Terrarium What Plants To Use – Your Complete Guide To A Thriving
Have you ever stared at a beautiful, self-contained world in a glass jar and felt a spark of wonder? As aquarium keepers, we know that feeling well. We spend our time carefully crafting underwater ecosystems. A terrarium is just the same magic, but on land.
But that initial excitement can quickly turn to confusion. The big question always is, when it comes to your terrarium what plants to use to make sure it doesn’t just survive, but thrives? It can feel overwhelming, like picking your first fish all over again.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this complete guide, I promise to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll break down the right plants for your specific setup, how to arrange them for a stunning look, and how to troubleshoot the most common issues.
You’re about to unlock the secrets to creating a breathtaking, low-maintenance miniature garden that will bring you joy for years to come. Let’s get started!
First Things First: Open vs. Closed Terrariums (And Why It Matters)
Before you even think about a single leaf, you have to make one crucial decision. Will your terrarium be open or closed? This choice dictates everything that follows, especially your plant selection.
The Magic of Closed Terrariums
A closed terrarium, with a lid or a tight seal, creates its own miniature water cycle. Water evaporates from the plants and soil, condenses on the glass, and “rains” back down. It’s a tiny, self-sustaining rainforest in a jar.
This high-humidity, high-moisture environment is perfect for tropical plants that love a damp atmosphere. If you dream of a lush, jungle-like scene, a closed terrarium is your best bet. They are incredibly low-maintenance once established.
The Freedom of Open Terrariums
An open terrarium is any container without a lid. This allows for much better air circulation and lower humidity, as moisture can easily escape. The environment is drier and more closely resembles a desert or arid landscape.
These setups are ideal for plants that would quickly rot in a closed container, like succulents and cacti. They require more frequent watering than a closed system but offer a completely different aesthetic—think minimalist desert-scape instead of a dense jungle.
Terrarium What Plants to Use: Top Picks for Closed, Humid Setups
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part. If you’ve chosen a closed setup, you’re looking for plants that adore humidity. This section of our terrarium what plants to use guide focuses on the classic, moisture-loving superstars.
Ferns (Maidenhair, Bird’s Nest, Button)
Ferns are the quintessential terrarium plant. Their delicate, intricate fronds add a lush, ancient feel to any setup. They thrive in the high humidity and low, indirect light that a closed terrarium provides. Just be sure to choose smaller varieties that won’t outgrow your container too quickly.
Mosses (Cushion Moss, Sheet Moss, Mood Moss)
Moss is the green carpet of your miniature world. It’s essential for creating a finished, natural look. More than just aesthetics, moss helps retain humidity in the soil and provides a beautiful, vibrant base layer. It’s one of the most important eco-friendly terrarium what plants to use choices for a naturalistic vibe.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
If you want a pop of color, look no further than the Fittonia. With striking veins of pink, red, or white on deep green leaves, these plants are stunning. They are also famous drama queens—if they get a little too dry, they will wilt dramatically, but a little water perks them right back up! They absolutely love the humidity of a closed system.
Pilea (Friendship Plant, Moon Valley)
Pilea varieties offer incredible texture. The Moon Valley Pilea has deeply crinkled, almost quilted leaves, while others have a shiny, bubbly appearance. They stay relatively compact and enjoy the consistent moisture of a sealed environment, making them a fantastic “filler” plant.
Peperomia
The Peperomia family is vast, with thousands of varieties. For terrariums, look for smaller types like Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles) or Peperomia caperata. They are generally slow-growing, tolerate lower light levels well, and come in an amazing array of colors and leaf shapes.
Best Plants for Open, Arid Terrariums
If you prefer the clean, sculptural look of a desert landscape, an open terrarium is your canvas. These plants prefer to dry out between waterings and need good airflow to prevent rot. Here are the top choices for a sunny, dry setup.
Succulents (Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum)
Succulents are the obvious star of the open terrarium. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them incredibly drought-tolerant. Echeverias form beautiful rosettes, Haworthias have fascinating stripes and patterns, and Sedums can trail over the side. Just remember: they need plenty of bright, indirect light to keep their compact shape and vibrant colors.
Cacti (Small Varieties like Thimble Cactus)
No desert scene is complete without a cactus. Look for miniature varieties that won’t grow too large. They require very little water and thrive in the dry air of an open container. A word of caution: be careful with their spines during planting!
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These are some of the most unique plants you can use. Air plants don’t need soil at all! They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. You can nestle them on a piece of driftwood, a rock, or directly on your sand or pebble layer. They just need a light misting every week or so.
String of Pearls or String of Tears (Senecio rowleyanus)
For a wonderful “spiller” effect, a string of pearls is perfect. These trailing succulents cascade beautifully over the edge of a bowl or container, adding a soft, dynamic element to your arid design. They require excellent drainage and careful watering to prevent root rot.
The Art of Placement: Terrarium Best Practices for a Stunning Layout
Choosing the right plants is half the battle. Arranging them effectively is what turns a jar of plants into a work of art. Here are some simple design principles to follow, representing some of the best terrarium what plants to use tips for aquascapers and beginners alike.
Think in Layers (The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Method)
This is a classic gardening rule that works perfectly for terrariums.
- Thriller: This is your focal point—a taller, eye-catching plant. Place it in the back or slightly off-center.
- Filler: These are mid-sized, mounding plants that fill out the middle ground and surround your thriller.
- Spiller: These are low-growing or trailing plants that soften the edges and creep along the foreground. Moss is a perfect spiller.
Consider Light and Growth
Just like in an aquarium, think about how your plants will grow. Place taller plants in the back so they don’t block light from the smaller ones in the front. Give each plant a little breathing room—they will fill in over time.
Don’t Overcrowd!
This is the number one beginner mistake! It’s tempting to pack your terrarium full for an instant lush look, but this is a recipe for disaster. Overcrowding restricts airflow, promotes disease, and forces plants to compete for resources. Start with just a few key plants; less is truly more.
Common Problems with Terrarium What Plants to Use (And How to Fix Them!)
Even the best of us run into issues. The key is to spot them early and know how to react. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for the most common problems you’ll face.
Problem: Mold and Mildew
Cause: Too much moisture and not enough air circulation. This is most common in new closed terrariums.
Solution: If you see fuzzy white or gray mold, open the lid for a few hours a day to let it air out. You can gently wipe away visible mold with a cotton swab. For a long-term, sustainable terrarium what plants to use solution, add a colony of springtails. These tiny arthropods are a natural “clean-up crew” that eat mold and decaying matter.
Problem: Leggy, Stretched-Out Plants
Cause: Not enough light. Plants are stretching (a process called etiolation) to reach for a light source.
Solution: Move your terrarium to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight. A north- or east-facing window is often perfect. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves and overheat the glass like a greenhouse.
Problem: Rotting Roots and Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Overwatering and/or poor drainage. This is the fastest way to kill terrarium plants.
Solution: First, stop watering! Let the terrarium dry out. Ensure you have a proper drainage layer (like pebbles or LECA) at the bottom, separated from your soil by a mesh screen. This gives excess water somewhere to go without waterlogging the roots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terrarium Plants
Can I mix plants for open and closed terrariums?
It’s a very bad idea. Succulents and cacti will quickly rot in the high humidity of a closed terrarium, while tropical plants like ferns and Fittonia will dry out and wither in an open one. The golden rule is to group plants with similar light and water needs.
Do I need to fertilize my terrarium plants?
Very rarely, if ever. A closed terrarium is a delicate ecosystem that recycles its own nutrients. Adding fertilizer can cause nutrient burn and encourage algae growth. Most potting mixes come with enough nutrients to sustain the plants for a very long time.
How often should I water my terrarium?
This depends entirely on your setup. A properly balanced closed terrarium may only need a light misting a few times a year. An open terrarium with succulents should be watered only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, which could be every 2-4 weeks.
Your Miniature World Awaits
Building a terrarium is a journey of creativity and patience. It’s about more than just plants in a jar; it’s about crafting a tiny, living piece of art that evolves over time.
You now have a complete terrarium what plants to use care guide at your fingertips. You understand the crucial difference between open and closed systems, you have a list of perfect plants for each, and you know how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
So go ahead. Find a beautiful glass container, choose your botanical stars, and start building. Your stunning, thriving miniature world is waiting for you. Happy planting!
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