Looking to create a terrarium that’ll thrive? I’ve got 15 ideal plants that will flourish in these little glass worlds – plus a few extras that are definitely worth trying.
These plants are perfect for the low-maintenance terrarium setup you’ve been dreaming of. From lush greens to unique textures, they’ll add personality and charm to any space.
Let’s get your terrarium growing with these easy-to-care-for beauties!
1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
When it comes to vibrant colors, the Fittonia plant stands out like a living mosaic. Known for its striking red and green veined leaves, Fittonia adds a burst of color to any terrarium. These plants thrive in high humidity, making them perfect for enclosed glass containers.
Just ensure they get indirect light, and you’ll have a thriving spectacle. Fittonia’s compact size and love for moist environments make it a favored choice among terrarium enthusiasts.
2. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
The Pilea Peperomioides, with its charming coin-shaped leaves, adds a whimsical touch to any terrarium. Often referred to as the Chinese Money Plant, this species thrives in bright, indirect light. Its unique leaf shape and easy-to-care nature make it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Pilea is quite resilient, adapting well to various terrarium conditions. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary or vintage look, this plant’s distinctive appearance will surely captivate.
3. Maranta Leuconeura (Prayer Plant)
With leaves that fold like hands in prayer at night, Maranta Leuconeura is both a visual delight and a conversation starter. Its vibrant leaf patterns, ranging from deep greens to reds, provide a tapestry of colors that enlivens any terrarium.
This plant prefers humidity and indirect sunlight, thriving in the consistent environment a terrarium provides. Given the right conditions, Maranta becomes a lively addition to your glass plant world, its leaves unfurling during the day to reveal their intricate beauty. It’s a blend of mystery and charm in plant form.
4. Haworthia
If you’re seeking a succulent that doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, Haworthia is your plant. Renowned for its rosette-shaped leaves adorned with white stripes, it thrives in low-light conditions and needs minimal watering, making it ideal for succulent terrariums.
Its resilience and unique appearance make it a popular choice for those who appreciate low-maintenance greenery. Haworthia’s compact size fits perfectly into smaller terrariums or as a complement to other plants.
5. Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)
Imagine a plant that transforms your terrarium into a living tapestry. Ficus Pumila, or Creeping Fig, does just that with its delicate vines and heart-shaped leaves. It’s a vigorous grower, clinging to surfaces and filling spaces with lush greenery.
This plant thrives in humid environments and appreciates regular misting to maintain its verdant vigor. Ficus Pumila is an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and texture to your terrarium, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
6. Selaginella (Club Moss)
Selaginella, often mistaken for a fern, brings a feathery elegance to terrarium landscapes. Its lush, moss-like appearance thrives in moisture-rich environments, making it perfect for terrariums. This plant’s soft texture and vibrant green hues create a natural, forest-floor ambiance.
Selaginella’s compact growth and love for high humidity ensure it plays well with others, contributing to a harmonious plant community.
Whether as a backdrop or a focal point, its presence is sure to add a touch of serenity and freshness to your indoor garden.
7. Tillandsia (Air Plant)
Defying gravity, Tillandsia or Air Plant, thrives without soil, making it an intriguing choice for terrariums. These spiky wonders absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, requiring only occasional misting.
Their adaptability allows them to be placed in creative settings, whether hanging or settled among other plants. With minimal care and no need for soil, Tillandsia adds an exotic flair to any display.
8. Nephrolepis Exaltata (Boston Fern)
Bringing a touch of the Victorian era into modern homes, the Boston Fern’s lush fronds offer a timeless elegance. This classic plant thrives in humid environments, making it well-suited for terrariums. Its arching leaves create a soft, flowing texture that complements any plant arrangement.
Known for its air-purifying qualities, Nephrolepis Exaltata not only beautifies but also refreshes the air. This fern is the epitome of grace and simplicity, bringing a touch of nature’s tranquility indoors.
9. Cryptanthus (Earth Star)
With a name like Earth Star, Cryptanthus certainly commands attention. Its star-shaped leaves, adorned with bold stripes, create a mesmerizing pattern that stands out in any terrarium. This plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers indirect light.
Its unique appearance and low-growing habit make it an intriguing choice for plant enthusiasts. Cryptanthus adds a splash of drama and artistic flair, making even the simplest terrarium feel like a curated work of art.
10. Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern)
Few plants exude elegance quite like the Maidenhair Fern. With its delicate, lacy fronds, Adiantum transforms any terrarium into a botanical masterpiece. This fern thrives in moist, humid environments, enjoying indirect light.
Its graceful appearance belies a resilient nature, as it adapts to the consistent conditions a terrarium provides. Whether as a central focus or a gentle accent, the Maidenhair Fern adds a touch of sophistication and natural beauty.
11. Peperomia
Peperomia is like the reliable friend who always brings good vibes. With its thick, glossy leaves, Peperomia adds texture and color to terrariums without demanding too much attention.
This plant thrives in indirect light and can tolerate various humidity levels, making it adaptable to different terrarium setups. Its compact size and variety of leaf shapes and colors make it a versatile addition to plant collections.
Whether you’re new to terrariums or a seasoned pro, Peperomia’s charm is undeniable, providing a pop of nature’s artistry indoors.
12. Moss
In the world of terrariums, moss is the unsung hero, creating a lush carpet that ties everything together. Its soft texture and vibrant green hue evoke the tranquility of a forest floor.
Moss thrives in humid, shaded conditions, making it an ideal base for terrarium landscapes. It requires minimal care and complements other plants beautifully.
13. Anthurium
Adding a splash of color and a hint of exotic flair, Anthurium is a statement plant in any terrarium. Known for its vibrant red spathes and glossy leaves, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments.
Anthurium prefers indirect light and regular watering to maintain its lush appearance. Its striking flowers and foliage make it a centerpiece in any plant arrangement, drawing attention and admiration.
With its bold colors and unique form, Anthurium brings a tropical feel to your indoor garden, making it a standout choice for plant enthusiasts.
14. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
For those who love succulents, the Jade Plant offers a sturdy, easy-care option for terrariums. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to thrive with minimal watering.
The Jade Plant’s compact size and resilience make it perfect for miniature landscapes. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to various terrarium setups.
With its classic appeal and low-maintenance nature, the Jade Plant is a versatile addition to any plant collection, bringing a touch of the desert to your indoor garden.
15. Asparagus Fern
Despite its name, the Asparagus Fern isn’t a true fern, but its delicate, feathery foliage adds a soft, airy touch to terrariums. This plant thrives in humid environments and enjoys indirect light. Its graceful, cascading leaves create a gentle, flowing texture that complements other plants beautifully.
Asparagus Fern is known for its adaptability and can thrive in various terrarium conditions. Its light, elegant appearance makes it a popular choice for adding a touch of green to any indoor space, bringing a sense of calm and beauty to your home.
16. Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)
With a name as intriguing as its appearance, Tradescantia brings vibrant colors to any terrarium. Known for its striking purple and green leaves, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Its trailing habit adds a dynamic element, allowing it to cascade gracefully over terrarium edges.
Tradescantia is easy to care for, requiring regular watering to maintain its lush appearance. Its bold colors and versatile growing habits make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts, adding a touch of whimsy and movement to your indoor garden.
17. Miniature Orchids
Miniature Orchids bring a touch of exotic elegance to terrariums with their delicate blooms and unique growth habits. These orchids thrive in warm, humid environments, enjoying indirect light. Their small size and intricate flowers make them perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any plant arrangement.
Despite their delicate appearance, they are surprisingly resilient, adapting well to the controlled conditions of a terrarium. Miniature Orchids offer a splash of color and a hint of luxury, making them a prized addition to any indoor garden.
18. Button Fern (Pellaea Rotundifolia)
Button Ferns are perfect for those who love a classic, understated look. With their small, round leaflets, they add texture and depth to any terrarium. This fern thrives in moist, shaded conditions, appreciating the humidity a terrarium provides.
Its compact size and delicate appearance make it an elegant choice for plant enthusiasts seeking a touch of nature’s artistry indoors.
Button Ferns are easy to care for, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Their timeless beauty and graceful form are sure to enchant.
19. Venus Flytrap
Bringing a touch of the wild into your home, the Venus Flytrap is a fascinating addition to any terrarium. Known for its insect-catching traps, this plant thrives in high humidity and bright, indirect light.
Its unique feeding habits and striking appearance make it a conversation starter, appealing to both plant enthusiasts and curious onlookers.
The Venus Flytrap requires regular watering and occasional feeding to maintain its vigor. With its carnivorous nature and intriguing behavior, it’s a captivating choice for those seeking something extraordinary in their plant collection.
20. Bromeliads
With their vibrant colors and exotic appearance, Bromeliads are a stunning choice for terrariums. These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions, enjoying indirect light.
Their striking flowers and foliage create a tropical feel, transforming any terrarium into an exotic paradise. Bromeliads are relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering and misting to maintain their lush appearance.