Ideal Plants for Terrariums
When choosing plants for your terrarium, it’s important to select species that thrive in the humid, contained environment. Here are some excellent choices for both closed and open terrariums:
Closed Terrarium Plants
Mosses:
Peperomias:
Pilea:
Ficus:
Begonia
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.): Delicate fronds that thrive in high humidity.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Lush and hardy, ideal for a closed environment.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): Glossy, wavy fronds that add a tropical feel.
Mosses:
Sheet Moss (Hypnum spp.): A carpet of lush green moss that covers the substrate.
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): Versatile and hardy, great for adding greenery.
Peperomias:
Peperomia caperata: Heart-shaped leaves with a rippled texture.
Peperomia obtusifolia: Thick, oval leaves that are easy to care for.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant):
Fittonia albivenis: Brightly colored veins on green leaves, thrives in high humidity.
Pilea:
Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant): Textured leaves with a bronze sheen.
Pilea depressa: Small, trailing plant perfect for ground cover.
Ficus:
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig): Small, trailing vine that clings to surfaces.
Begonias:
Begonia rex: Colourful, patterned leaves that add visual interest.
Open Terrarium Plants
Succulents:
Cacti:
Air Plants (Tillandsia):
Aloe Vera:
Succulents:
Echeveria spp.: Rosette-shaped plants with thick, fleshy leaves.
Haworthia spp.: Small, rosette-forming succulents with distinct patterns.
Sedum spp.: Low-growing, drought-tolerant plants.
Cacti:
Mammillaria spp.: Small, round cacti with spines and flowers.
Gymnocalycium spp.: Globe-shaped cacti with bright flowers.
Air Plants (Tillandsia):
Tillandsia ionantha: Small, spiky plants that don’t require soil.
Tillandsia xerographica: Larger air plants with curly leaves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata):
Thick, fleshy leaves that store water, ideal for dry conditions.
Aloe Vera:
Hardy succulent with medicinal properties and minimal water requirements.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus):
Trailing plant with bead-like leaves that cascade over the edges.
Tips for Planting and Maintaining Terrarium Plants
Choose the Right Container:
Closed terrariums retain humidity and are ideal for tropical plants.
Open terrariums allow for better air circulation, suitable for succulents and cacti.
Prepare the Substrate:
Use a well-draining substrate mix suitable for the selected plants.
For closed terrariums, a mix of organic soil, coconut coir, and sphagnum moss works well.
For open terrariums, use a mix of cactus soil and sand for better drainage.
Layering:
Add a layer of pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom for drainage.
Cover with a layer of mesh to separate the drainage layer from the soil.
Planting:
Arrange plants thoughtfully, with taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front.
Ensure plants have enough space to grow without overcrowding.
Watering:
Closed terrariums require minimal watering due to retained humidity.
Open terrariums need more frequent watering, especially for succulents and cacti.
Lighting:
Provide adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight for closed terrariums to prevent overheating.
Succulents and cacti in open terrariums thrive with bright, indirect light.
Maintenance:
Regularly prune dead or overgrown parts to keep the terrarium looking neat.
Monitor for pests and mold, addressing issues promptly.
By selecting the right plants and providing proper care, you can create a beautiful, thriving terrarium that brings a piece of nature into your home.
And of course the Clean up CrewEdit