Building a closed terrarium is like creating your own little tropical ecosystem. Picking the right plants makes all the difference.
Not every plant thrives in a closed environment. The best choices are small, slow-growing ones that enjoy humidity and moist soil.
Make sure your terrarium gets plenty of indirect sunlight, and keep an eye on moisture levels to prevent mold. A little care goes a long way, and soon you’ll have a thriving, self-sustaining mini jungle.
Plants That Grow Well in a Closed Terrarium
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Terrarium — Want to get started? Follow this simple guide to build your own closed plant terrarium.
You can find plants at your local nursery or grab a set with assorted mini plants online that are perfect for terrariums.
1. Miniature Maidenhair Fern
With its delicate, fan-shaped leaves on thin stems, a Miniature Maidenhair Fern brings a soft, elegant touch to any terrarium.
2. Nerve Plant
Fittonia nerve plants stand out with their brightly veined leaves. It’s a fun choice if you want to add a pop of color and texture to your little plant world.
3. Strawberry Begonias
The Strawberry Begonia plant (Saxifraga stolonifera) has round, textured leaves that look like strawberry runners. They’re a charming, low-maintenance addition to your terrarium.
4. Hypoestes
The Hypoestes plant, commonly known as a Polka Dot Plant, has colorful, spotted leaves that brighten things up. Its vibrant patterns add personality to your terrarium.
5. Miniature Boston Fern
If you love that lush, natural look, a Miniature Boston Fern is a great choice. Its feathery fronds fill in spaces beautifully.
6. Tradescantia
The Tradescantia (Spiderwort) has striking, colorful foliage and grows well in humid environments. It’s a low-maintenance pick that adds dimension to your terrarium.
7. Venus Fly Trap
Looking for something a little different? A Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)is a fun addition. It’s carnivorous and will snap shut on unsuspecting insects. Definitely a conversation starter!
8. Baby’s Tears
With its tiny, round leaves, Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) forms a dense, green carpet. It’s a great choice if you like the idea of a terrarium that looks like a miniature forest floor.
9. String of Turtles
The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) has trailing stems with round, patterned leaves that resemble turtle shells. It adds a touch of whimsy to any setup.
10. Pilea Glauca
Pilea Glauca has delicate, silvery leaves that trail beautifully. Its subtle coloring adds contrast without overwhelming other plants.
11. Club Moss
If you want that woodland feel, Club Moss (Selaginella) is the way to go. It thrives in the humid environment of a closed terrarium. Frosty Fern (Selaginella kraussiana) and Peacock Spikemoss (Selaginella uncinata) are both great options.
Small Houseplants — Looking for more plants that do well indoors? Here are 30 other great small houseplants to consider.
Dale Hutchison
Monday 3rd of June 2024
Very informative. I performed a few of those types of propagation but now that I know how it's done professionally I will start doing some of my own the proper way. I bet my survival rate is higher. I have a huge yard and have hundreds of plants all over. Some planted in the ground but many hundred in pots and they are placed around the driveways and walkways. Thank you for this great information.