In a closed terrarium, you’ll want to choose plants that tolerate high humidity. Here are a few suggestions for the best plants to use in a closed terrarium. The following are a few of the best ferns and other plants for closed terrariums. You may also like: Maidenhair ferns, Spike moss, Rex Begonias, and Croton.
Rex Begonias
Rex Begonias are one of the most common types of terrarium plant, growing from six to ten inches in height. They have small leaves and are highly tolerant of watering schedules, although they can be fussy about their watering needs. They also like to be moist but are sensitive to wet feet. Fortunately, there are many varieties of Rex Begonias to choose from.
The best plants for a closed terrarium are slow-growing, ground-covering plants. These plants can be grown in many containers, including candy jars, fish tanks, goldfish bowls, and wine bottles. Be sure to have lots of patience to place your plants, as some containers may be too small for a terrarium. Aside from Rex Begonias, other plants suitable for a closed terrarium include Staphylea, Pilia, and Baby Tears.
Rex Begonias need relatively low humidity levels, but a higher humidity will be necessary in winter. They are also not heavy feeders and should only be fertilized once or twice a year, though you can fertilize more frequently if needed. Although edible, Rex Begonias are not recommended for human consumption. Ballet Rex Begonia is a silvery-green species with red stems and is about 8 inches tall.
Rex Begonias are the most popular plants for a closed terrarium, but you can also grow them in a rainforest-themed terrarium. In this terrarium, the Rex Begonias can grow in a pocket of bark within the sphagnum moss. If you want to grow Rex Begonias in a closed terrarium, there are some tips to consider.
Spike moss
Known as the “sponge moss”, spike musk spreads easily and grows slowly. Its soft, dark green leaves are topped with spores. This plant reproduces without pollination. Its creeping stems and tough roots make it hardy, and it can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 and higher.
Spike moss is native to the tropical regions. It’s not an ideal houseplant, but it’s very easy to maintain. A typical indoor plant, spike moss only grows a few inches high, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s best to keep it in a closed terrarium with a moderate temperature and moderate humidity to avoid draughts and dry air. In addition to the constant moisture needs, spike mosses require a terrarium that’s semi-shaded, shaded or a closed enclosure.
Watering terrariums doesn’t require a great deal of effort. Keep the top soil moist but not wet, and don’t feed your plants more than necessary. If you are a heavy waterer, you might want to use a spray bottle instead. Open the lid occasionally to check the soil for signs of pests and diseases. If you find that some of the plants are sprouting leaves and aren’t growing well, it’s time to upgrade your terrarium.
Maidenhair ferns
Maidenhair ferns are delicate, yet striking plants. They are prized for their frilly leaves and are native to the tropics. They are also known to be sensitive to drying out, but this is not a problem in a closed terrarium. If you prefer a more striking fern, consider Pteris ferns, which are also suitable for a closed terrarium.
Fittonia albivensis is a beautiful, colorful fern native to the tropical rainforests of Peru and Colombia. It is a good choice for a closed terrarium due to its tolerant soil. It grows in partial shade and can tolerate occasional watering. In addition, these plants can be grown in large or small terrariums. They also require moist soil, but they do not grow well in heavy shade.
The southern maidenhair fern is a small fern native to the southern United States. Other popular species of adiantums are the delta maidenhair fern and the Venus hair fern. Delta maidenhair ferns grow very quickly and require pruning. While they’re attractive plants, they are not the best choice for a closed terrarium.
Maidenhair ferns need a lot of moisture. A moist, but not soggy, soil is ideal. Maidenhair ferns are prone to root rot when the soil is overly wet. Keep the terrarium moist to prevent root rot. They can also benefit from regular application of liquid fertilizer. This can be done bi-weekly or monthly.
Croton
Croton plants are relatively low-maintenance, and can be kept indoors in containers. However, they need significant sunlight and humid conditions to thrive. The best place to place your crotons indoors is near a window with good natural light, because they will suffer from deficiency of these elements without adequate light. If you live in a dry climate, consider getting a humidifier for the room, as indoor crotons may become dusty and need frequent watering. If they are outside, spray them occasionally with a mist of water or wipe them down with a damp sponge.
Another option for terrariums is a climbing croton. The croton climbs to about a foot tall and prefers moist and humid conditions. It is easy to grow in a terrarium and can be pruned to maintain a controlled height. If you choose to grow crotons in a closed terrarium, you must be aware of the risks of rotting roots.
Croton plants should be misted before planting to keep the growing medium moist but not soggy or sticky. Most containers will require a depth of one half inch. Closed terrariums are prime breeding grounds for various plant diseases. In case your terrarium is infected, remove it from the enclosure and place it in a plastic bag for about two weeks to help it recover. It will have visible symptoms of the disease, such as yellowing or browning leaves.
Fittonias
Fittonias are some of the most beautiful and popular plants for a closed terrarium. These plants grow low to the ground and have bright green foliage with pink, red, and white veins. They are native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia and Peru. They are often sold as Mosaic Plants, and they have small round leaves and thin stems. Because of their delicate appearance, they require special care.
A closed terrarium needs slow-growing, ground-covering plants. Most of these plants are small enough to fit into a goldfish bowl, fish tank, or candy jar. However, if you have a larger terrarium, you can try goldfish bowls or wine bottles. However, they require patience to fit into their small openings. If you choose to use a closed terrarium, be sure to research the plant requirements of your terrarium and make your selection carefully.
If you have limited space, consider growing ferns in your terrarium. Some varieties are slow-growing and won’t grow much beyond 12 inches. They are a good choice for a closed terrarium because of their low-growing habit and low-light requirements. If you don’t have room for a large fern, consider buying smaller fern varieties and pinching out the larger ones to keep them compact.
Aluminum plant
One of the most common questions that people have is whether the Aluminum plant is the best plant for a closed terrarium. There are several advantages of this plant, however, and we’ll discuss some of them below. First, the Aluminum plant is native to the rainforests of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Its foliage is deep green and toothed, with iridescent white patches. It also grows very quickly and can be kept for a long time in a closed terrarium.
The aluminum plant is an easy houseplant to maintain. All it needs is a steady amount of water and sunlight. The leaves are large and bushy, with silver accents. It is one of the fastest growing “Tropical Club Mosses,” and it adds an air of brilliance to a terrarium or container. Another advantage of this plant is that it doesn’t grow aggressively.
The best plants for a closed terrarium are small, air-sucking plants that can tolerate high humidity. These include cacti and succulents. However, keep in mind that the higher the humidity, the more likely the plants will rot. Because of this, we recommend the aluminum plant for your closed terrarium. Its low-maintenance requirements make it a great choice for terrariums with lids.
