A Comprehensive Guide to Terrarium Plants + video

Terrariums, miniature indoor gardens housed in glass containers, have grown in popularity over the years. They offer a unique and beautiful way to bring nature inside, especially for those with limited space or time to care for a full garden. One of the essential components of these indoor ecosystems is the selection of terrarium plants. Choosing the right plants is crucial for creating a thriving, visually appealing terrarium that requires minimal maintenance. In this article, we will explore various aspects of terrarium plants, including their types, care requirements, and design tips for creating a perfect mini garden.

 

What is a Terrarium?

Before diving into the specifics of terrarium plants, it is important to understand what a terrarium is and how it functions. A terrarium is a self-sustaining environment where plants can grow with little human intervention. The glass container creates a controlled environment, trapping moisture and allowing for a natural water cycle similar to what happens in the earth’s atmosphere. There are two main types of terrariums: closed and open.

• Closed Terrariums: These are sealed containers that maintain high humidity levels, making them ideal for moisture-loving plants. In a closed system, condensation forms on the glass, which then drips down to water the plants, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Open Terrariums: These have an opening that allows for better airflow and reduced humidity. Open terrariums are better suited for plants that thrive in drier conditions, like succulents and cacti.

The success of any terrarium depends heavily on choosing plants that are suited to the environment you create. Now, let’s explore the types of plants that thrive in these unique micro-ecosystems.

Types of Terrarium Plants

There is a wide variety of plants that can be used in terrariums, but not all plants are suitable for the confined and often humid conditions. When selecting plants, consider factors like the size of the container, the amount of light available, and the moisture level in the terrarium.

1. Ferns

Ferns are a popular choice for terrariums, particularly for closed systems due to their love for high humidity. These plants come in various sizes and shapes, offering a wide range of textures to enhance the visual appeal of your terrarium.

• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum) is a delicate-looking plant with small, feathery leaves. It thrives in humid environments, making it perfect for closed terrariums.
• Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) has round, button-like leaves that add a different texture to the terrarium. This fern is more tolerant of drier conditions compared to other fern species.

Ferns generally prefer indirect light, so placing your terrarium near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal.

2. Mosses

Mosses are another favorite for terrariums because of their lush, green appearance and ability to retain moisture. They are excellent for ground cover and can create a soft, naturalistic look within the terrarium.

• Sheet Moss (Hypnum) is often used as a base layer for terrariums, covering the soil and giving the appearance of a miniature forest floor.
• Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a versatile plant that can grow submerged or in humid conditions, making it suitable for both aquatic and terrestrial terrariums.

Mosses do not require much light and can thrive in low-light environments, making them perfect for shaded areas in your home.

3. Succulents

If you’re creating an open terrarium with good airflow, succulents are an excellent option. These drought-resistant plants prefer drier conditions and do not need frequent watering.

• Echeveria is one of the most popular succulents for terrariums due to its rosette shape and vibrant colors. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal water.
• Haworthia is another hardy succulent that has spiky leaves and can tolerate low light, making it more versatile for indoor environments.

When planting succulents in a terrarium, ensure that the container has enough ventilation, as excess moisture can cause root rot.

4. Air Plants

Air plants, or Tillandsia, are unique in that they do not require soil to grow. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them an interesting addition to terrariums. These plants work well in both closed and open terrariums, depending on the humidity levels.

• Tillandsia ionantha is a small, spiky air plant that changes color when it blooms, adding a splash of color to your terrarium.
• Tillandsia xerographica is a larger air plant with curly leaves, often used as a focal point in larger terrariums.

Air plants require bright, indirect light and need to be misted regularly to maintain their moisture levels.

5. Tropical Plants

For those creating a closed terrarium, tropical plants that thrive in high humidity are ideal. These plants often have vibrant colors and interesting leaf shapes that can elevate the aesthetic of your terrarium.

• Peperomia is a genus of small, compact plants with fleshy leaves. Peperomia obtusifolia is a popular species with thick, glossy leaves that are well-suited for closed terrariums.
• Fittonia (also known as the nerve plant) has striking veined leaves and comes in various colors, including pink, red, and white. This plant loves humidity and indirect light, making it perfect for closed environments.

Designing Your Terrarium

When designing a terrarium, it is important to think about more than just the plants. Consider the arrangement, balance, and how the plants interact with each other. Here are some design tips to help you create a stunning terrarium:

1. Layering

A well-designed terrarium often starts with proper layering of materials. Begin with a drainage layer of small rocks or pebbles to prevent water from sitting at the bottom of the container. Next, add a layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh and prevent mold growth. Then, cover the charcoal with a layer of moss or a fine mesh to keep the soil from seeping into the drainage layer. Finally, add your potting soil, which should be tailored to the types of plants you are using (e.g., cactus soil for succulents, regular potting mix for tropical plants).

2. Grouping Plants

When selecting plants for your terrarium, consider grouping plants with similar light and moisture needs. For example, pairing ferns with mosses works well because they both thrive in humid, low-light conditions. On the other hand, combining succulents and tropical plants in the same terrarium is not advisable since their care requirements differ significantly.

3. Focal Points

Every good terrarium design has a focal point. This could be a larger plant, a decorative rock, or a piece of driftwood that draws the eye. Ensure that the focal point is not too overwhelming for the size of the container, but rather complements the other elements of the terrarium.

4. Maintenance

Although terrariums are often described as low-maintenance, they do require some care. Closed terrariums may need to be opened occasionally to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth. Plants in open terrariums may need more frequent watering. Regularly remove any dead leaves or overgrown plants to keep the terrarium looking its best.

Conclusion

Terrariums are a wonderful way to incorporate greenery into your living space, even if you have limited room or gardening experience. Choosing the right terrarium plants is key to creating a thriving mini ecosystem that is both beautiful and easy to maintain. Whether you prefer the humidity-loving ferns and mosses of a closed terrarium or the drought-resistant succulents of an open one, there are plenty of options to suit your style and space. With proper care and attention to design, a terrarium can bring a slice of nature into your home, offering tranquility and beauty year-round.