Terrariums are a great way to try your gardening skills for they are easy to grow and maintain. They instantly bring a fresh feel to any modern décor while improving the air quality of a room. Use it to welcome nature into your home or office, but make sure to do things right. To start, check out the best miniature terrarium plants to grow in your terrarium.
Tillandsia or Air Plant
Air plants do not need soil to grow. They attach to a host for survival, usually on tree branches. They are more like pet plants because they are easy to care for. They have scales on their leaves that allow them to absorb water and nutrients from the air. They also do not need much light to thrive. To water it, you simply soak it in a bowl of water. Air plants need air circulation, so make sure to place them in open terrariums.
Strawberry Begonia
Strawberry Begonia is also an excellent miniature terrarium plant for it does not grow more than 8 inches and they produce white, star-shaped flowers. This eye-catching houseplant needs water sparingly and prefers bright, indirect light.
Miniature Orchids
Perfect for closed terrariums, miniature orchids do not need constant fussing as they love high humidity. Many of these species grow only up to a few centimeters in height with exquisite flowers. Your best options are Platystele, Masdevallia, Tolumnia, and Dracula.
Miniature English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
This plant is a tiny, easy-to-grow hardy vine that thrives in a warm, moist environment for as long as it does not get too much light. Its leaves are pretty, lobed, and heart-shaped and come in a range of variegated patterns and colors.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
Baby’s Tears have small, round leaves that form mats of vividly green leaves that make them ideal ground cover plants. They stay small, that is why they are also popular terrarium plants.
Bonsai
Bonsais suit both open and closed terrariums for they have reduced roots and diminutive habits. Take note that not all varieties can withstand the conditions of a terrarium but the best ones are Bald Cypress, Bougainvillea, Brazilian Rain Tree, Ficus, Fukien Tea, and Water Jasmine.
Hen and Chick Succulents
These succulents have colorful foliage that turns green, red, or copper. They grow clusters of beautiful rosettes. The parent rosette is called hens while the smaller ones are called chicks. They are also known as house leaks.
Jade Plant
A Jade plant or Crassula Ovata is a succulent popularly known to bring fortune that is why it is also called lucky or money plant. Never let it dry out completely but do not water too often. Water it just when the topsoil is dry to the touch. It loves full sun, at least 4 hours a day in the west or south-facing window.
Nerve plant (Fittonia)
Nerve plants have small leaves that love the moisture that is why they are a favorite terrarium plant. They grow low, with attractive nerves in their leaves that come in red, white, or pink. You won’t find it hard to choose from the three because they are equally lovely in their way. Better yet, combine them for a stunning terrarium.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka Dot plants are well-loved for their dotted, irregular veins in place of straight lines. It can grow from 12 to 20 inches tall and produce tiny lilac flowers but tend to wither away after flowering. It likes bright light and may turn dull in low light conditions. Cuttings can be rooted easily if you want to replace an old one.
Final Thoughts
A rule of thumb in choosing miniature terrarium plants is to select plants that thrive in similar environments. You would want to choose similar succulents or cacti and mix ferns with moss. Do not overwater or over-fertilize because terrariums are supposed to thrive on their own with less maintenance.
