Terrarium Plants: The Ultimate Guide
Terrariums are miniature gardens housed within glass containers, offering an easy way to add greenery to your home. Whether you prefer an open terrarium filled with succulents or a closed one that mimics a rainforest, terrariums are low-maintenance, stylish, and perfect for all plant enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the best plants to setting up and maintaining your terrarium.
Best Plants for Terrariums
The type of plants you choose depends on the style of your terrarium—open, closed, or vivarium. Here’s a breakdown:
Small Terrarium Plants
Small terrariums thrive with compact plants that require minimal space. These include:
- Mosses: Great for creating a lush green base.
- Ferns: Ideal for humid environments.
- Baby’s Tears: A trailing plant perfect for softening edges.
Closed Terrarium Plants
Closed terrariums create a high-humidity environment, ideal for tropical plants like:
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Known for its colorful veins and vibrant leaves.
- Ferns: Thrive in moist and shaded conditions.
- Peperomia: Compact and easy to care for in humid environments.
Vivarium Plants
If you're building a vivarium (a habitat for reptiles or amphibians), consider plants like:
- Bromeliads: Hardy and vibrant tropical plants.
- Orchids: Add a touch of elegance with their exotic blooms.
- Epiphytes: Air plants that grow without soil, perfect for attaching to wood or rocks.
Table of Plant Types and Characteristics
| Type | Best Plant Options | Care Needs | Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Terrarium | Moss, ferns, baby’s tears | Low light, moist soil | Open or closed terrariums |
| Closed Terrarium | Fittonia, ferns, peperomias | High humidity, indirect light | Closed terrariums |
| Vivarium Plants | Bromeliads, orchids, epiphytes | Moderate to high humidity, bright indirect light | Vivariums |
| Succulents | Echeveria, jade plants, haworthia | Bright light, well-draining soil | Open terrariums |
| Carnivorous Plants | Venus flytraps, pitcher plants | Distilled water, nutrient-poor soil | Open or specialized terrariums |
How to Create and Maintain Terrariums
How to Make a Succulent Terrarium
Succulents are perfect for open terrariums due to their love of bright light and dry conditions.
Materials Needed:
- A glass container (open top).
- Well-draining soil.
- Gravel or small stones for drainage.
- Succulents (e.g., echeveria, jade plant).
- Decorative elements like moss or pebbles.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Add a layer of gravel for drainage.
- Cover with a thin layer of activated charcoal to prevent odors.
- Add succulent soil and plant your succulents.
- Finish with decorative elements.
Maintenance Tips:
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water sparingly; succulents prefer dry conditions.
How to Make a Terrarium for Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants, like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants, require special care.
Materials Needed:
- A glass container (open or closed, depending on the species).
- Low-nutrient soil (e.g., peat moss and sand).
- Distilled or rainwater (tap water can harm them).
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Add a drainage layer of gravel.
- Fill with nutrient-poor soil.
- Plant the carnivorous plants.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
Maintenance Tips for Terrariums
Taking care of your terrarium is essential to ensure that the plants thrive. Here are some general maintenance tips to keep your plants healthy:
- Watering: Be careful not to overwater your plants. In most cases, a light misting once or twice a week is sufficient. Succulents and carnivorous plants, in particular, require less water, while tropical plants thrive in more humid conditions.
- Light: Ensure your terrarium receives the proper amount of light. Succulents need bright, indirect sunlight, while tropical plants prefer moderate light. Too much direct sunlight can cause your plants to burn, especially in closed terrariums.
- Temperature: Keep your terrarium in a place with a stable temperature. Most plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing the terrarium in a drafty area or near heat sources.
- Cleaning: Occasionally wipe the glass of the terrarium to prevent dust buildup. Also, trim any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When setting up and caring for your terrarium, it's easy to make a few mistakes. Here are some of the most common ones to avoid:
- Overwatering: This is a common issue, especially in closed terrariums. Be sure to monitor the humidity levels and adjust watering accordingly.
- Choosing the Wrong Plants: Not all plants are suitable for terrariums. For example, succulents need dry conditions, while tropical plants thrive in high humidity.
- Placing the Terrarium in Direct Sunlight: While plants need light, direct sunlight can lead to overheating and plant damage. Always opt for indirect light.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can UVB light grow plants in a terrarium?
UVB light can help grow plants, but it is primarily necessary for plants that require additional UV exposure, like carnivorous plants. However, most common terrarium plants thrive in indirect light and don’t require UVB lighting.
2. What are the best plants for a terrarium?
Some of the best plants for terrariums include ferns, mosses, baby’s tears, peperomias, and succulents like echeveria. For closed terrariums, fittonia and ferns are ideal. Carnivorous plants also make an interesting addition for open terrariums.
3. How do you make a succulent plant terrarium?
To create a succulent terrarium, you need a glass container, well-draining soil, succulents like echeveria or jade plants, and decorative elements like gravel or pebbles. Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light and require minimal watering.
4. What are good plants for a closed terrarium?
Plants that thrive in high humidity are perfect for closed terrariums, such as ferns, moss, fittonia, and peperomias. These plants love the moist environment inside a closed terrarium.
5. How do you plant a succulent in a terrarium?
To plant a succulent, start by adding a drainage layer (such as gravel), followed by succulent soil. Place your succulent on top and add decorative elements. Water sparingly and ensure it gets bright, indirect light.
6. How do you make a terrarium for carnivorous plants?
Carnivorous plants require specific care. Use low-nutrient soil (such as peat moss and sand), a glass container, and distilled or rainwater. Mist regularly and place the terrarium in bright, indirect light. Ensure humidity is maintained.
Conclusion
Creating and maintaining a terrarium can be a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing the right plants, setting up the terrarium correctly, and following proper care guidelines, you'll have a thriving indoor garden that adds a touch of nature to your home. Remember to research the specific needs of the plants you choose and be patient—terrariums are low-maintenance, but they still require some attention to flourish.
Final Tips
- Always check the water levels in your terrarium and ensure the plants are not sitting in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot.
- Keep the environment as close as possible to the natural conditions the plants need to thrive.
- If you're using a closed terrarium, keep the lid on to maintain humidity, but allow some airflow to prevent mold growth.
