Closed Terrarium plants are what you’re looking for.
However, context is always helpful!
A closed Terrarium, also known as Vivarium, Glass Terrarium, or Bottle Terrarium, is a self-sufficient microenvironment. A miniature tropical rainforest enclosed in a closed enclosure.
This micro-environment, such as the Closed Terrarium, requires almost no maintenance and is a beautiful living plant artifact that you can use to decorate your home.
How does a Closed Terrarium work?
Closed Terrariums are glass containers that can be opened periodically for watering, pruning, and cleaning.
The glass walls of the container allow heat, natural light, and moisture to enter the Terrarium. This creates very humid air and moist earth. This combination of heat, humidity, and light creates the ideal conditions for a small water cycle.
Condensation forms on the glass walls of the container as a result of moisture evaporating from the soil and plants. The condensation is absorbed back into the ground and plants, keeping them constantly moist. This constant water supply prevents plants from becoming dry.
The transparent glass walls allow plants to photosynthesize, an essential process in the plant’s life cycle.
However, it is recommended that your Glass Terrarium be opened and aired at least once a week for at most 20 minutes. The watering frequency and aeration will depend on where you live and the location of your Terrarium.
Your Terrarium should be placed in bright, indirect sunlight. You should water your Glass Terrarium if the condensation is decreasing and the soil feels dry.
You should open your Terrarium at least once per week if you live in dry areas. If you live in humid areas, it is recommended to open your Terrarium once per month. With time, you will become familiar with your Closed Terrarium needs.
THE BEST CLOSED TERRARIUM PLANTS
Closed Terrarium plants should thrive in the following conditions and possess the following characteristics:
- Warm temperatures
- Extremely high humidity
- Don’t get too excited
- Can handle minimal air circulation
- share similar light requirements
- Similar care needs (some plants require more moisture than others)
Closed Terrarium plants must be tropical plants or plants that can thrive in high humidity.
Cacti, succulents, and air plants are not recommended for Closed Terrariums.
Closed Terrariums are too humid for succulents and cacti, and there is insufficient air circulation to allow for air plants.
You should also ensure that you purchase small plants that can grow in the Terrarium. When possible, try to find plants in 2-inch pots.
Let’s find out which are the best Closed Terrarium Plants.
BUDDHIST PINE – PODOCARPUS MACROPHYLLUS
This beautiful plant is native to Southern Japan and Southern and Eastern China.
However, it thrives in the extreme humidity of a Closed Terrarium.
It was planted in both of my Closed Terrariums.
It is a slow-growing plant and can be used alone in a Closed Terrarium. To create a minimalistic look, you could add other decorative elements such as rocks, driftwood sticks, or mosses.
PLUMOSA FERN – ASPAGUS PLUMOSUS
Because it is tolerant of high humidity, the Plumosafern is one of our best Closed Terrarium Plants!
This feathery-looking plant, native to Southern Africa and not a fern, is a flora.
The Plumosa Fern belongs to the Asparagus Family!
This plant can grow faster than other plants, so I recommend placing it in the middle of your Closed Terrarium Composition. You can see the slower-growing plants around it.
The Plumosa Fern also grows long, feathery, frond-like foliage. If you don’t place it in the middle, such leaves will quickly touch the glass walls of your Closed Terrarium.
This is not a common problem for all plants, but Plumosa Fern leaves can mold once they touch the Closed Terrarium’s wet surface.
If the Plumosa Fern is placed in the middle or near the glass and the fronds of its Plumosa Fern are still touching it, I suggest that you trim the fronds in direct contact with the glass wall(s).
PLANT ALUMINUM (PILEA CADIEREI).
Another top-rated choice for Closed Terrarium plants is the Aluminum Plant.
This plant is different from the Plumosa Fern in that its leaves can be directly touched by the Closed Terrarium’s wet surface and won’t mold.
This evergreen perennial, also known as Watermelon Pilea, is a native of China and Vietnam. It’s interesting to note that this plant, even though it is part of the Nettle family, does not irritate or sting the skin.
MINI ORCHID (MINI-PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID).
Mini Orchids make beautiful Closed Terrarium plants.
Closed Terrariums will be enriched by the stunning colors, contrasts, and patterns of their leaves.
This plant is a unique one and should be used alone.
These plants, also known as Moth Orchids, are found in South East Asia, Taiwan, China, and India.
Mini Orchids do not grow very fast, so if you choose a container to house your Closed Terrarium, you can be sure it will last.
Mini Orchids can be used as Closed Terrarium plants. There are some things you should know.
- Beautiful blooming flowers will be present when your Orchid is first purchased. These beautiful blooming flowers will eventually fall off. Closed Terrariums should look good when the Mini Orchid blooms and when it doesn’t. An Orchid without its gorgeous flowers isn’t as attractive as it used to be. But that doesn’t make it dead and it still needs to be replaced. Consider adding mosses or other elements to your Orchid.
- Consider the dimensions of your container. Mini-Orchids will be most at home in tall and long containers.
- 70% of orchids, even those you buy in the store, are epiphytes. This means they grow on other plants. This is why you should never purchase orchids in soil-filled pots. These orchids are usually sold in plastic, fenestrated containers filled with sphagnum and moss. Do not plant your Mini-Orchids in soil.
- Orchids must be watered differently from other plants. This is why so many Orchids end up dying. Many people need to learn how to water them properly. Use one ice cube per week between your Mini-Orchid’s leaves. For regular-sized Orchids, use three ice cubes every other week!
- Mini-Orchids should not be pruned after the flowers have finished blooming. An Orchid’s stem will not grow back if it is pruned. Orchids are unpredictable, and you never know what new stems or blooms might grow.