Terrarium plants are a creative way to enjoy greenery in a compact space. These mini ecosystems look like tiny greenhouses inside glass jars, and they bring a touch of magic into any corner of your home.
Not only are they low-maintenance, but they also save space while showing off the natural beauty of your plants. You can mix textures, colors, and shapes to create your own living display that feels unique and personal.
Before you get started, let’s explore some of the best plants you can grow in terrariums and how to care for them.
#1 Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
The nerve plant is a showstopper with its striking, veined leaves in pink, white, or red. It loves moisture and thrives in the humid environment of a closed terrarium.
Keep the soil consistently damp but never soggy. Place it in bright, indirect light to keep the leaves vibrant. Mist lightly if the air in your home is too dry.
#2 Pothos
Pothos brings charm with its trailing, heart-shaped leaves that spill beautifully over the edges of a terrarium. It’s one of the easiest plants to care for, needing only moderate light and occasional watering.
Trim the vines when they get too long to keep the shape tidy. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep their shine.
#3 Succulents
Succulents are the ultimate low-care plants, storing water in their fleshy leaves. They prefer open terrariums with good airflow and lots of sunlight.
Let the soil dry out fully before watering again. Use a sandy or cactus mix for best results. Rotate the terrarium now and then so each side gets even light.
#4 African Violet
African violets reward you with blooms in shades of purple, pink, or white that brighten up any terrarium. They dislike water on their leaves, so water at the base or use a wick system.
Choose an open terrarium to avoid leaf rot from trapped humidity. Place in a well-lit spot, but avoid direct midday sun. Feed with a diluted fertilizer to encourage flowers.
#5 Cacti
Cacti are perfect for a sunny terrarium with an open top to keep humidity low. Their unique shapes and spines make them stand out as living sculptures.
Use gritty soil to prevent root rot and avoid overwatering. A soak-and-dry method works best, letting the soil dry completely between waterings. Group different varieties for a desert-inspired look.
#6 Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants don’t need soil, which makes them fascinating to display in glass terrariums. They absorb moisture and nutrients directly through their leaves.
Dunk them in water for 20–30 minutes once a week, then let them dry fully before placing them back. Keep them in bright, indirect light and make sure there’s good air circulation. A few decorative stones or moss can make the setup even prettier.
#7 Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants adapt to many environments, making them a reliable choice for terrariums. Their arching green-and-white leaves create movement and a fresh feel.
Water them lightly when the topsoil feels dry. If the terrarium is small, trim back the plantlets to keep them neat. They also help clean the air, adding an extra benefit to your space.
#8 Peperomia
Peperomia has thick, waxy leaves that come in a range of shapes and patterns, adding texture to your terrarium. It enjoys moderate light and evenly moist soil, but doesn’t like to sit in water.
Water sparingly and allow the topsoil to dry slightly before the next drink. A terrarium keeps the humidity just right for this plant. Group it with other small species for a lush, layered effect.
#9 Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The polka dot plant stands out with its colorful speckled leaves in pink, red, or cream. It thrives in the humid setting of a terrarium and grows best in partial shade.
Pinch back the stems regularly to keep it compact and bushy. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If the colors fade, move it to a brighter location.
#10 Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant is a sturdy succulent with rounded leaves that look like little coins. It prefers open terrariums with plenty of sunlight. Use well-draining soil and water only when the soil has fully dried out.
Place it near a bright window to keep the leaves plump and shiny. Over time, it can grow into a miniature tree, giving your terrarium a timeless look.
