Essential Plants for Stunning Terrariums

Terrariums are a fun way to bring some creativity to your houseplant displays. You can make them using all sorts of different containers—try planting a glass tea pot or making one of these terrarium nightlights for something unexpected. Terrariums are also very easy to care for, provided you use the right plants to begin with. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best plants for terrariums which have varying sizes, colors, and textures, so that they look pleasing when planted in combination with one another.

Cryptanthus bivittatus

Cryptanthus bivittatus, commonly known as “earth star,” is a small, starburst-shaped bromeliad. The spiky plant gets up to six inches tall and six inches wide and has foliage tinged with either bright pink or purple around the edges, so it really stands out against other plants in a terrarium.

Frittonia

Frittonia have the common name “nerve plant” because if they don’t get enough water they will fade quickly or “faint,” so be sure to water them regularly. Don’t worry, though, they are easy enough to revive if you forget to water them—simply give the plant a good soak and it will spring back. They like humid environments and low light, so these plants are perfect to brighten up a dark corner of the house. Plus, their vibrant pink, white, or red-veined leaves will add a pop of color wherever they are displayed.

Peperomia Orba

Also called “pixie” peperomia, this little houseplant grows well in both low light and bright conditions. It does not need much attention at all and is a slow grower, so it is the perfect plant to plunk into a terrarium and not have to think twice about. Its variegated leaves are striking with bright white stripes which will add interest and contrast nicely with other plants in your terrarium.

Pilea

Pilea plants come in many different varieties which thrive and look beautiful in terrariums. Some species have bright colors, interesting variegation, and saw-tooth leaves, while others are bright green with small, very round leaves, so there is a lot to choose from in terms of aesthetics. There are also creeping varieties which work well in terrariums as they will crawl and spill over the edges. These plants do well in either indirect sunlight or shade.

Selaginella

Also known as “club moss,” Selaginella is a lush moss with delicate, lacy frills that make it look like something from an enchanted forest. It loves humidity and low-light conditions, so if you want to grow this moss indoors, a terrarium is the way to go.

Tillandsia

I’m wild about air plants, as you may have noticed. Tillandsia are a great choice for terrariums of all kinds as they don’t even need soil to grow. They come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and colors and are easy to care for if you know the right tricks.

Love terrariums? Check out these projects:

• Have an Overgrown or Dying Terrarium? Get Creative with a Makeover!
• Create a Gorgeous Pebble Terrarium Garden
• Make these Colorful Terrariums to Brighten Up Your Day!
• Make a Green Tea Terrarium