Aside from the terrarium itself, you don’t have to buy anything special to assemble or tend to it. A few standard gardening tools will do. Here’s a guide to the ultimate in low-maintenance plants to include in a terrarium, plus how to make your own simple mini tabletop garden.
Best Plants for Open and Closed Terrariums
A single plant: You don’t need to expend a lot of effort to put together an eye-catching terrarium. Get a lush look by using a simple closed container and just one humidity-loving tropical houseplant that’s compact or slow-growing. A button fern or a flame violet are good options. If you’re having difficulty finding one, read the plant labels or ask a salesperson for help. An array of plants: Open terrariums feature a hole on top and are well suited for species such as succulents, which can’t tolerate the humidity of a closed terrarium. Additional options for an open terrarium with multiple plants include echeverias, tillandsias, bromeliad, jade plants, and small aloes. For multiple non-succulent plants, choose a covered container like a glass cloche. It will help contain the moisture and minimize your watering chores. A varied landscape: Flowering and foliage plants make a stunning display when arranged inside a Wardian case―a glass-paned terrarium with a hinged vent on top. To fill a Wardian case, we recommend at least five plants. We’ve used parlor palm seedlings, ‘Red Splash’ polka dot, lady’s slipper orchid, ‘Pink Starlight’ earth star, Pearcea, and miniature ivy. Also consider a heart fern, a mosaic plant, a dwarf begonia, creeping fig, and baby’s tears.
What You’ll Need:
Clear glass vessel Small pebblesPotting soil made for the type of plant you’re plantingTiny plants in various shapes and sizesWhite sand (for succulents or cacti only)Spoon or scoop
How to Make a Mini Open Terrarium:
How to Care for Your Terrarium
Care instructions depend on the kind of plants you’re using. Succulents like direct sunlight every day, while indirect light is better to keep the moisture contained in a closed terrarium. Most closed terrariums won’t need watering for four to six months, but water the plants in an open succulent terrarium every two weeks. You’ll know it’s time when the plants look wilted, or water stops condensing on the sides of the container. Mist the sides of the terrarium (rather than the leaves) with an ounce or two of distilled water. If your closed terrarium is too moist (indicated by consistently foggy glass), leave the top off for a couple of days to let some of the moisture escape.
