Creating a tiny world inside a glass container? Yes, please! Terrariums offer a perfect blend of creativity and nature, a miniature ecosystem that can flourish right in your living room.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a newbie looking to dip your toes into the plant world, these easy-to-care-for terrarium plants are just what you need.
Some are low-maintenance, others need a little more TLC, but they all bring personality to your space. Ready to dive in and create your own mini garden?
1. Air Plant (Tillandsia)
I was amazed when I first tried an Air Plant (Tillandsia). It requires no soil! This quirky little plant grows by absorbing moisture from the air, making it perfect for beginners like me.
It’s incredibly low-maintenance, yet adds an exotic feel to any terrarium. I place mine in a spot with indirect sunlight and mist it every now and then.
It feels like the plant is breaking all the traditional gardening rules, which makes it even more fun to care for. Its unique growth habit definitely adds a touch to my indoor garden!
2. Pilea Peperomioides
It’s like having a little coin factory in your terrarium! Known as the Chinese Money Plant, Pilea Peperomioides is famous for its pancake-shaped leaves.
This plant not only adds a playful element but is also said to bring good fortune. Its nature means you won’t need to fret over its care. Just ensure it receives some bright light.
With its unique look and personality, it’s a favorite among terrarium enthusiasts and a surefire conversation starter.
3. Moss
Think of it as the lush carpet to your terrarium’s forest floor. Moss is a classic choice, bringing a deep green hue that complements other plants beautifully.
It requires minimal care, making it ideal for those looking to keep things simple. Just keep it moist, and it’ll reward you with a consistently fresh appearance.
Whether as a background or a focal point, moss provides a soft texture that enhances your terrarium’s overall aesthetic.
4. Venus Flytrap
Imagine having a tiny predator in your terrarium! The Venus Flytrap is not just a plant; it’s an attraction. Known for its fascinating ability to close its traps around unsuspecting insects. It’s both functional and entertaining.
While it might seem intimidating, this plant is surprisingly straightforward to care for. Keep it in a humid environment with plenty of light, and watch it grow.
Its carnivorous nature adds a dynamic element to your plant collection, making it a thrilling addition.
5. Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
Like a delicate waterfall cascading over rocks, Baby Tears offers a soft appearance. It creates a charming mat of greenery. If you want a plant that spreads elegantly, this one’s for you.
Though it looks delicate, it’s tough enough for beginners. It prefers humid conditions, making it perfect for enclosed terrariums.
With Baby Tears gracing your terrarium, you can enjoy a touch of the wild right on your windowsill.
6. Peperomia
Talk about versatility in a tiny package. Peperomia comes in various shapes and shades, offering plenty of options for your terrarium. Known for its thick leaves, it’s a choice that doesn’t demand much attention.
Place it where it can bask in indirect sunlight, and it’ll be content. Its resilience and diversity make it a wonderful addition to any terrarium, providing both beauty and ease of care.
You’ll love its ability to add texture and depth without overwhelming the space.
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
It’s a plant that knows how to make an entrance. The Spider Plant can add an architectural flair to any terrarium. Recognized for its air-purifying qualities, it’s a favorite among plant lovers.
This hardy plant isn’t fussy about its surroundings, making it perfect for beginners. Just give it a decent amount of light, and it will thank you with boundless growth.
Its ability to adapt and flourish makes it a reliable choice for any indoor garden.
8. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
I used to think polka dots were just for fashion, but then I found the Polka Dot Plant and it quickly became one of my favorite terrarium additions!
Its striking, colorful leaves bring a fun pop of color that stands out among the usual greenery. Despite its exotic look, it’s super easy to care for.
Just place it in a spot with indirect sunlight and maintain some humidity, and it’ll thrive. It’s the perfect plant to add a bit of flair and contrast to your terrarium!
9. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
Imagine a plant that brings a touch of old-world charm. English Ivy is perfect for adding a classic look to your terrarium with its trailing vines.
This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of conditions. Simply provide it with some indirect light, and it will flourish.
Its appearance and adaptability make it a timeless addition that can complement any design aesthetic.
10. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
A favorite of interior designers, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement piece even in a small terrarium. Its broad leaves make it a standout choice.
While it might be famous for its larger counterparts, the smaller version is equally captivating and far easier to manage. Give it bright sunlight, and it’ll shine.
Its presence adds a modern touch to your plant collection, proving that small can still be mighty.
11. Succulents
No terrarium is complete without these hardy favorites. Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, offering endless possibilities for creativity.
They’re incredibly low-maintenance, needing just a bit of light and occasional watering. Plus, their unique forms make them visually appealing.
Whether you choose one type or mix a few together, succulents provide a sculptural quality that enhances any terrarium. Their durability and charm are hard to resist.
12. Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia Fejeensis)
Fancy a plant with a little extra quirk? The Rabbit Foot Fern, with its furry rhizomes, adds an element of surprise to your terrarium.
This fern is not only visually intriguing but also easy to care for. It enjoys humid environments and indirect light, making it a perfect fit for terrariums.
Its unique appearance and resilience make it an engaging choice for anyone looking to add character and texture to their indoor garden space.
13. Boston Fern
When you think of classic ferns, the Boston Fern is hard to overlook. Known for its arching fronds, it brings a touch of sophistication to any terrarium.
This plant resides in humid conditions, so an enclosed terrarium suits it well. Give it a spot with indirect light, and it will reward you with lush growth.
Its timeless beauty and ease of care make it a favorite for those who appreciate traditional plant aesthetics.
14. Creeping Fig (Ficus Pumila)
Ever wanted a plant that grows like it’s on a mission? The Creeping Fig is your answer, with its vigorous growth habit and small leaves.
It thrives with minimal care, simply requiring some humidity and indirect light. As it spreads, it adds a sense of movement to your terrarium, creating a living tapestry.
Its adaptability and rapid growth make it an exciting addition for those looking to fill space quickly.
15. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Ever seen leaves that look like they’ve been painted with a tiny brush? That’s the Nerve Plant for you, with its veined foliage that’s sure to catch the eye.
Despite its exotic appearance, it’s quite easy to manage. Keep it in a humid environment with indirect light, and it will flourish.
Its decorative leaves make it a captivating choice for those looking to add intricate detail to their terrarium, offering a twist on traditional greenery.
16. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
I’ve fallen in love with the Jade Plant. It’s like having a tiny tree in my terrarium! Its leaves and compact growth make it such a standout.
This plant is super forgiving, which is perfect for someone like me who sometimes forgets about watering. Just give it a little light and water it occasionally, and it grows.
Its bonsai-like appearance brings a peaceful, zen vibe to my indoor garden. If you love simplicity and elegance, this plant is a must-have!
17. String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
Want a plant that looks like it’s growing jewelry? The String of Pearls, with its cascading beads, offers a unique twist to typical terrarium plants.
It’s not only visually striking but also easy to care for, preferring bright light and minimal watering. Its appearance brings a playful element to any terrarium, making it a conversation piece for sure.
If you’re looking to add something unusual, this plant is a perfect pick.
18. African Violet
It’s like having a bloom party in your terrarium. The African Violet is famous for its colorful flowers and compact size.
Although known for their flowers, these plants are also easy to care for. They love humid environments and indirect light, making them ideal for enclosed terrariums.
With their blooms and simple care requirements, they’re a favorite among those who want to add a splash of color without much fuss.
19. Maidenhair Fern
Ever wanted a plant that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale? The Maidenhair Fern, with its delicate, lacy fronds, provides just that whimsical touch.
It grows in humid conditions and prefers indirect light, making it perfect for terrariums. Its appearance adds an ethereal quality to your plant collection, offering a gentle contrast to more robust plants.
With its enchanting look, it’s sure to captivate anyone who gazes upon it.
20. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
A drama queen in plant form, the Prayer Plant is known for its fascinating leaf movements. Its leaves fold up at night, creating an ever-changing display.
This plant grows in humidity and indirect light, making it a perfect choice for terrariums.
Its dynamic nature and appearance make it a standout addition to any plant collection, keeping things lively and interesting as it performs its nightly ritual.
21. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera Arboricola)
Looking for something that adds height without taking over? The Dwarf Umbrella Tree fits the bill, with its glossy leaves and compact form.
It’s low-maintenance, enjoying indirect light and a bit of humidity. Its growth habit and manageable size make it a versatile choice for terrariums.
Whether you’re going for a tropical vibe or something more classic, this plant can adapt to your style and space with ease.
22. Lucky Bamboo
Perhaps the easiest plant to care for, Lucky Bamboo grows in water and adds a zen-like quality to any terrarium.
It’s believed to bring good fortune and is incredibly forgiving, shining even in low light. Arranged creatively with pebbles or small stones, it adds a calming presence to your indoor environment.
Its minimal care requirements and elegant appearance make it a favorite for those who appreciate simplicity and serenity.