Planting a terrarium is one in all my favourite weekend gardening initiatives. You get to curate a tiny backyard in a glass, selecting your favourite vegetation and putting them in any approach you select. There are such a lot of thrilling configurations and distinctive designs to attempt that it’s inconceivable to get bored.
Terrarium environments are very explicit. It’s important to select a plant that not solely matches in a small area however can be comfortable within the surroundings it creates. Fortunately, there are numerous choices, relying on the sort of terrarium you wish to plant.
Polka Dot Plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya is likely one of the hottest vegetation for closed terrariums, and for good motive. Remaining comparatively compact, this leafy plant can simply match into enclosed areas and appreciates the excessive humidity ranges terrariums present.
However the actual spotlight of the polka dot plant is obvious in its frequent identify. The leaves function uniquely noticed foliage in a variety of vibrant colours. Spotty pink cultivars are a private favourite, including a pop of shade to your terrarium that’s robust to seek out in different vegetation.
Nerve Plant
Fittonia spp. is analogous in look and development behavior to the polka dot plant and is usually utilized in terrariums for its enticing foliage. Nevertheless, relatively than sporting spotty leaves, the nerve plant has vibrant and contrasting veins that immediately stand out amongst different greenery.
Varieties with vibrant white veins have the starkest look, however you too can discover Fittonias with pink veins and even pink-tinted leaves. Pair them with a pink polka dot plant for an attention-grabbing and colourful terrarium show.
Chinese language Cash Plant
Pilea peperomioides is legendary amongst houseplant lovers for its rounded leaves, giving it different comical frequent names like pancake plant or UFO plant. Its upright development behavior and love of moisture and excessive humidity make it an amazing candidate for bigger terrariums, standing tall above creeping vines or moss.
The best option to get a Chinese language cash plant right into a terrarium – particularly one with a small opening – is to make use of a pup. Pilea peperomioides produces tiny variations of the father or mother plant that emerge from the soil. As soon as these pups have their very own roots, snap them off and plant them in a terrarium to fill out.
Maidenhair Fern
There are a number of ferns to select from for one thing somewhat extra delicate in comparison with the Chinese language cash plant. Adiantum raddianum, generally referred to as the maidenhair fern, is right for taller terrariums with a whole lot of overhead area to fill.
The skinny inexperienced leaves are densely packed alongside slim stems. They arch gracefully and command consideration. As they love loads of moisture, a closed terrarium is an ideal house for these vegetation. A terrarium will be the reply when you’ve struggled to maintain them alive as common houseplants on account of dry air or rare watering.
String of Hearts
This plant is an ideal Valentine’s Day present! The lovable Ceropegia woodii, generally often called string of hearts, options tiny heart-shaped leaves that crawl alongside the soil floor or dangle exterior the sides of open terrariums.
As string of hearts is a semi-succulent plant, the roots favor dry soil to extra moisture. They develop greatest in open terrariums with different succulents planted in well-draining sandy substrates. Extra moisture across the roots can result in rot, affecting all different vegetation in your terrarium.
Peace within the House
Generally often called child’s tears or peace within the house, Soleirolia soleirolii is an ideal candidate for shorter terrariums with out a lot area above the soil line. This plant kinds a inexperienced carpet of lovable leaves that may shortly fill gaps.
These vegetation have a popularity for being difficult to maintain alive. I’ve broken a number of on account of incorrect care and situations, overwatering them and conserving them in a spot with an excessive amount of shade. The soil ought to keep constantly moist however not soggy. That and loads of vibrant oblique mild will preserve them comfortable for years.
Aluminum Plant
A part of the identical genus because the Chinese language cash plant, Pilea cadierei is inconceivable to overlook and the star of the present in any terrarium. The spotlight of this plant is the silver-striped foliage, therefore the aluminum within the identify. It is usually often called watermelon pilea as a result of the leaves resemble watermelon pores and skin.
Since aluminum vegetation are taller, it’s greatest to make use of them as central function vegetation in bigger terrariums. Place them in a spot with numerous vibrant oblique solar to point out off the shimmery foliage.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum is a houseplant must-have for a lot of causes. When planted in terrariums, their robust nature and skill to thrive virtually anyplace are prime of thoughts. These vines are extremely resilient and develop shortly in virtually any surroundings, filling out bigger terrariums with plenty of foliage.
Due to their reputation, there are numerous totally different cultivars to select from, together with the traditional golden pothos and variegated favorites like ‘Marble Queen.’ Don’t overwater them (particularly in closed terrariums); you’ll have virtually assured success.
Radiator Vegetation
Of the various houseplants I’ve grown in my lifetime, peperomias have been the primary to steal my coronary heart and make me a real collector. There may be a lot selection between species that they usually don’t even look associated. With choices in numerous shapes, colours, and textures, you’re sure to discover a peperomia you like.
The smaller species are greatest for terrariums. Look out for the compact Peperomia caperata for fascinating shade and texture or Peperomia rotundifolia to path near the soil. In the event that they’re in the best surroundings, chances are you’ll even be fortunate sufficient to see them flower.
Button Fern
The frequent identify of Pellaea rotundifolia already describes how lovable this fern is. The lovable button-shaped leaves seem on lengthy, delicate fronds, including a real jungle really feel to your terrariums.
This species grows to round 12 inches tall, remaining compact and appropriate for planting in a closed terrarium. It is usually fairly a sluggish grower, taking time to settle into a brand new area. It thrives within the moist and high-humidity surroundings of a closed terrarium.
Creeping Fig
Once you consider members of the Ficus genus, small and compact will not be possible the primary phrase to come back to thoughts. Most species are towering timber that develop to ceiling peak indoors, such because the well-known fiddle leaf fig. However Ficus pumila – with a particular epithet that means ‘dwarf’ – is an outlier supreme for a terrarium.
This vine is a superb different to ivy, climbing up partitions and different backyard buildings. However you too can preserve it contained by popping it in a closed terrarium, the place it’ll shortly fill empty soil gaps. You may also connect it to brighten items of wooden or rocks for a extra creative function inside your terrarium.
African Violet
Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia is usually referred to as African violet. The identify comes from its purple blooms and native African origins. The lovable fluffy leaves and their capacity to flower reliably indoors have made African violets a houseplant staple for many years.
As African violets stay compact, they’re supreme function vegetation for terrariums. You’ll want to watch moisture ranges fastidiously, because the fluffy leaves can develop unpleasant spots, and the bottom can shortly rot within the fallacious situations. With some further consideration, you possibly can flip your African violet into an ornamental assertion that flowers virtually all 12 months spherical.
Miniature Orchids
Miniature orchid doesn’t describe a single plant however relatively a bunch of orchid species with smaller flowers and a compact mature dimension. This smaller stature permits them to squeeze into terrariums, the place their gorgeous flowers can shine.
Orchid care might be difficult, however it isn’t arduous with a number of suggestions. Excessive humidity will assist epiphytic miniature orchids thrive and flower for months. However you’ll should be cautious concerning the potting medium you choose, filling the terrarium with unfastened orchid bark or just attaching the roots to a chunk of wooden. Additionally, select a terrarium with a large opening to keep away from damaging any present flower spikes.
Silver Sparkle Pilea
There may be some confusion across the classification of this plant. Normally labeled Pilea glauca, you may additionally see it beneath the names Pilea libanensis, silver sparkle pilea, and even Pilea aquamarine. It doesn’t matter what you name it, there isn’t a confusion about its capacity to develop in your terrarium.
When grown as a houseplant, Pilea glauca has tiny silver leaves that cascade over the edges of a container. You may trim a number of stems to root inside your terrarium or fill your complete factor with one massive plant. This versatility additionally makes them appropriate for tiny terrariums or any creative initiatives.
String of Turtles
String of turtles is one other member of the Peperomia genus (Peperomia prostrata), however this species is so lovable and becoming for terrariums that it deserves its personal part. The lengthy vines produce cute rounded leaves with a sample that appears similar to a turtle shell – an amazing ornamental function for smaller terrariums.
Very similar to Pilea glauca, the best option to plant string of turtles in a terrarium is to trim off particular person vines and root them. That is particularly useful if in case you have a glass with a slim opening that’s robust to suit bigger vegetation by.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum is likely one of the hottest houseplants for freshmen, recognized for its capacity to adapt and thrive in numerous situations. It’s not often a primary selection for terrariums, however if in case you have an present plant with tiny pups prepared for planting, they’ll simply squeeze into smaller containers for rooting.
Though they’re comfortable in excessive humidity, spider vegetation are typically higher suited to open terrariums with common watering. Should you plant in a closed terrarium, water sparingly and be careful for indicators of rot, which might shortly unfold to different vegetation.
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
The Syngonium genus is understood for giant shield-shaped leaves and vigorous development – not supreme for terrariums. Fortunately, there’s an lovable dwarf selection to save lots of the day. Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’ is the proper cultivar for terrarium planting, with smaller leaves however the identical mottled shade and form we all know and love.
Apart from advantages in dimension, dwarf arrowhead vine is adaptable and tolerant of neglect. They develop greatest in vibrant oblique mild but in addition deal with low mild in small areas.
Crocodile Fern
If a singular texture is what you want in your terrarium, look no additional than Microsorum musifolium. This plant is named crocodile fern for the scaly patterns on its fronds. That, mixed with its compact dimension and love of excessive humidity, make this fern a terrarium must-have.
Whereas they love moisture, crocodile ferns hate sitting in soggy soil. Make sure the substrate is well-draining, and by no means add an excessive amount of water to the container, particularly when planting in a closed terrarium. These sluggish growers tolerate small areas and thrive in medium to vibrant oblique mild.
Watermelon Vine
Earlier than you begin imagining huge watermelon vegetation in tiny glass terrariums, we’re not speaking concerning the edible watermelon vine. Quite, the species excellent for terrarium development is Pellionia pulchra, generally often called watermelon vine for its uniquely variegated leaves.
Watermelon vine might be robust to seek out and has a popularity for being fussy. They will’t stay with out excessive humidity and hate modifications of their surroundings. Fortunately, watermelon vines are content material in a terrarium’s constantly excessive humidity.
Dischidia
Dischidia is a splendidly low-maintenance genus of vegetation carefully associated to Hoyas. They aren’t as well-known as their plant cousins, however their ease of development makes them nicely value including to your houseplant assortment.
Dischidia vines usually sport compact leaves that make an amazing addition to open terrariums. The leaves do maintain some moisture, making them delicate to rot when overwatered. These vegetation are supreme trailing species for open terrariums, pairing nicely with taller succulents to fill within the gaps.
Begonia
With an enormous selection in form, shade, and dimension, it’s simple to discover a begonia you’ll fall in love with. The colourful patterned leaves stand out in terrariums, with the gorgeous blooms as an added bonus in the best situations.
These tropical vegetation love heat and high-humidity environments like those created by closed terrariums. Some species are extra delicate to overwatering than others, so keep watch over moisture ranges to keep away from damaging the roots early on.
Prayer Vegetation
Prayer plant is the frequent identify for a number of houseplants, however we’re specializing in these within the Maranta genus. Marantas are simple to establish for his or her colourful and patterned leaves that nearly don’t look actual till you rise up shut.
These vegetation come from the tropics, matching terrarium environments nicely. The one concern to handle is dimension, because the leaves can turn out to be fairly massive. Use them because the central plant in a big terrarium, planting with lower-growing vines to forestall overcrowding.
Philodendron micans
A number of vegetation within the Philodendron genus are well-suited to terrarium planting. Nevertheless, Philodendron micans are on the prime of my record. The leaves of this species are extremely eye-catching and have a velvety sheen not usually seen in terrarium vegetation.
Philodendrons are recognized for being low-maintenance, and this species isn’t any totally different. Plant in a big terrarium, ideally with an ornamental piece of wooden or low opening to permit the climbing or cascading vines to shine.
Alocasia ‘Bambino’
Alocasias have slowly climbed to the highest of houseplant favourite lists because of their patterned leaves and distinctive development habits. Whereas most cultivars are far too massive to suit right into a terrarium, ‘Bambino’ has a lot smaller leaves that keep compact whereas including the colourful aptitude of different Alocasia species.
‘Bambino’ is a cultivar of Alocasia amazonica with deep inexperienced leaves and contrasting white veins. The colour is intensified in brighter mild, changing into virtually black and heightening the distinction. For these searching for drama of their terrarium design, that is the best way to get it.
‘Fluffy Ruffles’ Sword Fern
The final fern on the record is arguably probably the most lovable, particularly in its identify. ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ is a cultivar of Nephrolepis exaltata with a typical identify that completely describes the ruffled fronds. Not like common sword ferns that develop fairly massive, ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ sticks to an lovable 12 inches, simply becoming into closed terrariums.
Houseplant growers usually discover these vegetation difficult to maintain comfortable. However the excessive humidity and common moisture in a closed terrarium will do many of the give you the results you want. High it off with vibrant oblique mild, and also you’ll don’t have any hassle rising this plant.
Cushion Moss
Mosses are virtually important in terrariums, overlaying the soil with inexperienced development and creating that woodland look most individuals are after. Cushion moss is a terrarium staple, with smooth leaves that stick low to the bottom and complement taller vegetation.
Leucobryum glaucum doesn’t unfold a lot or take over, making preliminary placement key. For intricate initiatives, you possibly can separate it into clumps for planting or cowl the soil with a big patch and watch it thrive.
Spikemoss
Spikemoss will not be technically a real moss, however it definitely appears (and grows) like one. This species, scientifically Selaginella kraussiana, develops tiny fern-like leaves that unfold alongside the bottom. They’re helpful groundcovers or houseplants however are most frequently utilized in terrariums.
Excessive humidity is the one situation required for fast development, which might be achieved by planting in a closed terrarium. Past that, vibrant oblique mild and constant moisture will assist the fragile leaves look lush year-round.
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss has a wide range of makes use of within the backyard, however it’s often dried or used as a soil modification (peat moss). Typically neglected, stay sphagnum moss is a superb addition to any closed terrarium. It could be robust to seek out, however it’s value a purchase order if you will get your arms on some.
Moisture is important to maintain this plant alive. Common watering and excessive humidity will cease it from drying out, so pair it with vegetation which are equally comfortable in wetter environments.
Peacock Spikemoss
This relative of Selaginella kraussiana is called peacock spikemoss for its gorgeous blue-green hue. With a while to settle in, the leaves will type a dense iridescent mat in a shade not usually seen in terrariums.
Selaginella uncinata is remarkably robust, dealing with low mild and waterlogged soil nicely. Use it as a function plant in an ornamental terrarium or as a floor cowl round taller vegetation – it’ll stand out irrespective of the place it’s planted.
Temper Moss
Not like peacock spikemoss, Dicranum scoparium is a real moss. It has a captivatingly smooth texture that you would be able to’t assist however contact, so it’s most likely higher left locked away in a closed terrarium. It’s nice for overlaying open filth patches, attaching to many alternative soil varieties, and thriving with loads of moisture.
This species is named temper moss for its considerably fussy nature. It’s not supreme for forgetful waterers because it dries shortly and loses shade. However a closed terrarium will assist preserve moisture locked in, serving to preserve the proper situations.
Tillandsia
A lot of the vegetation beforehand talked about are appropriate for closed terrariums. Now, let’s transfer on to these solely reserved for open terrariums.
Though the idea of an “open terrarium” is up for debate (terrariums are often, by definition, sealed), these glass preparations have turn out to be widespread for succulent or epiphytic vegetation that may’t deal with enclosed environments. Air vegetation are one in all them.
Tillandsias add an architectural aptitude to glass containers, particularly when hooked up to an inventive piece of driftwood. Place your artwork piece on ornamental gravel inside your container, and also you’ll create eye-catching residing décor that solely wants an occasional misting and vibrant mild to thrive.
Echeveria
Of all of the succulents in the marketplace, species within the Echeveria genus are these most frequently utilized in open terrariums. They’re beloved for his or her compact geometric kinds in grey-green or purple-pink hues, pushing out lovable flowers in the best situations.
As succulents are vulnerable to rot, it’s important to plant them in a well-draining succulent combine and to layer your terrarium to maintain extra moisture away from the bottom. As foolish as it could really feel, I like to make use of a straw to water across the roots as wanted, avoiding any probabilities of rot that will kill the plant.
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata is extremely robust – one of many explanation why it’s a widespread succulent for rising indoors. It adapts to totally different environments nicely, doesn’t thoughts decrease mild ranges, and has a structural look that you just don’t usually see in terrariums.
The first challenge is dimension. Jade vegetation will develop fairly massive if given the area indoors and may develop even bigger outdoor. Fortunately, they do develop comparatively slowly, permitting you to maintain smaller vegetation in massive terrariums for some time earlier than they should be moved.
Haworthia
Haworthias are sometimes referred to as zebra cactus for his or her spiky and striped look. There are numerous fascinating species to select from, with every remaining compact and simply becoming into smaller open terrariums.
Haworthias produce small plantlets as they unfold, supreme for propagation. When you’ve got an present plant in a container or in your backyard, often pull off the pups for planting in terrariums. Like echeverias, they want sandy soil and minimal watering to thrive.
String of Pearls
Houseplant lovers love string succulents as a result of they’ve a better tolerance for decrease mild ranges. Curio rowleyanus stays one of the widespread, producing delicate dangling pearls that look nice anyplace.
In case your open terrarium has a low opening, string of pearls is nice for planting on the sting to hang around the edges. Pair it with taller succulents and preserve it in a vibrant space to cease the areas between leaves from stretching.
Hens and Chicks
The Sempervivum genus contains compact vegetation with a structural and geometric look nice for open terrariums. The frequent identify comes from the small pups the plant produces across the base, supreme for trimming off and planting in new terrariums.
To assist quick sempervivums stand out, cowl the soil with a layer of contrasting ornamental gravel. This improves aesthetics and provides to the gritty and well-draining situations the vegetation favor.
Panda Plant
The earlier succulent choices (bar Crassula ovata) keep low to the bottom. They appear greatest in shorter glasses. For tall open terrariums with a whole lot of overhead area to fill, you’re higher off selecting one thing like Kalanchoe tomentosa.
This species is usually often called the panda plant, with equally lovable cultivar names like ‘Chocolate Soldier’ and ‘Teddy Bear.’ The fluffy texture of the leaves solely provides to the attract, making every one vital.
Burro’s Tail
The ultimate entry on the record is one in all my all-time favorites – Sedum morganianum. It’s generally referred to as burro’s tail or donkey’s tail, and it’s not arduous to see why. Succulent leaves cowl the vines so tightly that you would be able to’t see the stem, making it look similar to a group of tails.
Like string of pearls, plant this species in a terrarium the place the vines can hang around of the opening. Water sparingly and provides them loads of mild to cease the stems from stretching and leaves from dropping.
Remaining Ideas
Should you’re pondering of planting a closed or open terrarium, there are sure to be a number of choices on this record that fit your model. Be sure you tailor the soil combine and care to the forms of vegetation you’re rising to assist them thrive in these distinctive environments.
