26 Best Plants for Terrariums

As of late, due to the pandemic, terrariums had been gaining popularity as an alternative form of gardening and plant-rearing. This is mostly due to its beauty, low maintenance, and the aesthetic value both at home or in the office set-up. As a terrarium hobbyist and having a first-hand experience on the plants I have used myself, here is our recommended varieties that we believe are the best pick for terrariums. But before that, please take note that in general, tropical plants are highly recommended for terrariums due to their capability to tolerate the high humidity and the high moisture environment inside the terrarium.

With that, here is the list of plants we highly recommend for terrariums:

1. Begonia

A genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 1,800 different plant species. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. Begonias can be grown in terrariums and some begonias even do better in one because the growing conditions can be closely controlled. Begonias are a very diverse family of plants, offering a great variety of appearances. Many also bloom all year long, providing a year-round burst of color for an indoor terrarium. Begonias generally prefer shade, so keeping them out of direct sun is a cardinal rule of growing them in terrariums. And it is also best to keep their roots not too soaked in water as they will rot. And the best recommendation is to strictly follow the correct layering of the substrate in the terrarium.

2. Bromeliads

Bromeliads is a family of monocot plants of family Bromeliaceae. Bromeliads are plants that are adapted to various climates. Foliage takes different shapes, from needle-thin to broad and flat, symmetrical to irregular, spiky to soft. The foliage, which usually grows in a rosette, is widely patterned and colored. Leaf colors range from maroon, through shades of green, to gold. Varieties may have leaves with red, yellow, white and cream variations. Others may be spotted with purple, red, or cream, while others have different colors on the tops and bottoms. Most bromeliads thrive on high levels of humidity and bright indirect light. The glass enclosure of a terrarium easily retains moisture creating the ideal environment for may bromeliad species. Many terrariums that are housed in tanks also have built in supplemental lighting. This makes it easy to ensure the bromeliads receive enough light to thrive.

3. Caladium (Elephant Ear Plants)

Caladium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. They are often known by the common name elephant ear, heart of Jesus, and angel wings. There are over 1000 named cultivars of Caladium bicolor from the original South American plant. Caladiums are known for their big, heart-shaped leaves that display amazing color combinations of white, pink, red and green. These are plants that thrive in hot, humid weather and that usually grow best in full to partial shade. Caladiums grow best in shade to part shade (two to four hours of direct sun, preferably morning) or bright dappled light. In these conditions, they produce the lushest growth with large, colorful leaves. Therefor it is best to keep this light requirement in the terrarium care. And also, in my experience, Caladiums grow well inside a terrarium regardless of the level of moisture, but to be safe, keep the terrarium moist as other plants inside might require of it. Regardless, the moisture level of the terrarium is never a bother for Caladiums.

4. Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants are plants that derive their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals but the carnivorous plants generate energy from photosynthesis. Carnivorous plants have adapted to grow in places where the substrate is thin or poor in nutrients, especially nitrogen, such as acidic bogs. Carnivorous plants have five basic trapping mechanisms: Pitfall traps (pitcher plants) trap prey in a rolled leaf that contains a pool of digestive enzymes or bacteria. Flypaper traps use a sticky mucilage. Snap traps utilize rapid leaf movements. Bladder traps suck in prey with a bladder that generates an internal vacuum, and, Lobster-pot traps, also known as eel traps, force prey to move towards a digestive organ with inward-pointing hairs. Using carnivorous plants for your terrariums however is a little tricky as these plants have stricter care and propagation requirements. These may not be suitable for beginners yet as being experimental with them might cause these plants to die which is costly for both effort and not to mention…money as carnivorous plants are slightly costlier than the other tropical plants. But if you do get ahead and add them to your enclosure, just be sure to follow the care guide of the species you have chosen. Finding a good mentor and an expert on carnivorous plants may also be a good suggestion.

5.Crotons

Codiaeum variegatum is a species of plant in the genus Codiaeum, which is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean islands, growing in open forests and scrub. Croton plants can be planted in containers or terrariums and kept indoors, but they should be put in a location that receives significant exposure the sunlight. Without light, the croton’s colors will fade. Therefore, it is highly recommended to put your terrarium in a well-lit area of your house, or you can use artificial light in the absence of an indirect sunlight. Crotons are also highly recommended for terrariums as these loves a good amount of moisture and humidity which is the ideal environment inside the terrarium.

6. Crypthantuses (Star Fish Plants)

Cryptanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae. Cryptanthus thrive in humid conditions, and you should make efforts to keep them moist. However, most crypthantus are fairly tolerant of drought conditions. Make sure, however, not to rest them in standing water. A moderately damp environment is moisture enough for these plants which is why they are ideal for terrariums. Most plants within this genus will generally thrive in some sort of indirect sunlight or light shade—remember, they naturally grow under the cover of trees in rainforests. Direct sunlight could potentially bleach the crypthantus’ foliage, or make it appear leathery.

7. Epipremnums (Pothoses)

Epipremnum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, found in tropical forests from China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia the western Pacific. They are evergreen perennial vines climbing with the aid of aerial roots. Average light would be best for your Pothos plant. Growth will be slow if you choose a very dark spot, this will also create sparse “vines” with leaves quite far apart. Very bright spots with strong sunlight beaming on to the leaves should be avoided as well because this will eventually destroy the plant. Pothoses are highly recommended for terrariums as they can tolerate drought and high humidity. Given that terrariums are not being tended upon regularly, the Pothoses can withstand the lack of maintenance inside the terrariums given that there is an adequate source of light and water from the moisture inside the enclosure.

8. Ferns

Fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta) is a member of a group of vascular plants that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. They differ from mosses by being vascular, i.e., having specialized tissues that conduct water and nutrients and in having life cycles in which the sporophyte is the dominant phase. Ferns have complex leaves called megaphylls, that are more complex than the microphylls of clubmosses. Most ferns are leptosporangiate ferns. They produce coiled fiddleheads that uncoil and expand into fronds. The group includes about 10,560 known extant species. Ferns are defined here in the broad sense, being all of the Polypodiopsida, comprising both the leptosporangiate (Polypodiidae) and eusporangiate ferns, the latter group including horsetails or scouring rushes, whisk ferns, marattoid ferns, and ophiosglossoid ferns. Honestly, ferns really are a terrarium lovers best friend. They’re almost universally suited to terrarium life. They like nothing more than a warm environment with lots of humidity and plenty to drink (much like me really). Maybe more than any other type of plant, there’s a huge variety of shapes and textures. Ferns generally prefer shady, humid conditions, making great picks for terrariums. The maidenhair fern (Adiantum) is also a common choice in terrariums for its lacy fronds and bright green leaves, but it requires some pruning so be sure to keep it in an accessible container. After mosses, ferns definitely are my second favorite.

9. Ficuses

Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. The most commonly used Ficus for terrariums is Ficus pumila, Ficus pumila readily grows in most terrarium substrates. Opting for a mix with good water retention will help to keep this tropical species happy, and so, additives like sphagnum moss and coco coir can really help. Ficuses can grow on low light but can also enjoy a bright light at times, so use of artificial light is also a good option, should you have no area for an indirect sunlight. And for water and moisture requirements, Ficuses in general can tolerate high moisture and high humidity, so the environment inside the terrarium is highly tolerable for them.

10. Fittonias (Nerve Plants)

Fittonia is a genus of flowering plants in the acanthus family Acanthaceae, native to tropical rainforest in South America, mainly Peru. The most commonly grown are F. albivenis and its cultivars. Normally grown as a houseplant, nerve plant (Fittonia spp.) is a spreading evergreen perennial with delicately veined, deep-green leaves. Although the most popular vein color is silvery-white, you can also readily find varieties with veins in red, pink, white, and green. Nerve plant is a low-growing creeper that is a perfect fit for terrariums or bottle gardens. Fittonia typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 inches with a trailing spread of 12 to 18 inches. Although the plant rarely flowers when grown as an indoor houseplant, it does occasionally bloom with insignificant reddish or yellowish-white spikes. As beautiful as it is, Fittonia is somewhat temperamental and tricky to grow as a houseplant. It requires very high, constant humidity, such as found in a terrarium, and cannot tolerate stagnant conditions. Nerve plant is also sensitive to strong, direct sunlight and will quickly suffer from leaf burn. As beautiful as these plants maybe, it is important to keep them moist, and exposed to light to maintain their color and shape or else, if moisture and humidity drops, there is a huge chance of Fittonias to wither and not recover anymore. Personally, one of my favorites too due to their color and drama, however, these days the Fittonias tend to be rather expensive.

11. Hederas (Ivies)

Hedera, commonly called ivy (plural ivies), is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae native to western, central and southern Europe,Macronesia, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east toJapan and Taiwan. Growing ivy indoors isn’t difficult as long as you provide what the plant needs. The most important part of indoor ivy plant care is light. All true ivies need bright light. Variegated cultivars can take medium light, but be aware that their variegation will become less pronounced in less light. Without enough light, inside ivy plants will become leggy and sickly looking. When watering your ivy, always check the soil before adding water. Ivies prefer to be kept slightly on the dry side, so let the soil dry out some (dry to the touch on top) before you water your ivy plant again. Also, make sure that your plant has excellent drainage, as ivy does not like to be in standing water or overly wet soil.

12. Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plants)

Hypoestes phyllostachya, the polka dot plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to South Africa, Madagascar, and south east Asia. The spots often merge into larger areas of colour. The Latin specific epithet phyllostachya means “with a leaf spike”. They are highly hybridized to produce a variety of colors and types of leaf spotting. Also called freckle face plant, this houseplant can grow in any type of indirect light but has best color in lower light situations, but this causes the canes to lengthen and get leggy while searching for light. Indirect bright sunlight is the ideal location for this plant indoors. Growing a polka dot plant outside requires well-drained but moist soil with plenty of organic matter. Older plants tend to get leggy, but you can control legginess by cutting the canes back to lower growth and letting the plant fill in.

13. Liverworts

The Marchantiophyta are a division of non-vascular land plants commonly referred to as hepatics or liverworts. Like mosses and hornworts, they have a gametophyte-dominant life cycle, in which cells of the plant carry only a single set of genetic information. They are far different to most plants we generally think about because they do not produce seeds, flowers, fruit or wood, and even lack vascular tissue. Instead of seeds, liverworts produce spores for reproduction. Since moss and liverworts mostly have the same growth habits and mostly grow under the same condition, it is safe to say that care for the liverworts on terrariums must also be the same with how you care for your mosses.

14. Ludisias (Jewel Orchids)

Ludisia is a genus of orchids that contains just one species, Ludisia discolor, commonly referred to as jewel orchid. They are native to Southern China, Northeast India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, and often cultivated. The darkness of the leaf colouring suggest that Ludisia discolor can handle lower light areas, but it’ll do better under brighter, indirect light. Definitely one to keep out of direct sunlight (if the colours of the leaves begin to fade, it’s probably getting too much light). Ludisia discolor likes regular, even moisture. It’s important that this plant is not allowed to dry out, but equally don’t saturate it with stagnant water either. It’s one of the more forgiving orchids when it comes to watering, but it’s still the most important care factor to get right. Therefore, the jewel orchid is one of the favorites of terrarium hobbyists due to its love of moisture and low light that makes it a rather low maintenance plant.

15. Marantas (Prayer Plants)

Maranta leuconeura, also known as prayer plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae, native to the Brazilian tropical forests. It is a variable, rhizomatous perennial, growing to 30 cm tall and broad, with crowded clumps of evergreen, strikingly-marked oval leaves, each up to 12 cm long. Marantas thrive in medium tobright indirect sunlight and can thrive in a rather dry to low moisture soil however they can also withstand high humidity whicn make Marantas a perfect fit for a terrarium set-up.

16. Marcgravia (Shingling Vines)

Marcgravia sp is a climbing crawling vine to epiphyte that starts off with small slender leaves that shingle as it climbs to the surface it is attached to. Once it reaches mature size the leaves hang back off the surface and looks a bit more like a Hoya. Marcgravia loves humidity and therefore makes it a great plant for the humid environment of a container garden or terrarium. Being a fast-growing vine, it will need to be pruned regularly to remain contained. This plant is not recommended as a houseplant in an open-air pot. And since this is a fast-growing plant, it is highly recommended that if you are to add this in your enclosure, you can control the growth by using a nutritnet-deficient substrate or a substrate with slow-nutrient release preparation. Marcgravias are also sun-loving thus exposure to artificial light must be in full bright light or in longer duration.

17. Mosses and Grasses (Aquatic/Emersed)

For mosses, I decided to divide it into two categories as there are two types of moss that is being used in terrariums: aquatic/emersed, terrestrial/emersed. Aquatically these mosses can produce bushy, fern-like growth, and be used in various applications such as carpet, branch, or rock cover. They act very similarly when grown terrestrially, but differ slightly in appearance. They are fairly undemanding, do not require overly bright lighting solutions, and can get a long just fine on low nutrient substrates. Given appropriate conditions, and a successful transition period, both Taxiphyllum and Vesicularia will thrive emersed or terrestrially just as well as they do submersed. As mentioned above, the most common mosses used are Taxiphyllum and Vesicularia. On land, Taxiphyllum species will grow outwards with a more wispy appearance and attach to almost any surface it comes in contact with. It will easily spread across wood, rock, along with many other natural and artificial substrates, while for Vesicularia species will grow more densely and mat-like; an excellent choice for a carpeting moss. It can be a slower grower than Taxiphyllum, but also holds moisture longer due to it’s dense growth. Frequent misting will greatly benefit the moss while it transitions from aquatic to terrestrial. It is not uncommon for it to take 3 to 4 weeks before the moss really begins to take off. If your moss came from a terrestrial cutting, or was previously growing terrestrially, the transition is much faster, and new growth should appear relatively quickly. Both Taxiphyllum and Vesicularia will also spread throughout the terrarium via spores when grown terrestrially. This will not often begin until upwards of a month or two from the time it is planted, but once settled in, both species are hardy and prolific.

Emersed grasses that are being used on aquariums are also one of the options for terrariums. First, they have almost the same growth requirements as their emersed moss counterparts, and also behave almost the same in terms of spread and growth. Most common emersed plants/grass used are: HC Cuba, Monte Carlo, Dward Hair Grass, Sword Grass, etc.

18. Mosses and Grasses (Terrestrial/Emersed)

There are over 20,000 documented species of bryophytes (moss, liverworts & hornworts) known today… Kind of mind-blowing to think about when deciding on the right carpeting plant to add to an enclosure. With so many varieties to choose from and so many various conditions to consider when adding bryophytes to an existing ecosystem, it can absolutely be a lot to take in. Bryophytes are green nonvascular plants that do not produce flowers. They can be broken down into three groups of plants… Mosses, Liverworts, Hornworts. Bryophytes all generally like the same moist, high humidity type of environment. The growth pattern, root structure, and propagation process are also very similar to one another. The growth pattern of terrarium moss can be summed up into two categories, Acrocarpous or Pleurocarpous. Understanding the growth pattern of moss is very important when considering how they will look in an enclosure. We have to be mindful of how the plants will fill out the terrariums as they grow when initially planting them. Acrocarpous are bryophytes that grow upward in a very tree-like form. Hornworts, for example, will grow in a very narrow, upward pattern. So it will only make sense to place this type of plant toward the background of a terrarium and prune it back as it gets taller. Pleurocarpous plants grow in an outward format making them an excellent plant to use as a carpeting cover for enclosures. For mosses, please know that for the root structure, they have a rather peculiar behavior. These mosses do not use their root structure as a nutrient-delivery system, rather, it acts as their anchor to the surface. Bryophytes absorb its nutrients through its leaf-like structures called phyllids. This is why moss-like plants MUST be kept in extremely damp surroundings or fully submerged in water. Any lack of moisture in the air and bryophytes will quickly dry out.

Grasses are on the other hand, one of the most unused, underrated, and underappreciated plants used in terrariums. With being found in virtually every habitat possible, and usually easily bought at garden centres, grass really should be added to a lot of tanks. The main con to using a lot of grasses, is that they tend to need a LOT of light — Often times more than what is possible in many terrariums. This can be fixed by adding stronger lighting such or by simply using more shade tolerant species. Most species tend to outgrow enclosures as well, however it can easily be trimmed, so this isn’t really a huge issue at all. One main benefit to using grasses, is that the roots tend to spread quickly, helping to stabilize the soil making burrows stronger. This can take a while depending on the species but that is the beauty of terrariums, the longer things take time, the better it is.

19. Pepperomias (Radiator Plants)

Peperomia is one of the two large genera of the family Piperaceae. Most of them are compact, small perennial epiphytes growing on rotten wood. More than 1500 species have been recorded, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though concentrated in Central America and northern South America. They are compact and usually do not exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in height. They vary considerably in appearance. Some have threadlike, trailing stems and some have fleshy, stout stems. The leaves are smooth and fleshy and may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size may vary from 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the petioles of some kinds are red. The tiny flowers are unnoticeable and they grow in the form of cordlike spikes. The fruit is a berry that eventually dries out and shows the pepper-like seed. These plants are usually propagated by seeds. They are also commercially propagated by cuttings. Peperomia cuttings root easily. Pepperomias however are semi-succulent therefore they are sensitive to humidity and excess moisture. One good tip for terrarium hobbyists is that, to keep your peperomia hardy, when misting the enclosure, avoid misting the peperomia leave so that the water will not be retained and prevent the leaves from rotting.

20. Pileas (Pancake Plants, UFO Plants)

Pilea, with 600–715 species, is the largest genus of flowering plants in the nettle family Urticaceae, and one of the larger genera in the Urticales. It is distributed throughout the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate regions (with the exception of Australia and New Zealand). Pilea is an easy-to-grow houseplant genus with uniquely variegated or highly textured plant species that look extraordinary as they cascade. Their compact size makes them a great centerpiece. Also, the trailing habit makes many pilea varieties an ideal choice for large terrarium enclosures. Pileas like their light bright, indirect light but they don’t grow at all in low light, therefore you need to avoid putting your terrarium in places with little to no light exposure. Pileas fancy both high humidity and moisture, making them a great candidate for terrariums.

21. Rhapis (Dwarf Palms)

Rhapis is a genus of about 10 species of small palms native to southeastern Asia from southern Japan and southern China south to Sumatra. The species are commonly known as lady palms. They are fan palms, with the leaves with a bare petiole terminating in a rounded fan of numerous leaflets. Though they will grow in full sun, they are at their best in a moist well drained soil in morning sun or light to heavy shade, extremely low light, or even indoors, making them yet again, a good candidate for terrariums. Based on my observation however, my experience with transferring dwarf rattan palms on terrariums, it is highly recommended that you include the clay substrate it is mounted on (if your plants came from nurseries or garden centers) as it can help in their transition to the enclosed environment of the terrarium. Also, these palms normally have a spiny stem, so wearing gloves or protective hand barriers are a necessary item. Or you can just use your forceps in transferring them.

22. Sansevieria (Snake Plants)

Sansevieria is a historically recognized genus of flowering plants, native to Africa, notably Madagascar, and southern Asia, now included in the genus Dracaena on the basis of molecular phylogenetic studies. Common names for the 70 or so species formerly placed in the genus include mother-in-law’s tongue, devil’s tongue, jinn‘s tongue, bow string hemp, snake plant and snake tongue. Sansevierias do best in moderate to bright indirect light. However, they will do fine in low light areas and can also withstand full sun. Your Sansevieria does not need much water, and overwatering can cause the plant to rot. Be sure to keep the leaves dry when watering and allow the soil to dry in between waterings. This makes the Sansevierias a great addition to terrariums as terrariums are seldom to nearly-not-watered again at all.

23. Selaginella (Spike Moss/Club Moss

Selaginella is the sole genus of vascular plants in the family Selaginellaceae, the spikemosses or lesser clubmosses. This family is distinguished from Lycopodiaceae by having scale-leaves bearing a ligule and by having spores of two types. They are sometimes included in an informal paraphyletic group called the “fern-allies”. Selaginella species are creeping or ascendant plants with simple, scale-like leaves (microphylls) on branching stems from which roots also arise. The stems are aerial, horizontally creeping on the substratum (as in Selaginella kruassiana), sub erect (Selaginella trachyphylla) or erect (as in Selaginella erythropus). Under dry conditions, some species of Selaginella can survive dehydration. In this state, they may roll up into brown balls and be uprooted, but can rehydrate under moist conditions, become green again and resume growth. This phenomenon is known as poikilohydry, and poikilohydric plants such as Selaginella bryopteris are sometimes referred to as “Ressurection Plants”. Since Selaginellas are commonly mistaken as either a moss or a fern, and referred to as “fern allies” yet the common name carries the term “moss”, it is but appropriate that the Selaginella is also great for terrariums as Selaginellas seem like a confused moss or fern (pun intended).

24. Syngoniums (Arrowhead Vines)

Syngonium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical rain forests in southern Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America. They are woody vines growing to heights of 10–20 m or more in trees. Syngonium species are often grown as house plants, usually only in the juvenile foliage stages. Syngonium podophyllum is the most commonly cultivated species, and is often referred to simply as Syngonium. Syngonium varieties are easy care plants as long as you remember to water them. They are low light tolerant houseplants and will grow virtually anywhere in your home. Their leaves display a wide range of colors and patterning and the vibrance of their colors are affected by light exposure therefore to maintain their birght colors, bright light or indirect sunlight is highly recommended, though they can still thrive in low light as well. These plants are very hardy and loves a high humidity environment, but their roots must be moist though not soaked, making them a terrarium choice as well.

25. Tillandansia (Air Plants)

Tillandsia is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the forests, mountains and deserts of northern Mexico and south-eastern United States, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to mid Argentina. Their leaves, more or less silvery in color, are covered with specialized cells (trichomes) capable of rapidly absorbing water that gathers on them. Sometimes they are also commonly known as airplants because of their natural propensity to cling wherever conditions permit: telephone wires, tree branches, barks, bare rocks, etc. Their light seeds and a silky parachute facilitate this spread. Most Tillandsia species are epiphytes – which translates to ‘upon a plant’. Some are aerophytes, which have a minimal root system and grow on shifting desert soil. Due to their epiphytic way of life these plants will not grow in soil, but live on the branches of trees, in deserts and on other substrates that will not be saturated with water for very long. Air plants are pretty much low-maintanance as long as they are hydrated and has a good source of water in the air around them. However, the higher their chances of being exposed n too much water, the higher their requirements for the light exposure. So as a rule, when you include some air plants in your terrariums, make sure that there is also an adequate light source for them as there is a higher level of humidity and moisture inside an enclosure. It doesn’t mean however that air plants are highly sensitive as these plants can also tolerate a higher level of humidity and moisture as well.

26. Tradescantias (Wandering Jew)

Tradescantia is a genus of 75 species of herbaceousperennial wildflowers in the family Commenlinaceae, native to the New World from southern Canada to northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Members of the genus are known by the common names “Wandering Jew” or spiderwort. They were introduced into Europe as ornamental plants in the 17th century and are now grown in many parts of the world. Some species have become naturalized in various regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, as well as on some oceanic islands. Tradescantia is a tough tropical plant. Depending on the species, tradescantias are typically purple and often variegated with silvers, greens, creams, even pinks, and occasionally gold. Many of the light-foliage varieties have dark purple undersides, which creates a dramatic effect. Though not the main reason they are grown, many varieties produce small flowers that grace the attractive foliage. They are some of the simplest plants to grow, requiring little maintenance and a good drainage only. Most tradescantias prefer growing in moist soil, but because of their fleshy nature, they can withstand an occasional drought, as most cases in terrariums, when we forget to mist our enclosures. Many of the trailing varieties form dense mats and will root everywhere the plants touch the substrate. Tradescantias can grow on low-light areas but tends to lost their color, therefore an artificial light or an indirect sunlight is a good solution to their light requirement to maintain their color.

So there we have it, our extensive list of major plant families and species. Of course, there is a lot more that is not included on the list as each plant family have different varieties as well that are extremely unique, beautiful, and amazing that needs to be highlighted on their own. However, I created the list for terrarium hobbyists and plant enthusiasts to serve a guide for a major plant family tree so that they can explore other varieties from the same group.

If you have suggestions, or recommendations for plants to be added on the list, please feel free to comment on the comment section so we can create a Part 2 or 3 of the list for updates as well. For now, please enjoy our primary plant list.

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