There’s something undeniably magical about terrarium plants—tiny, self-contained ecosystems that thrive in glass containers, bringing a piece of nature indoors. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just beginning your journey into indoor gardening, creating a terrarium is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy plants in a low-maintenance, visually stunning setting.
My first foray into terrariums began when I wanted to add a bit of greenery to my desk, but I didn’t have space for traditional houseplants. I stumbled upon a DIY terrarium kit online and decided to give it a shot. Since then, I’ve been hooked. Not only do terrariums serve as beautiful decor pieces, but they also offer an opportunity to be creative with plant arrangements.
If you’re looking to start your own terrarium or refresh an existing one, choosing the right terrarium plants is essential for long-lasting beauty. In this post, I’ll introduce you to ten perfect terrarium plants that will bring your miniature garden to life and thrive in their glassy homes.
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My Love for Terrarium Plants: How I Fell Into the World of Miniature Gardens
Like many plant lovers, I first got into terrarium gardening because I was fascinated by the idea of creating a self-contained world inside a glass container. My apartment had limited space, and I wanted to add more greenery without overwhelming the room. The first time I built a terrarium, I was amazed at how easy it was to create a little ecosystem that could essentially take care of itself.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching tiny terrarium plants flourish. They’re compact, low-maintenance, and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Plus, they’re a great way to satisfy your green thumb if you don’t have the space (or the time) for a full-fledged indoor garden.
Over time, I’ve learned that selecting the right plants is crucial to the success of a terrarium. You need plants that thrive in the same conditions—typically high humidity, low light, and compact root systems. So, let’s dive into ten of the best terrarium plants to get you started!
1. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
The Polka Dot Plant is a charming and colorful option for terrariums. With its pink, white, or red speckled leaves, it adds a splash of color to any miniature garden. This plant loves high humidity, which makes it perfect for closed terrariums where moisture is trapped inside the glass.
One of my favorite things about the Polka Dot Plant is how easy it is to care for. It doesn’t need much light and thrives in indirect sunlight. Just be sure to keep the soil slightly moist, and it’ll happily grow inside your terrarium.
Pro Tip:
Pinch off new growth to keep your Polka Dot Plant bushy and compact, as it can get leggy if left unchecked.
2. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
If you want to add bold patterns to your terrarium, Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant, is a fantastic choice. Its striking leaves come in shades of green, pink, red, or white, with veins that pop against the foliage, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Fittonia thrives in the high-humidity environment of a closed terrarium and prefers low light, making it perfect for smaller setups that don’t get much sun. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging, as Fittonia can be a bit sensitive to overwatering.
Pro Tip:
Fittonia can be prone to drooping, but don’t panic! A quick mist or watering will perk it right back up.
3. Peperomia (Various Species)
Peperomias are some of the most versatile and hardy plants you can add to a terrarium. Their compact growth habit and wide variety of leaf shapes and colors make them a popular choice. From the wrinkled leaves of Peperomia caperata to the glossy green leaves of Peperomia obtusifolia, there’s a Peperomia for every terrarium.
I’ve found that Peperomia plants love the humid, enclosed environment of a terrarium, where they can thrive without much fuss. They prefer indirect light and can tolerate a range of moisture levels, which makes them great for both open and closed terrariums.
Pro Tip:
Peperomias don’t need a lot of water—err on the side of less, especially if you have a closed terrarium where moisture is retained.
4. Pilea Involucrata (Friendship Plant)
The Pilea Involucrata, or Friendship Plant, is a terrarium favorite for its textured, quilted leaves that add depth to your miniature garden. This plant’s small size and love for humidity make it perfect for terrariums, where it can grow without becoming too large.
I’ve always appreciated how low-maintenance the Friendship Plant is. It enjoys moist soil and low light, so it’ll be right at home in a shaded terrarium with plenty of moisture in the air.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to share your love of terrariums, the Friendship Plant is easy to propagate and makes a great gift for fellow plant lovers.
5. Baby Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
Baby Tears is a delicate, low-growing plant that creates a lush, green carpet in terrariums. With its tiny, round leaves and dense growth habit, it’s perfect for filling in gaps or creating a soft base layer for your other plants.
I’ve found that Baby Tears thrive in high humidity and indirect light, which makes them ideal for a closed terrarium setup. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant doesn’t tolerate dryness well.
Pro Tip:
If you want a truly dense carpet of Baby Tears, you can prune it regularly to encourage bushier growth.
6. Ferns (Various Small Species)
Ferns are a classic choice for terrariums due to their love of humidity and their delicate, lacy fronds. Small fern species like Button Fern, Lemon Button Fern, and Maidenhair Fern are all great options for terrariums.
In my experience, ferns can be a bit more temperamental, as they require consistent moisture and high humidity, but they’re well worth the effort. Their soft, feathery leaves add a sense of elegance to any terrarium and pair beautifully with other tropical plants.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your fern is getting enough humidity by misting the terrarium regularly if it starts to look dry.
7. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
For an unconventional twist, consider adding Air Plants (Tillandsia) to your terrarium. Unlike traditional plants, air plants don’t need soil to grow—they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. This makes them incredibly easy to integrate into your terrarium in unique ways, such as attaching them to rocks or decorative elements.
Air plants thrive in high humidity but still need good airflow, so they work best in open terrariums. A quick misting every few days keeps them happy and hydrated.
Pro Tip:
Give your air plants a good soak in water every two weeks to keep them fully hydrated, especially if your terrarium is in a dry environment.
8. Moss (Various Species)
Moss is a must-have for any terrarium. It’s perfect for creating a lush, green base and adds texture and softness to your design. Moss thrives in low light and high humidity, making it a natural fit for closed terrariums, where moisture is locked in.
I love using moss as a filler between larger plants or creating little moss-covered mounds to add dimension to the terrarium. It’s incredibly easy to care for—just keep it moist, and it’ll stay vibrant and green.
Pro Tip:
Use a spray bottle to mist the moss regularly, as it likes consistent moisture but not standing water.
9. Cryptanthus (Earth Stars)
For a splash of color in your terrarium, Cryptanthus (also known as Earth Stars) is a striking choice. With its rosette-shaped leaves in shades of pink, red, and green, Cryptanthus adds a bold, tropical feel to any terrarium setup.
This plant thrives in humidity and indirect light, making it a great option for closed terrariums. Just be sure not to overwater it, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
Pro Tip:
Place your Cryptanthus near the front of the terrarium, as its unique, star-like shape makes it a stunning focal point.
10. Bromeliads (Small Varieties)
If you want to create a tropical oasis in your terrarium, consider adding small Bromeliads. These colorful, long-lasting plants add a pop of color with their vibrant foliage and stunning blooms.
Bromeliads prefer high humidity and indirect light, so they’re ideal for larger terrariums that can accommodate their unique shape. With proper care, they’ll bring a tropical feel to your mini ecosystem.
Pro Tip:
Bromeliads love humidity, so mist them regularly, and water into the central “cup” formed by their leaves.
Final Thoughts: Terrarium Plants to Bring Your Glass Garden to Life
Terrariums are a beautiful way to bring nature indoors, and choosing the right terrarium plants can make all the difference. Whether you’re creating an intricate closed terrarium or an airy open display, these ten plants will thrive in the unique environment of your miniature garden.
Incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and plant types allows you to craft a little world that’s both visually stunning and easy to care for. What I love most about terrariums is how creative you can get with them—they’re a perfect blend of gardening and artistry. Plus, their low-maintenance nature makes them great for busy plant lovers or those looking to bring greenery into smaller spaces.
So, whether you’re new to terrariums or a seasoned pro, these plants will help you create a thriving, lush ecosystem that brings a touch of nature into your home.
Valeria Ferreira is a plant enthusiast and content creator who fell in love with greenery during the pandemic. With a passion for succulents, indoor plants, and floral art, she shares tips and inspiration on blending nature with home decor.