“Terrariums provide a way for you to connect with nature in your home in a tiny little world,” says Megan George, author of Modern Terrarium Studio and co-founder of The Zen Succulent shop in Durham, North Carolina. Many types of glass containers can be used to make terrariums, including orbs and empty aquariums, or even Mason jars or coffee pots. Besides being fun to put together, terrariums tend to be low maintenance and require less water and fertilizer than open-air houseplants. Terrariums can also create the right conditions for finicky plants that might otherwise struggle in your home or apartment. There are two main types of terrariums: For a typical 6- to 8-inch container, George recommends going with no more than three to four plants that are in 2- to 4-inch pots. Failla notes that many nurseries will have separate terrarium sections filled with these tiny varieties. (Pro tip: She’ll always poke around this section, even if she’s not looking for a terrarium since it often holds rare plant varieties that are hard to find elsewhere.) Your container type will also dictate the plants you pick. Closed terrariums are best for moisture-lovers like ferns, while open terrariums are better for dry desert plants. Since these two plant types have such different care needs, you don’t want to mix them in the same terrarium. Before too long, one of them is bound to get unhappy with the conditions! Best for: Open terrarium “Those are excellent plants for terrariums and they’re really calling to me at the moment,” says George. “Even if you don’t have a bright space, these are succulents that can thrive in lower light.” Place these spotted, spiky numbers in an open terrarium that gets at least some bright, indirect light to create a nice green centerpiece for your desert scene. Succulents Box Zebra Plant ($5.65) Best for: Open terrarium These prickly, circular cactuses can add an unexpected element to an open terrarium. A true desert plant native to Mexico, the Devil’s Tongue can take plenty of sunshine and likes its soil to completely dry out between waterings. Just be careful of its red spines when you’re tending to your terrarium. As the name suggests, they are prickly! Etsy 2.5" Devil’s Tongue Barrel Cactus ($8.99) Best for: Open terrarium Looking to add a pop of color to your open terrarium? George loves the look of these pale blue succulents. Like the Devil’s Tongue, it’s drought-resistant and can take plenty of sunlight. Succulents Box Senecio Blue Chalk Sticks ($5.65) Best for: Open terrarium There are hundreds of air plant varieties out there—any of which would make for a nice finishing touch on your open terrarium. Since these plants naturally grow on trees and shrubs in the wild, they don’t need to be rooted in soil. Just give them the occasional light misting so they keep their color and funky shape. Air Plant Supply Co. Air Plants ($24.75) Best for: Closed terrarium Any type of small fern should enjoy the warm, moist conditions of a closed terrarium, though Failla is partial to the Heart Leaf because of the unique shape of its deep green leaves. This fern appreciates bright but indirect sun and doesn’t like to have “wet feet” or sit in water for too long, so be sure to give its soil plenty of time to dry out between waterings. Etsy 2" Mini Fern ($9) Best for: Closed terrarium This is one popular plant that doesn’t love the dry conditions of most homes but will thrive in a humid closed terrarium. Failla notes that its striking veined leaf pattern, which comes in different shades of pink and white, would make for a pretty pop of color in a more tropical display. Verdant Lyfe Red Nerve Plant ($12) Best for: Closed terrarium Climbing—or, in the case of terrariums, crawling—plants can quickly grow to cover a wide area and will lend an extra layer of greenery to your design. Plant this low-maintenance Pilea variety, a favorite of Failla’s, next to the taller tropical plants in your closed terrarium to give the scene an even lusher look. Verdant Life Pilea Glauca ($12) Best for: Closed terrarium George loves the look of this dainty plant that has foliage resembling little buttons, noting that it will add beauty and bounce to your display as it grows. Native to tropical regions in Asia, it’s easy to care for and will also appreciate the moist conditions of a closed terrarium. Lively Root Lemon Button Fern ($38) Best for: Closed terrarium The Jewel Orchid has a super-unique look, with networks of light veins that run through dark leaves, almost resembling an electric current (hence the “lightning” nickname!). Failla notes that this is another plant that is tricky to grow in most homes but can thrive in a closed terrarium, and it would be a striking complement to darker ferns and crawling plants. Rooted Lightning Jewel Orchid ($35) Best for: Closed terrarium The fluffy, wispy asparagus fern would lend a nice texture to any tropical display, and it’s super easy to care for. Failla shares that she’s kept one in a terrarium for over a year now and it’s still going strong in its glass home. Etsy Asparagus Fern ($5.99) Best for: Closed terrarium or open terrarium Finally, a lovely little String of Turtles would provide some nice soil cover for your closed terrarium. It’s another crawling plant that often comes in small sizes and is relatively adaptable and easygoing. It’s actually a semi-succulent with thick, waxy leaves that store water, so it may also survive in an open terrarium with proper care. Etsy String of Turtles ($12) If your soil does look and feel dry, give your plants a tiny drink. George says that 1 to 2 tablespoons of water per succulent should be plenty, while tropical varieties may need a bit more. If the plants in your terrarium start to lose leaves or look mushy, it could be a sign you’ve overwatered. Eventually, some plants might outgrow the space entirely—which is something to celebrate! Once your plant graduates from its glass home, George notes you can move it to a larger terrarium or give it its own fresh pot. Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
