Terrarium Plants Guide: 15 Beautiful Options for Indoor Decor

Imagine transforming your living space into a miniature botanical sanctuary—a lush, vibrant world within elegant glass walls. Terrarium plants bring this vision to life, offering an enchanting blend of nature and artistry that elevates indoor decor to new heights.

From the delicate fronds of ferns to the mesmerizing textures of succulents, these compact wonders infuse any room with vitality and charm. Picture a cozy corner adorned with a terrarium brimming with life, where the soft greens and unique shapes create a soothing escape from the daily grind. These tiny ecosystems are not just decorative—they are conversation starters, stress relievers, and a testament to the beauty of nature in its purest form.

The best part? There’s a terrarium plant for every aesthetic. Whether you dream of a tropical paradise, a desert-inspired design, or a whimsical fairy garden, these plants make it all possible with minimal effort.

Ready to discover the perfect greenery to breathe life into your home? Dive into our list of the 15 most popular terrarium plants and let their beauty inspire your next creative project.

Moss: The Perfect Base for Terrariums

When designing a captivating terrarium, moss is the ultimate foundation for showcasing your favorite terrarium plants. Its lush, velvety texture and rich green tones provide both visual appeal and essential functionality, making it a must-have for any terrarium setup.

To learn more about the different types of moss and how to care for them, check out this comprehensive guide to moss varieties and care.

Why Moss is Perfect for Terrariums

Moss is more than just a decorative layer; it’s the lifeblood of a balanced terrarium. By locking in moisture and maintaining humidity, it creates an ideal environment for terrarium plants to thrive. Additionally, moss stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion, ensuring your miniature garden remains pristine.

Top Moss Varieties for Terrariums

• Sheet Moss: A favorite for its smooth, seamless appearance, ideal for covering large areas.
• Cushion Moss: Adds height and dimension with its plump, mound-like growth.
• Mood Moss: Known for its vibrant green hue and whimsical, wavy texture.

How to Care for Moss in Terrariums

Moss requires minimal care but thrives best with regular misting and indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry it out, and ensure your terrarium remains moderately humid.

By incorporating moss, you not only elevate the look of your terrarium but also create a nurturing environment for all your terrarium plants.

Maidenhair Fern: Delicate and Elegant

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and delicacy to your terrarium, the Maidenhair Fern is an ideal choice. Known for its intricate, fan-shaped fronds and graceful appearance, this fern brings a refined beauty to any indoor garden. With its light, airy texture, the Maidenhair Fern offers an ethereal look that makes it one of the most sought-after terrarium plants for those looking to create a lush, tropical feel in their space.

Why Maidenhair Fern is Perfect for Terrariums

The Maidenhair Fern thrives in high humidity, which makes it a natural fit for a closed terrarium environment. Its vibrant green leaves, which contrast beautifully with darker, more solid plants, add depth and visual interest. As an air-purifying plant, it also contributes to the overall health of your indoor environment, making it both a decorative and functional addition.

Caring for Maidenhair Fern in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers indirect, bright light. Too much sunlight can scorch its delicate fronds.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Regular misting is also beneficial for maintaining humidity.
• Humidity: Maidenhair Ferns thrive in the high humidity of a terrarium, making them perfect for closed or semi-closed containers.

By incorporating this stunning fern into your terrarium, you’ll enjoy a touch of nature’s elegance, enhancing both the beauty and atmosphere of your space.

Button Fern: Compact and Hardy

Looking for a hardy yet compact addition to your terrarium plants collection? The Button Fern is the perfect choice. This small, resilient fern thrives in various conditions and brings a touch of greenery to your terrarium without overwhelming the space. Its glossy, rounded leaves create a lush, dense look, making it ideal for filling in gaps or adding texture to your plant arrangement.

Why Button Fern is Ideal for Terrariums

The Button Fern is a low-maintenance gem among terrarium plants. It grows slowly, staying compact and manageable, which makes it a perfect fit for both small and large terrariums. Unlike more delicate ferns, it tolerates a range of conditions, including lower light levels and humidity fluctuations. This hardiness makes it a great option for beginners or those looking for a plant that doesn’t require constant attention.

Caring for Button Fern in Terrariums

• Light: Thrives in indirect, low to medium light. It does not like direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, ensuring that it doesn’t become waterlogged. Regular misting will also help maintain humidity.
• Humidity: The Button Fern appreciates the moisture-rich environment inside a terrarium, though it is more tolerant of drier conditions than other ferns.

With its robust nature and ability to flourish in a variety of terrarium environments, the Button Fern is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their collection of terrarium plants.

Air Plants: Low-Maintenance Wonders

When it comes to low-maintenance terrarium plants, air plants are the true heroes. These fascinating plants don’t require soil to thrive, making them incredibly easy to care for and perfect for creating a unique, low-effort terrarium. With their spiky, sculptural forms and striking appearance, air plants bring an effortlessly chic vibe to your indoor garden, while their minimalistic care routine allows you to focus on enjoying their beauty rather than worrying about constant upkeep.

Why Air Plants Are Perfect for Terrariums

Air plants, or Tillandsia, are unlike most terrarium plants in that they absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air through their leaves. This allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions, including low-light environments, making them an ideal choice for terrariums in rooms with indirect light. Their unique look—ranging from spiky greens to silvery hues—adds an exotic touch to your plant display.

Caring for Air Plants in Terrariums

• Light: Air plants love bright, indirect light. They can tolerate low light for a while but will thrive with a little more sunlight.
• Watering: Air plants need to be misted or soaked in water about once a week, depending on the humidity of your space. They’re incredibly drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture will keep them healthy.
• Humidity: These plants thrive in the humidity inside a closed terrarium, but they also do well in open containers where they can get adequate air circulation.

Add air plants to your terrarium plants lineup and watch them effortlessly elevate your decor, requiring just a touch of mist to keep them looking fabulous.

Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Vibrant and Striking

If you’re looking for terrarium plants that combine beauty and boldness, Fittonia (commonly known as the Nerve Plant) is the perfect choice. With its striking, vein-like patterns running through deep green or reddish leaves, Fittonia adds a pop of color and texture to any terrarium. This plant’s intricate foliage not only stands out but also complements other plants with its vibrant hues, making it an eye-catching centerpiece in any indoor garden.

Why Fittonia is Perfect for Terrariums

Fittonia’s dramatic leaf veins are what makes it so distinctive and desirable for terrariums. Its ability to thrive in high humidity makes it a natural fit for closed terrariums, where it can flourish under the moist, humid conditions that many terrarium plants crave. This easy-to-grow plant offers long-lasting beauty with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

Caring for Fittonia in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn its delicate leaves.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Fittonia thrives in humidity, so misting the leaves regularly helps maintain its vibrant appearance.
• Humidity: The Nerve Plant thrives in the humid environment of a closed terrarium, making it an excellent addition to your collection of terrarium plants.

With its striking appearance and minimal care requirements, Fittonia will bring a vibrant, unique touch to your terrarium, becoming a standout feature in any plant display.

Peperomia: Compact and Versatile

For a terrarium plant that blends versatility with compact beauty, look no further than Peperomia. Known for its diverse range of textures, colors, and leaf shapes, Peperomia brings a refreshing and dynamic element to any terrarium. Whether you prefer the glossy, heart-shaped leaves of Peperomia obtusifolia or the striking silver patterns of Peperomia argyreia, there’s a variety to suit every style. These compact plants are ideal for small terrariums, offering a lot of visual appeal without overwhelming the space.

Why Peperomia is Perfect for Terrariums

Peperomia is not only visually stunning but also highly adaptable, making it one of the most popular terrarium plants. It thrives in indirect light, tolerates periods of dryness, and requires minimal maintenance, which makes it an excellent option for beginners or those looking for easy-care plants. Its compact size means it fits perfectly into any terrarium setup, whether it’s a large glass jar or a smaller glass dome.

Caring for Peperomia in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. This helps prevent root rot, a common issue with some terrarium plants.
• Humidity: Peperomia enjoys humidity but is not as sensitive as other plants, making it a great fit for a variety of terrarium environments.

With its diverse leaf shapes, stunning colors, and low-maintenance care, Peperomia is a perfect addition to your terrarium plants collection, offering both beauty and functionality in any indoor garden.

Pilea (Artillery Plant): Small and Hardy

Looking for a small, hardy plant that adds an interesting texture to your terrarium plants collection? The Pilea (also known as the Artillery Plant) is a fantastic option. With its small, round leaves and unique flowering habit, it brings a pop of charm to any glass garden. This plant’s resilience and compact size make it a perfect choice for a variety of terrarium setups, from small closed containers to larger open ones, and it adds a touch of whimsy to your indoor landscape.

Why Pilea is Perfect for Terrariums

The Pilea is well-suited for terrariums because of its small size and ability to thrive in a range of conditions. While it enjoys moderate to bright indirect light, it’s also forgiving of low light, making it ideal for areas with limited sunlight. Its delicate, rounded leaves grow in clusters, adding texture and dimension to your terrarium, while its unique ability to shoot tiny seeds from its flowers gives it an extra “wow” factor.

Caring for Pilea in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions as well.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but well-drained. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Humidity: Pilea appreciates the humidity inside a terrarium but can also tolerate the average indoor humidity levels.

With its hardy nature and interesting growth habits, the Pilea is an excellent addition to any collection of terrarium plants, bringing both beauty and resilience to your indoor garden.

Echeveria: Succulent Beauty in Miniature

If you’re looking to add a touch of succulent beauty to your terrarium plants, Echeveria is an excellent choice. Known for its rosette-shaped leaves that come in a range of stunning colors—from soft pastels to vibrant hues—Echeveria brings a modern and clean aesthetic to any terrarium. These miniature succulents are perfect for creating a desert-inspired look, or they can add contrast to the lush greens of other terrarium plants.

Why Echeveria is Perfect for Terrariums

Echeveria thrives in the dry, well-drained conditions typical of terrariums designed for succulents. It’s one of the most adaptable terrarium plants, requiring very little water and thriving in bright, indirect light. The thick, fleshy leaves of Echeveria store moisture, making it highly drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance terrariums. With its stunning symmetry and variety of colors, this succulent can be the star of your plant display.

Caring for Echeveria in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
• Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot.
• Humidity: Echeveria does best in dry conditions, making it a perfect fit for an open terrarium with proper airflow.

Echeveria’s compact size, vibrant colors, and ease of care make it a standout addition to any collection of terrarium plants, offering lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.

Haworthia: A Compact Succulent Star

For those who love the charm of succulents but need a compact option for their terrarium plants collection, Haworthia is a perfect choice. Known for its small, thick, and fleshy leaves, often adorned with striking white stripes or spots, Haworthia adds a bold yet subtle texture to any terrarium. Its rosette shape and low-growing nature make it an ideal plant for smaller glass containers or for layering with other terrarium plants.

Why Haworthia is Perfect for Terrariums

Haworthia is a versatile succulent that thrives in a variety of terrarium environments, from closed to open containers. Its tolerance for low light and ability to survive with minimal water makes it a great option for those who want an attractive, low-maintenance plant. The unique texture of its leaves gives it a modern, sculptural look, making it a standout addition to any terrarium design.

Caring for Haworthia in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions, making it perfect for indoor spaces.
• Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Humidity: Haworthia thrives in dry conditions, so it’s best suited for open terrariums with good airflow.

Compact, resilient, and visually stunning, Haworthia is a succulent star that adds effortless beauty and interest to any collection of terrarium plants.

Venus Flytrap: The Exotic Carnivorous Plant

For a truly unique addition to your terrarium plants collection, look no further than the Venus Flytrap. This fascinating carnivorous plant offers not only beauty but also an element of intrigue with its trap-like leaves that snap shut when triggered by prey. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to add a little excitement to your terrarium, the Venus Flytrap brings a sense of wonder and uniqueness to any indoor garden.

Why Venus Flytrap is Perfect for Terrariums

The Venus Flytrap thrives in high humidity, making it a perfect fit for closed or semi-closed terrariums. Its distinctive appearance and carnivorous feeding habits make it a conversation starter, while its relatively easy care requirements make it a fun and manageable choice for plant lovers. The Venus Flytrap requires minimal water and thrives in nutrient-poor soil, which sets it apart from typical terrarium plants.

Caring for Venus Flytraps in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight and can also tolerate direct sunlight for several hours each day.
• Watering: Use distilled or rainwater, as regular tap water can harm the plant. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Humidity: Venus Flytraps thrive in high humidity, making them an excellent addition to a closed terrarium setup.

With its carnivorous nature, striking appearance, and minimal care needs, the Venus Flytrap offers an exotic twist to your collection of terrarium plants, making it a fascinating and low-maintenance addition to any indoor garden.

Pitcher Plants: Tropical and Fascinating

For an exotic touch in your terrarium plants collection, Pitcher Plants are a stunning choice. These tropical wonders are not only visually captivating but also serve as natural predators, attracting and trapping insects in their uniquely shaped, tubular leaves. Their dramatic appearance, with vibrant colors and intricate designs, makes them a show-stopping addition to any terrarium. If you’re seeking a conversation starter or a plant that adds a touch of mystery to your indoor garden, the Pitcher Plant is sure to captivate.

Why Pitcher Plants are Perfect for Terrariums

Pitcher Plants thrive in humid environments, making them an excellent fit for the enclosed spaces of closed terrariums. Their carnivorous nature adds a fascinating layer of intrigue to your plant collection, while their vibrant colors and distinct shapes offer unique visual interest. Whether you’re creating a tropical-themed terrarium or looking to add diversity to your terrarium plants, Pitcher Plants are a perfect addition.

Caring for Pitcher Plants in Terrariums

• Light: Pitcher Plants prefer bright, indirect light, although they can handle some direct sunlight.
• Watering: Use distilled or rainwater, as they are sensitive to minerals in tap water. Keep the soil moist but well-drained.
• Humidity: These plants thrive in high humidity, making a closed terrarium an ideal environment to mimic their tropical habitat.

With their captivating beauty and low-maintenance care, Pitcher Plants bring both a touch of the exotic and an air of mystery to your terrarium plants collection.

English Ivy: Classic and Adaptive

For a timeless addition to your terrarium plants, English Ivy is a classic choice that brings elegance and adaptability to any indoor garden. With its trailing vines and rich, green leaves, English Ivy effortlessly adds movement and depth to your terrarium display. Known for its ability to adapt to a variety of conditions, it’s a versatile plant that thrives in both low-light and brighter environments, making it an excellent option for a wide range of terrarium styles.

Why English Ivy is Perfect for Terrariums

English Ivy is renowned for its ability to climb, trail, and spread, making it an ideal plant for adding texture and visual interest to your terrarium. It can easily be trained to cascade over the sides of your terrarium container or grow upwards along a support structure, adding a natural, whimsical touch to your setup. Plus, it’s incredibly hardy, making it one of the best terrarium plants for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Caring for English Ivy in Terrariums

• Light: Prefers moderate to bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Be sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Humidity: English Ivy thrives in the humidity within a terrarium, but it can also tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

With its graceful vines and easy care, English Ivy is a superb addition to any collection of terrarium plants, offering both aesthetic appeal and adaptability in a variety of indoor environments.

Small Cacti: Adding a Desert Vibe

For those seeking to bring a touch of the desert into their terrarium plants collection, small cacti are a fantastic option. Their sculptural forms, varied textures, and vibrant blooms provide a striking contrast to the lush greenery of other plants. With a wide range of species available, you can choose from tiny ball-shaped cacti to tall, spiny varieties, each adding its unique flair to your terrarium. Whether you’re designing a modern desertscape or just looking to add an edgy, minimalistic look, small cacti fit seamlessly into any setup.

Why Small Cacti are Perfect for Terrariums

Small cacti are ideal for adding a desert vibe to your terrarium plants collection. They thrive in dry, well-drained conditions, which makes them perfectly suited for open terrariums with good airflow. Their low-maintenance nature means that they need minimal water, allowing them to flourish with very little care. Cacti also come in an array of fascinating shapes and sizes, offering endless opportunities for creative design within your terrarium.

Caring for Small Cacti in Terrariums

• Light: Prefer bright, direct sunlight. Ensure your terrarium gets plenty of light to keep these sun-loving plants healthy.
• Watering: Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious.
• Humidity: Small cacti thrive in dry, low-humidity environments, making them well-suited for open terrariums or dry climates.

With their bold, unique appearance and minimal care requirements, small cacti make an exciting addition to your collection of terrarium plants, adding a dash of desert charm to your indoor garden.

Tropical Plants: Bringing the Rainforest Indoors

If you want to infuse your terrarium plants collection with lush, vibrant energy, tropical plants are an excellent choice. These plants bring the vibrant green and rich textures of the rainforest directly into your home. From the large, glossy leaves of the Calathea to the dramatic fronds of a Bird of Paradise, tropical plants can transform your terrarium into a mini rainforest, full of life and beauty. Their exotic appeal, combined with the right care, will bring a burst of natural wonder to any indoor space.

Why Tropical Plants are Perfect for Terrariums

Tropical plants thrive in warm, humid environments, making them perfectly suited for closed terrariums. The high humidity and consistent temperature of a terrarium mimic their natural rainforest habitat, allowing them to flourish indoors. Their bold foliage and vibrant colors create a striking visual contrast with other terrarium plants, making them a standout feature in your glass garden.

Caring for Tropical Plants in Terrariums

• Light: Tropical plants generally prefer bright, indirect light, although some varieties can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Tropical plants thrive in high humidity, so regular misting is beneficial.
• Humidity: Tropical plants require high humidity, which makes closed terrariums the perfect environment for them to thrive.

By adding tropical plants to your terrarium plants collection, you can create a lush, rainforest-inspired atmosphere in your home, complete with rich colors, bold textures, and vibrant energy.

Unique Terrarium Plants: For a Touch of Uniqueness

For those who crave something truly different, adding unique terrarium plants can elevate your indoor garden to new heights. These plants offer distinctive features that set them apart from the more common varieties, whether through unusual leaf shapes, vibrant colors, or extraordinary growth habits. Including these one-of-a-kind plants in your terrarium will not only enhance its aesthetic but also create a conversation piece that will leave visitors in awe.

Why Unique Terrarium Plants are Perfect for Terrariums

Incorporating unique terrarium plants allows you to express your personality and creativity through your plant collection. Whether it’s the deep purple foliage of an Oxalis triangularis or the delicate, spiny leaves of a Rhipsalis cactus, these distinctive plants make a bold statement. These unique plants often have specific care needs, which can add an extra layer of challenge and reward for plant enthusiasts looking to expand their expertise.

Caring for Unique Terrarium Plants

• Light: Depending on the plant, unique species often prefer varying light conditions, from bright indirect light to lower light.
• Watering: Most of these plants require specialized watering routines, such as allowing soil to dry out between waterings or maintaining constant moisture levels.
• Humidity: Some unique plants thrive in high humidity, while others prefer drier conditions, making it important to research each plant’s needs before integrating it into your terrarium.

By choosing unique terrarium plants, you can create a one-of-a-kind indoor garden that captures your personal style, offers a sense of wonder, and sparks curiosity in everyone who lays eyes on it.

Conclusion

Incorporating the right terrarium plants into your indoor garden can create a breathtaking, miniature ecosystem that transforms any space. From the delicate fronds of Maidenhair Ferns to the exotic allure of Venus Flytraps, each plant offers its charm, texture, and unique beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the low-maintenance elegance of succulents like Echeveria or the tropical vibes brought by lush rainforest plants, there’s a perfect terrarium plant for every style and environment.

The key to a successful terrarium lies in choosing plants that thrive together in the right conditions—light, humidity, and water—while adding variety in texture, color, and size. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant enthusiast, these 15 popular terrarium plants will help you create a vibrant, diverse indoor garden that’s as visually stunning as it is easy to care for.

So, why wait? Start curating your glass garden today and watch your terrarium plants flourish into a beautiful, living display of nature!

FAQs: Terrarium Plants