25 Best Terrarium Plants for Beginners
Terrariums are a beautiful and easy way to bring a bit of greenery into your space, and they are particularly accommodating for beginners. Choosing the right plants is crucial for a thriving terrarium. Here are 25 of the best terrarium plants that are not only stunning but also perfect for those just starting out.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Known for its air-purifying qualities and easy care.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – This trailing vine thrives in low-light conditions and is forgiving of neglect.
3. Fittonia (Fittonia spp.) – Also called nerve plant, Fittonia features striking leaf patterns adding a splash of color.
4. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) – Adds whimsy with its pink or white speckled foliage.
5. Mosses – Varieties like sheet moss or cushion moss provide lush green carpets that require minimal care.
6. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.) – These soil-free plants absorb moisture from the air; versatile and unique.
7. Ferns (Several species) – Many ferns, including maidenhair and bird’s nest ferns, do well in the humid terrarium environment.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Its delicate leaves add texture, and it’s adaptable to various environments.
9. Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) – A hardy plant that creates a beautiful green backdrop with its small heart-shaped leaves.
10. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) – Offers a mat of tiny green leaves, perfect for covering the terrarium floor.
11. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) – Comes in many variations with different leaf shapes and coloring; low maintenance.
12. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) – Recognizable by its decorative foliage that folds up at night.
13. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) – Fascinates plant enthusiasts with its insect-trapping mechanism; needs more light than other choices.
14. Sundew (Drosera spp.) – Another carnivorous option that thrives in bright, humid conditions also lures insects with sticky leaves.
15. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) – A favorite among aquarium enthusiasts that also works well in moist terrarium conditions.
16. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.) – While slightly more demanding, they reward with beautiful blooms even within the confined space of a terrarium.
17. Clubmoss (Selaginella spp.) – Resembles moss but is actually a primitive vascular plant, needing more water than true mosses.
18. Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Pilea (Pilea cadierei) – Distinctive metallic stripes on the leaves offer visual interest.
19. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) – This fern’s round leaves provide unique shapes among other greens in your terrarium.
20. Begonia (Begonia spp.) – Some begonias fare well in terrariums, provided humidity and moderate light conditions are met.
When it comes to caring for your terrarium plants, ensure they receive adequate light but avoid direct sunlight which can overheat your mini-garden easily. Also, water sparingly to maintain the humidity needed without saturating roots or allowing standing water to form at the bottom.
These plants provide an ideal starting base for beginner gardening enthusiasts who want to create their own little ecosystem at home or office spaces!