Thriving Plants for Enclosed Terrariums: Expert Advice Provided
Top Picks for Stunning Closed Terrarium Plants
Creating a captivating closed terrarium ecosystem requires choosing plants that not only fit the compact and airflow-tolerant criteria but also thrive under high humidity, prefer indirect light, grow at manageable rates, tolerate wet soil, and add visual appeal. Here are some of the best choices for your miniature garden.
Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia)
With its charming heart-shaped leaves and a maximum height of ten inches, the Heart Fern is an ideal choice for closed terrariums. Its manageable size makes it perfect for creating a lush, natural look in your miniature garden.
Fluffy Ruffles Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles')
Compact, full-looking, and easy to use, the Fluffy Ruffles Fern is a favourite among small terrarium plant enthusiasts. Its compact growth habit ensures it stays manageable, making it an excellent choice for smaller closed terrariums.
Fittonia sp.
Fittonia plants are classic choices for closed terrariums, thanks to their colourful veins and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Their vibrant foliage adds a touch of charm to your miniature garden.
String of Turtles
This tropical semi-succulent vine helps create a sense of scale and provides a more natural look in your terrarium. With its unique leaf shape and tolerance for low light, it's an excellent addition to your closed terrarium.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii')
Endlessly versatile and super petite, the Lemon Button Fern is ideal for smaller closed terrariums. It tends to stay more compact, making it an easy choice for maintaining a manageable garden.
Pilea Moon Valley and Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine'
These Pilea varieties are prettier than the Aluminum Plant (Friendship Plant) and offer a unique aesthetic to your closed terrarium. Pilea Moon Valley is adorable and never grows beyond a few inches tall, while Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' boasts dainty metallic gray-green leaves that contrast classic tropical greens.
Earth Stars and Little Tree Plant
Low-growing and low-light-loving, Earth Stars and Little Tree Plant are excellent choices for closed terrariums. They are often considered good beginner plants due to their hardiness and ease of growth in terrarium life.
Ficus pumila
Ideal for creating a palm-like tropical aesthetic on a micro level, Ficus pumila is a popular choice in naturalistic terrariums. Its iridescent blue foliage adds a touch of vibrancy to your miniature garden.
Selaginella uncinata
A star in the terrarium hobby, Selaginella uncinata is completely at home on the tropical forest floor. Its unique appearance and tolerance for high humidity make it an excellent choice for closed terrariums.
Moss and Other Terrarium Layers
Remember to consider the compatibility of your chosen plants with moss and other terrarium layers. Moss helps maintain humidity and adds texture to your miniature garden, creating a balanced ecosystem.
By selecting plants that meet these criteria, you can create a sustainable, beautiful closed terrarium ecosystem that thrives and delights for years to come. Happy gardening!
[1] Terrarium Digest (2021). Terrarium Plant Guide: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Enclosure. [online] Available at: https://terrariumdigest.com/terrarium-plant-guide/
[2] Terrarium Craft (2021). Best Plants for Terrariums: A Comprehensive Guide. [online] Available at: https://terrariumcraft.com/best-plants-for-terrariums/
[3] The Spruce (2021). How to Choose the Best Plants for Your Terrarium. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/choosing-the-best-plants-for-a-terrarium-1906397
[4] Gardening Know How (2021). Choosing the Best Plants for a Terrarium. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/vp/choosing-the-best-plants-for-a-terrarium.htm
The Heart Fern, with its charming heart-shaped leaves and manageable size, is a great addition for creating a lush, natural look in fashion-and-beauty conscious closed terrarium enthusiasts' miniature gardens. The compact and full-looking Fluffy Ruffles Fern, adored by small terrarium plant enthusiasts, adds a touch of charm to home-and-garden inspired closed terrariums due to its compact growth habit.
