Best Plants for Terrariums: Expert Guide by Tovah Martin
Expert Guidance for Healthy, Long-Lived Terrariums
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Best Plants for Terrariums (Expert List)
If you’ve ever wondered why one terrarium thrives while another struggles, the answer is usually plant selection. This spoke page is written by a true terrarium specialist—and it pairs beautifully with our design and care guides for long-term success.
Need a glass terrarium to start with? Want a step-by-step setup? See Planting Your Terrarium.
Featured Expert
By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium
Tovah Martin is a horticulturist and longtime garden writer known for her work on indoor growing and gardening under glass, including The New Terrarium. Learn more about Tovah’s work at her official website.
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The key to success with terrariums and Wardian cases lies in matching the right terrarium plants with your mini-world.
A happy marriage between terrarium plants and your terrarium can lead to a relationship that lives happily ever after. A terrarium provides very specific growing conditions for terrarium plants.
Even open-topped terrariums tend to be much more humid than your average container for terrarium plants. The glass (or acrylic) sides add moisture to the terrarium ecosystem – and that trait is what makes terrarium care delightfully low-maintenance.
Sun in terrariums: All plant-filled terrariums should be grown in indirect light, especially if they’re closed or partially closed. When direct sunbeams fall on the glass, the insides can bake – frying all the little plants inside (think of a closed car in a sunny parking lot).
So you want to fill your small terrarium world with plants that thrive in shady, moist conditions. Ferns, most orchids, begonias, peperomias, members of the African violet family, and many other terrarium plants love living in a terrarium.
However, sun-worshippers and plants that prefer arid conditions won’t thrive in a terrarium over the long haul. Unfortunately, cacti and succulents, alpines, geraniums, most herbs (mints being a possible exception) and any other similar plants fail to live long in a terrarium, even though they might be the right size for the space.
Speaking of size, that’s another issue to keep firmly in mind when selecting plants for a terrarium. In general, the ideal plants for terrariums are in the “little league.”
They should remain diminutive throughout their lifespan. You might want to check with the experts at your local nursery before purchasing a plant. Make sure it isn’t bound to be a jolly green giant eventually. After all, even the mighty oak starts life as a tiny acorn.
However, many plants can be pruned and groomed to remain suitable for your terrarium or Wardian case’s dimensions.
Terrariums can live happily ever after. When you find the right terrarium plants for your mini-space, your small world will perk along beautifully. Not only will it rarely require your care and remain trouble-free, but your crystal kingdom will be a pleasure to behold. Can you think of a more fulfilling package?
- Rhizomatous begonias (miniature)
- Rex begonias (miniature)
- Cane begonias (miniature)
- Selaginella mosses of all types
- Members of the African violet family such as:
- Chirita
- African violets
- Streptocarpus
- Sinningia pusilla
- Episcia
- Ivies (miniature)
- Muehlenbeckia complexa
- Peperomia
- Miniature ferns
- Miniature orchids
- Paphiopedalum
- Masdavallia
- Bromeliads
- Ficus pumila & baby’s tears
- Tetranema (Mexican foxglove)
- Carnivorous plants
- Viola hederacea
- Marantas
- Neoregelia
- Pilea
- Artillery plants
- Coleus
- Fittonia (nerve plants)
- Cyclamen
- Violas
- Mini hostas
- Helxine (baby’s tears)
These terrariums provide the structure and display space that pairs well with Tovah’s plant selection guidance.
Featured terrariums
- Classic Wardian Case Indoor Terrarium — timeless glass plant terrarium for indoor displays
- Barrel Vault Wardian Case Terrarium — architectural shape with a Victorian-inspired feel
- Six-Sided Glass Terrarium — geometric design that highlights light and greenery
- Freestanding Square Wardian Case — a large statement piece for layered planting
Terrarium resources: Shop Terrariums | Terrarium Design | Terrarium Maintenance | Planting Your Terrarium | Seasonal Terrarium Ideas | Terrarium Kits & Gift Guide
Helpful reading: How to Care for Your Terrarium | A Guide to Terrariums | Large Terrariums & Wardian Cases | Family Gardening with Terrariums
What kind of light do terrarium plants need?
Most terrarium plants do best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can overheat the glass and stress plants.
Can I use succulents and cacti in a terrarium?
Typically no. Plants that prefer arid conditions tend not to thrive long-term in the higher humidity environment most terrariums create.
How do I keep plants “small” enough for a terrarium?
Choose naturally diminutive varieties when possible. Many plants can also be pruned and groomed to fit your terrarium’s dimensions.
Where should I go next if I’m just starting?
Start with Planting Your Terrarium, then use Terrarium Maintenance to dial in moisture and airflow.
Is an H Potter Wardian case a fully sealed terrarium?
Most Wardian case terrariums are designed for beautiful display and practical care—not as fully sealed ecosystems. Small gaps can be normal and can help with airflow. Use Terrarium Maintenance for care basics.