The best plants for a closed terrarium are compact or slow-growing varieties that tolerate humidity and can share the same light and moisture conditions. Good candidates include Fittonia, small ferns, moss, Selaginella, Peperomia, Pilea, Baby’s tears, Maranta and compact Begonias. These are options, not a universal ranking: check each plant’s mature size and care needs before planting it with others.
What makes a plant suitable for a closed terrarium?
A closed terrarium retains humidity, so plants suited to it generally prefer moist air and should stay small enough for the available space. Just as important, plants sharing a container need compatible light and watering requirements. A group of individually suitable plants may still be a poor combination if one needs brighter light or drier conditions than the others.
Choose by the exact species or cultivar rather than relying on a broad plant name. Leave space for growth: terrarium plants can outgrow their enclosure and may need pruning or replacement. Iowa State University Extension’s terrarium guidance covers plant selection, growth and condensation management.
9 plants to consider for a closed terrarium
1. Fittonia (nerve plant)
Fittonia albivenis is a strong choice when you want a compact, slow-growing plant with a clear fit for humid conditions. The Royal Horticultural Society describes Fittonia as suitable for terrariums. Give it bright light away from direct sun, which can scorch its leaves, and moisture-retentive compost that does not become waterlogged. RHS also advises keeping it above 17°C (63°F) and away from cold draughts. See the RHS Fittonia growing guide.
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2. Small ferns
Ferns appear in guidance from the Missouri Botanical Garden, Penn State Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension as candidates for humid terrariums. Choose a compact species or cultivar and check its mature size; “fern” covers many plants, not all of which will stay suitable for a small enclosure. Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden terrarium fact sheet, Penn State Extension and University of Minnesota Extension.
3. Moss
Moss can provide a low-growing, moisture-friendly layer. It is included among terrarium options by Penn State Extension, Iowa State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension. Mosses differ in their preferred light and moisture, so select one suited to the conditions in your container rather than assuming every type has the same needs.
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4. Selaginella (spike-moss)
Selaginella kraussiana is named by Singapore’s National Parks Board as a closed-terrarium option. Confirm the mature growth habit of the species or cultivar you choose, and trim it if it starts to crowd the enclosure. The Board’s examples appear in its indoor gardening guide.
5. Peperomia
Peperomia is listed as a terrarium candidate by Iowa State, Minnesota and Singapore’s National Parks Board. Because the genus includes different growth habits and sizes, look for a compact type and make sure its light and watering needs match its companions.
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6. Pilea
Iowa State and the University of Minnesota include Pilea among terrarium choices. Use a small-growing type, check its expected size, and leave room to trim it as it develops.
7. Baby’s tears
Baby’s tears, listed by Iowa State under the names Helxine and Soleirolia, can work as a low, trailing groundcover. Its spreading growth needs managing, so avoid planting it where it will quickly crowd slower-growing companions.
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8. Maranta (prayer plant)
Iowa State lists Maranta among midsize terrarium plants. Choose a specimen that fits the enclosure and check its light requirements against those of the other plants; its inclusion on a list does not mean every size or variety suits every closed container.
9. Begonia
Begonia is another terrarium candidate listed by Iowa State. The genus is varied, so select a size-appropriate specimen and confirm that its particular growing needs suit a humid, enclosed setting.
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Plants to avoid in a typical closed terrarium
Skip cacti and succulents in a typical closed setup. Penn State Extension says they do not make good closed-terrarium plants; their preference for drier conditions is a better match for an open terrarium. A plant’s small size alone is not enough to make it suitable for a humid enclosure.
How to keep the planting healthy
- Match the plants before combining them. Compare light and moisture needs, as well as mature size and growth habit. Do not group plants solely because they are small.
- Keep direct sun off the glass. For Fittonia specifically, RHS recommends bright light out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Check the light needs of the other plants separately.
- Watch for crowding. Trim plants that spread into their neighbours or replace plants that outgrow the container. Leave room for growth from the start.
- Respond to excess condensation. If heavy condensation builds up, Iowa State advises uncovering the terrarium until some evaporates, then replacing the cover.
There is no single watering interval established for all closed terrariums: the right approach depends on the plants and conditions in the enclosure. Avoid treating a closed terrarium as guaranteed to be self-sustaining; observe the plants and adjust care when their condition calls for it.
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