Best plants for terrariums: Low-maintenance beauties for tiny jungles

Terrariums are mini ecosystems that people can have indoors offering a piece of nature in a glass container. These miniature gardens are the perfect ecosystem, in which the plant, light and moisture exist in just the right balance, and work in harmony, often requiring minimal care. In closed terrariums, the water is trapped in the system, creating a humid environment in which plants can grow without much water. Open terrariums, which have slightly less humidity, also provide a simple atmosphere for plants.

When it comes to beginner gardeners, it’s crucial to select easy plants to grow. Low maintenance terrarium plants are ideal for beginners who need a plant that is a little less finicky and needs less maintenance. These plants will do fine in the stable environment of a terrarium and will be able to adjust to fluctuations in light and water quite easily. Selecting the best low light terrarium plants can be the best method for creating and maintaining a terrarium that is enjoyable and stress-free for those just starting out.

Understanding Terrariums

A terrarium is a small, enclosed glass container that contains plants and forms a miniature ecosystem. The enclosed growing area creates an ideal growing condition, typically with a low level of maintenance. Terrariums come in two main shapes:

1. Closed Terrariums: These are in a glass container with a lid that keeps moisture locked in and provides humidity. Closed terrariums are best for plants that like humidity and don’t need to be watered often.
2. Open Terrariums: These terrariums are not close-sealed, so they allow for more air flow and hence can be used for plants that need less humidity. Open terrariums usually need to be watered more often than closed terrariums.

Benefits of Having a Terrarium at Home

Terrariums provide numerous benefits, from enhancing home décor to offering educational value.

• Low Maintenance: Low maintenance terrarium plants that need little upkeep after they are set up are great for the person who is too busy to water their plants, or the gardener who is just starting out.
• Aesthetic Appeal: They bring a natural, soothing aura to any room and can be used to decorate home interiors.
• Air Purification: Small plants for glass terrariums remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen.
• Educational Opportunity: In a Terrarium, children witness an example of an ecosystem and learn something about it.

Ideal Conditions for Terrarium Plants

For plants to grow well in a terrarium, some conditions must be provided:

• Light: The majority of terrarium plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sun can make the plants overheat and dry out. Keeping the terrarium near a window that receives filtered light is really perfect.
• Humidity: Terrariums generally require little maintenance when it comes to humidity, especially if they have a lid. The terrarium should create its own environment. The high levels of humidity are ideal for all types of plants, such as ferns and mosses, that do well in a humid climate.
• Temperature: Generally speaking, terrarium plants are happiest in moderate, consistent temperatures. Do not place them where they can be subjected to extreme temperatures, such as radiators or air conditioning units.

Top Low-Maintenance Plants for Terrariums

Terrariums are a great chance to decorate the room with beautiful greenery with so little effort. Here are some of the best low-maintenance plants for terrariums that look beautiful and are equally functional.

1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia, more commonly known as the Nerve Plant, has vibrant, veiny leaves, which come in shades of red, pink, and white. It has bold designs on its leaves that make it a showstopper in a terrarium.

Fittonia does well in higher humidity, which makes it a good option for a closed terrarium. It likes to be near but not in direct light, which can burn its leaves. Misting is encouraged as long as it’s done on a regular basis. Water them when their soil is just a little dry, but don’t overwater, which can cause root rot.

2. Asparagus Fern

The Asparagus Fern is not a true fern, despite its name. Its feather-like foliage hangs gracefully downward, making it well suited to add texture to terrariums. Its gentle, fern like appearance also makes it an excellent option for bringing a lush, jungle feel to a small space.

This plant prefers indirect light and humidity, which is an ideal condition for a terrarium. It has a lot of misting advantages, as it does best in a moist surrounding. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch to water, but do not allow the plant to become bone dry and shrink too much. Asparagus ferns are also quite hardy and can tolerate a little neglect.

3. Peperomia

Peperomia is available in a variety of types like round-leafed and variegated varieties. The most commonly used varieties for terrariums are Peperomia caperata, which grows leaves in heart shapes with textures, and Peperomia obtusifolia, which produces thick, glossy leaves.

Peperomia plants are perfect for beginner terrarium makers, and they do well in low light, which is perfect for the slightly darker conditions in a closed terrarium. They’re also drought-tolerant, so don’t need to worry much about watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. And these plants can even tolerate moderate humidity, requiring little maintenance once in place.

4. Pilea (Friendship Plant)

Pilea involucrata, also called the 'Moon Valley' type, is popular among terrarium lovers for its textured metallic finish leaves and small stature. It is such a classy addition to a small garden.

Pileas like bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making them ideal for terrariums. They like consistent watering, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Pilea, for example, can burn in direct sunlight, so positioning it where there is lots of bright, indirect light is important.

5. Mosses

Moss (like mood moss, cushion moss) makes a great soft and full ground cover in any terrarium. These mosses will add the appearance and element of peace and greenery to the terrarium landscape.

Mosses love humidity and they love closed terrarium conditions. They like indirect light and people won’t have to water them too much, but keep the soil damp, never soaked. Regular misting will keep them from becoming too dry. Moss doesn’t actually need soil, but it does need to be in a cool, shaded spot if people want it to maintain its vivid green.

6. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants, also called Tillandsia, are one of the most unusual terrarium plants. They do not need soil to grow, but draw moisture and nutrients from the air via their leaves. This makes them well suited to open as well as closed terrariums.

Air plants need frequent soaking, once a week is the norm, to get the moisture they need. Once wet, shake off any excess water and leave them to dry out completely before returning them to the terrarium. They love bright, indirect light, and don’t keep them in direct sunlight for too long or they will dry out.

7. Baby’s Tears

Baby’s Tears is a low-growing, fragile plant with small lush green leaves that fill in thick mats. It’s frequently used to create a carpet effect in terrariums, imparting a gentle, almost fairy-tale look to the ecosystem.

It also has a high tolerance for humidity levels and low light, so a terrarium is exactly where this plant belongs. It requires regular watering but does not like to be left in standing water. Baby’s Tears are sensitive to dry air, so it’s important to keep the terrarium humid. Keep it misted regularly to keep it lush green and growing.

8. Strawberry Begonia

The Strawberry Begonia is a trailing plant with lovely heart shaped leaves, which have contrasting patterning and colour with almost black and patterning on the face and deep colours of red or purple tinges to the veins. This plant also has the small, most dainty little flowers, which just adds to its cuteness in a terrarium.

It likes indirect illumination and moist soil, so it thrives in terrariums. It prefers moderate humidity and is best watered frequently, especially when the soil is dry to the touch. Strawberry Begonia also takes lower light, though it does best in bright, indirect light. It will thrive best if the user keeps the terrarium damp and its foliage moistened by regular misting.

Designing a Terrarium Gardening Tips

The actual building of a beautiful terrarium depends on the type of container chosen, proper layering, and the placement of plants for both growth and aesthetic interest.

Choosing the Right Container

The terrarium is based on the container. Here's a selection of some popular choices:

• Glass Jars: Ideal for tiny closed terrarium jars. Their transparent design allows you to see the plants from any angle.
• Fish Bowls: Fish bowls are frequently used for open terrariums, and offer a lot of room and good visibility while facilitating more air.
• Open vs. Closed Containers
  • Closed Containers are best for moisture loving plants that prefer a high humid environment like moss and fern terrarium plants.
  • Open Containers are better for plants that require less humidity, such as succulents and air plants.

Layering for Success

The right layers are essential to the health of the terrarium. The layers help in drainage and balance the local ecosystem:

1. Line the bottom of the pot with a few inches of small pebbles, gravel or stones for excess water to drain away from the roots.
2. To keep the water fresh and prevent mold and odors, layer activated charcoal over the drainage to form a thin barrier.
3. Then cover with well-draining potting mix, which contains the nutrients that plants need. Select a mix that fits with the type of plants people are going to be using.
4. Lastly, gently set the plants into the soil, ensuring there is sufficient space for their growth.

Plant Placement Strategies

The placement and type of plants affect the growth and appearance of the terrarium:

• Tallest plants go in the center to make the focal point. These can be used as a backdrop for smaller plants.
• Plant trailing varieties like ivy or moss at the edges so that they hang over for a cascading look.
• Consider the plants’ potential size when determining where to plant them in order to avoid crowding as they grow.

Care and Maintenance Tips

To ensure the small plants for glass terrariums remain healthy and vibrant, it's important to follow essential care and maintenance tips. These include controlling watering, lighting, humidity, and periodic pruning.

Watering

General watering requirements vary depending on plant type and the terrarium environment:

• Due to the recycling of moisture in the closed system, closed terrariums are almost always lower maintenance than the open type. Open terrariums may be watered more frequently.
• It's recommended to water the plants with a spray bottle or mist very lightly, and water the soil gently. Before rewatering, avoid or do not forget to check the soil moisture and see if it is required.

Light Requirements

The right light is essential for the health of the plants:

• Terrariums should be located near bright, indirect lighting. A window with filtered sunlight works well, but direct sunlight will make the plants overheat and get too dry.
• Some plants, such as moss, do well in low light, while others, like succulents, need more light. The position of the terrarium should be moved to suit the light requirements of the plants housed within. 

Humidity Control

Relatively high humidity is particularly crucial in closed terrariums:

• It is important for those humidity-loving plants to have an acceptable level of moisture when exposed to a dry environment.
• In dry regions, a humidity tray positioned under the container can help keep the terrarium moist.
• It's important to monitor condensation inside a closed terrarium plant list. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, so maintaining a balanced humidity level is key.

Pruning and Cleaning

With a terrarium, regular maintenance helps to maintain the uncluttered appearance of the plant and encourages good growth:

• Snip out dead or overgrown leaves to help the plant maintain a tight appearance, and to encourage fresh growth.
• The internal container can be cleaned as needed to remove any dust or mold. Just use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the glass to maintain this look.

The Bottom Line

Terrariums are perfect for a touch of nature indoors. Given the right plant and the appropriate care, anyone can make a flourishing little garden in a glass container. Beginners can choose low-maintenance plants like ferns, mosses, and peperomias which are ideal for a simple, attractive terrarium. With the right combination of light, humidity and watering, a terrarium can remain healthy and vibrant.

Check out Growcycle, which offers care guides to track and maintain plant health over time, making it even easier for individuals to care for their best low light terrarium plants and enjoy the process.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.