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Plants for Terrariums can include a variety of options

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Choose the right plants for your terrarium

The key to success with terrariums and Wardian cases lies in matching the right plants with your mini-world.

A happy marriage between plants and a terrarium can lead to a relationship that lives happily ever after. A terrarium provides very specific growing conditions.

Fill a terrarium with plants that will thrive in its humid, tropical mini-ecosystem

Even open-topped terrariums tend to be much more humid than your average container. The glass (or acrylic) sides add moisture to the ecosystem within – and that trait is what makes a terrarium so delightfully low-maintenance.

Sun in terrariums

All plant-filled terrariums need to grown in indirect light, especially if they’re closed or partially closed. When direct sunbeams fall on the glass, the insides can bake – frying all the little plants inside (think of a closed car in a sunny parking lot).

So you want to fill your small world with plants that thrive in shady, moist conditions. Ferns, most orchids, begonias, peperomias, members of the African violet family, and many other plants (see the list below) love living in a terrarium.

However, sun-worshippers and plants that prefer arid conditions won’t thrive in a terrarium over the long haul. Unfortunately, cacti and succulents, alpines, geraniums, most herbs (mints being a possible exception) and any other similar plants fail to live long in a terrarium, even though they might be the right size for the space.

Small-size plants for a terrarium

Speaking of size, that’s another issue to keep firmly in mind when selecting plants for a terrarium. In general, the ideal plants for terrariums are in the “little league.”

They should remain diminutive throughout their lifespan. You might want to check with the experts at your local nursery before purchasing a plant. Make sure it isn’t bound to be a jolly green giant eventually. After all, even the mighty oak starts life as a tiny acorn.

However, many plants can be pruned and groomed to remain suitable for your terrarium or Wardian case’s dimensions.

Terrariums can live happily ever after

When you find the right plants for your mini-space, your small world will perk along beautifully. Not only will it rarely require your care and remain trouble-free, but your crystal kingdom will be a pleasure to behold. Can you think of a more fulfilling package?

A Short list of Terrarium Plants