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Low-light Terrarium Plants: The 10 Best (2022)

July 22, 2022 by Alfu Salam Badar

Source: Tropical Plant Party

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?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

  • What is Terrarium?
  • Closed vs. Open Terrariums
    • Closed Terrariums
    • Open Terrariums
  • Top Ten Best Low-Light Terrarium Plants
    • Rhipsalis
    •  Tillandsia (Air Plants) 
    • Haworthia
    • Gasteria
    • Philodendron
    • Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’
    • Fittonia ‘Nerve plant’
    • Sansevieria ‘Snake plant’
    • Cryptanthus
    • Hemionitus Arifolia / Heart Fern
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What should I put in my terrarium?
    • How often do I water my terrarium?
    • What do terrarium plants need to survive?
    • Can you plant anything in a terrarium?
  • More Related Articles for You!

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…

Read Also:The Perfect Plants for Purifying the Air According to Feng Shui! (2021)

…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.

Read Also:My Snake Plant Leaves Falling Over! Know The Prevention (2022)

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
Read Also:Amazing Houseplant Options for Small Homes and Limited Lighting (2021)

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

Terrarium plants 1
Terrarium plants: Mistletoe cactus
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.

Fatplants succulent plant(s) fully rooted in 4 inch planter pots with soil – real live potted succulents / unique indoor cactus decor (1, rhipsalis cereuscula)
FATPLANTS Succulent Plant(s) Fully Rooted in 4 inch Planter Pots with Soil – Real Live Potted Succulents / Unique Indoor Cactus Decor (1, Rhipsalis cereuscula)
View Product

 Tillandsia (Air Plants) 

Terrarium plants 2

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. 

3 giant tillandsia caput medusae air plants – 6 to 8 inch – live house plants for sale – indoor terrarium air plant
3 Giant Tillandsia Caput Medusae Air Plants – 6 to 8 inch – Live House Plants for Sale – Indoor Terrarium Air Plant
View Product

Haworthia

Terrarium plants
Terrarium plants: 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!

Costa farms succulents fully rooted live indoor plant, 4-inch haworthia, in black gold décor ceramic
Costa Farms Succulents Fully Rooted Live Indoor Plant, 4-Inch Haworthia, in Black Gold Décor Ceramic
View Product

Gasteria

Gasteria little warty (2 inch) | unique succulents gift ideas | live healthy fully rooted succulents for home office decoration

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.

Gasteria little warty (2 inch) | unique succulents gift ideas | live healthy fully rooted succulents for home office decoration
Gasteria Little Warty (2 inch) | Unique Succulents Gift Ideas | Live Healthy Fully Rooted Succulents for Home Office Decoration
View Product

Philodendron

Urban jungle philodendron cordatum in 8-inch hanging basket grower pot (live plant)

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.

Urban jungle philodendron cordatum in 8-inch hanging basket grower pot (live plant)
Urban Jungle Philodendron Cordatum in 8-inch Hanging Basket Grower Pot (Live Plant)
View Product

Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’

American plant exchange philodendron brasil easy care live plant, 6" pot, stunning indoor air purifier

‘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.

American plant exchange philodendron brasil easy care live plant, 6″ pot, stunning indoor air purifier
American Plant Exchange Philodendron Brasil Easy Care Live Plant, 6″ Pot, Stunning Indoor Air Purifier
  • The Brasil or Heart Leaf variegated Philodendron hybrid is a rare tropical plant known for its exotic yellow green and chartreuse leaf patterns
View Product

Fittonia ‘Nerve plant’

Terrarium plants 3
Terrarium plants: Fittonia
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.

Pink fittonia – 4" from california tropicals
Pink Fittonia – 4" from California Tropicals
View Product

Sansevieria ‘Snake plant’

Sansevieria cylindrica boncel dwarf, snake plant indoor succulents, live indoor plants for sansevieria plant stand, snake plant pot or ceramic planter, diy home décor potted plants by plants for pets

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.

Sansevieria cylindrica boncel dwarf, snake plant indoor succulents, live indoor plants for sansevieria plant stand, snake plant pot or ceramic planter, diy home décor potted plants by plants for pets
Sansevieria Cylindrica Boncel Dwarf, Snake Plant Indoor Succulents, Live Indoor Plants for Sansevieria Plant Stand, Snake Plant Pot or Ceramic Planter, DIY Home Décor Potted Plants by Plants for Pets
View Product

Cryptanthus

Terrarium plants 4
Terrarium plants: Cryptanthus Bivittatus Bromeliad
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.

Altman plants, live cryptanthus bromeliad plant, cryptanthus bivittatus pink star, indoor flowering plant, earth star house plant in pot, bromeliads live plants in soil, colorful potted houseplant
Altman Plants, Live Cryptanthus Bromeliad Plant, Cryptanthus bivittatus Pink Star, Indoor Flowering Plant, Earth Star House Plant in Pot, Bromeliads Live Plants in Soil, Colorful Potted Houseplant
View Product

Hemionitus Arifolia / Heart Fern

Heart fern, hemionitis arifolia, 4 inch pot, heart leaf, tongue 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.

Heart fern, hemionitis arifolia, 4 inch pot, heart leaf, tongue fern
Heart Fern, Hemionitis Arifolia, 4 inch Pot, Heart Leaf, Tongue Fern
View Product

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

Mini terrarium plants (6 plants) (2" pots) fairy garden plants assorted varieties
Mini Terrarium Plants (6 Plants) (2" Pots) Fairy Garden Plants Assorted Varieties
View Product

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.


More Related Articles for You!

Can Snake Plant Put In Open Terrarium? Find Out The Incredible Plants For Open Terrarium! (2022)
These Are 8 Stunning Indoor Plants for Low Light That You Might Like to Add to Your House! (2021)
Plant for Snake’s Terrarium! Amazing Things You Need To Know (2021)

Filed Under: Trending Plants, Snake Plant Tagged With: closed terrarium, low light snake plants, open terrarium, snake plant benefits, snake plant low light, terrarium, terrarium plant, terrarium plants

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