What Plants are Best for my Terrarium?
Terrariums offer a miniature world of green within the confines of glass containers. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice gardener, terrariums provide an excellent opportunity to unleash your creativity and cultivate stunning tropical plants.
In this guide, we'll explore why these plants are ideal for terrariums and provide tips for creating your own verdant oasis.
Orchids
Orchids are renowned for their exquisite blooms and elegant foliage, making them a prized addition to any terrarium. With their adaptability to various environments and minimal maintenance requirements, orchids thrive in the humid conditions provided by terrariums. Miniature orchid varieties, such as Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, are particularly well-suited for terrariums due to their compact size and ability to flourish in the limited space available. When selecting orchids for your terrarium, opt for species that prefer low light conditions and moist, well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth and blooming, for example this Restrepia hybrid.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are tropical plants known for their striking foliage and vibrant, long-lasting blooms, making them an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to terrariums. With their ability to thrive in high humidity and low light conditions, bromeliads are perfectly suited for the controlled environment of glass containers. Species like Tillandsia and Guzmania are popular choices for terrariums due to their compact growth habits and low-maintenance requirements. When planting bromeliads in your terrarium, ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and maintain optimal health.
Begonia
Begonia are prized for their delicate foliage and colourful blooms, making them a charming addition to terrariums. With their preference for high humidity and filtered light, begonias thrive in the enclosed environment of glass containers, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere. Varieties like Rex begonia and Angel Wing begonia are well-suited for terrariums due to their compact growth habits and ornamental foliage. When planting begonias in your terrarium, provide well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture levels to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Creating Your Terrarium Masterpiece
When designing your terrarium, consider incorporating a variety of upright and ground-covering plants to create visual interest and texture. Arrange your terrarium plants strategically within the container, taking into account their size, growth habits, and light requirements. Layer the substrate with decor or charcoal to promote drainage and prevent water logging, ensuring a healthy root environment for your plants. Finally, mist your terrarium regularly to maintain humidity levels and monitor moisture levels to prevent overwatering or dehydration.
Learn how to make a quick and easy terrarium here.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Terrarium
When designing a terrarium for pets like lizards and geckos, it's essential to consider their specific needs and preferences. Provide ample hiding spots, climbing structures, and basking areas to mimic their natural habitat and promote physical and mental well-being. It's vital to only include pet safe houseplants in the enclosure and avoid species that may pose a threat to your pets. Regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and lighting levels to ensure optimal conditions for both plants and animals.
Shop all pet friendly houseplants here.
This is our cold-blooded GrowTropicals mascot, Leon the Lizard. This little guy is currently nestled in a pet-friendly terrarium in our warehouse. He ensures that each and every order is flawlessly prepared, leaving all of our customers delighted with their packages! 🦎
If you need more help on terrariums, simply drop us an email at hello@growtropicals.com with your questions and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!