Terrarium Plants: Selection and Lighting Guide

Best Plants for Terrariums

Choose slow-growing, humidity-loving, small-stature plants:

• Ferns: table fern, maidenhair, rabbit's foot.
• Spathiphyllum 'Wallisii' (dwarf peace lily).
• Polka dot plant (Hypoestes).
• Mosses (sheet, cushion).
• Carnivorous: Venus flytrap, sundews (need dormancy).
• Fittonia, Peperomia, Pilea, Creeping fig.

Lighting

• No direct sun—glass magnifies heat → cooks plants.
• North window or side of east/west window.
• Or fluorescent fixture (cool, adequate light). No incandescent grow lights (too hot).

Setup Basics

1. Drainage layer: gravel/LECA (1–2 inches).
2. Barrier: landscape fabric.
3. Soil: sterile potting mix + charcoal.
4. Plant, water lightly, seal.
5. Monitor: condensation = good; fogging = vent briefly.

A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem. Right plants, right light, minimal intervention = years of joy.