A closed terrarium is a self-sustaining glass garden that creates a humid environment where the right plants can thrive with minimal care. Choosing suitable species is essential because some plants flourish in constant moisture while others quickly rot or outgrow the space. These miniature ecosystems are not only decorative but can also enhance well-being, as studies show that indoor plants can reduce stress and boost mood. This guide covers the best plants for closed terrariums, the ones to avoid, and practical tips to build a balanced mini ecosystem that stays healthy and visually appealing.
The 10 Best Plants for Closed Terrariums
Ten established terrarium favourites thrive perfectly within sealed environments with high humidity levels.
1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonias dominate the terrarium market because of their popularity. The leaves of Fittonias display vibrant veining patterns in numerous colours, which create striking contrasts with green moss or ferns. The plants succeed in low-light conditions which makes them perfect for indoor spaces. The moist environment of a sealed terrarium provides the perfect conditions for these plants to thrive because they love moisture.
Regular tip: Cut off the growing tips of your plant when they become too long. This technique helps maintain a compact and bushy plant shape.
2. Ferns
Terrariums and ferns share a natural connection that makes them perfect for each other. The plants add both sophistication and texture to the space through their dainty frond patterns. The glass container suits button ferns and maidenhair ferns because of their small size. The plants require permanent moisture and need protection from direct sunlight exposure.
Pro tip: The bottom of your terrarium needs a drainage layer because ferns cannot tolerate wet soil conditions.
3. Peperomia
Peperomia plants exist in various forms and colors while maintaining their compact size and adaptable nature. The plant leaves appear as heart shapes while others display distinctive patterns of color variation. The plants thrive in humid environments because they possess strong resistance to moisture which makes them suitable for closed terrariums.
Select Peperomia caperata or Peperomia obtusifolia (baby rubber plant) for your terrarium because these compact varieties prevent the glass container from becoming overcrowded.
4. Moss
Moss completes every terrarium arrangement because it provides a lush green carpet that functions as a moisture regulator. The natural sponge properties of moss help control humidity levels while maintaining moisture in the environment. Moss creates a forest floor appearance in terrariums whether you use sheet moss for a neat design or cushion moss for a soft mound-like effect.
Light misting of moss works better than soaking because it keeps the moss fresh without creating a slimy texture.
5. Mini Pothos
The miniature versions of Pothos plants demonstrate the same durability as their full-size counterparts when kept in terrarium environments. The vines of this plant create active movements that enhance visual depth in your arrangement. The controlled environment of a closed terrarium restricts pothos growth so you can maintain their size.
Regular trimming of vines will stop them from dominating smaller plants within the glass container.
6. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby Tears produce small leaves which spread throughout the soil to form a delicate living ground cover. The closed terrarium environment provides the perfect conditions for these plants to thrive.
Pro tip: They grow fast! Use scissors to control their growth because they spread quickly throughout the glass container.
7. Polka Dot Plant
The polka dot plant serves as a colorful choice for those who desire vibrant colors in their terrarium. The leaves of this plant display pink, red or white speckles which create a striking contrast with green moss or ferns. The plants in a sealed terrarium environment develop into compact shapes while maintaining their happiness.
8. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila ‘Quercifolia’)
A miniature vine with tiny leaves that works beautifully as ground cover in terrariums. It adds texture without overwhelming other plants when pruned regularly.
9. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
A popular choice for terrariums because it loves humidity and indirect light. The colorful blooms add a striking contrast to green foliage.
10. Pilea (Pilea depressa or Pilea glauca)
Small-leaved pilea varieties stay compact and spread gently, creating a soft, trailing effect in terrariums. They pair well with moss and ferns for a layered look.
Plants to Avoid in Closed Terrariums
The glass environment of a terrarium does not support all plant species. The environment inside a sealed terrarium causes certain plants to decay rapidly while others expand uncontrollably to dominate their surrounding plants. The following plants should never be placed inside sealed terrariums.
Succulents and Cacti
The desert plants require dry soil and intense light exposure yet terrariums maintain the opposite conditions. The plants will perish instantly when placed inside a sealed glass container because of the opposing environment.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
The glass display environment does not suit air plants because they require open air circulation and cannot tolerate humid sealed spaces. The plants need air circulation to survive because they cannot thrive in stagnant environments.
Large or Fast-Growing Plants
The limited space of a closed terrarium becomes overwhelmed by fast-growing plants including regular pothos, spider plants and ivy. The dense foliage of these plants creates shade that blocks sunlight from reaching smaller plants which grow at a slower rate.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plants
Selecting plants for your closed terrarium requires following these essential guidelines.
- Select plants that remain small because they will not take over the available space.
- Select plants which thrive under moist conditions and shaded light because they match the natural environment of your terrarium.
- The combination of ferns with moss creates softness before adding colorful elements through Fittonia or polka dot plants.
- Select plants that need minimal maintenance because they will not require frequent pruning for a simple carefree setup.
Building a Plant Mix That Works
The most successful terrariums achieve equilibrium between their components. Begin with moss foundation before adding ferns or Fittonia for texture and finishing with peperomia or polka dot plants for visual interest.
The addition of mini pothos or creeping fig will create depth in your design while preventing the space from becoming overwhelmed. The addition of African violet or silver-toned pilea plants will introduce personality to your terrarium while providing color contrast to the dominant green plants.
The essential principle for terrarium success involves avoiding excessive planting. The plants in your miniature garden need proper space to develop while minimal planting creates the most attractive effect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The correct plant selection does not guarantee success because several common mistakes can occur:
- The excessive application of water causes plant rot even though the plants require humid conditions. The soil needs only a light amount of water for proper moisture.
- Glass magnifies heat, which can cause plants to become overheated. Your plants need to receive light that is both bright and indirect.
- The practice of pruning plants should not be neglected because it prevents them from becoming leggy and overcrowded. The practice of regular pruning helps maintain both the appearance and health of your terrarium plants.
- The combination of plants that require different soil moisture levels should be avoided in terrariums. Success requires selecting plants that belong to the same moisture category.
Key Takeaways: Best Plants for Closed Terrariums
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Best plants for closed terrariums include Fittonia, ferns, peperomia, moss, mini pothos, baby tears, polka dot plant, creeping fig, African violet, and pilea.
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Plants to avoid are succulents, cacti, air plants, and large or fast-growing species like ivy or spider plants.
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Plant mix tip: Use moss as a foundation, ferns or Fittonia for greenery, and colorful or trailing plants like polka dot plant, African violet, or pilea for interest.
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Care reminders: Water lightly, provide bright but indirect light, prune regularly, and choose species with similar moisture needs.
- Goal: A well-chosen plant mix creates a self-sustaining, low-maintenance ecosystem that looks vibrant and lasts for years.
Want step-by-step guidance? Check out The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Closed Terrariums to get expert tips, plant care strategies, and design inspiration for your own thriving terrarium.