Terrariums are mini gardens surrounded by a glass receptacle (think, fish bowl) and can include succulent plants, gravel, and moss. There are so many amazing types of terrarium plants for beginners, it can be difficult to choose which ones to include. If it’s your first go at planting a terrarium, start by stocking it with a few low-maintenance plant varieties—a well-balanced terrarium can last for years. The terrarium plant ideas in this list are not only easy to grow, but will survive and thrive when planted in the appropriate environment. In a closed terrarium without air holes, the air will be recycled and the forced humid environment will help the right plants grow happily without the need for water. An open terrarium has no lid and receives fresh air, has easier access, and plants tend to grow fast. Planting an open terrarium also reduces the risk of mold growth, which may be more prevalent in closed terrariums. It helps to note that succulents work best in open terrariums, but a cactus terrarium may be tough to manage, even if it’s open. These desert plants do not always fare well in a high-humidity environment with little to no air circulation. Read on to find out about 15 plants that do well in a terrarium—including succulents, ferns, mosses, cacti, and some tropical plants—as well as ideas on how to care for your open or closed glass garden.
Light: Medium to bright indirect lightWater: MediumColor: Insignificant bloom
Light: Low to medium lightWater: Regularly in spring and summer; less at other timesColor: Green leaves with white markings
Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Regularly in spring and summer; less at other timesColor: Green leaves with white markings
Light: Medium, indirect lightWater: Regularly in spring and summer; less at other timesColor: Green leaves with white markings
Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Relatively little water; do not overwaterColor: Green leaves with white markings
Light: Low to bright indirect lightWater: Relatively little water; do not overwaterColor: Green leaves or green with red
Light: Bright lightWater: Consistent moistureColor: Creamy ivory flowers
Light: Full shade to filtered lightWater: Water weeklyColor: Green foliage
Light: Partial to full sunWater: Water occasionallyColor: Green foliage
Light: Bright indirect, dappled lightWater: Water occasionallyColor: Green, gold, and salmon foliage
Light: Bright lightWater: Let dry out between watering, drought-tolerantColor: Red, green, blue, gold, or copper leaves
Light: Indirect light, shadeWater: Keep moist, lightly water once a weekColor: Sage green
Light: Bright to medium indirect lightWater: Varies per variety, but likes a soakingColor: Varies
Light: Bright but not direct sunlightWater: Moisten soil with warm waterColor: White, pink, red, blue, and purple
Light: Bright, indirect lightWater: Constant moisture is important or it will literally faintColor: White and red flowers with colorful veined leaves
