"Expert-recommended Closed Terrarium Plants for Optimal Growth"
In the captivating world of closed terrariums, finding the right plants to thrive in the humid, low-airflow environment is essential. Here are some small, compact, and visually appealing plants that are well-suited for closed terrariums, offering a variety of textures, colours, and growth habits.
1. **Ferns** - These plants, with their lush, textured foliage, are ideal for closed terrariums. They can thrive in high-humidity environments and come in various species, such as the Fluffy Ruffles Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles') and the Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia), offering a range of textures and colours[1][3].
2. **Fittonia** - Known for its vibrant colours and ease of growth, Fittonia is a popular choice for terrariums. It tolerates low light and can withstand some drying out of the substrate, making it a versatile addition to any terrarium[1][3].
3. **Peperomia** - This plant features stunning textured leaves and is slow-growing, making it perfect for terrariums as it requires less maintenance[1][3]. The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a tropical semi-succulent that adds a unique touch to any terrarium.
4. **Pilea** - Compact and humidity-loving, Pilea is another excellent choice for closed terrariums[1]. Pilea Moon Valley (Pilea mollis) is a more compact and prettier alternative to the Aluminum Plant (Friendship Plant), while Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' is a small, delicate terrarium vine with dainty metallic gray-green leaves, ideal for ground cover or as an accent piece.
5. **Begonia** - Some Begonia species are compact and thrive in high-humidity conditions, making them suitable for terrariums[1].
6. **Moss** - Adds a lush, green carpet to terrariums and thrives in low-light, high-humidity conditions[3].
7. **Oak Leaf Creeping Fig** - This plant is compact and can thrive in low-airflow environments, making it suitable for terrariums[3]. The Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) and the String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) are popular choices in the terrarium, succulent, and houseplant worlds, and their vines help create a more natural look, providing a great sense of scale[2].
Little Tree Plant (Biophytum Sensitivum) is a tiny, tree-like plant that loves high-moisture environments, while Earth Stars (Cryptanthus bivittatus) are low-growing, low-light-loving plants that thrive in difficult conditions and come in vivid colors. Selaginella uncinata and Earth Stars (Cryptanthus bivittatus) are lesser-known plants in the houseplant world but are absolute stars in the terrarium hobby, with Selaginella uncinata boasting iridescent blue foliage[2].
When choosing plants for your closed terrarium, it's essential to avoid succulents or cacti, as they prefer dry conditions and can suffer from root rot in the high humidity of a closed terrarium[1]. Instead, opt for the plants listed above, and you'll be on your way to creating a thriving, miniature ecosystem that will captivate your senses.
[1] Terrarium Craft: The Complete Guide to Crafting Miniature Gardens, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1631065324 [2] Selaginella uncinata and Earth Stars (Cryptanthus bivittatus) are lesser-known plants in the houseplant world but are absolute stars in the terrarium hobby, https://www.myterrarium.com/blogs/news/selaginella-uncinata-and-earth-stars-cryptanthus-bivittatus-are-lesser-known-plants-in-the-houseplant-world-but-are-absolute-stars-in-the-terrarium-hobby [3] A Guide to Closed Terrarium Plants, https://www.thespruce.com/closed-terrarium-plants-1402454
- For those who enjoy home-and-garden activities or seeking to enrich their lifestyle with low-maintenance greenery, the vibrant Fittonia, with its colorful leaves, and the slow-growing Peperomia, with its textured leaves, make great choices for terrariums due to their adaptability to low light and humid environments.
- If you're a gardening enthusiast who appreciates diversity and color in your terrarium, consider incorporating plants like Ferns, Pilea, and the more compact Begonia species, each offering a range of textures, colors, and growth habits that can create an aesthetically pleasing and thriving miniature ecosystem.
