Tam-Tam's Blog

Terrariums-- The Plant List For Beginners.
Jan 8, 2008 | 12:19 PM PST
Tags: terrarium plants , novice , foliage , blooms

The Plant List

Choosing the right plants can make the difference in whether or not a terrarium will be pleasing to the eye.  This is a list of easy to care for and readily available plants that will help the novice in selecting plants.  The species are divided into two lists.  The first list consists of foliage plants, the second is a list of flowering vegetation. 
Wild plants are mentioned in the list.  There are laws protecting wild plants.  Make sure you know the laws and how they are enforced in your area.  A quick search on the web will probably help you find a suitable replacement.

NOTE:  The plant's temperature requirements is noted by it with asterisks:
*   Plants preferring cool temperatures (55 - 65 degrees F.)
**  Plants preferring medium temperatures (65 - 75 degrees F.)
*** Plants preferring warm temperatures (75 - 80 degrees F.)

BRIGHT OR MULTICOLORED FOLIAGE PLANTS:

***ALUMINUM PLANT (Pilea cadierei) has oval, dark green leaves with blotches of silver.

**BLOODLEAF (Iresine herbstii) this is a bushy plant that will need to be pruned to keep it compact.  Its translucent red or yellow foliage looks best in bright light.

**CALADIUM (Caladium bicolor) has arrow shaped multi colored leaves.  This tropical plant is a tuber and must be removed from the terrarium when its foliage dies down.  After a rest the tubers can be replanted.

**COLEUS (Coleus) this richly variegated, coarsely toothed leaf plant will do best in filtered light.  You will need to pinch it back frequently   to keep coleus within its bounds.

**CROTON (Codiaeum variegatum) this plant has bronze, green, purple, red, and yellow variegated leaves.  The various species differ in structure but all are smooth and leathery.

**DEVIL'S IVY (Scindapsus aureus) keep direct sunlight away from the leaves of this trailing and climbing plant.  Scindapsus is also known as pothos.

*ENGLISH IVY (Hedera helix) this easily grown evergreen thrives in terrariums. Keep the leaves out of direct sunlight, and for color you can try one of the variegated varieties.

*FERNS (Filicales) The majority of fern species require a great deal of moisture, making them outstanding terrarium plants.  Tropical varieties can tolerate temps as high as 70 degrees F.

*JAPANESE SPURGE (Pachysandra terminalis) there are variegated forms of this ground cover, but the standard has a rich, dark-green rosettes of palmlike foliage.

**PALMS (Aceae) Neanthe bella, the smallest of all palms is idea for terrariums because it will thrive if its roots are crowded.  It has dark green, frond-like  leaves that droop in umbrella fashion.     

**PEPEROMIA (Peperomia obtusifolia or Peperomia sandersii) peperomia will prosper in a terrarium with artificial light or shaded from direct sunlight. 

**PRAYER PLANT (Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana) also called "rabbit tracks."  The large green leaves have paired brown spots, at night the leaves fold together, resembling hands in prayer.

**SEERSUCKER PLANT (Geogenathus undatus) a native from Peru, has  textured silver-striped leaves, which are purple underneath.

*SNAKE PLANT (Sansevieria trifasciata) also known by the common name "mother-n-law's tongue."  Has long thick leaves and most of the varieties are known for tolerating abuse and neglect.  Hahnii is best for glass gardens because it is low growing and its foliage is vividly variegated.

*SPIDERWORT (Tradescantia virginiana alba) also know as the "inch plant."  A variegated, shade loving creeper which will need pruning to keep it from inching over the whole container.

**STRAWBERRY BEGONIA (Saxifraga sarmentosa) this misnamed plant is not a begonia, nor does it bear strawberries.  It has round fuzzy, silver -veined leaves that sprout from pinkish runners.

**VELVET PLANT (Gynura aurantiaca) has a deep purple fuzz covering spear shaped, toothed leaves.  Also know as "purple passion plant."

**WANDERING JEW (Tradescantia fluminensis) other tradescantias, like Zebrina pendula, are know as wandering Jew.  They all have thick, somewhat hairy stems and oval leaves that may be green, mauve, pink, purple, or purple-red.  They are fast growers and will need to be pruned frequently.

FLOWERING PLANTS:

**AFRICAN VIOLET (saintpaulia) very attractive plant with fuzzy foliage and colorful blossoms.  Young plants of the miniature strains are best for terrariums. Try not let the leaves touch the sides of the glass, and make sure not to place the plant where the leaves will come into direct contact with water droplets that form with the rain cycle. 

*BEGONIA (Begoniacea) dwarf varieties of the fibrous-rooted type do well in terrariums that receive filtered sunlight.

**CAPE PRIMROSE (Streptocarpus saxorum) has trumpet shaped blossoms in pink, blue, purple, red, and white set off by large velvety leaves.

**GERANIUM (Pelargonium) standard geraniums are too tall for terrariums so use the midget varieties and keep them pruned.  Ventilate the container to reduce the humidity.

**IMPATIENS (Impatiens sultanii) smaller than the other members of its family, its bright green leaves and orange, pink, scarlet, violet, or white blossoms add color to any glass garden.

**LILY OF THE VALLEY (Convallaria majalis) lily clumps dug in the fall, kept in a cool place until midwinter, and then planted in the terrarium will soon burst into bloom.

**MINIATURE GLOXINIA (Sinningia pursilla)  about two inches high and has small puckered olive-green leaves and long tubed lavender flowers.  After blossoms have faded, dig up with as much dirt as possible clinging to the roots, store in a cool place for several months, then replant the tuber.

**ORCHIDS (Orchidaceae) several varieties of orchids will do well in glass gardens.  The novice should have little trouble with Cypripedium hybrids and various wild orchids such as the lady's slipper.  All do well in shaded containers.  But remember, wild orchids are protected in most states and some are poisonous to touch.  Get them from a horticulturist.

*SPATHE FLOWER (Spathiphyllum wallisii) this house plant is usually grown for its flowers rather than its foliage.  The flower resembles the calla lily in shape and turns green at first, then turns white, then turns green again.  Spathe requires strong light, but dislikes direct sun.

*VIOLET (Violaceae) both domestic and wild violets thrive in cool terrariums.  They require a great deal of water but excessive moisture will cause them to rot.  Ventilate the container frequently.