Best Plants for Closed Terrariums: A Beginner's Guide
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Choosing the right plants is crucial for a thriving closed terrarium. The humid, low-light environment inside a sealed container requires specific plant types that can handle these unique conditions.
What Makes a Good Terrarium Plant?
The best closed terrarium plants share these characteristics:
- Thrive in high humidity (70-100%)
- Tolerate low to medium light
- Stay compact or grow slowly
- Don't mind wet feet
Top 5 Plants for Closed Terrariums
1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonias are terrarium superstars! Their striking veined leaves come in pink, white, and red varieties. They love humidity and actually prefer the moist conditions inside a closed terrarium. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
2. Moss (Various Species)
No terrarium is complete without moss. Sheet moss, mood moss, and cushion moss all work wonderfully. Moss helps regulate moisture, adds texture, and creates that lush forest floor aesthetic everyone loves.
3. Ferns (Miniature Varieties)
Mini ferns like maidenhair fern, button fern, and lemon button fern are perfect for terrariums. They thrive in humid conditions and add beautiful, delicate foliage. Just make sure to choose dwarf varieties that won't outgrow your container.
4. Peperomia
These compact plants come in countless varieties with different leaf shapes and colors. Peperomia caperata and Peperomia prostrata (string of turtles) are particularly well-suited for terrariums.
5. Selaginella (Spikemoss)
Despite its name, selaginella isn't actually moss - it's a primitive plant that looks like a tiny fern. It loves humidity and creates beautiful, feathery ground cover in your terrarium.
Plants to Avoid
Some plants don't do well in closed terrariums:
- Succulents and cacti (too humid)
- Air plants (need air circulation)
- Large-leafed plants (outgrow quickly)
- Sun-loving plants (insufficient light)
Tips for Success
- Start with 2-3 plant varieties
- Choose plants with similar care needs
- Leave room for growth
- Quarantine new plants before adding them
Ready to create your perfect terrarium? Browse our selection of Bio Bottles and start your miniature garden today!