Terrarium Plants List – 25+ Invincible Plants For A Thriving Glass
Ever gazed at a beautiful, self-contained world in a glass jar and thought, “I want to make that!”? You’re not alone. But then the questions start creeping in. Which plants will actually survive in there? How do you stop it from turning into a sad, brown mess? It can feel a little overwhelming.
I get it completely. We’ve all been there, staring at an empty vessel, dreaming of a lush mini-jungle. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate terrarium plants list. This isn’t just a list; it’s your complete roadmap to success, packed with my favorite, near-indestructible plants that will bring your miniature ecosystem to life.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll explore the crucial difference between open and closed terrariums, dive deep into the best plants for each type, and I’ll share my personal care secrets to keep your glass garden thriving. Let’s get growing!
First Things First: Open vs. Closed Terrariums (It Matters!)
Before you even think about plants, you need to understand your environment. The single most important decision is whether you’re building an open or closed terrarium. This choice dictates everything that follows, especially your plant selection.
Think of it like this: a closed terrarium is a tiny, humid rainforest, while an open terrarium is more like a dry, arid landscape. You wouldn’t put a cactus in a swamp, right? The same logic applies here. Trying to force a plant into the wrong environment is the number one reason new terrariums fail.
What is a Closed Terrarium?
A closed terrarium has a lid, creating a self-contained water cycle. Water evaporates from the soil and plants, condenses on the glass, and “rains” back down. This creates a high-humidity environment perfect for tropical, moisture-loving plants. They require very little watering once established.
- Best for: Ferns, mosses, and tropical foliage plants that love humidity.
- Maintenance: Low watering needs, but requires occasional airing out to prevent mold.
What is an Open Terrarium?
An open terrarium has no lid, allowing for free air circulation and low humidity. This setup is ideal for plants that prefer dry conditions and would rot in the dampness of a closed system. These are your desert dwellers!
- Best for: Succulents, cacti, and air plants.
- Maintenance: Requires more frequent (but still sparse) watering as moisture escapes.
The Ultimate Closed Terrarium Plants List for High Humidity
Ready to build that steamy, tropical paradise? These plants are your go-to choices. They thrive in the consistent moisture and high humidity of a sealed environment. This section of our terrarium plants list guide is all about embracing the damp!
Lush Foliage Plants
These are the vibrant showstoppers that bring color and life to your mini-world.
- Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.): My absolute favorite! With striking veined leaves in pink, red, or white, Fittonia adds a pop of color. It loves humidity and will dramatically “faint” when thirsty, but perks right back up after a drink.
- Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): Similar to the Nerve Plant, its speckled leaves in shades of pink, white, or red are stunning. It stays compact and loves the enclosed environment.
- Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): A fantastic vining plant with tiny, heart-shaped leaves. It will happily crawl over rocks and wood, creating a mature, “overgrown” look. Don’t worry—it’s easy to prune.
- Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): This plant forms a dense, delicate mat of tiny green leaves. It’s perfect for creating a lush carpet effect on your terrarium floor.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Choose the smaller varieties! Their arching leaves and ability to produce little “babies” add a wonderful sense of dimension and growth.
Elegant Ferns
Nothing says “miniature forest” like a fern. They bring texture and a wild, natural feel.
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): The delicate, feathery fronds are gorgeous. They need high humidity to prevent their leaves from crisping, making them a perfect (and stunning) terrarium candidate.
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): Its bright green, wavy fronds grow from a central rosette, resembling a bird’s nest. It’s a robust choice that adds a bold architectural element.
- Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia): With small, round, button-like leaves on wiry stems, this fern offers a unique texture that contrasts beautifully with softer plants.
Essential Mosses
Moss is the glue that holds a terrarium’s aesthetic together. It covers the soil, adds a vibrant green, and helps maintain humidity.
- Cushion Moss / Pillow Moss (Leucobryum glaucum): Forms tight, pillowy mounds. It’s perfect for creating rolling hills and a soft landscape.
- Sheet Moss (Hypnum curvifolium): Grows in flat, dense sheets, making it ideal for creating a seamless green carpet.
- Mood Moss (Dicranum scoparium): Known for its whimsical, wavy appearance, it adds a touch of wildness and movement.
Top Picks for Your Open Terrarium Plants List
If you love the clean, modern look of succulents and cacti, an open terrarium is your playground. These plants need excellent airflow and dry conditions to prevent root rot. Here are some of the best choices.
Hardy Succulents
Succulents store water in their leaves, making them incredibly drought-tolerant.
- Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata): Often called the Zebra Plant, its spiky leaves with white stripes are visually stunning. It tolerates lower light better than most succulents, making it great for indoors.
- Echeveria (Echeveria spp.): These form beautiful, flower-like rosettes and come in a huge range of colors, from blue-greens to deep purples. They do need bright light to stay compact.
- Gasteria (Gasteria spp.): Known for their thick, tongue-shaped leaves, often with interesting patterns. They are tough and handle indoor conditions well.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): For a cascading effect, this is a winner. Let its bead-like strands spill over the edge of your container. Just be careful not to overwater!
Air Plants & Cacti
These are the ultimate low-maintenance picks for a dry setup.
- Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.): The coolest plants around! They don’t need soil at all and absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. Simply place them on sand, rocks, or wood. Mist them every week or so.
- Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis): A small, clumping cactus that produces tiny white offsets. It’s adorable and stays a manageable size.
Building Your Ecosystem: A Terrarium Plants List Care Guide
Choosing the right plants is half the battle. Now, let’s talk about keeping them alive and happy. Following these terrarium plants list best practices will ensure your miniature world flourishes.
Lighting: Finding the Sweet Spot
Most terrarium plants, especially the closed tropical types, prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will act like a magnifying glass on the container, cooking your plants. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet from a south- or west-facing window is perfect.
Succulents and cacti in open terrariums will want a bit more light, but still be cautious of intense, direct sun which can cause sunburn.
Watering: Less is Often More
This is where most people go wrong. Overwatering is the #1 terrarium killer!
- For Closed Terrariums: Water lightly only when you no longer see condensation on the glass and the soil looks dry. This could be every few weeks or even months! If you see constant heavy condensation, open the lid for a few hours to let it air out.
- For Open Terrariums: Water only when the soil is completely dry. For succulents, a good rule of thumb is to “soak and dry.” Give the soil a thorough watering, then let it dry out completely before watering again.
Pruning & Maintenance
Your little jungle will grow! Don’t be afraid to give it a haircut. Pruning encourages bushier growth and keeps plants from pressing against the glass, which can lead to rot. Use small, clean scissors to trim away any yellowing leaves or overgrown stems.
Common Problems with Your Terrarium Plants List (and How to Fix Them!)
Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t panic! Here are some solutions to the most common problems with terrarium plants list selections.
Problem: Mold or Fungus
You see white, fuzzy stuff on the soil or plants. This is usually caused by too much moisture and not enough air circulation.
The Fix: Immediately remove the affected plant parts. Open the lid of your closed terrarium for a day or two to let it dry out. You can also introduce springtails, tiny insects that are a natural cleanup crew and eat mold for breakfast!
Problem: Leggy Plants
Your plants are stretching out, with lots of space between the leaves.
The Fix: This is a classic sign of not enough light. Move your terrarium to a brighter (but still indirect) location. You can prune the leggy stems to encourage more compact growth.
Problem: Yellowing Leaves
The leaves at the base of your plants are turning yellow and mushy.
The Fix: This almost always means overwatering and potential root rot. Stop watering immediately. If it’s a closed terrarium, air it out. If the problem persists, you may need to gently remove the plant, trim any black, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, drier soil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terrarium Plants
Can I mix plants from the open and closed terrarium lists?
It’s generally not a good idea. A succulent that needs dry conditions will rot in the high humidity a fern loves. Stick to plants with similar care needs for the best chance of long-term success.
Do I need to fertilize my terrarium plants?
Very rarely, if ever. Terrariums are slow-growing environments. You want to keep the plants small. If you feel you must, use a heavily diluted liquid fertilizer once a year in the spring, but for most, it’s unnecessary.
How often should I open my closed terrarium?
It’s a good practice to air out your closed terrarium for a few hours once a week. This helps prevent mold and refreshes the air inside. If you see excessive condensation, open it more frequently until it balances out.
What if a plant dies in my terrarium?
It happens to everyone! Carefully remove the dead plant and its root system to prevent it from decaying and causing problems for the other inhabitants. You can then plug the gap with a new plant or some more moss.
Your Miniature World Awaits
There you have it—your comprehensive guide and a foolproof terrarium plants list to get you started on your miniature gardening adventure. Building a terrarium is more than just planting in a jar; it’s about creating a tiny, living piece of art that brings a bit of nature indoors.
Remember to start with the right environment—open or closed—and choose your plants accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t get discouraged if you hit a bump in the road. It’s all part of the learning process.
Now, grab a container, pick a few favorites from this list, and get your hands dirty. Go forth and grow your own beautiful, tiny world!
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