Building a terrarium is like creating a tiny jungle in a jar. You need the right mix of plants to make it thrive. Some plants are just perfect for these little glass worlds, especially if you’re going for a closed terrarium.
Tropical Plants for Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are like mini rainforests. They have high humidity and stable temperatures, making them perfect for tropical plants. These plants love the moist, warm environment and can turn your terrarium into a lush, green paradise.
If you’re thinking about creating your own tropical mini-world, check out tropical plants for terrariums and best plants for closed terrariums. Here are some popular choices:
- Ferns: These guys love the heat and humidity of closed terrariums. There are many compact varieties that fit perfectly in a glass container.
- Moss: Moss adds a green carpet that looks great with taller plants. Learn more about moss for terrariums.
- Carnivorous Plants: Want something a bit different? Carnivorous plants can add a cool, exotic touch. Discover more about carnivorous plants for terrariums.
Picking the Right Plants
To make sure your terrarium plants thrive, pick ones that like:
- Consistent Heat and Humidity: Tropical plants are used to stable temperatures and high humidity, just like in a closed terrarium.
- Limited Growth: Go for slow-growing or small plants to avoid overcrowding and reduce maintenance.
- Shade Tolerance: Since terrariums are usually indoors, choose plants that can handle low to medium light.
For easy-to-care-for options, especially if you’re new to this, check out terrarium plants for beginners.
By picking the right plants and knowing what they need, you can create a thriving terrarium that brings a bit of the tropics into your home. Whether you’re a terrarium pro or just starting out, the fun begins with choosing the best plants.
Ferns for Terrariums
Ferns are a great choice for closed terrariums. They love the humid, stable environment and are perfect for both newbies and experts. Let’s talk about two popular types of ferns that do well in terrariums.
Nephrolepis Sword Ferns
Nephrolepis, or sword ferns, are compact and often chosen for terrariums. There are about 30 different types, all known for their green, sword-shaped fronds. Some dwarf varieties are especially good for terrariums because they stay small.
Here are a couple of popular Nephrolepis varieties:
| Fern Variety | Description |
|---|---|
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Nephrolepis exaltata 'Mini' |
A small variety, perfect for terrariums.
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Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii' |
Compact and lush.
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These ferns thrive in the heat and humidity of closed terrariums, mimicking their natural tropical rainforest conditions (Terrarium Tribe).
Maidenhair Ferns
Maidenhair ferns, or Adiantum, are known for their delicate, frilly leaves. They come from tropical environments and love the constant moisture of a closed terrarium. Compact species are especially good for terrariums, adding a graceful touch.
Here are some varieties of maidenhair ferns:
| Fern Variety | Description |
|---|---|
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Adiantum raddianum 'Fragrans' |
Fragrant leaves and a lacy look.
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Adiantum 'Microphyllum' |
Tiny leaves on thin, black stems, great for small terrariums.
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Maidenhair ferns bring a lush, tropical feel to your terrarium.
Both Nephrolepis sword ferns and maidenhair ferns are great for terrariums. When choosing ferns, consider their size and growth habits to keep them in proportion with your terrarium. With the right care, ferns can bring a touch of the rainforest to any indoor space. For more on ferns and other terrarium plants, check out indoor plants for terrariums and terrarium plants for beginners.
Miniature Plant Varieties
Creating a mini ecosystem in a terrarium is an art. Here are some of the best miniature plants that thrive in terrariums, adding texture and color to your tiny garden.
Pilea Glauca
Pilea Glauca has delicate, silvery leaves that are perfect for small terrariums. Its compact size and vibrant foliage make it a charming addition. It loves the consistent moisture and warmth of a closed terrarium, making it easy to care for.
String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
String of Turtles has round, patterned leaves that look like tiny turtles. Its trailing habit and ornamental look make it a great addition to terrariums. It loves high humidity and adds a dynamic element with its cascading growth.
Fluffy Ruffles Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’)
This petite fern has small, fluffy fronds that contrast nicely with smoother leaves. It’s specifically cultivated to stay small, making it perfect for terrariums. It loves high humidity and fits comfortably in a terrarium.
Marcgravia Sintenisii
Marcgravia Sintenisii is a shingling plant with vibrant red-to-green foliage. It loves high humidity and consistent moisture, making it perfect for terrariums. It climbs up terrarium walls, adding a vertical dimension.
Watermelon Dischidia (Dischidia ovata)
Watermelon Dischidia has oval-shaped, emerald green leaves with white veins, resembling a watermelon rind. It adapts well to terrariums and adds a unique touch with its striking leaf pattern.
Each of these miniature plants offers something different, providing plenty of options for customizing your terrarium. By mixing these varieties, you can create a stunning, living work of art. For more on terrarium-friendly plants, check out best plants for closed terrariums and tropical plants for terrariums.
Unique Terrarium Plant Options
Looking for something unique for your terrarium? Here are some exotic plants that can add a special touch to your glass garden.
Anadendrum Calcicola
Anadendrum calcicola is a lesser-known plant from Malaysia. It’s small and perfect for terrariums. It likes moderate to low indirect light and high humidity.
Begonia ‘Copper Sunset’
Begonia ‘Copper Sunset’ has small, coppery leaves that add a warm glow to your terrarium. It likes bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity.
Begonia Dodsonii
Begonia dodsonii from Ecuador has dark greenish-maroon leaves with thick hairs. It adds texture and color to terrariums. It likes low to moderate indirect light and high humidity.
Begonia Glabra
Begonia glabra is a vining plant from Mexico to South America. It’s popular in terrariums for its adaptability and lush look. It likes moderate indirect light and moderate to high humidity.
Begonia Lichenora
Begonia lichenora from Borneo has bright green leaves and is perfect for terrariums. It likes moderate indirect light and high humidity.
Adding these unique plants to your terrarium can make it a conversation piece. Consider their light, water, and humidity needs to keep your mini ecosystem balanced. For more tips, check out crafting your terrarium.
Terrarium Creation and Care Tips
Creating a terrarium is a fun blend of art and gardening. Here are some tips to help your miniature plants thrive.
Building Your Terrarium
Choose a clear container to let in maximum light. Pick plants with similar needs to keep things harmonious. Themes like woodland, tropical, or desert can guide your plant choices. For ideas, check out tropical plants for terrariums or succulent plants for terrariums.
Choosing Slow-Growing Plants
Slow-growing plants help maintain your terrarium’s structure longer. They need less maintenance and pruning. Check out ferns for terrariums and moss for terrariums.
Moisture Control
Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Heavy condensation means too much moisture. Adjust the lid removal frequency based on plant types and conditions.
Light Placement
Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light to avoid overheating. Monitor moisture levels to prevent excessive condensation. The right lighting supports photosynthesis and keeps your terrarium thriving (PlantSome).
Check your terrarium weekly for dry soil in open terrariums and every two weeks for moisture in closed ones. Balance moisture and light to prevent mold and root rot. For beginners, visit terrarium plants for beginners for more tips.
Terrarium Evolution
Historical Background
Terrariums have fascinated plant lovers since the Victorian era, starting with Dr. Nathaniel Ward’s accidental discovery of a micro garden in a jar. These mini ecosystems, originally called Wardian cases, evolved into today’s terrariums (Gardening Know How).
Open vs. Closed Terrariums
Terrariums come in two types: open and closed. Closed terrariums recycle water through transpiration and condensation, creating a humid environment perfect for tropical plants. Open terrariums offer drier conditions, ideal for succulent plants and cacti.
Care Differences
Closed terrariums need less watering, while open ones require regular watering. Understanding these differences helps maintain a healthy terrarium (Gardening Know How).
Plant Selection Criteria
Choosing the right miniature plants for terrariums involves evaluating size, shape, growth rate, and environmental needs. Avoid plants with large leaves or those that don’t like humidity. The Terrarium Plant Index helps classify plants by size and type, aiding in selection.
| Plant Size | Ideal for Terrarium Type |
|---|---|
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Small |
Closed Terrariums
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Medium |
Open or Large Closed Terrariums
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Large |
Open Terrariums (with ample space)
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Plant type is also important for compatibility. For example, ferns for terrariums are great for closed terrariums, while carnivorous plants need special care. Experiment and adapt to find what works best for your terrarium (Terrarium Tribe).
Terrarium Plant Index
The Terrarium Plant Index is a handy resource for picking the best miniature plants for terrariums. It categorizes plants by size and type, helping you choose the right ones for your terrarium.
Plant Size Classification
Choosing the right size plants prevents overcrowding and keeps your terrarium looking good. The index categorizes plants into small, medium, and large based on their mature size.
| Size Category | Maximum Height | Leaf Diameter | Example Plants |
|---|---|---|---|
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Small |
Up to 6 inches |
Up to 2 inches |
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Medium |
6 to 12 inches |
2 to 4 inches |
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Large |
Over 12 inches |
Over 4 inches |
Avoid plants that grow too large or need a lot of maintenance (Terrarium Tribe).
Plant Type Categorization
The index also divides plants into types like ferns, foliage, epiphytes, and vines. Each type adds something unique to your terrarium.
| Plant Type | Description | Example Plants |
|---|---|---|
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Fern |
Moisture-loving with feathery fronds |
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Foliage |
Broad leaves, often used as ground cover |
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Epiphyte |
Grows on other plants, requires little soil |
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Vine |
Climbing or trailing growth habit |
Consider both size and type when picking plants to keep your terrarium manageable and thriving. For beginners, start with hardy, low-maintenance varieties like terrarium plants for beginners.
The Terrarium Plant Index is a great tool, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Each terrarium is unique, so find what works best for you (Terrarium Tribe).
Mini Terrarium Plant Options
Creating a mini terrarium is a fun way to bring gardening indoors. Here are some miniature plants for terrariums that thrive in these tiny ecosystems.
Assorted Varieties
Assorted miniature plants are great for a diverse and vibrant terrarium. They often include a mix of plants that complement each other. For example, you can find sets of six miniature plants in 2″ pots on Amazon.
Another option is a set of three mini ferns, also in 2″ pots, which are perfect for terrariums. Combine them with moss for terrariums for a lush look.
For a tropical touch, try the Mini Oakleaf Creeping Fig (Ficus quercifolia) in a 2.5″ pot. Its small, oakleaf-shaped foliage creates a dense ground cover.
Succulent and Cactus Packs
Succulents and cacti are also popular for terrariums, especially for low-maintenance options. They need minimal watering and thrive in open terrariums.
Altman Plants offers a pack of 20 assorted potted succulents (Amazon). These can create a varied landscape in your terrarium.
For a larger assortment, Shop Succulents provides a pack of 100 mini cactus and succulent plants in 2″ pots. This collection allows for creative terrarium designs, suitable for indoor plants for terrariums and outdoor gardening.
Whether you choose ferns and tropical plants or succulents and cacti, there are plenty of options for any terrarium style. These miniature plants can turn your enclosed garden into a stunning display. For more on selecting the best plants, visit tropical plants for terrariums and succulent plants for terrariums.
