minimal care, making them ideal for those new to terrarium gardening.

3. Which terrarium plants are best for novices?

Novices should consider plants like Polka Dot Plant, Baby Tears, and Aluminum Plant. These plants are easy to care for, require low maintenance, and can adapt to different terrarium environments, making them perfect for beginners.

4. What are the best terrarium plants?

Some of the best terrarium plants include Artillery Fern, Prayer Plant, and Pilea Silver Sparkle. These plants are aesthetically pleasing, easy to care for, and thrive in the humid, enclosed environment of a terrarium, making them popular choices.

5. Where can I buy closed terrarium plants?

Closed terrarium plants can be purchased from local nurseries, garden centers, or online plant stores. These retailers often provide a wide selection of plants suitable for the humid, enclosed environment of closed terrariums, along with care tips and advice.