Best Plants For Small Terrariums – Your Guide To Creating A Lush
Have you ever gazed at a beautiful, self-contained world inside a glass jar and thought, “I wish I could make that”? It’s a common dream for any plant lover. But it’s often followed by a wave of uncertainty. Which plants will survive? Which ones will stay small? How do you stop it from turning into a mushy, moldy mess?
Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take all the guesswork out of it for you. This guide promises to walk you through everything you need to know, from the foundational layers to the perfect greenery. We’ll show you exactly how to choose the best plants for small terrariums so you can build a tiny, thriving ecosystem that brings you joy for years to come.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover our top plant picks, a step-by-step planting process, essential care tips, and how to troubleshoot those pesky common problems. Let’s get started on your miniature masterpiece!
Why Small Terrariums are a Big Deal (And Why Plant Choice is Crucial)
A terrarium is more than just a plant in a jar; it’s a miniature, self-sustaining ecosystem. The glass container traps humidity and creates a unique microclimate, which is fantastic for certain plants but a death sentence for others. This is why your plant selection is the single most important decision you’ll make.
Choosing the right plants offers incredible benefits. The benefits of best plants for small terrariums include:
- Low Maintenance: The right plants thrive on the humidity and require very little watering, sometimes going for months without needing a drop.
- Sustainable Beauty: A well-balanced terrarium is a perfect example of an eco-friendly decoration. It’s a living piece of art that sustains itself.
- Space-Saving Greenery: Perfect for apartments, desks, or any small space that needs a touch of nature. They bring the outdoors in, without needing a backyard.
The key is to select plants that love high humidity, can tolerate lower light levels, and, most importantly, have a small, slow-growing nature. Putting a fast-growing sun-lover in a sealed jar is a recipe for disappointment.
Before You Plant: Setting Up Your Small Terrarium for Success
Great terrariums start with a great foundation. Before you even think about plants, getting the setup right is essential. Following these best plants for small terrariums best practices will ensure your miniature world has everything it needs to flourish.
Choosing Your Container: Open vs. Closed
First, decide on your container. This choice dictates the type of plants you can use.
Closed Terrariums: These have a lid and create a high-humidity, rainforest-like environment. They are ideal for mosses, ferns, and tropical plants. They require less watering but need occasional airing out to prevent mold.
Open Terrariums: These are more like decorative planters and don’t trap humidity. They are suitable for plants that prefer dry conditions, like succulents and cacti. For this guide, we’ll be focusing primarily on the classic, lush closed terrariums.
The All-Important Layers (Your Drainage System)
A terrarium has no drainage holes, so you have to create your own drainage system with layers. This prevents water from sitting at the bottom and rotting your plants’ roots. Here’s the classic recipe, from bottom to top:
- Drainage Layer (1-2 inches): Start with small stones, pebbles, or leca. This layer creates a reservoir for excess water to collect, away from the roots.
- Mesh Layer: Place a small piece of mesh (like a window screen or cheesecloth) over the pebbles. This stops the soil from mixing into your drainage layer.
- Activated Charcoal (a thin layer): This is a pro tip! A thin layer of horticultural charcoal helps to filter the water and keep the terrarium “sweet” by preventing bacterial growth and odors.
- Substrate Layer (2-3 inches): Use a high-quality, sterile potting mix. A mix designed for tropical plants or African violets works wonderfully. Make sure it’s deep enough for the plants’ roots.
Our Top 10 Best Plants for Small Terrariums (Beginner-Friendly Picks)
Ready for the fun part? Here is our go-to list of hardy, beautiful, and perfectly sized plants for your closed terrarium. This best plants for small terrariums guide will help you pick a winner every time.
Lush Foliage Plants
1. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
With its striking veined leaves in pink, red, or white, the Nerve Plant is a terrarium superstar. It absolutely loves the high humidity of a closed environment and stays compact.
Care Tip: Fittonia is known for being dramatic. If it wilts, it’s thirsty. A little water will have it perked back up in no time!
2. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Similar to the Nerve Plant, the Polka Dot Plant adds a splash of color with its speckled leaves. It thrives in humidity and stays relatively small, though it may need an occasional trim to keep it from getting “leggy.”
3. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
This plant gets its name from how easily it propagates from cuttings. Its quilted, textured leaves are fascinating to look at. It’s a low-growing creeper that creates a wonderful ground cover.
4. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Just as the name suggests, this plant forms a dense, delicate mat of tiny green leaves. It looks like a lush carpet and is perfect for creating a moss-like effect in your terrarium landscape.
Classic Ferns and Mosses
5. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Many ferns get too large for small terrariums, but the Button Fern is a perfect fit. Its small, round, “button-like” leaflets on wiry stems add a beautiful, delicate texture.
6. Cushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum)
No terrarium is complete without moss. Cushion moss is a classic choice, forming soft, green mounds that look like miniature hills. It requires very little light and loves moisture.
7. Mood Moss (Dicranum scoparium)
This moss grows in beautiful, wavy clumps and adds a wonderful sense of movement and texture. It’s fantastic for creating a wild, natural forest floor look.
Other Unique Additions
8. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This is a fantastic vining plant for terrariums. Its tiny heart-shaped leaves will climb over rocks and wood, adding a sense of age and wildness to your miniature world. A little goes a long way!
9. Starfish Plant (Cryptanthus bivittatus)
A type of earth star bromeliad, this plant has a stunning, star-shaped rosette of leaves, often with pink and green stripes. It stays low to the ground and adds an exotic, colorful focal point.
10. Air Plants (Tillandsia) – For Open or Ventilated Terrariums
While not suited for a sealed, moist terrarium, air plants are perfect for open containers. They don’t need soil and can be placed on a piece of driftwood or stone, adding a sculptural element. Just remember to take them out for a weekly soak!
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Your Terrarium
Now that you have your layers and your plants, it’s time to bring your vision to life. This is how to best plants for small terrariums get planted for long-term health. Grab your tools (long tweezers or chopsticks are your best friends here) and let’s get planting.
- Plan Your Layout: Before you dig, arrange your plants on the table to see how they look together. Put taller plants in the back and shorter ones in the front.
- Add Your Layers: Carefully add your drainage, mesh, charcoal, and substrate layers as described above. Mist the soil lightly so it’s damp, not soaking wet.
- Create Your Landscape: Use your finger or a small tool to create hills and valleys in the soil for a more natural look.
- Plant Your Stars: Gently remove your largest plant from its pot, tease the roots, and place it in its hole. Use your tweezers or a spoon to backfill the soil around it, patting it down gently.
- Add the Supporting Cast: Continue with your smaller plants, filling in the gaps. Remember to give them a little room to grow.
- Place Your Moss: The final touch! Gently press your moss onto the bare spots of soil. It acts as a living mulch, helping to retain moisture.
- Clean Up and Water: Use a small brush to wipe any soil off the glass. Give the terrarium a final, light misting of water, and place the lid on.
Keeping it Green: Your Essential Small Terrarium Care Guide
You’ve built it, and now it’s time to enjoy it. Luckily, a balanced terrarium is incredibly low-maintenance. This simple best plants for small terrariums care guide will keep your world thriving.
- Light: Place your terrarium in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will act like a greenhouse, cooking your plants. A north-facing window or a spot a few feet from a brighter window is perfect.
- Water: This is where most people go wrong. A closed terrarium recycles its own water. You should see a little condensation on the glass. If the glass is constantly dripping wet, open the lid for a few hours. If there’s no condensation and the soil looks dry, it’s time for a light misting. You might only need to water every few weeks or even months!
- Pruning: If a plant gets too big or a leaf turns yellow, use small scissors or snips to trim it back. This encourages bushier growth and keeps everything looking tidy.
- Ventilation: It’s a good practice to remove the lid for an hour or so once a week. This allows for fresh air exchange and helps prevent any potential mold issues.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Small Terrarium Plants
Even the best of us run into issues. Don’t panic! Here’s how to solve some common problems with best plants for small terrariums.
Problem: There’s white, fuzzy mold on the soil or plants.
Solution: You have too much moisture and not enough air circulation. Remove the lid for a day or two to let it dry out. You can also physically remove the mold with a cotton swab. Consider adding springtails—tiny insects that are a terrarium’s natural cleanup crew and eat mold for breakfast!
Problem: The plants are getting long and “leggy.”
Solution: This is a classic sign of not enough light. Your plants are stretching to find it. Move your terrarium to a slightly brighter location (but still out of direct sun).
Problem: The leaves are turning yellow and mushy at the base.
Solution: This is almost always a sign of overwatering and root rot. Unfortunately, it can be hard to reverse. The best course of action is to stop watering, increase ventilation, and hope for the best. This is why getting the drainage layers right is so important!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Plants for Small Terrariums
Do I need to fertilize my terrarium plants?
Generally, no. A terrarium is a closed system, and you want to encourage slow, steady growth, not rapid expansion. The nutrients in the initial potting soil are usually sufficient for a very long time. Fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn and overgrown plants.
Can I put succulents in a closed terrarium?
It’s not recommended. Succulents and cacti hate humidity and need dry conditions with excellent airflow. A sealed, humid jar is the opposite of what they need to thrive. They are much better suited for open-air arrangements.
How often should I clean the inside of the glass?
Whenever it gets dirty! Algae or water spots can sometimes build up on the inside of the glass. You can easily wipe it clean with a paper towel attached to a stick or a magnetic aquarium scraper for hard-to-reach spots.
Your Miniature World Awaits!
Creating a terrarium is a wonderfully rewarding project that connects you with nature on a miniature scale. By choosing the right plants and setting up your foundation correctly, you’re not just planting—you’re creating a tiny, living, breathing world.
Remember the key takeaways: choose humidity-loving, small-statured plants, build your layers for proper drainage, and don’t overwater. The beauty of a terrarium is in its balance and self-sufficiency.
So go ahead, pick out a beautiful glass jar, gather a few of your favorite plants from this list, and get your hands dirty. You have all the knowledge you need to create a stunning green masterpiece. Happy planting!
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