Best Plants for Closed Terrariums

Closed terrariums are one of the easiest ways to create a thriving, self-contained indoor garden — but only if you choose the right plants.

Unlike open setups, closed terrariums create a warm, humid microclimate, recycling moisture through evaporation and condensation. That means not every plant will survive — but the right ones will absolutely thrive.

If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the best options — with links to our Terrarium Plant Library so you can explore each plant in detail.

What Makes a Plant Suitable for a Closed Terrarium?

Closed terrariums are:

• High humidity
• Low airflow
• Indirect light
• Consistently warm

The best plants are those that naturally grow in rainforest or tropical conditions — compact, slow-growing, and moisture-loving.

Avoid plants that:

• Prefer dry soil, like succulents and cacti
• Grow too quickly and take over the space
• Require strong airflow or drier conditions.

Best Plants for Closed Terrariums

Trailing and Easy-Care Plants

These are ideal for beginners and add natural movement to a terrarium without being overly fussy.

• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
  A hardy, low-maintenance trailing plant that handles humidity well and adapts beautifully to enclosed environments.
• Philodendron hederaceum
  A classic heart-leaf trailing plant that suits humid terrariums and is easy to keep tidy with occasional pruning.
• Philodendron Brasil
  A more decorative option with variegated foliage, ideal if you want a little more colour and contrast.

Ferns (A Closed Terrarium Essential)

Ferns are among the most reliable choices for closed terrariums because they naturally enjoy moisture, filtered light, and stable conditions.

• Crispy Wave Fern (Asplenium nidus)
  Great for adding structure and lush upright foliage.
• Lemon Button Fern
  Soft, compact and especially well suited to smaller glass vessels.
• Boston Fern
  A classic fern choice for a soft, full look, especially in larger setups.
• Spider Ferns (Arachniodes simplicior)
  Another excellent option for texture and a woodland feel.

Compact Foliage Plants

These smaller foliage plants are perfect for layering, adding colour variation, and creating depth within a planted terrarium.

• Fittonia albivenis (Nerve Plant)
  One of the most popular closed terrarium plants thanks to its compact form and striking veined foliage.
• Syngonium Pixie
  A neat, smaller-growing Syngonium that works well as a feature foliage plant.
• Syngonium Arrowhead (podophyllum)
  A versatile option with attractive leaf shape and dependable performance in humid environments.
• Moon Valley Pilea (Pilea involucrata)
  A richly textured foliage plant that adds interest and contrast to closed designs.
• Peperomia Rosso
  A compact and attractive plant with dark green foliage and red-toned undersides.

Moss (The Foundation Layer)

Moss helps a terrarium feel established and natural. It also softens the landscape, retains moisture, and fills empty spaces beautifully.

• Cushion moss
• Sheet moss
• Mood moss
• Leucobryum glaucum moss

Moss is especially useful for creating that lush, miniature forest-floor effect that makes a terrarium feel alive.

Statement Plants (Use Sparingly)

If you want a focal point, use one standout plant rather than filling the whole terrarium with larger growers.

• Jewel Orchids (Anoectochilus chapaensis)
  Ideal for dramatic foliage and a more collector-style terrarium look.
• Macodes petola
  A standout terrarium plant known for its lightning-like leaf veining.
• Masdevallia decumana
  A miniature orchid that works well if you want a more unusual closed terrarium planting.
• Small begonias
  Best used selectively for colour and leaf texture.

Plants to Avoid in Closed Terrariums

• Succulents and cacti
• Fast-growing vines that quickly overcrowd the space
• Plants that need strong airflow or dry conditions

Closed terrariums trap moisture, which is ideal for tropical and humidity-loving plants but unsuitable for dry-climate species.

How to Care for a Closed Terrarium

Watering

• Water very sparingly
• Only add moisture when the substrate begins to look dry
• Use a mist bottle or dropper rather than pouring water in

Light

• Place in bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun, which can overheat the glass and damage plants

Maintenance

• Watch for light condensation as a sign of a healthy moisture cycle
• Remove dead leaves promptly
• Trim faster growers before they crowd out smaller plants
• Check occasionally for mould or pests

Explore More Plants

The best way to build a successful terrarium is to choose plants that naturally suit enclosed, humid conditions.

Browse the full Terrarium Plant Library

Final Thought

A closed terrarium is more than a decorative container — it’s a miniature ecosystem.

Choose plants that enjoy humidity, filtered light, and steady conditions, and your terrarium will be far easier to maintain and far more rewarding to watch grow over time.