When it comes to selecting the right plants for terrariums, there is often confusion. While succulents, cacti, alpines, and most herbs may seem like good candidates, they typically dislike the humid, enclosed environment of a terrarium. These plants require more ventilation and light than a glass enclosure can provide, making them poor choices. On the other hand, terrarium-friendly plants thrive in high humidity, lower light conditions, and remain compact, making them ideal for creating lush, miniature ecosystems. Thankfully, garden centers are increasingly offering a wide variety of plants that cater to the needs of these self-contained gardens.
Below is a selection of 50 tried and tested plants that flourish in closed terrariums. Even those new to gardening, or who have struggled with houseplants in the past, will find these plants relatively easy to care for. With these resilient choices, your terrarium will thrive.
African Violets (Saintpaulia) – Delicate blooms in blue, pink, purple, and white. These low-growing plants thrive in terrariums with moist soil.
Air Plants (Tillandsia stricta) – Stunning blue, purple, or pink flowers atop slender, pale green leaves make them a colourful addition to terrariums.
Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei) – Fast-growing, with shiny, iridescent white markings on its leaves. It adds a metallic sheen to terrarium landscapes.
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) – Fast-growing with various color options, from green to copper, it’s a dynamic addition to a terrarium.
Australian Violet (Viola hederacea) – A trailing plant with purse-like purple and white flowers, perfectly suited for a terrarium.
Artillery Fern (Pilea microphylla) – Although not a true fern, its delicate, humidity-loving nature makes it a lovely textural element.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) – Large, wavy leaves thrive in humid, warm environments, adding a tropical feel.
Baby’s Tears (Helxine) – A low-growing plant with many common names, it adds a soft, trailing element to terrariums.
Bladderwort (Utricularia bisquamata ‘Betty’s Bay’) – A carnivorous plant with hidden bladder-like structures beneath the soil, ideal for terrariums.
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) – Striking black leaves with delicate flowers add drama to a terrarium.
Bun or Cushion Moss (Leucobryum spp.) – Forms lush, cushion-like tufts, adding vibrant green color and texture.
Bloodleaf Iresine (Iresine herbstii) – Glossy, bright red leaves add vibrant color and texture, perfect for terrarium environments.
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) – A charming fern with rounded leaflets that brings a touch of elegance to small terrariums.
Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus) – Velvety leaves and floral sprays rise above the foliage, creating a colorful addition.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila ‘Minima’) – A perennial climbing vine with variegated leaves, it can be trained to grow along structures inside a terrarium.
Croton – Vibrant, multi-colored leaves bring a splash of color and excitement to terrarium landscapes.
Cyclamen – This tuberous perennial provides bright color, particularly in late winter or early spring.
Earth Stars (Cryptanthus zonatus) – Serrated star-shaped leaves that thrive in the humid environment of a terrarium.
Emerald Fern (Protasparagus setaceus) – Delicate, lacy fronds add a light, feathery texture to terrarium displays.
Flame Violet (Episcia) – A trailing plant that displays a variety of leaf and flower colors, perfect for high humidity conditions.
Golden Clubmoss (Selaginella spp.) – Light green and compact, it brightens dark corners and spreads outward with regular trimming.
Golden Pothos Vine (Epipremnum aureum) – A resilient vine that adds trailing greenery and thrives in enclosed, humid spaces.
Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens) – A climbing plant with dark green, heart-shaped leaves, it prefers rich, moist soil.
Jewel Orchid (Ludisia) – A standout with velvety black and maroon leaves and tall creamy white flower spikes in winter.
Kite Orchid (Masdevallia) – Known for its triangular, kite-shaped blooms in vibrant colors and striking patterns.
Lady Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum) – Featuring unique pouch-shaped flowers and mottled leaves, this plant adds a touch of elegance.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) – An easy-to-grow fern that brings a fresh pop of greenery to terrariums.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum) – Delicate, hair-like fronds that thrive in high humidity, adding grace and elegance to terrariums.
Maidenhair Vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa) – Tiny round leaves on wiry stems create a light, airy feel in a terrarium.
Mexican Foxglove (Tetranema) – A miniature plant with lavender flowers blooming throughout the year.
Mini English Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Mini’) – A woody vine with heart-shaped leaves, ideal for contained gardens but must be regularly trimmed to prevent overgrowth.
Miniature Rhizomatous Begonias – These begonias have thick, fuzzy stems and add texture to terrariums.
Mini Hostas – Compact versions of hostas, known for their attractive foliage and ideal for small terrariums.
Moon Valley Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata ‘Moon Valley’) – Crinkled leaves with red undersides and fast-growing nature make it a fun addition.
Mother Spleenwort (Asplenium bulbiferum) – A larger fern with arching fronds, it requires regular pruning to fit within a terrarium.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia) – A tropical plant with strikingly patterned leaves that thrives in moist, warm environments.
Neoregelias – Low-growing, compact bromeliads that store water in their central reservoirs, perfect for terrariums.
Pilea Aquamarine (Pilea glauca ‘Aquamarine’) – With silvery-blue leaves, this low-growing plant loves high humidity and low light.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes) – Known for its playful pink, red, or silver spots, it adds cheer and requires regular trimming.
Primulina (Chiritas) – A beautiful plant closely related to African violets, with stunning blooms and compact size.
Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) – With velvety purple hairs on its dark green leaves, this plant brings exotic flair to terrariums.
Red-Veined Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura erythroneura) – Known for folding its leaves at night, its vibrant patterns add visual intrigue.
Rex Begonia – Painted, patterned leaves in shades of silver, pink, and burgundy make these begonias a real showstopper.
Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) – Recognizable by its red stalks and heart-shaped, two-toned leaves, it adds color and texture.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) – A fast-growing, spreading plant with glossy green leaves and pink or white blooms.
Tiny Acorus (Acorus gramineus ‘Minimus Aureus’) – This miniature plant with golden grassy foliage is perfect for a bright pop of color.
Tradescantia (Spiderwort) – Known for its vibrant purple, pink, or green foliage, Tradescantia is an eye-catching trailing plant that thrives in humid environments. Its compact growth habit and ability to handle low light make it a great addition to any terrarium.
Variegated Green Ripple Plant (Peperomia caperata ‘Variegata’) – A slow-growing plant with rippled leaves that provide subtle texture.
Variegated Spider Fern – Glossy leaves with variegated patterns add texture and visual interest to a terrarium.
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) – Green and silver striped leaves resemble watermelon skin, adding a fun element to terrarium designs.