What Plants Are Good for Terrariums: A Beginner’s Guide

What Plants Are Good for Terrariums?

There are many plants that are good for terrariums.

Some examples include Haworthia, Snake Plant, Venus Flytrap, Cacti, Succulents, Jade Plants, Air Plants, Button Ferns, String of Pearls, Chinese Money Plant, Creeping Fig, Mexican Snow Ball, Stonecrop, Peperomia, Moss, Nerve Plants, Ferns, Polka Dot Plants, African Violet, Miniature Begonia, Aluminum Plants, Earth Star Plants, Strawberry Begonia, Miniature English Ivy, Baby’s Tears, Miniature Orchids, Miniature Peperomia, Miniature Fittonia, Miniature Snake Plant, Tiny Ferns, Spider Plants, Golden Pothos, Croton, Prayer Plants, Calatheas, Spike Moss, Neanthe Bella Palm, Rattlesnake Plant, and Maidenhair Fern.

Key Points:

  • Haworthia
  • Snake Plant
  • Venus Flytrap
  • Cacti
  • Succulents
  • Jade Plants

  • Air Plants

  • Button Ferns
  • String of Pearls
  • Chinese Money Plant
  • Creeping Fig
  • Mexican Snow Ball
  • Stonecrop
  • Peperomia

  • Moss

  • Nerve Plants
  • Ferns
  • Polka Dot Plants
  • African Violet
  • Miniature Begonia
  • Aluminum Plants

  • Earth Star Plants

  • Strawberry Begonia
  • Miniature English Ivy
  • Baby’s Tears
  • Miniature Orchids

  • Miniature Peperomia

  • Miniature Fittonia
  • Miniature Snake Plant
  • Tiny Ferns

  • Spider Plants

  • Golden Pothos
  • Croton
  • Prayer Plants
  • Calatheas
  • Spike Moss
  • Neanthe Bella Palm
  • Rattlesnake Plant
  • Maidenhair Fern

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that there is a specific type of moss called “mood moss” that is commonly used in terrariums? It gets its name from the way its appearance changes depending on the moisture levels, creating an intriguing visual effect.

2. In addition to their appealing aesthetics, terrariums can also serve as natural air purifiers. Certain plants, such as spider plants and peace lilies, are particularly effective at removing toxins from the air, making them an excellent choice for improving the air quality in your home or office.

3. One fascinating plant often used in mini terrariums is the “air plant,” also known as Tillandsia. Unlike most plants, air plants don’t require soil to grow. Instead, they extract nutrients and moisture from the air and rainwater, allowing for imaginative and unique terrarium designs.

4. Terrariums can provide the perfect environment for creating a “wabi-sabi” aesthetic, which is a Japanese philosophy that appreciates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Incorporating elements like weathered rocks, asymmetrical arrangements, and slightly untamed plant growth, you can cultivate a serene and captivating terrarium ecosystem.

5. For those looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their terrarium, consider utilizing vintage glass containers. Mason jars, antique apothecary bottles, and repurposed fish tanks can add a charming and timeless appeal to your miniature plant world. Experimenting with different container styles can unlock a whole new world of creativity in terrarium design.

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Haworthia

Haworthia is an excellent choice for terrariums due to its small size and low maintenance requirements. These succulent plants are native to South Africa and have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing them to survive in arid conditions. Haworthias are known for their unique rosette-shaped leaves that come in various patterns and colors, making them visually appealing additions to any terrarium.

When it comes to caring for Haworthia in a terrarium, it is essential to provide them with the right conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect light, so placing the terrarium near a window with filtered sunlight would be ideal. Haworthias have shallow root systems, so a well-draining potting mix is necessary to prevent waterlogged soil. Since these plants are adapted to survive in dry climates, they prefer infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

In terms of propagation, Haworthias can be grown from offsets, which are small plantlets that grow alongside the main plant. Carefully separate these offsets from the parent plant and place them in their individual pots or sections within the terrarium. With proper care, Haworthias can thrive in terrariums and provide an attractive focal point for plant enthusiasts.

  • Haworthia is an excellent plant choice for terrariums due to its small size and low maintenance requirements.
  • These succulent plants are native to South Africa and have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing them to survive in arid conditions.
  • Haworthias are known for their unique rosette-shaped leaves that come in various patterns and colors, making them visually appealing additions to any terrarium.
  • They thrive in bright, indirect light, so placing the terrarium near a window with filtered sunlight would be ideal.
  • A well-draining potting mix is necessary to prevent waterlogged soil.
  • They prefer infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
  • Haworthias can be propagated from offsets, which are small plantlets that grow alongside the main plant.

Snake Plant

Snake plants (Sansevierias) are popular choices for terrariums due to their unique appearance and ability to tolerate various light and humidity levels. Native to tropical regions of West Africa, these plants are characterized by their upright, sword-shaped leaves with distinct patterns.

Snake plants are not only visually appealing but also have air-purifying qualities, making them a beneficial addition to any terrarium.

Caring for snake plants in a terrarium is relatively simple. They can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light. This adaptability makes them suitable for terrariums placed in different areas of the house. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil, as waterlogged roots can cause rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, and be cautious not to overwater.

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Propagation of snake plants is straightforward and can be done through leaf cuttings or division. To propagate through leaf cuttings, simply select a healthy leaf and cut it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the base. Plant the sections in moist, well-draining soil, and new roots should develop in a few weeks.

“Snake plants are hardy, low-maintenance plants that can thrive in terrariums.”

* Snake plants are popular for terrariums due to their unique appearance and air-purifying qualities.
* They can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light.
* Snake plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered conservatively to avoid root rot.
* Propagation can be done through leaf cuttings or division.

Venus Flytrap

Venus Flytraps are fascinating carnivorous plants that can add a touch of intrigue to any terrarium. Native to the boggy areas of North and South Carolina in the United States, these plants capture and digest insects using their specialized leaves. Venus Flytraps have evolved to survive in nutrient-poor soils by obtaining essential nutrients from their prey.

To successfully grow a Venus Flytrap in a terrarium, it is essential to mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible. These plants require high humidity levels and indirect, bright light. Placing the terrarium near a window that receives filtered sunlight or using artificial grow lights can help meet their light requirements. Since Venus Flytraps are carnivorous, they obtain most of their nutrients from insects. However, in a terrarium setting, it may be necessary to supplement their diet with live or freeze-dried insects. Avoid feeding them meat or other non-insect sources, as it may harm the plant.

When it comes to watering, Venus Flytraps have specific requirements. They prefer to be watered with distilled water or rainwater, as tap water often contains minerals that can harm the plant. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Maintain a damp soil by using a tray filled with water placed beneath the terrarium or misting the plant regularly.

In summary, Venus Flytraps can be a fascinating and dynamic addition to a terrarium. Following their specific requirements for light, humidity, and feeding will ensure that these carnivorous plants thrive and capture the attention of anyone observing the terrarium.

  • Mimic natural habitat
  • Provide high humidity
  • Indirect, bright light
  • Use distilled water or rainwater for watering
  • Avoid feeding with meat or non-insect sources
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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of plants are best in a terrarium?

When selecting plants for a terrarium, it is essential to consider those that thrive in a closed environment. Optimal choices for closed terrariums include species such as peperomia, which offers a range of attractive foliage. Additionally, ferns and moss are excellent options due to their ability to adapt to the high humidity levels within a terrarium. Nerve plants and polka dot plants can bring vibrant pops of color to the miniature ecosystem, while African violets and miniature begonias provide stunning floral displays. Furthermore, aluminum plants and earth star plants are ideal choices as they can tolerate the low-light conditions often found in terrariums.

What should you not put in a terrarium?

When it comes to what should not be put in a terrarium, one should avoid adding any type of standing water at its base. It is important to ensure the environment does not have excess moisture, as this can lead to potential problems for the plants inside. Additionally, simply dropping plants into the terrarium without consideration is not recommended, as it is important to carefully select and arrange the plants to create a healthy and aesthetically pleasing ecosystem.

Do you put real plants in a terrarium?

Terrariums provide an ideal environment for many plant species, including succulents, violets, moss, and various tropical plants. However, it is important to ensure that the plants you choose have similar watering requirements. This allows for a harmonious and thriving ecosystem within the terrarium. By carefully selecting plants that share the same watering needs, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance terrarium that enhances the natural beauty of your space.

What are cute plants in a terrarium?

When it comes to cute plants in a terrarium, there is an array of delightful options to choose from. Among them are small and humidity-loving varieties like pileas, tiny ferns, and starfish plants, which bring a whimsical touch to any terrarium. Other charming choices include air plants, nerve plants, and variegated peperomia, adding a splash of color and texture. Additionally, the golden clubmoss, dwarf golden sweet flag, black mondo grass, and strawberry begonia offer a unique and lively presence in a terrarium, creating a captivating mini garden that is sure to bring joy and admiration.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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