You may be wondering which plants are best for terrariums. Here are some tips to help you decide which plants will be best for your terrarium. You can also read our articles on Air plants, Succulents, Croton, and Pilea. You’ll find that these plants will grow in a variety of climates and can survive in a wide range of light and humidity conditions. The following plants will grow best in moist conditions and will need plenty of watering.
Air plants
There are many different types of air plants available. Air plants are small, hardy plants that live in the atmosphere. Some are able to tolerate temperatures in the 50s, while others can only survive in sub-tropical or tropical climates. They grow slowly and may not produce new growth for one to three years. If you choose to leave your air plants in clusters, you may eventually run out of space in your terrarium.
Watering air plants is easy. Simply soak them in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain them upside down on a towel. Water shouldn’t pool in the leaves of the plants, otherwise they may burn. Every other watering, add a water soluble fertilizer at half strength to the water. Fertilizing your air plants is an excellent way to add home decor to your terrarium. Using this method will also help your plants grow faster and healthier.
When purchasing air plants, make sure to pick those that thrive in bright light. Tillandsias, for example, need several hours of indirect sunlight every day. It’s crucial to choose a terrarium that lets the plants receive the proper amount of light. Colored glass can make your air plants die early, so be sure you choose a transparent glass container. For best results, choose a transparent terrarium with an opening large enough to give them the right amount of airflow.
Another type of air plant suitable for terrariums is the Tillandsia aeranthos. This plant doesn’t need a lot of water. And, as a bonus, it can withstand temperatures as low as freezing. You can buy a few plants and add them to your terrarium, adding greenery to your home or office. If you’re new to the hobby of air plant cultivation, this species may be a good choice.
Succulents
A terrarium is a perfect place to plant various types of succulents. Succulents have different watering requirements, depending on the type you choose. Some prefer watering their roots frequently, while others do not. In general, succulents prefer to soak their roots, then dry them. Unlike houseplants, which need watering only occasionally, succulents require a higher amount of water. Open terrarium plants prefer morning sun, while closed terrarium plants prefer shade.
To ensure the health of your plants, make sure you use potting mix formulated for succulents. Also, choose a pot with drainage holes. Avoid alkaline soil as this can cause the succulents to die. If the soil is too acidic, add a soil amendment. These amendments will enhance the pH, texture, and structure of the soil and help your plants grow slowly. Succulents love the right amount of moisture, so make sure your terrarium is well-ventilated.
Succulents have several advantages in a terrarium. The best ones are cheap and self-sufficient. Succulents and cacti also tend to thrive in dry environments. Succulents are good choices for terrariums, as they are propagable. However, when choosing succulents for your terrarium, make sure you choose the best ones that fit your preferences. Besides succulents, terrariums can also feature tropical plants, such as ferns. If you are unsure of which to choose, try dwarf aloe or hens and chicks.
Croton
If you’re considering putting together a terrarium for your favorite houseplant, consider choosing a few Croton plants. These plants grow moderately fast and are typically compact. They aren’t easy to keep from growing large, but they can eventually grow to about 5 feet/1.5 meters. While Crotons don’t flower indoors, they will occasionally send up flower stems once they get mature.
There are several varieties of croton plants, and these can make a stunning terrarium. A variety of colors is available, including Cryptanthus ‘Mr. Rainforest’ and C. variegatum, which is also known as the prayer plant. This plant isn’t particularly fast growing or large, but it will fold its leaves at night, creating an elegant and unique look.
If you want a fern with a tropical appearance, a southern maidenhair fern is your best bet. This plant is native to tropical regions and can tolerate high temperatures and high wetness. Its variegated leaves have NERVES. Their name comes from the nerves found in the leaves, which are brightly colored. The good news about this plant is that it doesn’t grow too long.
It’s important to mist the potting medium regularly to keep it damp, but not soggy or sticky. A misting of about 1 to 2 inches is sufficient for most containers. Disease-prone plants tend to spread easily in closed terrariums, so if you suspect your plant has a disease, remove it from the terrarium and put it in a plastic bag for two weeks. By then, any visible signs of the disease will have been resolved, and the plant should be free of it.
Pilea
If you are looking for a tropical houseplant that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, Pilea Involucrata is an excellent choice. This plant has fuzzy leaves that contrast with the terrarium’s surroundings and grows quickly. Its foliage is said to resemble the surface of the moon. Its leaves are easy to grow and don’t require much light or fertilizer.
Several species of Pilea are easy to grow, but Creeping Charlie is the most common. It grows in a wide range of containers, including hanging pots. Once it has acclimated, it will grow upwards, climbing and covering the surface of the terrarium. This plant is also quite tolerant, and it can tolerate a lot of disturbance once it gets used to it.
The Pilea Involucrata requires good air circulation and humidity levels between fifty and ninety percent. High humidity levels can cause root rot and fungus growth. You should also avoid overwatering Pilea Involucrata – a little water per week can go a long way in preventing this. Also, don’t forget to repot the plant after watering it.
If you are wondering why Pilea is a good plant for your terrarium, read on. Pileas need low light but they thrive in partial shade. A plant with this level of light needs less than six hours of direct sunlight. During winter, they need only a few hours of indirect light each day. You can even use stem cuttings to propagate more of them.
If you’re looking for a bushy plant for your terrarium, try the pilea friendship plant. This plant is great for closed terrariums, and it requires a moderate amount of humidity. Pilea baby tears are another great choice, and have tiny leaves and a trailing nature. The latter is great for ground cover in glass terrariums with lids.
Spider plant
If you are planning to keep a spider plant in a terrarium, you need to know how to care for it. It is not a very demanding plant. All you need to do is to water it every two to four weeks and rotate its pot. Its foliage should always be above the water’s surface. As with all plants, you must avoid over-watering your plant. For optimal care, you should rotate the pot every few months.
Keeping the potting medium slightly moist is essential to maintain the moisture level. Do not water too much, as it could wash away the medium. Once the medium is thoroughly moist, you should mist it again. This process will also help the plant settle in the growing medium. It is best to leave the container open for at least a day before covering it. If you want to keep the terrarium closed, you should cover it with a transparent sheet or plastic.
When choosing the right plant for your terrarium, make sure to consider its growing requirements. You should choose a small-sized plant that does not touch the sides of the terrarium. If you choose a plant that grows rapidly, it could outgrow the terrarium before you have time to enjoy it. If you’re confident in your skills, you can trim it to fit its container. It will be more suited for a terrarium with a smaller terrarium.
Ferns are great terrarium plants. They grow quickly and need moist soil. However, they are not the best choice for closed terrariums. Ferns need plenty of moisture and full sun. If you’re planning on keeping a closed terrarium, then opt for a fern. Depending on the type, they can grow very large and heavy. A small amount of the stem should poke out of the soil. Then, add wood chips or stones to the potting mix and hide the rest.