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Flex your creative brawn by establish a terrarium for an esthetic indoor display . Houseplant expert Madison Moulton gives you 38 selection for terrarium fillers , no matter the size of your container .
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Planting a terrarium is one of my favorite weekend horticulture projects . You get to curate a tiny garden in a field glass , picking your favorite plants and placing them in any way you choose . There are so many exciting constellation and unparalleled conception to render that it ’s impossible to get bored .
Terrarium environments are very particular . It ’s all-important tochoose a plant that not only fits in a modest spacebut will be well-chosen in the environs it creates . fortunately , there are many option , depend on the kind of terrarium you want to plant .
Polka Dot Plant
Hypoestes phyllostachyais one of the most pop plants for closed terrariums , and for skilful reason . Remaining relatively compact , this leafy industrial plant can well fit into enclosed areas and value the in high spirits humidness level terrariums provide .
But the real highlight of the polka Lucy in the sky with diamonds plant is evident in its common name . The leave boast uniquely spotted foliage in a range of a function of brilliant colouring material . Spotty pink cultivars are a personal favorite , adding a dada of color to your terrarium that ’s tough to discover in other flora .
Nerve Plant
Fittonia spp.is similar in tone and growth drug abuse to the polka dot industrial plant and is often used in terrarium for its attractive foliage . However , rather than sporting spotty leaves , the mettle planthas bright and contrasting veins that straightaway stand out amongst other greenery .
Varieties with bright bloodless nervure have the starkest look , but you could also come up Fittonias with reddish veins or even pink - tinted leaves . partner off them with a pinkish polka dit plant for an eye - get and colorful terrarium display .
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioidesis famous among houseplant devotee for its rounded leaves , giving it other comical common names like battercake plant or UFO plant . Its upright ontogeny wont and lovemaking of moisture and high humidness make it a great candidate for larger terrariums , standing tall above creeping vine or moss .
The easiest manner to get a Taiwanese money industrial plant into a terrarium – especially one with a small first step – is to practice a whelp . Pilea peperomioidesproduces lilliputian versions of the parent works that emerge from the soil . Once these pups have their own roots , snap them off and plant them in a terrarium to satiate out .
Maidenhair Fern
There are several ferns to choose from for something a little more delicate compared to the Taiwanese money industrial plant . Adiantum raddianum , commonly call the maidenhair fern fern , is ideal for taller terrarium with a lot of overhead space to fill .
The thin green leafage are densely packed along narrow stems . They arch gracefully and command attention . As they love plenty of wet , a shut terrarium is a perfect home for these plants . A terrarium may be the answer if you ’ve struggled to keep them alive as veritable houseplant due to teetotal line or infrequent watering .
String of Hearts
This plant is a everlasting Valentine ’s Day gift ! The adorableCeropegia woodii , unremarkably lie with as string of hearts , feature tiny heart - shape leaves that crawl along the dirt airfoil or hang outside the edge of open terrarium .
As string of hearts is a semi - lush plant life , the stem prefer dry soil to excess wet . They grow best in unfastened terrarium with other succulents planted in well - draining arenaceous substrates . Excess moisture around the roots can lead to rot , touch on all other plant in your terrarium .
Peace in the Home
Commonly have sex as babe ’s crying or peace in the habitation , Soleirolia soleiroliiis a perfect candidate for shortsighted terrarium without much space above the dirt line . This plant constitute a green rug of adorable leaves that willquickly fill gaps .
These works have a reputation for being wily to keep alive . I ’ve damage a few due to faulty care and atmospheric condition , overwatering them and hold on them in a spot with too much shade . The grease should stay consistently moist but not waterlogged . That and pot of undimmed indirect visible radiation will keep them happy for years .
Aluminum Plant
Part of the same genus as the Chinese money industrial plant , Pilea cadiereiis unacceptable to miss and the wizard of the show in any terrarium . The high spot of this works is the silver - striped foliation , hence the Al in the name . It is also known as watermelon pilea because the parting resemble watermelon skin .
Since aluminum works are taller , it ’s best to use them as central feature plants in gravid terrariums . Place them in a spot with mint of promising collateral sun to show off the shimmery foliation .
Pothos
Epipremnum aureumis a houseplant must - have for many reasons . When implant in terrariums , their problematic nature and ability to fly high almost anywhere are top of mind . These vine are incredibly resilient and mature chop-chop in almost any environment , fill out larger terrarium with good deal of leaf .
Thanks to their popularity , there are many different cultivars to choose from , including the classicgolden pothosand variegated favorites like ‘ Marble Queen . ’ Do n’t overwater them ( particularly in closed terrariums ) ; you ’ll have almost guaranteed success .
Radiator Plants
Of the many houseplant I ’ve grown in my life , peperomias were the first to steal my heart and make me a true collector . There is so much assortment between species that they often do n’t even look related to . With options in different shapes , colour , and textures , you ’re bind to find a peperomia you adore .
The low species are ripe for terrarium . Look out for the compactPeperomia caperatafor interesting color and texture orPeperomia rotundifoliato trail close to the soil . If they ’re in the right environment , you may even be favorable enough to see them flush .
Button Fern
The common name ofPellaea rotundifoliaalready trace how adorable this fern is . The cunning button - shape leaves appear on long , fragile frond , adding a on-key jungle experience to your terrarium .
This specie develop to around 12 inches tall , remain compact and suitable for planting in a closed terrarium . It is also quite a slow grower , take time to settle into a young blank space . It thrives in the moist and high - humidity environment of a shut terrarium .
Creeping Fig
When you suppose of fellow member of theFicusgenus , modest and compact is not likely the first Word of God to fare to listen . Most metal money are towering trees that maturate to cap height indoors , such as the famous violin folio figure . ButFicus pumila – with a specific epithet entail ‘ dwarf ’ – is an outlier ideal for a terrarium .
This vine is a great option to English ivy , climbing up wall and other garden structures . But you could also keep it contained by pop it in a closed terrarium , where it will quickly occupy empty ground gaps . you could also attach it to decorate pieces of wood or rocks for a more artistic feature inside your terrarium .
African Violet
Streptocarpussect . Saintpauliais commonly called African violet . The name come from its purple flush and aboriginal African ancestry . The lovely fluffy leaves and their power to flower reliably indoors havemade African violets a houseplant staplefor decades .
As African violets remain compact , they are idealistic feature plants for terrarium . You ’ll need to monitor wet levels carefully , as the fluffy leaves can produce unsightly spots , and the base can quickly rot in the wrong conditions . With some spare attention , you’re able to move around your African reddish blue into a decorative affirmation that flowers almost all year around .
Miniature Orchids
Miniature orchidaceous plant does not draw a single flora but rather a group of orchid species with small flowers and a compact mature size . This pocket-sized height allow them to wedge into terrariums , where their arresting flower can polish .
Orchid care can be tricksy , but it is n’t hardwith a few tips . gamey humidity will aid epiphytic miniature orchids thrive and flower for month . But you ’ll call for to be deliberate about the potting metier you select , filling the terrarium with loose orchid barque or merely attaching the solution to a piece of wood . Also , choose a terrarium with a wide opening to avoid damage any exist flower spikes .
Silver Sparkle Pilea
There is some confusion around the classification of this plant . Usually labeledPilea glauca , you may also see it under the namesPilea libanensis , silver sparkle genus Pilea , or evenPilea turquoise . No matter what you call it , there is no confusion about its ability to grow in your terrarium .
When farm as a houseplant , Pilea glaucahas midget silver leaves that cascade over the face of a container . you may trim a few stem to root inside your terrarium or fill the entire thing with one expectant plant . This versatility also make them suitable for midget terrariums or any artistic projects .
String of Turtles
drawing string of turtles is another penis of thePeperomiagenus ( Peperomia prostrata ) , but this metal money is so adorable and fitting for terrarium that it deserves its own incision . The long vine produce cute rounded leaves with a pattern that take care just like a turtleneck shell – a great decorative lineament for diminished terrariums .
Much likePilea glauca , the easiest way to institute bowed stringed instrument of turtles in a terrarium is to snip off case-by-case vine and rootle them . This is peculiarly helpful if you have a chicken feed with a narrow orifice that ’s sturdy to fit big plant through .
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosumis one of the most popular houseplant for founding father , known for its ability to accommodate and flourish in various conditions . It ’s not usually a first alternative for terrariums , but if you have an existing plant life with flyspeck pups ready for planting , they can easily squeeze into smaller container for rooting .
Although they are happy in high humidness , wanderer plants are in the main better suited to open terrarium with regular lacrimation . If you embed in a closed terrarium , water meagrely and take in out for sign of rot , which can apace spread to other plant .
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
TheSyngoniumgenus is known for large shell - shape parting and vigorous increment – not ideal for terrariums . Luckily , there is an endearing nanus potpourri to save the day . Syngonium podophyllum‘Pixie ’ is the staring cultivar for terrarium planting , with humble leave but the same mottled color and condition we screw and fuck .
Besides benefits in size of it , dwarf arrowhead vine is adaptable and tolerant of neglect . They grow best in bright collateral light but also cover downhearted brightness level in small spaces .
Crocodile Fern
If a singular grain is what you need in your terrarium , take care no further thanMicrosorum musifolium . This works is call crocodile fern for the scaly formula on its frond . That , combined with its compact size of it and dearest of high humidity , make this fern a terrarium must - have .
While they enjoy wet , crocodile ferns hate posture in sloppy soil . Ensure the substratum is well - draining , and never add too much water to the container , especially when planting in a unsympathetic terrarium . These dumb growers tolerate small spaces and fly high in spiritualist to bright indirect light .
Watermelon Vine
Before you start imagining massive watermelon plants in tiny field glass terrariums , we ’re not verbalize about theedible Citrullus vulgaris vine . Rather , the species thoroughgoing for terrarium development isPellionia pulchra , commonly known as Citrullus vulgaris vine for its uniquely motley leaves .
Citrullus vulgaris vine can be tough to bump and has a reputation for being fussy . They ca n’t live without high humidity and detest changes in their environment . as luck would have it , watermelon vine are content in a terrarium ’s consistently high humidness .
Dischidia
Dischidiais a superbly low - maintenance genus of flora nearly relate toHoyas . They are n’t as well - make love as their works cousins , but their ease of growth makes them well worth adding to your houseplant assembling .
Dischidia vines often rollick compact leaf that make a keen improver to open up terrariums . The leave do hold some moisture , make them sore to rot when overwatered . These plants are ideal dog specie for open terrarium , pair off well with taller succulents to occupy in the gap .
Begonia
With a monolithic motley in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe , color , and sizing , it ’s well-heeled to find a begonia you ’ll fall in love with . The colorful patterned leaves stand out in terrarium , with the beautiful blooms as an add bonus in the right conditions .
These tropic plants bonk warmth and in high spirits - humidness environments like the ones created by closed terrarium . Some species are more sensitive to overwatering than others , so keep an eye on wet levels to avoid damage the roots betimes on .
Prayer Plants
supplication plantis the common name for several houseplants , but we ’re concentre on those in theMarantagenus . maranta are easy to identify for their colorful and patterned leaves that almost do n’t look real until you get up tight .
These industrial plant follow from the tropical zone , matching terrarium environments well . The only headache to manage is size , as the leaves can become quite large . Use them as the central plant life in a with child terrarium , plant with lower - grow vine to preclude overcrowding .
Philodendron micans
A few plant in thePhilodendrongenus are well - suit to terrarium planting . However , Philodendron micansare at the top of my leaning . The leaves of this species are improbably centre - catching and have a velvety sheen not often seen in terrarium plants .
Philodendrons are know for being low - maintenance , and this species is no different . Plant in a turgid terrarium , preferably with a decorative musical composition of forest or low opening to allow the climbing or cascading vines to glow .
Alocasia ‘Bambino’
elephant ear have slowly wax to the top of houseplant favorite lean thanks to their model leaves and unique ontogenesis habits . While most cultivar are far too with child to tally into a terrarium , ‘ Bambino ’ has much diminished leaves that continue compact while lend the colorful flair of other Alocasia coinage .
‘ Bambino ’ is a cultivar ofAlocasia amazonicawith mystifying unripe leaves and contrasting snowy mineral vein . The colour is intensified in hopeful Light Within , becoming almost black and heightening the contrast . For those looking for drama in their terrarium design , this is the way to get it .
‘Fluffy Ruffles’ Sword Fern
The last fern on the list is arguably the most adorable , specially in its name . ‘ Fluffy Ruffles ’ is a cultivar ofNephrolepis exaltatawith a common name that perfectly describes the ruffled frond . Unlike steady sword ferns that grow quite large , ‘ downlike Ruffles ’ sticks to an adorable 12 inch , easy fitting into closed terrarium .
Houseplant raiser often find these plant catchy to keep happy . But the high humidness and regular moisture in a closed terrarium will do most of the work for you . Top it off with bright indirect brightness level , and you ’ll have no bother raise this works .
Cushion Moss
Mosses are almost indispensable in terrarium , covering the grunge with green growth and creating that woodland look most people are after . Cushion moss is a terrarium staple fiber , with soft leaves that stand by low to the earth and complement grandiloquent plant life .
Leucobryum glaucumdoesn’t pass around much or take over , making initial placement samara . For intricate projects , you may separate it into bunch for planting or cover the soil with a big patch and ascertain it thrive .
Spikemoss
Spikemoss is not technically a straight moss , but it certainly looks ( and grows ) like one . This metal money , scientificallySelaginella kraussiana , develops tiny fern - like leaves that distribute along the ground . They are useful ground cover or houseplant but are most often used in terrarium .
gamey humidness is the one stipulation ask for quick ontogenesis , which can be achieved by planting in a unopen terrarium . Beyond that , bright indirect lighting and reproducible moisture will help the delicate leaves face lush twelvemonth - circular .
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss has a miscellany of uses in the garden , but it ’s usually dried or used as a stain amendment ( peat moss ) . Often overlooked , live sphagnum moss is a marvelous summation to any closed terrarium . It may be toughened to find oneself , but it is deserving a purchase if you may get your hands on some .
Moisture is crucial to keep this plant active . veritable lacrimation and high-pitched humidity will stop it from drying out , so pair it with industrial plant that are equally happy in wetting agent surroundings .
Peacock Spikemoss
This relative ofSelaginella kraussianais named peacock spikemoss for its stunning grim - green hue . With some meter to square up in , the leaves will form a impenetrable iridescent mat in a colour not often see in terrarium .
Selaginella uncinatais remarkably ruffianly , handle humble light and waterlogged soil well . apply it as a feature flora in a decorative terrarium or as a ground cover around taller plants – it will abide out no matter where it is planted .
Mood Moss
Unlike Inachis io little club moss , Dicranum scopariumis a unfeigned moss . It has a captivatingly mild grain that you ca n’t help but touch , so it ’s likely better impart locked away in a closed terrarium . It ’s great for hatch open poop patches , bond to many different ground types , and fly high with plenty of moisture .
This species is called mood moss for its somewhat fussy nature . It ’s not ideal for forgetful waterers as it dries cursorily and loses colour . But a shut terrarium will help keep wet locked in , helping maintain the perfect circumstance .
Tillandsia
Most of the plants antecedently mentioned are suitable for closed terrariums . Now , let ’s move on to those exclusively reserve for open terrariums .
Although the concept of an “ open terrarium ” is up for debate ( terrariums are ordinarily , by definition , seal ) , these spyglass arrangements have become popular for succulent or epiphytic plants that ca n’t handle enclosed environments . aura plantsare one of them .
Tillandsias add an architectural flair to glass container , peculiarly when attach to an artistic piece of driftwood . target your art slice on decorative crushed rock inside your container , and you ’ll create eye - catch living décor that only needs an episodic misting and shiny spark to expand .

Echeveria
Of all the succulents on the market , species in theEcheveriagenus are those most often used in opened terrarium . They are beloved for their compact geometric forms in gray - green or purple - pink hues , press out endearing flowers in the proper consideration .
As succulent are at risk of bunkum , it ’s all-important to plant them in a well - drain succulent mix and to layer your terrarium to keep supererogatory wet away from the base . As cockamamie as it may feel , I wish to use a straw to water supply around the roots as needed , avoiding any chances of rot that may vote out the plant .
Jade Plant
Crassula ovatais incredibly tough – one of the reasons why it is a popular succulent for growing indoors . It adapts to unlike environments well , does n’t listen low sluttish levels , and has a structural appearance that you do n’t often see in terrariums .
The primary issue is sizing . Jade plants will grow quite large if given the space indoors and can grow even larger outdoors . as luck would have it , they do grow comparatively slowly , allowing you to keep smaller plants in big terrariums for a while before they ask to be moved .
Haworthia
Haworthias are often promise zebra cactus for their spiky and striped appearance . There are many interesting metal money to choose from , with each remain compact and easy fitting into smaller undecided terrarium .
Haworthias grow small plantlet as they broadcast , ideal for propagation . If you have an existing industrial plant in a container or in your garden , occasionally pull off the whelp for embed in terrarium . Like echeverias , they need sandy soil and minimal watering to thrive .
String of Pearls
Houseplant fancier do it twine succulents because they have a higher tolerance for low light levels . Curio rowleyanusremains one of the most pop , get ticklish dangle pearl that appear slap-up anywhere .
If your open terrarium has a low opening , string of pearls is cracking for planting on the bound to hang out the sides . twin it with grandiloquent succulent and keep it in a bright area to stop the spaces between leaves from stretching .
Hens and Chicks
TheSempervivumgenus comprises compendious plants with a structural and geometrical face with child for overt terrarium . The unwashed name comes from the modest pups the plant produces around the theme , ideal for trimming off and planting in new terrariums .
To help short sempervivums fend out , report the soil with a layer of contrasting decorative gravel . This improves aesthetic and tot up to the spirited and well - draining conditions the plants favour .
Panda Plant
The previous succulent options ( barCrassula ovata ) continue low to the ground . They expect good in short glasses . For tall heart-to-heart terrariums with a lot of overhead space to fill , you ’re better off choosing something likeKalanchoe tomentosa .
This species is commonly known as the panda bear plant , with equally adorable cultivar names like ‘ Chocolate Soldier ’ and ‘ Teddy Bear . ’ The fluffy grain of the leaves only adds to the allure , piddle each one a must - have .
Burro’s Tail
The final ingress on the list is one of my all - time favorites – Sedum morganianum . It is commonly squall burro ’s tail or donkey ’s hindquarters , and it ’s not laborious to see why . Succulent give extend the vines so tightly that you ca n’t see the radical , wee it look just like a aggregation of buns .
Like bowed stringed instrument of drop , plant this species in a terrarium where the vines can hang out of the opening . Water sparingly and give them plenty of light to contain the stem from stretch out and leave from dropping .
Final Thoughts
If you ’re thinking of planting aclosed or unfastened terrarium , there are attach to be a few options on this tilt that become your style . ensure you tailor-make the soil mix and care to the type of plants you ’re arise to help them thrive in these unique surround .




































