Have plants at home brings life, color and harmony, but you don't have to limit yourself to classic pots. The art of plant terrariums It's gaining ground as one of the most beautiful, original, and practical ways to enjoy nature in any corner of the home. Creating or acquiring a terrarium is much more than placing plants in a pretty container: there's a science and technique behind it that determine its beauty, health, and durability.
What is a plant terrarium and why choose one?
Un terrarium It is a small self-sufficient system It recreates a miniature ecosystem inside a transparent container, usually made of glass (although there are options made of plastic and other materials). The magic of terrariums lies in their ability to maintain the water and air cycle, allowing plants to grow with minimal maintenance.
There are two main types of terrariums:
- Closed: ideal for tropical plants that require humidity and a controlled environment.
- Open: preferred for cacti, succulents and species that need less humidity.
Among its advantages are its low maintenance, its great decorative value and the fact that they allow enjoy plants in small spaces or in low light. They're also an ideal way to learn about how ecosystems work and to provide a healthy environment for certain plants and small animals.
What do I need to create a plant terrarium?
To set up a terrarium, you need to carefully select your materials and understand its purpose. Here's everything you need to set one up from scratch, whether you're a beginner or looking for advanced details:
- Transparent container: Preferably glass, with or without a lid. Choose the shape according to your design (jar, urn, fishbowl, demijohn, geometric shapes, etc.).
- Drainage layer: Use small stones, gravel, or expanded clay balls (ECB) to prevent waterlogging.
- Activated charcoal (optional but recommended): Place a thin layer over the stones to prevent unpleasant odors and mold.
- Suitable substrate: Choose a universal soil for most plants, or a specific mix for succulents, cacti, or tropical species.
- Plants: Choose species that share your light and humidity requirements. For closed terrariums, opt for small tropical plants; for open terrariums, choose succulents and cacti.
- Decorative elements: Live or preserved moss, stones, branches, decorative figures, etc. add realism and extra beauty.
- Small tools: Long tongs, spoons, sticks, or garden trowels for handling the interior.
- Distilled or rainwater: Avoid using tap water to prevent mineral buildup or damage to moss and plants.
In some cases, you can add useful microfauna such as springtails or isopods, which help maintain the balance of the ecosystem by controlling organic remains and potential pests, although it is not essential in all plant models. Here you can learn more about the plants for terrariums.
Which plants should you choose for your terrarium? List of the best options
The choice of plants is crucial to the success of your terrarium. The species must share the same needs for humidity, light, and space. Here's a Detailed list of the best plants for terrariums, sorted by their characteristics and ease of cultivation, including both common and more exotic options recommended by experts:
- Fittonia (nerve plant): It is the most versatile, resistant, and colorful. It tolerates lack of water and low light.
- nephrolepis high (Boston fern): Great choice for creating background and texture, robust and easy to maintain.
- Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern): To give verticality and a small miniature tree effect.
- Pilea libanensis (silver sparkles): Ideal for creating green carpets or adding “scenic touches” to the design.
- Begonia spp.: It provides color and leaves of varied shapes, perfect as a focal point in large terrariums.
- Ficus line up (creeping fig): Climbing and ground cover plant, creates jungle environments in closed terrariums.
- Soleirolia soleirolii (baby tears): Provides a carpet effect of tiny, very green leaves.
- Peperomia spp.: Highly adaptable, they tolerate humidity and low light, perfect for rootless propagation.
- Leucobryum glaucum (cushion moss): Tolerant, decorative and functional moss to maintain humidity.
- selaginella apoda (meadow moss): Economical and long-lasting, ideal for the base of large terrariums.
- Drosera spp. (sundew): The only genus of carnivorous plants suitable for open or semi-open terrariums, provided the substrate is poor in nutrients and the environment is very humid.
- Ficus ginseng macrocarpa (ficus bonsai): Central plant for large terrariums, it provides a very attractive tree landscape effect.
- callisia repens (turtle vine): Flexible stem, ideal for small container projects and as a companion to other groundcovers.
- Reindeer fern, Hedera mini, peperomia caperata, peperomia milano, peperomia albovittata, pilea cadierei, pilea moon valley, pilea spruceana, ficus microcarpa, sansevieria trifasciata hahnii, tradescantia: Additional species that enrich diversity and provide different shapes and colors.
Types of terrariums: closed, open or semi-open?
Selecting the most suitable type of terrarium depends on both the design and material of the container and the plants chosen. It is essential to know the characteristics of each type: You can find more details in this article..
- Closed terrarium:
- Suitable for ferns, fittonias, mosses, begonias, pileas and ficus pumila.
- It creates a humid and warm microclimate, with a self-regulating water cycle (water evaporates and condenses, returning to the substrate).
- It requires little watering, but occasional ventilation to prevent gas buildup and fungal growth.
- Open terrarium:
- Perfect for succulents, cacti, tradescantias and plants that require lower humidity.
- Natural ventilation reduces the risk of rot, but requires slightly more frequent watering.
- Ideal for dry environments or for those who want to experiment with desert landscapes.
- Semi-open terrarium:
- It combines the best of both worlds, allowing some humidity control.
- Suitable for a wider range of plants, although not as effective as closed ones for very tropical species.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Plant Terrarium
Choosing the perfect terrarium involves considering several factors beyond aesthetics. Here we offer a complete buying guide based on the experience of experts and best practices that have demonstrated the greatest success in the care and development of these small ecosystems:
- Material: Glass is the most common material due to its transparency and resistance to the passage of time, but there are also options in plastic (lighter and less fragile) and wood (less common, but decorative, and must be treated to resist moisture).
- Shape and size: Choose a format that suits the available space and the desired aesthetic. Bottles, urns, domes, prismatic shapes, small houses, or fish tanks offer different design possibilities. Don't forget to size according to the future growth of the plants.
- Closing system: It ranges from airtight options for closed terrariums to even lids with ventilation valves to regulate humidity.
- Border color: The most common are black, gold or silver, although customizable designs or vintage finishes exist.
- Ease of access: The size of the opening will determine how easy it is to plant and maintain the terrarium.
- Price: There are already decent options starting at 20-30 euros, although custom handmade models can reach higher prices depending on size, complexity, and materials.
- Accessories and kits: Some terrariums include tools, seeds, or educational guides, especially useful for beginners or for family activities.
Best plant terrariums on the market
If you prefer to buy a ready-made terrarium or a special container, here is a Selection of plant terrariums that stand out for their quality and design: You can check out ideas for decorate your terrarium.
Top 1. The best plant terrarium
- Advantages: Geometric design, high quality glass, easy to clean and very decorative.
- Disadvantages: Somewhat high price, small size and possibility of breakage during shipping.
Glasseam Hanging Air Plants (Pack of 2)
Beautiful little glass and copper house, moisture-resistant and excellent for experimenting with creative designs.
Cefa Toys – Botanicefa Plus, Educational Game, Terrarium with Light
Ideal kit for children and families: includes seeds, substrate, stones and tools, plus an educational guide and LED light. You can complement the learning process with resources on make cactus rockeries.
