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Terrariums: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Plants
What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a miniature indoor garden grown in a glass or sealed container. These gardens provide a unique environment for plants, allowing them to thrive in conditions that are different from the outside world.
Choosing Plants for Your Terrarium
When choosing plants for your terrarium, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Closed Terrariums: Closed terrariums are sealed containers that create a humid, tropical environment. Plants suitable for closed terrariums include nerve plants, asparagus ferns, moss, and peperomia.
- Open Terrariums: Open terrariums are not sealed and have a drier environment. Plants suitable for open terrariums include air plants, echeveria, cacti, and jade plants.
Recommended Plants for Beginners
Closed Terrariums:
- Nerve plant (Fittonia)
- Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus)
- Moss
- Peperomia
- Polka dot plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
- Pilea
- Creeping fig (Ficus pumila)
- Arrowhead vine (Syngonium)
- Spike moss (Selaginella)
- Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)
- Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- African violet (Streptocarpus)
- Earth star plant (Cryptanthus bivittatus)
- Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor)
Open Terrariums:
- Air plants (Tillandsia)
- Echeveria
- Cacti
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Button fern (Pallaea rotundifolia)
- Haworthias
- Mexican snowball (Echeveria elegans)
- Ox tongue (Gasteria batesiana)
- Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’
- Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
Tips for Choosing Terrarium Plants:
- Choose plants that are suitable for the type of terrarium you have (closed or open).
- Select plants that are low maintenance and slow growing.
- Choose plants with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a visually appealing display.
- Consider the amount of light your terrarium receives and choose plants that are tolerant of those conditions.
- Make sure the plants you choose are safe for pets and children.
