Terrarium Plant Selection: Expert Recommendations and Philosophy

A San Jose grower with an Exo Terra greenhouse terrarium (two 26W fluorescents, south-facing shaded window) asked which plants would thrive, acknowledging the expert's anti-terrarium stance.

Philosophy: Carnivorous Plants Are Just Plants

Jacob Farin: terrariums sidestep the core concept – these plants adapt to ambient humidity like any plant. Most problems: low light, constant high humidity → weak plants. Only species with truly narrow requirements need controlled environments.

If You Must Use a Terrarium

Difficult, narrow-range species: Heliamphora, N. ampullaria, N. bicalcarata, woolly sundews (D. lanata, D. paradoxa).
Easier, wider-range: D. adelae, D. spatulata, D. capensis, D. prolifera.
Nepenthes for terrariums (slow-growing/small): N. gymnaphora, N. talangensis, N. lowii. Cephalotus also possible.

Follow-Up: Zone 8 San Jose – Focus on Highland Nepenthes

Highland species tolerate cooler winters: N. sanguinea, N. truncata, N. ventricosa, N. 'Miranda', N. mikei, N. 'Deroose Alata'. Bright light essential; grow well as houseplants.

Ultrasonic Humidifier & N. eymae

Ultra-highland species (N. rajah, N. villosa, N. inermis, N. dubia, N. hamata) enjoy misting. N. eymae fits initially but outgrows terrarium in a few years; grows well as houseplant.