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A Caveat and Affiliates
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Best Plants for Terrariums
Do you love gardening? To grow plants, but don’t have enough space? Or want to know about low-maintenance, space-efficient, but beautiful plants? If you have answered yes, this piece of post is what you need. Below, I’m going to introduce you to the best plants for terrariums that you can grow without putting much effort into.
A terrarium is nothing but a fancy word for a tiny garden contained in a jar. Terrariums are so fascinating for those living in tight places, as well as for people who love to grow plants. They’re not only a great addition to your home, but an office as well. They are beautiful, space-efficient, and require low maintenance.
One of the most appealing perks of having terrariums is they are easy to care for. All you need is to develop a CAN-DO attitude to follow the necessary instructions to turn a simple glass container into an aesthetic and fun-size garden.
Before discussing the best plants for terrariums, it would be great to know more about terrariums and how do they work. So, let’s get started!
What are Terrariums?
Terrariums are indoor mini-greenhouses. They are small, usually enclosed environments (bottles or jars) for plants. The containers (bottles or pots) used for terrarium gardens are generally transparent, like glass or plastic. They could be both open or sealed. The primary difference between sealed and open terrariums is that the former has a removable lid while the latter doesn’t.
The reason why terrariums require deficient maintenance is they are capable of self-nourishing (especially sealed terrariums).
How Do Terrariums Work?
Since terrariums have two types (sealed and open), both of them work differently. Here is how closed terrariums works;
Sealed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are simple. Within a sealable, transparent container, they form an isolated ecosystem. The plants within the closed terrariums get everything they need to sustain themselves. They get nutrients from the soil, and these nutrients are continuously recycled as plants grow.
Plants and the soil in sealed terrariums release water vapor, which condenses against the terrarium walls and then falls back into the soil – essentially creating water recycle to use again.
Open Terrariums
As the name suggests, open terrariums are open to the outside environment. These terrariums enjoy a lot of air circulation. The humidity level is also less since the water cycle in open terrariums is different from what it is in sealed terrariums.
Open terrariums are great for plants that need less humidity and dry conditions. However, they can be placed both inside and outside the house.
So, what are the benefits of terrariums?
Advantages of Terrariums
Here are a few benefits of terrariums;
- You can easily grow plants that otherwise would be difficult to grow in dry conditions.
- They are space-efficient and require less maintenance.
- In addition, they help to purify and humidify the air.
- They look aesthetically beautiful regardless of the setting.
- You can use them to unleash your creativity.
- They’re also good for health as they reduce stress and anxiety.
Now, it’s time to discuss the main topic – best plants for terrariums
10 Low-Maintenance & Best Plants for Terrariums
1. Friendship Plant
One of the best plants for terrariums that you can easily grow is Friendship Plant. This cute little plant has distinct, deeply crinkled leaves and grows up to 12” high. Low light situations are useful for this plant, but it does need some sunlight as well. If you take care of the plant, you might witness its pale pink flowers. Friendship Plant can be easily found in Central and South America in open tropical forest edges.
How to Care?
- Allow it at least six hours of light daily, but protect it from direct sunlight.
- It happily nourishes in evenly moist soil.
- It needs ample humidity.
- Keep it a bit drier in cold temperatures.
2. Artillery Ferns
Don’t let yourself be confused by their name as they are not really ferns, but a member of the Pilea family. The reason why they are known as ferns is their seeds, which make a popping sound. Despite their explosiveness, they have a lovely, aesthetic, and exciting texture. Artillery Ferns are incredibly easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them another best plant for terrariums.
How to Care?
- They love moist but not-soaked soil.
- Water only when the soil is dry.
- Fertilize every few weeks to encourage their growth.
3. Variegated Spider Fern
The shiny, glossy leaves of Variegated Spider Fern look so appealing to the eyes. What distinguishes it from other similar-looking plants is its leaves with a yellow band down the center. It is effortless to grow and one of the best plants for terrariums that you can have in your home or office. It loves low light conditions and average humidity levels. The maximum height of this lovely plant is 16”.
How to Care?
- Water occasionally during its initial growth.
- Make sure the soil is moist during the summer and spring seasons.
- Fertilize twice a month, but avoid over-fertilization.
- It grows happily in low-light conditions.
4. Nerve Plant
It is another best terrarium plant that you can grow effortlessly. Its distinctive, lovely patterned leaves in burgundy and green make it a beautiful terrarium plant. The plant loves to nourish under warm, moist conditions. The height of the plant when fully matured is 12″. Besides terrariums, it is also a beautiful addition to your tabletops and hanging baskets.
How to Care?
- It likes moist but not excessively wet soil.
- Watering promotes its growth.
- It also likes warm areas.
5. Baby Tear Plant
You’ll fall in love with this adorable plant. It has cute rounded leaves, which look so soothing to the eyes. The plant stays happy in high humidity and bright conditions. Interestingly, this plant has multiple names, such as Mother of Thousands, Mind Your Own Business, Pollyanna Vine, Peace in the Home, etc. The maximum height of it is 5cm, while it can spread up to 90cm.
How to Care?
- It does like brightness but not direct sunlight.
- Also, it nourishes happily in moist soil.
- It doesn’t like soggy soil.
6. Golden Clubmoss
This short heightened plant is terrifically appealing. With a height of just 6cm, it likes to spread. It means you will need to trim it to keep it inside the terrarium. The chartreuse leaves of the plant carried on thin stems. It is also a great candidate for hanging baskets. It likes low light conditions and stays happy under average room temperatures. The cuteness of the plant also makes it another best terrarium plant.
How to Care?
- It loves humidity.
- It loves well-drained, moist soil.
- Apply liquid fertilizer once a month.
- Keep it protected from drafts.
7. Creeping Fig
Another lovely addition that you can add to your terrarium is Creeping Fig. Its tiny, heart-shaped leaves look great to the eyes. The plant can be found in abundance in warmer areas. However, it is also a great houseplant in colder regions. Its lush green growth also makes it a lovely tabletop or hanging basket plant. Bright but indirect light promotes its growth.
How to Care?
- It likes bright conditions, but not direct light.
- Moist but not excessively soil is excellent for its growth.
- Water them when the soil is dry.
8. Peperomia
Besides being the right plant for terrariums, it is also a great candidate for beginners who want to grow a low-caring, easy-to-grow houseplant. This slow grower plant could be a lovely addition to your terrarium. If you’re lucky enough, you might witness its gorgeous flower spikes, which will provide an aesthetic color pop to your terrarium.
How to Care?
- Before watering, allow the soil to dry as deep as five inches.
- Fertilize occasionally.
- Leach it in summer to eliminate the salt left behind.
9. Spiderwort
Spiderwort is a must-have one for plant enthusiasts. The plant’s aesthetically beautiful flowers are so pleasing to the eyes while also offers something unique to the landscape. It is yet another easy to grow and care for plant that you can add to your terrariums. Some even believed that the plant is also used to treat spider bites (possibly because of its unusual name).
How to Care?
- It likes well-drained, moist soil.
- They do great in partial, as well as sunny areas.
- Water them regularly.
10. Air Plant
Air plant is probably the most exciting plant on my list of best plants for a terrarium that you can grow. It doesn’t even need soil to nourish since it gets the water and nutrients it needs through its unique leaves. However, they do love misting. It means this little beauty is an excellent plant for people considering growing a plant. These plants are also a lovely addition to the home or office.
How to Care?
- Soak the plant in room temperature water once a week.
- They love to thrive in bright, but indirect light conditions.
- Avoid over-watering them.
Conclusion
There you go – The 10 best plants for terrariums. These terrarium plants are easy to grow and require less maintenance, and beautiful addition to your home or office. Besides their pleasing looks, they are also great to remove toxins from the air to purify it. If you are considering growing a plant, these are the best options to choose from.
FAQs
Q: What plant should I grow in a sealed terrarium?
Ans: Some best and easy to grow plants in a sealed terrarium include Peperomia, Nerve Plants, Golden Pothos, Miniature English Ivy, and Miniature Ferns and Mosses.
Q: What terrarium plants need less care?
Ans: There are plenty of terrarium plants that are easy to grow and need less maintenance. Some of them include Spiderwort, Air Plant, Friendship Plant, Peperomia, and Baby Tear Plant.
