Creating a stunning terrarium, whether open or closed, can be a rewarding and visually appealing project. Terrariums are essentially miniature ecosystems enclosed in glass containers, and they can house a variety of plants. Here are 15 stunning plant options for your terrarium, along with some tips on how to care for them:
Succulents: These are popular choices for open terrariums due to their low water requirements. Varieties like Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum work well.
Air Plants (Tillandsia): Ideal for open terrariums, air plants require minimal soil and can attach themselves to various surfaces. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need occasional misting.
Moss: Mosses add a lush green carpet to your terrarium. They are perfect for closed containers as they thrive in high humidity.
Ferns: Miniature ferns like Maidenhair Fern and Miniature Sword Fern are great choices for closed terrariums, as they love high humidity.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant): These small, colorful plants with variegated leaves are perfect for closed terrariums. They appreciate moderate light and humidity.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii):
These delicate trailing plants create a lush look in closed terrariums. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Pilea (Chinese Money Plant): Pilea’s unique, round leaves add a touch of quirkiness to your terrarium. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Peperomia: With its attractive foliage, Peperomia is well-suited for closed terrariums. They prefer indirect light and moderate humidity.
Miniature Orchids: Some miniature orchid species, like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, can thrive in closed terrariums with high humidity.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant): These small, colorful plants with variegated leaves are perfect for closed terrariums. They appreciate moderate light and humidity.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): These plants have vibrant, spotted leaves and are great for open terrariums with bright, indirect light.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina): Spiderwort’s trailing vines and striking purple and green leaves make it an eye-catching choice for open terrariums.
Miniature African Violet (Saintpaulia): These small, flowering plants can add a pop of color to your closed terrarium. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Miniature Ivy (Hedera helix): Ivy’s trailing vines and small leaves work well in open terrariums, but it can also adapt to closed containers with proper care.
Miniature Begonias: These compact plants come in various colors and leaf shapes, making them suitable for both open and closed terrariums.
Terrarium Care Tips:
- Light: Most terrarium plants prefer indirect light, so place your terrarium in a location with bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the terrarium.
- Watering: Water sparingly, as the enclosed environment can lead to moisture buildup. Monitor the soil moisture and only water when it starts to dry out slightly. Closed terrariums require less watering than open ones.
- Humidity: Closed terrariums naturally create high humidity, but you may need to mist open terrariums occasionally to maintain moisture levels.
- Pruning: Regularly trim and prune your plants to prevent overgrowth and maintain the terrarium’s aesthetics.
- Containers: Choose a glass container with a lid for closed terrariums to create a self-sustaining environment. Open terrariums can be housed in various glass containers, including jars, bowls, and vases.
Creating a terrarium can be a fun and creative project, and with the right plant selection and care, you can enjoy a stunning and low-maintenance miniature garden in your home or office.
