There are many varieties of succulents that make great terrarium plants. These include the Pincushion cactus, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Selaginella, and String of pearls. But, what is the best succulent for terrariums? Here are some tips for choosing succulents that will live in a terrarium. All of them can survive in a low-light environment.
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Succulents such as Kalanchoe thyrsifflora look fantastic in terrariums, thanks to their striking foliage and beautiful flowers. These plants can be forced to bloom by convincing them that winter is coming. They need about six weeks of darkness in winter before their flower buds will open. You can keep them indoors in a dark room during the day, or you can grow them in terrariums.
There are many varieties of this South African plant, but the most common is the Luciae, which features large, fleshy leaves with a red rim. This plant is also known as a “Paddle Plant” and “desert cabbage,” and it grows up to two feet tall. It has a striking red bloom and is commonly sold as a houseplant.
Other varieties of kalanchoe are good choices for terrariums. The kalanchoe tomentosa is a particularly good option because it is very easy to care for, which makes it ideal for beginners. They are easy to grow, too! Whether you decide to keep them inside or outside, they will look gorgeous in your terrarium!
If you’re planting a Kalanchoe thyrsifflora in a terrarium, remember to keep it in partial shade to protect it from hot, direct sunlight. This succulent can survive in low light for a while, but it doesn’t thrive in direct sunlight. It also doesn’t like water too much, and will grow even in low light for a while.
You can propagate a kalanchoe thyrsifla plant from cuttings. You’ll have to be careful not to damage the stem, though, since it will most likely die back if you overwater it. In a terrarium, use a moist, well-drained soil and a good quality rooting medium.
Pincushion cactus
If you want to add some color to your terrarium, you can try one of the many species of pincushion cactus. You can even grow this cactus indoors, as it can bloom when given the right growing conditions. If you’re interested in growing this type of cactus, you can find it at cactus and succulent stores.
These plants will grow best in pots made from unglazed clay. This allows the roots to breathe, and the soil to dry out and store water. They need to be watered about once every two weeks, beginning in the spring and continuing until the second half of the growing season. To grow Pincushion cacti, use a cactus-succulent mix and fertilizer.
These prickly plants grow slowly and will make an excellent addition to your indoor terrarium. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for terrariums. They’re low-maintenance and will reproduce easily. You can repotted them once they produce pups. Another succulent to consider is the Aloe Vera, which has great healing properties. Besides being easy to grow and maintain, Aloe Vera is also low-maintenance.
When choosing a plant for your terrarium, it’s important to keep in mind the watering requirements. Despite the fact that they are drought and heat-tolerant, they do require a small amount of water. Water is necessary when soil around the roots is dry and when the plant begins to wilt. The echeveria is a particularly unique type of succulent and is native to the Eastern part of South Africa.
If you’re looking for a plant with a unique shape, you may want to consider the Elephant Bush. This plant is a relatively low-maintenance option, and its long, fleshy leaves create an interesting contrast with the rest of the plants in the terrarium. Another great choice is the Whale’s Tongue Agave. This succulent grows slowly and easily.
Selaginella
If you want to grow succulents in your terrarium, consider incorporating some Selaginella species. This group of plants are spore producers, which means they multiply on their own. Selaginella is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 9b. They require a moist, well-drained soil, indirect light, and the right humidity levels. The only problem with this plant is that it cannot tolerate frost. Because of this, it is best to grow it outdoors, but if you do not live in a climate that allows for that, you can consider a terrarium or a bottled garden. Bottled gardens provide a high humidity level for this succulent.
There are hundreds of Selaginella species, most of which originate in tropical climates. Because they require moisture, they make excellent houseplants. The ideal terrarium environment is humid, semi-shaded, and free of draughts. In addition to being easy to care for, they are also very hardy and will survive without much attention. However, if you do not like the idea of taking care of a plant, you can always transplant it in a pot containing the right potting mix.
A few of the most common varieties of Selaginella are the ‘Aurea’ and ‘Variegata’. Both of these varieties are known to produce creamy-white foliage. The ‘Aurea’ cultivar is considered to be the most popular, and is also known as the ‘frosting fern.’ Because of its distinctive foliage, these two varieties are excellent choices for terrarium plants.
String of pearls
When caring for your String of Pearls succulents, they need a combination of direct and indirect light. They grow best in a window with indirect, bright light for six to eight hours a day. They do well in indirect light and a semi-shade area during the afternoons. Depending on your climate, you may have to move them closer to a window during colder months.
Re-potting isn’t a hassle, as the fragile plants don’t need much water. But don’t worry: String of Pearls tolerate drier conditions, too. While they won’t require repotting every year, they should be transplanted to a larger container when they become rootbound. If you can, try to select one that is about ten percent larger in diameter than the current vessel.
If you’re planning to start your own collection of String of Pearls, you’ll need to know how to propagate them. You can either use cuttings or propagate them from seeds. You can also divide them using cuttings. To propagate a single plant, cut a stem approximately three to four inches long. Gently press the cutting into the soil. The root will eventually grow out of it.
The first step in propagating your String of Pearls is to find a good soil mix for your new container. A mix that’s fast-draining will be best. Make sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom and is slightly larger. It’s important to keep the soil level even in the new pot so that the plant stays root-bound. Once you have the soil mix and the right type of potting medium, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful display!
Elephant bush
Elephant bush succulents are a good choice for terrariums. They can grow in terrariums alongside other succulent plants, including cacti. These plants are carbon sponges, meaning they absorb carbon from the surrounding environment. Traditionally, this plant was eaten by elephants, tortoises, and goats. Its sour taste makes it suitable for a stew in southern Africa.
The elephant bush has small leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear. It is also known as Portulacaria afra, dwarf jade, and elephant food. This succulent can be quite tall. You can propagate the plant with cuttings or buy a mini version. You can prune the stems to create a desirable shape. You can also propagate Elephant bush plants using cuttings during warmer months.
When choosing an Elephant bush succulent, keep in mind that it thrives in areas with lots of sunlight, but it prefers filtered sunlight. Dwarf jade plants must acclimate to sunlight before they can be used outdoors, and over-lighting them can cause sunburn. For this reason, it is best to put the plant outdoors in a sunny location for the first few days and gradually increase the amount of sun light to prevent sunburn.
As with other succulent plants, elephant bush requires a well-draining soil mix. It needs a moderate amount of water, but is drought tolerant. You should water the plant from April to October, as it will be dormant during winter. Also, make sure the pot drains properly. If you’re unsure about the soil mix, you can add perlite to the soil before planting.