30 of the Best Plants for an Open Terrarium: A Guide for Newbies
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If you're new to the world of plants and terrariums, you may wonder which are the best plants for an open terrarium. Not to worry – we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will discuss 30 plants that are perfect for an open terrarium.
We'll also provide some tips on how to care for them. So whether you're a beginner or a pro, read on for some helpful information!
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What is an open terrarium?
A terrarium is an enclosed container that is used to grow small plants. They are like miniature greenhouses.
Terrariums can be made from various materials, but they are typically transparent to allow light to reach the plants inside.
One type of terrarium is an open terrarium, usually a glass container with no lid. Open terrariums are often used for indoor plants because they require less maintenance than closed terrariums.
Open terrarium plants will need to be watered more often than those in closed terrariums, but they will also have better air circulation.
As a result, open terrariums are often a good choice for people who want to grow plants indoors but don't have much time to dedicate to maintenance.
How to choose plants for your terrarium
Terrariums are a great way to bring a bit of nature indoors, and they can be customized to suit any space or style.
When choosing plants, it's essential to consider the light levels in your home and the size of the terrarium container. For example, if you have a bright windowsill, you can choose full sun-loving plants such as cacti or succulents.
If your terrarium is in a shadier spot, opt for plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as ferns or mosses.
You also need to consider the needs of the plants, so if you have a plant that likes dry conditions, it's not a good idea to add a plant that likes moister conditions, as they will not be compatible.
Once you've selected your plants, the next step is to prepare the soil. Unlike houseplants, which need well-draining soil, terrarium plants prefer a moist environment.
As a result, it's essential to use a potting mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged.
30 of the best plants for open terrarium
Now that you know a bit about open terrariums and how to choose plants, let's look at some of the best plants for an open terrarium! Cacti and succulents are a great choice as they are easy to care for and don't require much water.
Consider ferns, mosses, or even air plants if you're looking for plants that thrive in low light conditions. Orchids are attractive but can be a bit more challenging to care for.
Here are 30 of the best plants for an open terrarium:
- Air plant (Tillandsia)
- Polka Dot plants (Hypoestes)
- Nerve plants (Fittonia albivenis)
- Jade plants (Crassula ovata)
- Button Ferns (Pallaea Rotundifolia)
- Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga Stolonifera)
- Pitcher plants
- Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)
- Echeveria
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Haworthia
- African violet
- Peperomia Rosso
- Lightning Jewel Orchid (Macodes petola)
- Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Peperomia rotundifolia (Trailing Jade)
- Dwarf Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum microphyllum)
- Tradescantia zebrina
- Donkey's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum)
- Peacock Fern (Selaginella uncinata)
- Baby Tears (Pilea depressa)
- Sundew plants
- Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)
- Sphagnum Moss
- Mini Rabbit's Foot Fern
Creating a unique and beautiful terrarium that suits your style is easy, with many great options!
Tips for planting and caring for your plants
Once you've selected your plants, it's time to prepare them for planting. Remove any damaged leaves or stems, and trim any roots to about 2 inches.
Next, add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the terrarium for good drainage.
Finally, add a layer of the potting mix before carefully planting your plants.
Once your plants are in place, could you give them a good watering?
For best results, place the terrarium in an area that receives indirect light and mist the plants regularly to maintain humid conditions.
Watering open terrariums
When watering your terrarium, there are a few things to remember.
First, it's essential to use filtered or distilled water, as tap water can contain chemicals that can harm plants.
Second, water the soil, not the leaves, as this can encourage fungal growth.
Finally, don't overwater – terrariums are naturally humid environments, so you don't need to water as often as you would with other plants.
A good rule of thumb is to water once a week and more if the soil is dry.
Ideas for decorating your terrarium
One simple way to personalize your terrarium is to choose plants that reflect your style.
Opt for brightly-hued succulents or vibrant tropical plants if you prefer bold colours. If you like a more understated look, consider adding moss or ferns.
You can also get creative with the container itself. A glass bowl makes for a sleek and modern terrarium, while an antique tea kettle can give your plants a rustic appeal.
No matter your décor style, there's a terrarium that's perfect for you.
Troubleshooting tips if your plants aren't doing well
If your plants aren't looking their best, it can be frustrating to figure out what's wrong.
However, a few simple troubleshooting tips can help you get to the bottom of the problem.
First, check to see if the plant is getting enough light. If it's been placed in a spot that's too shaded, it may not be getting enough sunlight to photosynthesize properly.
Second, make sure that the plant is getting enough water. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so it's essential to strike a balance.
Lastly, take a look at the soil. Is it too dense or too sandy? Does it need more fertiliser? By taking these factors into account, you should be able to get your plants back on track in no time.
FAQ:
Q: Should succulents be in an open or closed terrarium?
Succulents store water in their leaves, stem, or roots. As a result, succulents are often used as drought-tolerant plants in landscaping.
While they can tolerate long periods of dryness, succulents still need some moisture to survive. One way to provide succulents with the water they need is to grow them in a terrarium.
A terrarium is an enclosed container that can help create a microclimate for plants. Terrariums can be either open or closed. In an open terrarium, the top of the container is left open, allowing air exchange and evaporation.
This can be beneficial for plants that require high humidity levels. However, it can also cause the soil to dry out more quickly.
In a closed terrarium, the top of the container is sealed, which helps to maintain humidity levels and prevent evaporation.
This can benefit plants requiring less water or more sensitive to drought conditions. Ultimately, the best type of terrarium for succulents will depend on the plant's specific needs.
Q: Do you need charcoal in an open terrarium?
When most people think of terrariums, they picture a small glass container filled with plants. While this is certainly one type of terrarium, there are many different ways to create an open terrarium.
One common question is whether or not they need to use charcoal in their terrarium. While charcoal can be a helpful addition, it is not essential.
Charcoal helps to reduce moisture levels in the air, which can be beneficial if your terrarium is prone to mould or mildew.
In addition, it can also help to absorb excess water and prevent root rot. However, if your terrarium is well ventilated and you take care to keep the soil moist but not soggy, you should be able to get by without using charcoal.
Q: What can you put in a terrarium Besides plants?
While most people think of plants when they think of terrariums, various other items can be used to create a unique and eye-catching display.
For example, stones, shells, and moss can add texture and visual interest, while sticks, figurines, and other small objects can create a whimsical scene.
You can even place carnivorous plants in your open terrarium to create a miniature ecosystem.
The sky is the limit regarding terrarium decor, so get creative and have fun!
Q: Can I put crystals in my terrarium?
If you're looking to add a little extra something to your terrarium, you might be wondering if you can put crystals in it.
The short answer is yes! Crystals can make a beautiful addition to any terrarium and provide some benefits for your plants.
Just remember to use clean crystals that haven't been treated with chemicals, which can cause your plants to grow poorly.
Q: Can you put bugs in a terrarium?
A terrarium is a great way to start your miniature garden, and it can be a fun and rewarding project for both kids and adults.
But you may be wondering, can you put bugs in a terrarium? The answer is yes! Many types of insects can make great additions to a terrarium.
Some of the best choices include crickets, roaches, and millipedes. These insects are easy to care for and can help to keep your terrarium clean by eating any leftover food or plant matter.
In addition, they can provide your plants with valuable nutrients through their waste. If you're thinking about adding insects to your terrarium, be sure to do some research to find the best species for your particular setup.
In general, it's best to stick with slow-moving, easy-to-care-for insects that won't mind being confined to a small space.
Consider adding a few bugs if you're interested in adding some extra flair to your terrarium. Just be sure to do your homework first! Micro Exotics is a great place to start learning.
And finally…
There are many factors to consider while creating an open terrarium, including what plants to use, whether or not to include charcoal, and what other decorations to have.
This guide provides information on the different plants that work well in an open terrarium, how to care for them, and some additional decorating ideas. So get creative and have fun!
Do you have any tips for creating a successful open terrarium? Please share them in the comments below!
