Best Choices for Green Terrarium Decorations
Top Plants for Terrariums: A Guide to Creating Your Mini Ecosystem
In the world of terrarium gardening, compact, humidity-loving species thrive, creating a lush and vibrant mini-ecosystem in a glass container. Here are ten plants that are particularly suitable for closed, high-humidity terrariums, as recommended by recent expert sources.
- Peperomia hoffmannii – A trailing succulent-like plant with light green leaves, it thrives in 60-90% humidity and indirect light, growing quickly to create a lush carpet.
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant) – Known for its striking veined foliage, Fittonia prefers shade, high humidity, and evenly moist soil, making it popular for closed terrariums.
- Philodendron Heartleaf – A tropical evergreen that grows well in bright indirect light and humid environments, suitable for damp soil conditions in terrariums.
- Pilea glauca (Silver Sparkle) – A compact tropical plant that flourishes in high humidity, often included in terrarium bundles.
- Ferns – Various small fern species thrive in high humidity and provide lush greenery ideal for terrariums.
- Begonia – Small begonias do well in enclosed terrariums due to their preference for moist, humid climates.
- Peperomia species (general) – Alongside Peperomia hoffmannii, other Peperomia varieties are suited due to their compactness and humidity tolerance.
- Callisia – Easy to propagate with roots that thrive in terrarium conditions, recommended for terrariums including isopod habitats.
- Mosses – Often used as ground cover to maintain humidity and aesthetics in terrariums.
- Small tropical groundcovers (various) – Many small, slow-growing plants from tropical origins that tolerate moist, shaded environments complete the typical terrarium mix.
These plants share common needs: high humidity, indirect light, compact growth, and moist (not waterlogged) substrate, important for maintaining balance in a terrarium ecosystem. Succulents and cacti are generally not recommended for closed terrariums due to their preference for dry conditions.
If you're looking for specific varieties or a tailored plant list for different types of terrariums (e.g., open vs closed, with or without isopods), please let us know.
Terrarium Essentials
Nurserylive offers a variety of plants, green carpets, plant pots, plant stands, pebbles and stones, different types of soil, different fertilizers, and more, ensuring all your green home needs are met. All products on their website are packed safely and securely in a well-sanitized box and will be delivered to your doorstep. The price bracket on Nurserylive's website is quite affordable and attractive.
Specific Plant Profiles
- The Watermelon Peperomia has green and silver variegated leaves similar to watermelon skin. Since it enjoys a moist life, it is well suited for a terrarium and can grow up to 8 inches tall.
- The Helxine Soleirolii, also known as Baby Tear, is a terrarium plant that prefers loamy, rich, and moist soil. It prefers indirect or partial sunlight and can reach a maximum height of 8 inches.
- The Strawberry Begonia has red vertical stalks and flowers and can reach a maximum height of 8 inches. It is recommended to either put them in a big terrarium or regularly prune them.
- The Starfish Flower Cactus is a unique variety of cactus that prefers humidity. It is a slow-growing plant with star-shaped cactus and strapped-shaped leaves that change color with sunlight.
- The Polka Dot Plant, or Hypoestes Phyllostachya, is a stunning indoor terrarium plant with semi-wide dark green leaves and a small polka dot pattern. It prefers bright and indirect sunlight and regular and even moisture soil conditions.
- Air Plants are terrarium plants that don't require soil. They have thin funnel-shaped pale green leaves and are easy to care for.
- The Strawberry Begonia acts as a pop of bright color even when not in blooming condition.
- Fittonia Albivenis is a terrarium plant with bright green leaves with silver veins. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
- The Golden Clubmoss is a light green plant often used as a combination plant in terrariums. It can grow up to 6 inches in height and requires regular trimming.
- The Pilea Cadierei, also known as an aluminum plant, is a low-growing foliage plant that is easy to care for and maintain. It has beautiful silver patterns on its leaves and grows up to 8-12 inches, requiring moderate watering.
- The Helxine Soleirolii is a perennial evergreen plant and is widely preferred as a terrarium plant.
- The Pilea Glauca, or Chinese Money plant, comes in various sizes and has a round-leaf pattern. It is hardy and does well in both terrariums and hanging baskets. It prefers to be rotated from time to time and grows towards the light.
- The Strawberry Begonia has red vertical stalks and flowers and can reach a maximum height of 8 inches. It is recommended to either put them in a big terrarium or regularly prune them.
- The Starfish Flower Cactus is a unique variety of cactus that prefers humidity. It is a slow-growing plant with star-shaped cactus and strapped-shaped leaves that change color with sunlight.
- The Polka Dot Plant, or Hypoestes Phyllostachya, is a stunning indoor terrarium plant with semi-wide dark green leaves and a small polka dot pattern. It prefers bright and indirect sunlight and regular and even moisture soil conditions.
- Air Plants are terrarium plants that don't require soil. They have thin funnel-shaped pale green leaves and are easy to care for.
- The Strawberry Begonia acts as a pop of bright color even when not in blooming condition.
- Fittonia Albivenis is a terrarium plant with bright green leaves with silver veins. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
- The Golden Clubmoss is a light green plant often used as a combination plant in terrariums. It can grow up to 6 inches in height and requires regular trimming.
- The Pilea Cadierei, also known as an aluminum plant, is a low-growing foliage plant that is easy to care for and maintain. It has beautiful silver patterns on its leaves and grows up to 8-12 inches, requiring moderate watering.
- In your indoor nursery, securely grow Peperomia hoffmannii in pots, as it thrives in high humidity and creates a lush carpet in closed terrariums while preferring indirect light.
- Maintain the unique character of a vertical succulent garden by adding Fittonia (Nerve Plant) to your home-and-garden terrarium, as its striking veined foliage prefers shade and high humidity.
- Decorate your pots with the Philodendron Heartleaf, a popular terrarium plant that grows well in bright indirect light and humid environments, ideal for maintaining a consistent soil moisture level.
- Enhance your mini ecosystem with Pilea glauca (Silver Sparkle), compact and suitable for high humidity environments often found in terrarium nurseries.
- Effectively provide lush greenery in your terrarium garden by incorporating various small fern species, which thrive in high humidity and offer a vibrant touch to your plants.
- Nurture your terrarium plants by regularly fertilizing them with suitable fertilizers, available from nurseries like Nurserylive, to help maintain a balanced mini ecosystem.
- Consider adding a touch of home-and-garden style to your interior design by integrating succulents like the Watermelon Peperomia or the Helxine Soleirolii (Baby Tear) into your indoor nursery, creating a captivating mini ecosystem that complements your lifestyle.