Thriving Plants for Enclosed Terrariums: Expert Advice
Top Picks for Small and Compact Plants for Closed Terrariums
Creating a miniature tropical paradise in a closed terrarium can be a rewarding endeavour. Here are some plants that excel in the warm, humid environment of a sealed terrarium and add a touch of beauty and character.
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a popular choice in the naturalistic terrarium world. Known for its strong growth and suitability for humid and moist conditions, it provides a more natural look and helps create a sense of scale.
Selaginella uncinata, a member of the Selaginella family, is a hardy and easy-to-grow terrarium plant with iridescent blue foliage, often considered a perfect beginner terrarium plant.
The Polka Dot Plant is another popular choice, ticking many of the same boxes as Fittonia sp., with similar growth habits and vibrant leafage.
For those seeking a more unique touch, Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' offers small, delicate terrarium vines with dainty metallic gray-green leaves, contrasting the classic tropical greens of a typical terrarium.
Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia) is a charming fern that grows up to ten inches tall, easy to trim back at the base. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for smaller terrariums.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') is a compact, easy-to-care-for, and ever pretty fern, suitable for smaller closed terrariums.
Earth Stars (Cryptanthus bivittatus) are low-growing, low-light-loving plants that thrive in difficult conditions and come in vivid colors, often considered one of the best low-light terrarium plants.
If you're after a prettier alternative to the Aluminum Plant (Friendship Plant), consider the Pilea Moon Valley. It stays more compact and is easier to care for.
Fluffy Ruffles Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles') is a compact, full-looking fern, easy to use and one of the favorite small terrarium plants.
Fittonia sp. (Nerve plants) are tropical evergreen perennials with delicately veined leaves, typically growing to about 6 inches high but spreading wider. Their vibrant, patterned leaves with red, white, or pink veins make them a standout choice for closed terrariums.
Peperomia hoffmannii is a compact trailing plant with succulent-like light green leaves forming a lush carpet. It thrives in 60–90% humidity and prefers indirect to partial shade.
Compact Philodendrons are another excellent option, with the Philodendron Heartleaf growing well at consistent moisture and indirect light, adapting well to the stable humidity of terrariums.
Other excellent options include compact Peperomia varieties like Peperomia 'Pepperspots', which has small spotted leaves, a compact growth habit, and tolerates medium humidity found in indoor terrariums.
Moss varieties such as Baby Tooth Moss, Pincushion Moss, and Seductive Moss are valuable in closed terrariums for their moisture retention and aesthetic softness.
Plants needing excellent air movement, such as some orchids like Vanda testacea × Lucknow, are usually less suited for low airflow closed terrariums.
Therefore, for a closed terrarium requiring small, compact, visually appealing, and low airflow tolerant plants, Peperomia hoffmannii, Fittonia nerve plants, compact Philodendrons, and mosses are among the best choices.
[1] Source: Terrarium Tutorials (2021) - Succulent and Terrarium Plants for Closed Terrariums: A Comprehensive Guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.terrariumtutorials.com/succulent-and-terrarium-plants-for-closed-terrariums-a-comprehensive-guide/
[2] Source: Terrarium Art (2022) - 15 Best Terrarium Plants for Closed Terrariums. [Online] Available at: https://www.terrariumart.net/best-terrarium-plants-for-closed-terrariums/
[3] Source: Terrarium Craft (2020) - 25 Best Plants for Closed Terrariums. [Online] Available at: https://terrariumcraft.com/best-plants-for-closed-terrariums/
[4] Source: The Spruce (2021) - How to Choose the Best Plants for a Closed Terrarium. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/choose-plants-for-closed-terrarium-1422070
In the realm of smaller terrariums, the Ficus pumila, Selaginella uncinata, Polka Dot Plant, Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine', Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia), Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'), and Earth Stars (Cryptanthus bivittatus) are all suitable choices. To add a touch of modern elegance, consider incorporating the Pilea Moon Valley, a more compact alternative to the Aluminum Plant (Friendship Plant).
