It’s back to the dark and gloomy days!
As a result, it’s time to introduce some bright low-light terrarium plants!
We’ve put together this handy guide to the best low-light terrarium plants…
….after scouring the internet for them.
These plants will brighten up your terrarium,
…even if the light levels are low, from succulents to cacti.
So, go ahead and plant some gorgeous low-light terrarium plants in your home to brighten it up!
Do you know..
What is Terrarium?
Miniature gardens called terrariums are kept in discrete,
…frequently sealable containers like bottles and jars.
They are largely self-sustaining as complete (although small) plant ecosystems,
…with the plants providing the majority of their own water through transpiration and condensation.
Terrariums are one of our favorite things.
They’re like little worlds that you can style and curate to your green thumb’s content.
A terrarium is a labor of love, and nothing feels worse than having it fail after all the work…
…and love you put into planning, planting, decorating, and admiring it.
We already know that those of us without great sunlight in our homes…
…may have terrarium plants that die (in addition to overwatering, of course).
Don’t give up just yet!
You can find many low-light tolerant plants out there—even succulents! In terrariums,
…they work wonders.
We’ve got a previous article on Forbes Advocate that talks about how to decorate a small home,
…no matter how small your home.
Sandra has some experiences to share with us
Let’s see what Sandra has to say!
I am a new gardener and she is trying to learn how to grow plants in a terrarium
Every day, I experiment with different ways of watering her plants and placing them in the terrarium
However, my plants are not growing and they are starting to die
My needs to find out what is wrong and fix it fast before her plants all die.
From the story of Sandra, we know that we should have some fundamental knowledge…
…before starting to plant anything on it.
There are two types of Terrariums.
Let’s talk about it..
Closed vs. Open Terrariums
Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are put together with a lid, as the name implies.
Given that the temperature is a little higher in a closed terrarium,
…it is only normal for moisture to come from the soil and plants.
The water vapor will evaporate and then condense on the glass container’s side…
…before falling back to the soil and plants at the bottom.
The cycle then continues. As a result, closed terrariums are independent.
Because the glass container is clear, light may pass through and photosynthesis can take place.
To avoid the glass container heating up and damaging the plants,
…make careful never to set them in full sunlight.
Choosing plants for closed Terrarium.
These terrarium plants flourish in a more humid, enclosed environment:
- Baby Ferns
- Aechmea
- Cryptanthus
- Neoregelia
Open Terrariums
There wouldn’t be a top to protect all the plants in the glass container since it is an open terrarium.
The plants may instead be partially protruding from the containers.
Open terrariums prefer drier circumstances and don’t need a moist atmosphere,
…in contrast to closed terrariums.
It also lacks a regular water cycle because it is exposed to the elements.
Open terrariums need to be watered frequently as a result.
Whenever the soil becomes dry and you notice leaves falling off, or once a week.
These terrarium plants favor an environment with moving air and greater aridity:
- Aloe
- Hens & Chicks
- Cacti
- Air Plant
- Jade plant
If you are wondering which one is the most worth to buy open terrrarium, you have arrived on the website right just for you!
Now let’s get into it!
Top Ten Best Low-Light Terrarium Plants
A good method to brighten up a dark house is by using terrariums or succulent gardens.
Low-light terrarium plants, on the other hand,
…are excellent for this since they need little light to thrive and flourish.
Snake plant, philodendron, Boston fern,
…and dwarf palm are some of the best low-light terrarium plants for a dark home.
These plants are simple to look after – simply give them enough water and light!
They have glossy leaves that complement your terrarium or succulent garden.
Therefore, one of these low-light terrarium plants is a good option…
…if you want to brighten up your gloomy home with some color.
Check it out!
Rhipsalis
Credit: amazon.com
It’s sometimes called the mistletoe cactus.
We love these epiphytic jungle cacti because of their unique green branches.
The plants come in a wide variety of colors,
…which makes them well suited to low-moderate lighting.
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
This plant requires no soil, which is why we love it!
You can also use them to spice up your space in a fun and exotic way.
It is important to place them in a place that receives enough sunlight because these guys love the sun!
Plants should not be placed more than 3 feet from a light source (making them great for window sills).
It is recommended that you soak your tillandsias every 2-3 weeks for at least two hours.
During hotter, drier months, you will need to water or mist your plants more frequently.
After soaking your air plant for a couple of hours, it needs to be allowed to dry.
Your Air Plants can live and reproduce for many years if you give them proper care…
…and a friendly environment.
Haworthia
Credit: amazon.com
Haworthia plants are extremely hardy and work well in terrariums,
…planters, and just about anything that requires low light.
Some are striped with white, others are emerald-colored, but all are beautiful.
We use Haworthia in almost every low-light terrarium we make!
Gasteria
Gasteria, a relative of aloe and haworthia,
…are less geometric than some other succulents,
…but they are easy to care for and produce many baby plants.
Philodendron
In a tropical terrarium, philodendron (especially darker-leafed,
…non-variegated varieties) thrive as a “beginner” houseplant.
Because of their vining habit, they do particularly well in hanging vessels.
Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’
‘Brasil’ gives a colorful twist to a plant that has long been a favorite houseplant.
The plants tolerate all types of neglect, including low light, poor soil, and inconsistent watering.
You can give this to someone who would like to enjoy the natural beauty of plants…
…without having to worry about maintenance.
Do you want variegation? Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’
…and the more common golden pothos are perfect for you.
Plants like this make great low-light terrarium plants since they are nearly indestructible.
- The Brasil or Heart Leaf variegated Philodendron hybrid is a rare tropical plant known for its exotic yellow green and chartreuse leaf patterns
Fittonia ‘Nerve plant’
Credit: amazon.com
Fittonia makes great low-light terrarium plants because it is sensitive to drying out.
Our favorite aspect of the plant is the starkly patterned leaves,
…which add color and contrast to any room – just don’t forget to keep the plant moist.
Sansevieria ‘Snake plant’
Furthermore, snake plants are low-maintenance plants that can be used as terrarium plants.
In a low-light terrarium, Sansevieria, in particular small, compact species,
…needs little care and straddles the line between succulents and tropical plants.
Definitely a good choice for someone who needs terrarium plants with low light,
…but does not want to be bothered with doing regular watering.
Cryptanthus
Credit: amazon.com
With their shallow roots, cryptanthus can be planted just about anywhere,
…sometimes called the ‘Earth star’.
On the same plant, they can often be found in deep pink, red, and green colors!
Terrariums with low light can benefit from this beautiful accent.
Hemionitus Arifolia / Heart Fern
While many people swear that ferns are the best plants for low-light terrariums,
…we have found that the Heart Fern does the best.
The bright green terrarium plant makes a great low-light choice…
…due to its exquisite shape and slow growth rate.
If you feel like you’re a plant lover and wanted to give it all a go, you can simply purchase this terrarium plants package
Conclusion
Low-maintenance and requiring minimal watering,
terrarium plants are a fantastic addition to any low-light terrarium.
For a dark home, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best low-light terrarium plants in this blog post.
Make sure to check out each of them and find the one that fits your terrarium best!
We also have an article about the best plant in the snake Terrarium in our blog.
Go here: A Complete List Of The Best Plants For A Snake Terrarium! In that post,
…besides seeing the list we have compiled, you can also see how much the plants cost on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put in my terrarium?
In low-light situations, a terrarium is an excellent method to keep plants alive.
As long as the plant does not need direct sunlight to grow, you can use it.
Among the following are some excellent options:
- Peperomia Pellucida
- Golden pothos
- Peace lily
- Boston fern
How often do I water my terrarium?
Generally speaking, terrariums with a regular,
…loose-fitting glass lid will need to be watered minimally every three months.
Without any water, a terrarium with a cork, rubber,
…or tightly-fitting glass container can remain closed.
What do terrarium plants need to survive?
Indirect sunlight, which offers enough light and warmth for the plants, is essential for terrariums.
As a result of the greenhouse effect created by the glass walls of a terrarium,
…direct sunlight is typically too bright.
Can you plant anything in a terrarium?
Even though practically everything can be grown in a terrarium,
…it’s crucial to choose plants that will flourish in the specific type of terrarium you are building.
Choose plants that appreciate a moist climate if you’re creating a closed terrarium.
Additionally, be sure to pair plants with the proper amount of light.
Typically, low-light plants perform best.