Creating a terrarium is an exciting way to bring a miniature ecosystem into your home. However, choosing the right plants is crucial for long-term success. The best plants for your terrarium depend on factors like light availability, humidity levels, and their natural growth habits. Whether you're building an open or closed terrarium, this guide will help you select globally available plants suited for your setup.

Understanding Key Factors When Selecting Terrarium Plants

1. Light Requirements

Different plants thrive under different lighting conditions, so it's essential to match your plant selection to the available light in your space.

  • Low Light: Ferns, mosses, and some tropical plants thrive in low light or indirect sunlight.

  • Medium Light: Fittonia, peperomia, and certain small foliage plants do well in bright but indirect light.

  • High Light: Succulents and cacti require direct sunlight or artificial grow lights.

2. Humidity Levels

The amount of moisture in your terrarium determines what plants will thrive.

  • High Humidity (Closed Terrariums): Ideal for moisture-loving plants like ferns, moss, and tropical plants.

  • Low Humidity (Open Terrariums): Best for arid plants such as succulents and cacti, which prefer dry conditions.

3. Growth Habits

Terrariums have limited space, so plants that stay compact, grow slowly, or can be easily pruned are ideal.

  • Vertical Growth: Small ferns, air plants, or climbing plants work well in taller terrariums.

  • Spreading Growth: Ground covers like moss and creeping fig can fill space naturally.

  • Cluster Growth: Succulents and rosette-forming plants are great for structured designs.

Best Globally Available Plants for Terrariums

Closed Terrarium Plants (High Humidity, Low-Medium Light)

Closed terrariums create a humid, self-sustaining environment ideal for tropical and moisture-loving plants.

Ferns:

  • Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum) – Delicate, thrives in humidity.

  • Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) – Compact and low-maintenance.

  • Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) – Small and bushy, perfect for terrariums.

Mosses:

  • Sheet Moss (Hypnum) – Soft, velvety texture for ground cover.

  • Mood Moss (Dicranum) – Dense and lush, thrives in humid environments.

  • Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) – Common in aquariums, but great for terrariums too.

Other Tropical Plants:

  • Nerve Plant (Fittonia) – Vibrant, veined leaves in red, pink, or white.

  • Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia) – Thick, waxy leaves and compact growth.

  • Miniature Orchids (Masdevallia or Pleurothallis) – Exotic flowers in small spaces.

Open Terrarium Plants (Low Humidity, High Light)

Open terrariums allow air circulation and work well for plants that prefer drier conditions.

Succulents:

  • Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) – Rosette-shaped with a variety of colors.

  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – Compact, easy to grow.

  • Zebra Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata) – Striped, spiky leaves that thrive in dry conditions.

Cacti:

  • Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) – Small, round, and striking.

  • Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys) – Unique, pad-like structure.

  • Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias) – Compact, star-shaped growth.

Air Plants (Epiphytes):

  • Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp.) – Requires no soil and absorbs moisture from the air.

  • Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) – Draping, elegant growth.

  • Sky Plant (Tillandsia ionantha) – Rosette shape with vibrant color changes.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Plants

  • Match plants with similar care needs: Avoid mixing humidity-loving plants with drought-tolerant ones.

  • Choose slow-growing species: Fast-growing plants will quickly outgrow the terrarium space.

  • Monitor plant health: If plants show signs of stress, adjust light, humidity, or watering as needed.

Start Creating Your Perfect Terrarium!

By considering factors like light, humidity, and growth habits, you can design a terrarium that thrives for years to come. Whether you prefer a lush, green rainforest or a desert-inspired succulent garden, choosing the right plants will set the foundation for a beautiful and low-maintenance miniature world.

Which type of terrarium will you create? Gather your supplies and start crafting your own natural masterpiece today!