23 Best Terrarium Plants to Grow 

The best time to plant a terrarium is in the spring. The leaves of these plants are mostly evergreen, so they’re great for small spaces and indoors as well as outdoors during warmer months. These unique plants also look cool with their large flowers and interesting shapes.

The “best moss for closed terrarium” is a popular question that many people are asking. The best moss to use in a closed terrarium is sphagnum moss.

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You’re starting a small terrarium in your yard but aren’t sure what species to include…

WE’VE ALREADY BEEN THERE!

It’s all too typical to attempt to fill it with any old plant. But, unfortunately, not every plant will survive in a terrarium.

That is why you must be aware of the greatest terrarium plants – ones that will thrive.

They’re ideal for terrariums since they:

• Sun exposure is minimal to non-existent.
• In warm climates, they thrive.
• I adore dampness and humidity.
• Look fantastic in any setting.
• Are strange enough to fit the mood of a terrarium

Did we mention that they’re suitable for both tiny and big terrariums?

There are no disadvantages to considering the plants below. Look them up!

Consider these 23 Closed Terrarium Plants

Baby Tears (#1) (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Let’s begin with the most evident — Baby’s Tears.

The EXTRA-TINY leaves give it its moniker. They resemble a tear from a newborn…

It’s also because it’s thick, generating little plant beds wherever it’s planted (ground or pot).

Its fondness for dampness and dislike for the sun make it a great terrarium plant. It must be kept wet and in the shade at all times.

WHAT TO KNOW: If the circumstances are favorable, purple blooms will bloom in the spring (THESE FLOWERS ARE TINY AND DENSE TOO)

Butterwort (#2) (Pinguicula Vulgaris)

When we think about terrarium plants, we immediately think of the Butterwort. It’s just perfect.

Butterwort is a meat-eating plant. As you would expect, its flesh is sticky, making it easier to catch insects that land on it.

You’ll need plenty of dampness (it thrives near rivers and swamps in the natural) and plenty of sunlight.

WORTH NOTING: A purple blossom blooms up to 12 inches above the plant, adding a touch of elegance.

Button Fern (#3) (Pellaea rotundifolia)

It gets its unusual name from the form of its leaves. Small waxy leaves with a button-like appearance that emerge from long stalks on the sides.

You’ll like its basic appearance, which is nearly entirely unlike what a fern “should be.”

It requires high moisture since it is endemic to tropical places. If you want it to grow, you’ll need a humid atmosphere with temps over 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike most ferns, this one can withstand a little drought.

WORTHWHILE FACTS: Because it doesn’t grow much longer than 30 inches, you may use it in any terrarium.

Creeping Fig #4 (Ficus primula)

The creeping fig vine is used to cover walls, pergolas, and other buildings. That means you may use it in a greenhouse or terrarium without any problems.

It has charming little variegated leaves that emerge from creeping stems. The thick stems ultimately reach a height of a few feet. They become a beautiful dark green when exposed to adequate sunshine and humidity.

This plant requires less humidity than other terrarium plants. It’s still worthwhile to keep it wet.

ALSO REMEMBER: The plant ATTACHES to any nearby structure (be it a wall or a cabana), so be cautious where you put it since it DOESN’T DETACH afterwards.

#5. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

The croton has some of the most gorgeous leaves of any plant. The botanical name “Codiaeum variegatum” explains all…

Its bicolored leaves, which include green and salmon tones, are difficult to overlook. Golden to brownish variants exist. In any case, you’ll end up with a vibrant and eye-catching plant.

Finally, if required, it can withstand partial shade and excessive humidity. Its thick leaves also look great inside.

WARNING: THIS PLANT IS TOTALLY POISONOUS. From the stems to the leaves and roots, its toxicity makes it a poor garden plant (keep it in a terrarium instead).

Echeveria is #6. (Echeveria)

We’ll begin with the terrarium succulents themselves. It’s the echeveria this time.

It has a remarkable amount of color variation, ranging from purple to green, reddish, orange, and even yellow leaves.

It likes dry conditions over damp ones and strong sunshine exposure for development. In the correct circumstances, it can survive dampness and shade (it may not grow too much, though).

FACT: The plant is not cold-hardy in the least. It will shed its leaves if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit until it warms up again.

Hens & Chicks #7 (Sempervivum tectorum)

Although they resemble echeveria plants, they are not the same.

Hens and chicks develop differently and have thinner leaves. The name stems from the “hen” plant’s propensity to produce a large number of chicks throughout its lifespan. Sempervivums may have hundreds of chicks and grow to be several feet in diameter.

It thrives in terrariums since it can tolerate both dry and damp settings with ease.

IMPORTANT PART: In the spring, you may enjoy a bloom that grows from the main plant. This flower may reach a height of almost 18 inches and has the strangest of forms.

Lucky Bamboo #8 (Dracaena sanderiana)

It is quite feasible to grow bamboo in a terrarium. However, you probably have a small terrarium in which the standard bamboo plants (which may reach hundreds of feet in height) would not fit.

As a result, the lucky bamboo may be an excellent choice. It seldom grows taller than 4 feet and has little, adorable leaves as it matures. Furthermore, unlike other bamboos, the stem is fleshy and squishy rather than thick and rigid.

Temperatures of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit are required for it to grow. And, indeed, it is unaffected by excessive humidity.

DON’T FORGET: Its stem may twist and form unusual forms, adding to the originality of your terrarium.

#9. Moss (Selaginella sp.)

Wet, warm, and rocky terrariums are common. MOSS LIKES IT EXACTLY LIKE THAT.

However, there are THOUSANDS of moss species. There will be enough to pick from.

Moss will grow anyplace it has the capacity to crawl about or keep contained if necessary. What’s more, regardless of the species you pick, moss enhances any setting.

Moss like to grow in the shade and in humid environments (like water garden plants).

TO CONSIDER: Some mosses grow close to the ground and move about in this manner. Others grow vertically, with slender stems and light leaves, like ferns.

Neanthe Bella Palm (#10) (Chamaedorea elegans)

This is a difficult-to-find jungle plant. However, it is well worth the search.

Why? Because it is a plant that purifies the air. A terrarium will be ideal for a plant like this that helps to clean up the surroundings (other plants will thrive as a consequence).

It also works in low-light conditions and tolerates excessive humidity. It won’t suffer as long as the temperature stays over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

EXTRA FACTS: This plant seems to be a fern, but it is really a PALM. It seldom reaches a height of more than 4 feet.

Nerve Plant #11 (Fittonia)

You don’t want any unattractive plants in your terrarium. Begin by bringing in the nerve plant.

Because it is endemic to rainforests, this little species thrives in terrariums. Low light, high moisture, and high temperatures will keep it safe.

The variegated leaves with NERVES stand out the most. It gets its name from the nerve-rich leaves that have the brightest vivid hues (purple, red, green, pink, and white).

WHAT ELSE: Because it only grows to a height of 6 inches, it may be kept in any sort of terrarium.

Panda Plant No. 12 (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

This plant’s attractiveness is enhanced by its light green color and appealing brown tip. The leaves are extremely hairy and dense, giving them a luscious appearance.

You’ll adore it since it only grows 2 feet long, can reach a diameter of almost 3 feet, and can even grow over boulders.

Even better, it thrives in strong light but can even live in partial shade. You may maintain it in either dry or damp situations for watering with no problems.

DON’T MISS THIS: Under the appropriate circumstances, it produces a BEAUTIFUL pink or yellow blossom.

Peperomia (#13). (Peperomia caperata)

The Peperomia is another plant that was almost made for terrariums.

You will find the waxy leaves with vibrant hues difficult to overlook. The dark green to reddish tone of these leaves gives vibrancy to any terrarium.

Aside from that, the enormous spiky flowers that bloom in the spring seem like they’re from another universe. They also have distinct hues that add to the terrarium’s liveliness.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because it thrives in mild water, you may wish to keep it drier than other terrarium plants.

Polka Dots (#14). (Hypoestes Phyllostachys)

Nothing will make a terrarium as ideal as a polka dot for people who just desire one plant.

It’s quite lovely, with brilliant hues ranging from pink to dark green, brown, and even strong red in the dotted leaves. Even the most mundane terrarium may be transformed into a beautiful place to be.

It doesn’t grow very tall, only reaching approximately 20 inches in most situations. It’s virtually ideal for terrariums since it can grow in both shady and warm settings.

BE AWARE: If the circumstances are favorable, you may enjoy brilliant purple (and sometimes orange) blooms that stand out.

#15. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

If you let it, certain plants may quickly take over huge parts of your terrarium soil. You’ll discover the pothos among them.

There are several varieties of pothose to choose from, but the Golden type would be great for terrariums. Its waxy look and little leaves with a gold-like tone and green tint are undeniably attractive.

You may grow it EFFORTLESSLY inside, outdoors, or in terrariums.

IMPORTANT FACT: This plant is one of the toughest on the list. The plant will survive with minimal maintenance as long as temps are warm and you don’t soak its roots.

Purple Shamrocks (#16). (Oxalis triangularis)

The purple shamrock is one of those plants that is almost made for terrariums.

It has vibrant purple foliage, as the name suggests. These leaves have a triangular form and are quite small. Some form clusters to increase their attractiveness. Of any case, you may enjoy the vibrant colors in your terrarium all year.

In most areas, it grows swiftly and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown inside if required, even in the hottest of climates.

KNOW THIS: If you’re fortunate, you’ll see white flowers blooming in the spring. The purple and white combination is always stunning.

Prayer Plant #17 (Maranta leuconeura)

Want to amp up the color in your terrarium even more? Take a look at the prayer plant.

Pink veins, light green and yellow tints, and green bodies characterize this very bright species. The result is the most valuable appearance on the list. Even better, you may appreciate the waxy leaves that BRIGHTEN UP when the light shines on them.

Warm temperatures and direct sunshine are preferred by the prayer plant (this may be a problem). However, even under extreme humidity, it thrives in terrariums.

LOOK AT THIS: While the most popular prayer plant is multicolored, it is also available in green with dark-green dots, which is almost as charming without being costly.

Starfish (#18). (Cryptanthus bivittatus)

Reading the name will tell you precisely how it appears. This low-growing species resembles a starfish, but with one notable exception: its hue is usually invariably light pink.

Because of the faded tones, many people think it’s a zombie plant. It is still lovely, however, since it is unlike any other kind and seldom grows taller than 6 inches.

The prickly and ruffled leaves, by the way, are also somewhat crunchy (lovely in almost every way).

MORE: The leaves of this plant produce tiny spikes that are prickly to the touch and stick to your skin (BE CAREFUL).

Stonecrop #19 (Sedum sp.)

Nothing compares to the stonecrop for individuals who like succulents but also love lush foliage.

The capacity to spread extensively on any soil is what makes this plant terrarium-friendly. It only grows 4 to 6 inches tall and spreads really quickly. If you allow them, they will cover whole terrariums.

There are still plenty other stonecrops to consider, but they all need strong sunlight and moderate humidity to grow.

CONSIDER THIS: There are several hues to choose from, including dark green, light green, purple, orange, and even reddish tones.

#20. Sundews (Drosera)

It seems to be coral. Flies are his favorite food. And it thrives in very humid environments.

For individuals who like unusual species, the sundew is a carnivorous variant. It has prickly leaves with small drips of “dew” that attract flies and other insects. They are eaten away as soon as they sit on the plant.

Have we mentioned the colors yet? Purple, pink, pale green, white, and the strangest of forms are all present. It has nothing to dislike about it.

FACT: The plant thrives almost exclusively in locations with high humidity (like bogs, koi ponds, and terrariums).

Venus Flytrap (#21). (Dionaea muscipula)

The venus flytrap, unlike other carnivorous plants, keeps things simple: a light-green stalk, an oval top with teeth, and a closing mouth.

What more does a carnivorous animal require? It attracts insects by emitting smells from its mouth. They sit on it, and it closes and devours their bodies.

It’s ideal for a terrarium as a rare type that also happens to be pest-eating. It also enjoys terrarium conditions (high humidity and low light).

INTERESTING FACTOR: It favors soaked soils over dry soils, thus you can easily plant it in your water garden.

Pilea de Watermelon #22. (Pilea cadierei)

The Pilea cadierei will immediately improve the appearance of your terrarium.

Its white-marked leaves resemble a little watermelon, thus the unusual name.

In terms of development, you can expect it to reach a height of little over 3 feet and develop bush-like growth. If you want it to remain smaller, you can prune it.

If you want it to grow, you’ll need tropical conditions (high humidity, warmth, and low light).

ANOTHER FACTOR: In the spring, clusters of white flowers bloom, which contrast beautifully with the silver-marked leaves.

Zebra Cactus (#23). (Haworthia attenuata)

The zebra cactus is one of the few cacti that will thrive in a low-light terrarium.

It has white spots on the stem and resembles aloe vera in appearance but with greater color.

Although the species enjoys the warmth of terrariums, it may suffer with the humidity. It will need to be kept near a window or an open environment to grow.

Despite this, it is still a charming addition to any terrarium (and with little care may still grow healthy).

GREAT ADDITIONAL FEATURE: It develops slowly and lasts a long time.

Conclusion

Your terrarium doesn’t have to be colorless and uninteresting.

That is achievable with the terrarium plants listed above — as long as you choose the ones that best suit your environment.

There are many different types of plants that can be grown in a terrarium. Some plants require high humidity while others need low humidity. This article will list 23 different types of plants and how they grow best. Reference: high humidity vivarium plants.

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