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7 Most Popular Types of Terrarium Plants

7 most popular types of terrarium plants so you can find a terrarium plant that's perfect for your new terrarium.

Terrariums are a great way to bring a bit of nature into your home without taking up too much space. They look beautiful and can be incredibly therapeutic. But choosing the right plants for your terrarium can be tricky. There are so many different options, it’s hard to know where to start! In this blog post, we’ll take you through the 7 most popular types of terrarium plants so you can find something that’s perfect for your home.

Mosses

Mosses are some of the most popular choices when it comes to terrarium plants. They’re easy to care for and don’t require too much light or water—perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time for maintenance. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and sizes so you can create the perfect aesthetic in your terrarium. Check out some of our recommended terrarium mosses below. 

Looking for a care guide for Didymodon rigidulus moss in terrariums? Look no further! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about keeping your Didymodon rigidulus moss healthy and thriving.
Looking for a care guide for Pogonatum aloides moss in terrariums? Look no further! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about keeping your Pogonatum aloides moss healthy and thriving.
Looking for a care guide for Atrichum undulatum moss in terrariums? Look no further! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about keeping your Atrichum undulatum moss healthy and thriving.

Creeping Vines & Trailing Plants

For those wanting something with more of a cascading effect in their terrariums, creeping vines or trailing plants are ideal options. These types of plants add texture and movement to any terrarium set-up—plus they look absolutely stunning when arranged correctly! Check out some of our recommended terrarium vines and trailing plants below. 

Another popular indoor houseplant, the Golden Pothos is a low maintenance and attractive vine plant that is often also known as Devil's Ivy.
Learn how to care for Syngonium Pixie plants in terrariums and as a house plant.
If you are looking for an interesting and low-maintenance plant to add to your terrarium, consider the Syngonium Arrowhead.

Ferns & Tropical Plants

Ferns and tropical plants are great for adding a bit of color and texture to your terrarium. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors—perfect for creating an exotic look in your terrarium without taking up too much space. Check out some of our recommended terrarium ferns below. 

Learn how to care for Crispy Wave Fern (Asplenium nidus) in terrariums and as a house plant.
Learn how to care for Lemon Button Ferns in terrariums and where to buy Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’, (Lemon Button Ferns).
If you're thinking of adding a Boston Fern to your terrarium, here's what you need to know about care and where to buy them.

Foliage Plants

Foliage plants are another great option when it comes to terrariums. They’re easy to care for and they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors—perfect for creating a lush look in your terrarium without taking up too much space. Check out some of our recommended terrarium foliage plants below. 

Learn how to care for Crispy Wave Fern (Asplenium nidus) in terrariums and as a house plant.
Learn how to care for Lemon Button Ferns in terrariums and where to buy Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’, (Lemon Button Ferns).
If you're thinking of adding a Boston Fern to your terrarium, here's what you need to know about care and where to buy them.

Orchids

Orchids are some of the most popular terrarium plants, thanks to their vibrant colors and unique shapes. While they do require a bit more care than other terrarium plants, with the right setup you can create an exotic look that will bring life to your home for years to come. Check out some of our recommended terrarium Orchids below. 

One of the smallest Orchid varieties you can find, the minature Masdevallia Corazonica is an epiphyte, orginally found in Ecuador.
A popular terrarium plant, Dracula Orchids thrive in humidity of 75% to 80% and cool temperatures of 50 to 77F (10 to 25 C).
Lightning Jewel Orchids make for a spectacular terrarium plant thanks to their impressive and unique leafy foliage. For this reason, Lightning Jewel Orchids are often grown as indoor plants.

Air Plants

Air plants are a great choice for those wanting something that requires even less maintenance. These plants don’t need soil to grow and get all their nutrients from the air—making them perfect for terrariums! Popular choices include Tillandsia Ionantha (also known as Sky Plant), Tillandsia Xerographica, and Tillandsia. Be careful with air plants in terrariums; too much moisture can cause them to rot. Check out some of our recommended terrarium air plants below. 

A popular air plant variety of the Tillandsia Species. These flowering air plants feature wiggly green leaves and a bright red flower when in bloom.
Tillandsia lonantha are known for their thick, curving leaves and for being one of the most attractive of the Tillandsia Species of air plants.
An amazing low maintenance air plant, the Tillandsia Streptophylla features curly green leaves and is often referred to as the Shirley Temple plant.

Carnivorous Plants

Last but not least, carnivorous plants are a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit more unusual. These plants get their nutrition from insects and other small animals, so they require very little care and maintenance—perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time tending to their terrariums. Popular varieties include Venus Fly Trap, Sundew Plant, and Pitcher Plant.

Grow your own Dewy Pine carnivorous plants inside a terrarium with these simple tips for care.
Grow your own Bladderworts carnivorous plants inside a terrarium with these simple tips for care.
Butterworts are tiny and compact, great for terrariums due to their small size and unique flowering.

Where can I find terrarium plants?

Terrarium plants are readily available online from a variety of retailers. If you’re looking for something specific, try searching for the exact species or variety name on a reputable retail website. You can also check out specialty nurseries and gardens for more unusual varieties.

  • Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find terrarium plants online. Many sellers specialize in rare and unusual varieties, so it’s a great place to look if you’re looking for something unique.
  • Amazon: Amazon has a wide selection of terrarium plants available for purchase. You can also find all sorts of potential accessories, like rocks, moss, and soil.
  • eBay: eBay is another great resource for terrarium plants. There are often rare and unusual varieties available from private sellers, which can be a great way to add something unique to your setup.
  • Local Nurseries: Nurseries and garden centers usually carry a wide selection of terrarium plants, so it’s worth checking out if you want to find something local.
  • Other Specialty Shops: You can also find terrarium plants at specialty shops, like pet stores and aquariums. These shops often have a wide variety of plants to choose from, so it’s worth exploring if you’re looking for something specific.

When it comes to finding the perfect plant for your terrarium there is no one size fits all solution—it’s all about personal preference! Whether you prefer mosses, ferns, or vines; there is an abundance of options available. 

Check out our Terrarium Plant Library for a information on a range of terrarium suitable plants. 

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