Not all spaces in your home or office are bathed in bright, direct sunlight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of a terrarium. Whether your living room is on the north side of your home, you have a shaded corner in your office, or you're working with a low-light area in your apartment, creating a thriving terrarium in these conditions is absolutely possible. The key is to choose plants that thrive in low-light environments and adapt your terrarium design to accommodate these conditions.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some great low-light plant options for terrariums and share tips for creating a stunning, thriving garden in shadier areas of your space.

Why Low-Light Terrariums Are Perfect for Shaded Areas

Terrariums are often associated with bright, sunny locations, but many plants are perfectly content to thrive in lower-light conditions. The beauty of a terrarium in a shadier space is that it allows you to enjoy the calming benefits of plants, even if you don’t have an abundance of natural light. Plus, with the right plants, your terrarium can still look lush, vibrant, and full of life, even in dim corners.

Low-light terrariums are especially great for apartments, offices, or homes with limited sunlight exposure. They’re also perfect for creating a cozy, indoor jungle effect in darker rooms like basements or bathrooms with small windows. By selecting the right plants and giving them the proper care, you can easily create a stunning low-light garden.

The Best Low-Light Plants for Terrariums

When selecting plants for a low-light terrarium, you’ll want to focus on species that naturally thrive in shade or low light. Here are some of the best options for low-light terrariums that will thrive in your shadier spaces:

1. Moss

Moss is an ideal plant for low-light terrariums because it doesn’t require much light to thrive. It does well in the humid environment of a closed terrarium and can create a lush, carpet-like effect. Sheet moss, reindeer moss, and Java moss are popular varieties that bring a natural, forest-floor aesthetic to any terrarium.

Moss is also perfect for beginners, as it requires minimal care. Just make sure to keep it slightly moist, and it will stay vibrant and healthy, even in low light.

2. Ferns

Ferns are a classic choice for low-light terrariums, as they naturally grow in shaded areas of forests and jungles. Varieties like boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, and staghorn ferns do well in humid, low-light conditions. Ferns have delicate fronds that create a soft, airy look in terrariums, adding a touch of elegance to your space.

Ferns thrive in the damp, enclosed environment of a closed terrarium and will flourish as long as they receive indirect light. Be mindful of watering, as overwatering can cause ferns to rot in a humid environment.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Known for its resilience, the snake plant is a perfect choice for low-light terrariums. It can tolerate neglect, low light, and irregular watering, making it an excellent plant for those new to terrarium care or those with shadier spots in their homes. The tall, upright leaves of the snake plant add a striking vertical element to your terrarium and provide a modern, minimalist touch.

Although it can survive in low light, snake plants do prefer some indirect light, so placing them near a shaded window or in an area with filtered sunlight works well.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a hardy vine that is often recommended for low-light environments, and it thrives in terrariums. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves can cascade over the edges of the container, creating a soft, flowing look. Pothos is extremely easy to care for, as it tolerates a wide range of light conditions and only needs occasional watering.

This adaptable plant is also available in several varieties, including golden pothos, marble queen, and jade pothos, which all look great in terrariums and add some variety to your indoor garden.

5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another great option for low-light terrariums. Its glossy, dark green leaves stand out against the greenery of other plants, providing an attractive contrast. The ZZ plant is extremely tough and can tolerate neglect, dry soil, and low light—making it a perfect addition to a shaded terrarium.

ZZ plants grow slowly, so they won’t outgrow their terrarium container quickly, making them a great long-term option for a low-maintenance garden.

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is incredibly resilient and can thrive in even the shadiest of spots. Its broad, dark green leaves add texture and depth to your terrarium, making it an excellent option for a leafy, low-light arrangement. Cast iron plants are very low-maintenance, only requiring occasional watering when the soil is dry.

This hardy plant is great for anyone looking to create a durable and attractive terrarium in a darker area of their home.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also excellent for low-light conditions. Their dark green leaves and elegant white blooms add sophistication to any terrarium, while their ability to tolerate lower light levels makes them a top choice for shaded spaces. Peace lilies also help purify the air, making them a practical addition to your indoor garden.

These plants do require a bit more care when it comes to watering and humidity, so ensure your terrarium is kept at the right moisture levels to keep your peace lily healthy.

Tips for Creating Low-Light Terrariums

Creating a low-light terrarium is easy with the right plants, but there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure your miniature garden thrives in shaded areas.

1. Choose the Right Container

For low-light plants, a closed terrarium or one with a glass lid is ideal, as it helps retain moisture and creates a more humid environment. This is especially important for plants like ferns and mosses that thrive in moisture-rich conditions. The lid will also help to trap the small amount of light that filters through, giving your plants a better chance to thrive in low light.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Although you want to place your terrarium in a low-light spot, make sure it’s not completely devoid of any natural light. A location with indirect sunlight or filtered light is perfect. Direct sunlight can cause the plants to overheat or dry out, even in a low-light setup, so avoid placing your terrarium in direct sun exposure.

3. Monitor Watering

Low-light environments often have higher humidity levels, especially in closed terrariums, so be careful not to overwater. Keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil—moss and ferns prefer consistently moist conditions, while plants like the snake plant and ZZ plant thrive when allowed to dry out between waterings.

4. Air Circulation

Low-light terrariums, especially closed ones, can sometimes suffer from poor air circulation. To prevent mold or fungal growth, make sure to open the lid periodically to let the terrarium “breathe.” Alternatively, you can place your terrarium in a spot where it gets occasional airflow without being exposed to harsh drafts.

Conclusion

Low-light terrariums are an excellent way to bring greenery into shaded areas of your home, office, or apartment. With the right selection of plants, such as mosses, ferns, pothos, and ZZ plants, you can create a lush, thriving miniature ecosystem even in the dimmest corners of your space. By providing the proper environment—such as choosing the right container, monitoring moisture levels, and avoiding direct sunlight—you can ensure your low-light terrarium flourishes and brings natural beauty to your home. So, don’t let a lack of sunlight keep you from enjoying the tranquility of indoor greenery—start creating your low-light terrarium today!