Creating a terrarium is a fun and rewarding way to bring nature into your home. But if you want your miniature garden to flourish, it’s crucial to select plants that will thrive in the same environment. Unlike traditional gardening, a terrarium has limited space and specific environmental conditions, so choosing plants that are compatible in terms of light, moisture, temperature, and humidity is key to ensuring a healthy and harmonious ecosystem.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting plants that will thrive together in your terrarium. Whether you’re creating a tropical rainforest, a desert oasis, or a more minimalist design, understanding plant compatibility is essential for creating a flourishing and sustainable miniature world.

1. Consider the Environment: Humidity and Temperature Needs

The first step in selecting plants for your terrarium is understanding the environment you can create. Terrariums generally fall into two categories: closed and open. Closed terrariums trap moisture and create a high-humidity environment, while open terrariums have better air circulation and drier conditions. The types of plants you choose will depend on the humidity levels and temperature inside the terrarium.

Closed Terrariums: Ideal for Humidity-Loving Plants

In a closed terrarium, the environment is naturally humid, and moisture is recycled through condensation, making it a perfect setting for tropical plants that require higher humidity levels. These plants thrive in the warm, humid environment, which mimics their native rainforest habitats.

  • Ideal Plants for Closed Terrariums:

    • Ferns (e.g., Boston fern, Maidenhair fern): These plants love humidity and thrive in a moist environment.

    • Mosses (e.g., Sheet moss, Cushion moss): Moss thrives in high-humidity environments and can be used as ground cover.

    • Peperomia (e.g., Radiator plant, Watermelon peperomia): Peperomias are low-maintenance, humidity-loving plants with interesting foliage.

    • Fittonia (e.g., Nerve plant): This plant has striking, veined leaves and thrives in a humid environment.

    • Pothos (e.g., Golden pothos): A hardy, low-light plant that does well in humid conditions.

Open Terrariums: Best for Dry Conditions

Open terrariums provide better airflow and lower humidity, making them better suited for plants that prefer drier conditions. These plants generally come from desert or arid climates and can tolerate less moisture and more air circulation.

  • Ideal Plants for Open Terrariums:

    • Succulents (e.g., Echeveria, Aloe vera, Crassula): These plants thrive in well-drained soil and need minimal moisture.

    • Cacti (e.g., Barrel cactus, Hedgehog cactus): Cacti are perfect for dry environments and require little water.

    • Air plants (e.g., Tillandsia): Air plants are incredibly versatile, needing only occasional misting and good airflow to thrive.

    • Sedum (e.g., Sedum 'Angelina', Sedum rubrotinctum): Known for their low-maintenance nature, sedums are excellent for dry terrariums.

    • Crassula ovata (e.g., Jade plant): Jade plants are sturdy succulents that love dry conditions and bright light.

2. Matching Light Requirements

Another crucial factor when selecting plants for your terrarium is light. Some plants thrive in low-light conditions, while others need bright, indirect light to thrive. Matching the light needs of your plants will ensure they grow healthily and don’t compete for resources.

  • Low-Light Plants: If you’re placing your terrarium in a spot that receives indirect or low light, consider plants that are known for their tolerance to shade.

    • Ideal Plants for Low-Light Terrariums: Ferns, Pothos, Fittonia, and Peace lilies (e.g., Spathiphyllum) can thrive in low-light environments and do well in the gentle light conditions inside most terrariums.

  • Bright, Indirect Light: If your terrarium will be placed in an area with bright but indirect light, plants that love these conditions will flourish. Many tropical plants thrive with the right amount of light, but too much direct sun may scorch their delicate leaves.

    • Ideal Plants for Bright Light Terrariums: Succulents, Cacti, and Air plants all need bright, indirect light to grow strong.

3. Plant Size and Growth Habits

While selecting plants based on environmental needs is critical, the growth habits and size of the plants also matter. In a small, enclosed space like a terrarium, you’ll want to avoid selecting plants that grow too large or quickly, as they may outgrow their space and crowd out other plants. Additionally, you’ll want to choose plants that complement each other in terms of shape and texture.

  • Compact Plants: Choose plants that grow relatively slowly or stay compact. Some plants, like ferns or moss, will naturally stay small and maintain their size in a terrarium.

    • Examples of Compact Plants: Baby tears (Soleirolia), Moss, and Miniature ferns are great for small spaces.

  • Spreading Plants: Some plants, like Pothos and Creeping Jenny, will spread and climb, which can create a beautiful cascading effect in the terrarium but should be placed in areas where they won’t overwhelm other plants.

  • Vining Plants: Vining plants like English ivy or Philodendron can be trained to grow along the edges of your container or up a small structure, creating a natural look without competing for space.

4. Creating Contrast with Different Textures and Foliage

One of the joys of creating a terrarium is the ability to showcase different textures and colors. By combining plants with varying shapes, sizes, and leaf textures, you can create a visually stunning landscape inside your container.

  • Leaf Texture: Consider mixing plants with large, bold leaves (e.g., Ficus or Philodendron) with small, delicate leaves (e.g., Moss, Peperomia). This contrast adds visual interest and dimension to your terrarium.

  • Color Variety: Combine plants with green leaves alongside those with purple, red, or variegated leaves (e.g., Coleus or Caladium) to add color contrast to your design.

5. Plant Companions: Cohesive Plant Grouping

When grouping plants together, it's important to ensure that their moisture and light requirements align. For example, tropical plants like Ferns, Fittonia, and Pothos will do well in a closed terrarium where humidity is high, while Cacti and Succulents should be grouped together in an open terrarium where the environment is drier.

Examples of Compatible Plant Groupings:

  • Tropical Terrarium:

    • Ferns + Fittonia + Moss + Peperomia

    • These plants all love high humidity, indirect light, and warm conditions.

  • Succulent and Cactus Terrarium:

    • Aloe Vera + Echeveria + Sedum + Cacti

    • These plants need dry soil, excellent drainage, and plenty of bright, indirect light.

  • Mixed Terrarium (Tropical and Succulent):

    • Pothos + Philodendron + Air plants + Aloe Vera

    • This combination offers the flexibility of low-maintenance, hardy plants with some tropical moisture-loving species. Just ensure that the moisture levels are monitored carefully.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plants for your terrarium is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a sustainable and balanced ecosystem where your plants can thrive together. By considering environmental factors such as humidity, light, and growth habits, you can design a terrarium that supports healthy plant growth and looks stunning in your home. Whether you’re opting for a tropical rainforest, a desert oasis, or a more eclectic mix, understanding the needs of your plants and how they interact with one another will help you create a beautiful, thriving miniature world.