Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just starting out as a gardener, you can cultivate a thriving terrarium tailored to your care. Modern terrariums offer more flexibility and creativity compared to their Victorian predecessors, bringing life, beauty, and wonder to your living space.
Meet Our Experts:
– Megan Cain, author of Modern Terrarium Studio and founder of The ZEN Succulent
– Dan Jones, founder of Terrarium Tribe blog and online community
– Alyson Mowat, author of Terrariums & Kokedama and owner of Alyson Mowat Studio in London
Benefits of Terrariums:
Terrariums are low-maintenance, with closed-top designs making it easier to nurture plants that may not typically thrive indoors due to dry household air. Depending on the plants chosen, your self-sustaining ecosystem may only require watering once a month or less. Moreover, terrariums offer a unique way to display your interests and personality unlike traditional houseplants.
Immerse yourself in our terrarium-making guide before selecting your plants.
Top Terrarium Plants:
Recommended by Cain, Jones, and Mowat, here are some plant suggestions for your terrarium:
1. Air Plants:
Native to regions like northern Mexico and the southeastern U.S., Tillandsia plants absorb nutrients and moisture from the air. For a sleek terrarium design, pair an air plant in glass with twisted grapevine or lava rocks.
– Light: Bright, indirect light
– Water: Mist 2-4 times a week (daily in dry climates)
2. ‘Asparagus’ Fern:
This feathery plant, a relative of garden asparagus, serves as a solid base for your terrarium design. With proper soil and care, it can thrive and be shaped akin to a bonsai tree.
– Soil: Rich, well-draining potting soil
– Light: Bright, indirect light
– Water: Keep soil moist and mist daily
3. ‘Lemon Button’ or ‘Duffy’ Fern:
Nephrolepis cordifolia, a dwarf Boston fern variety, is lauded by our experts for its lushness and adaptability. This plant emits a pleasant lemon scent and can be easily divided to create smaller ferns.
– Soil: Loamy, well-draining potting soil
– Light: Dappled shade
– Water: Keep soil moist and mist daily
4. Jade Plant:
Known for symbolizing love and prosperity, jade plants thrive in indirect sunlight ideal for terrariums. Be cautious not to over-water this resilient plant.
***
Let your terrarium reflect your personal style and nurture your chosen plants with care and creativity.
Succulents are prone to overwatering, leading to yellowing and dropping leaves.
For succulents:
– Soil: Use loose succulent potting soil or mix potting soil with sand, perlite, and vermiculite.
– Light: Bright indirect light is ideal.
– Water: Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Cushion Moss:
– Leucobryum glaucum is praised for its round shape and vibrant green color.
– Soil: Loose, sandy soil is recommended.
– Light: Provide bright indirect light.
– Water: Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Mist regularly to maintain moisture. Consider using a closed terrarium for optimal growth.
Nerve Plant (Fittonias):
– Known for their intricate veined leaves and cool color combinations.
– Soil: Well-draining tropical potting mix or blend potting soil with peat moss.
– Light: Bright indirect light is preferred.
– Water: Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Mist often.
Jewel Orchid (Ludisia Discolor):
– Appreciated for its velvety leaves and white flowers.
– Soil: Orchid potting mix is suitable.
– Light: Low to medium diffused light is ideal.
– Water: Water when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. Avoid misting to prevent fungal infections.
Peperomia:
– A diverse genus with over 1,000 species, offering a range of aesthetics.
– Soil: Well-draining potting mix is recommended.
– Light: Varies from bright indirect light to shade.
– Water: Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Pilea ‘Silver Sparkle’:
– Pilea glauca features tiny silver leaves that add contrast to tropical terrariums.
– Soil: Use tropical potting mix or well-draining soil.
– Light: Bright indirect light is recommended.
– Water: Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Mist the plant regularly.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia):
– A tough tropical plant that can thrive in various light conditions.
– Soil: Well-draining soil is suitable.
– Light: Prefers bright indirect light.
– Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Spiderwort is a resilient plant that can withstand intermittent periods of drought and will bounce back when watered. It thrives in well-draining potting mix and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to partial shade. When it comes to watering, it’s best to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For more information, you can find the complete article on Martha Stewart’s website.
