Thriving Plants for Terrariums: Expert Suggestions
In the world of terrarium gardening, choosing the right plants is crucial for creating a thriving and visually appealing ecosystem. Here are some compact, low-airflow tolerant, and beautiful plants ideal for closed terrariums.
Hemionitis arifolia, also known as the Heart Fern, is a charming fern that grows up to ten inches tall. This compact fern thrives in consistently humid and stable environments with only moderate airflow, making it well-suited for closed terrariums where humidity is high and airflow limited. Its delicate, arrowhead-shaped leaves add a graceful, ornamental look.
Tillandsia, or Air Plants, are another excellent choice for closed terrariums. Particularly compact varieties like *Tillandsia ehlersiana* have elegant silvery-green foliage in a rosette form that fits small enclosed spaces well. They absorb moisture from the air and thrive in high humidity but require some airflow to avoid rot. With bright indirect light and occasional misting, they are exquisite and low-maintenance for terrarium displays.
Selaginella uncinata, known as the Peacock Plant, is a hardy, vibrant terrarium plant that acts more like a vine. Its iridescent blue foliage makes it a standout choice for terrariums. The Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') is a popular and versatile choice for smaller closed terrariums.
Pilea Moon Valley (Pilea mollis) is a more compact and prettier alternative to the Aluminum Plant (Friendship Plant). Fittonia sp. are tropical evergreen perennials with delicately veined leaves and can grow to about 6 inches high. Both are excellent choices for closed terrariums.
The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a tiny, easy-to-grow vine that's popular in terrarium, succulent, and houseplant worlds. It's worth noting that String of Turtles is easy to propagate, even from a leaf cutting.
Lastly, Pilea glauca 'Aquamarine' is a small, delicate terrarium vine with dainty metallic gray-green leaves, often used for ground cover or as an accent piece. These plants, along with Ficus pumila, which thrives in humid and moist conditions and is a popular choice in naturalistic terrariums, combine aesthetic beauty and tolerance for low airflow and high humidity typical of closed glass environments.
When selecting plants for closed terrariums, it's essential to remember that most succulents are generally not suitable due to their need for dry, well-ventilated environments and intolerance of high moisture and stagnant air. Common houseplants like pothos, spider plants, and ZZ plants typically require more airflow and space than a compact closed terrarium setup easily permits.
In conclusion, the best choices for closed terrariums are humidity-loving, compact ferns like Hemionitis arifolia and some small Tillandsia species, which offer both aesthetic beauty and tolerance for low airflow and high humidity typical of closed glass environments. Happy terrarium gardening!
- In addition to terrarium plants, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might also appreciate the elegant, silvery-green foliage of compact Tillandsia plants, great for small enclosed spaces.
- While browsing home-and-garden stores, pet owners may find the String of Turtles, a tiny, easy-to-grow vine, to be an ideal planter for their pet-friendly living spaces.
- Couples looking to design a unique travel itinerary could consider visiting regions known for exotic, vibrant Peacock Plants, perfect for decorating naturalistic terrariums.
- When shopping for gifts, one might consider low-maintenance Fittonia plants or the compact Pilea Moon Valley, both thriving in closed terrariums, as thoughtful options for family and friends.
