Imagine tiny worlds thriving under your care, a miniature landscape you can watch grow and change. Open terrariums offer this magical possibility, bringing a touch of the wild indoors. But when it comes to picking the perfect plants for these open-air ecosystems, it can feel like a puzzle.
Many plant lovers get stuck. They worry about plants wilting too fast, or growing too big, or simply not looking right together. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options, and the thought of accidentally choosing the wrong one can be discouraging. You want your open terrarium to be a success, a beautiful, living decoration.
This post is here to help! We’ll guide you through the wonderful world of plants that will absolutely flourish in your open terrarium. You’ll learn what makes a plant a good fit, discover some amazing and easy-to-care-for choices, and even get tips on how to arrange them for a stunning display. Get ready to transform your space with your very own miniature green paradise.
Top Open Terrarium Plants Recommendations
- The plant assortment may vary with the season
- Suitable for open or closed terrariums
- Trim as needed
- Grown naturally, no insecticides
- Garden & Patio
- The mini fern assortment varies with the season
- Trim as needed
- Easy to grow
- Excellent for terrariums
- Garden & Patio
- GUARANTEE HEALTHY ARRIVAL: Healthy arrival of cuttings with no roots or soil. for Every order comes with THE SUCCULENT CULT GUARANTEE of live healthy succulent cuttings and our assurance that you will adore your succulent cuttings.
- UNIQUE VARIETIES: You will receive assorted succulent cuttings ranging from 1" to 3" in diameter or length NO ROOTS INCLUDED (depending on the variety and how they grow). Please note that our nursery growing cycle changes year-round, so varieties/species we send will vary weekly. Also note that during transit plants that had color to it seems to turn a blueish green in some cases because of the lack of light.
- WHATS INCLUDED?: Succulent Cuttings with NO ROOTS, NO SOIL, NO POTS included. Please read the listing to be well informed of what you will be receiving as these cuttings will not include roots, soil, or pots. You WILL NOT receive exactly what is pictured as these are randomly selected by our staff on per order basis depending on availability of course.
- UNIQUE GIFTS: Everyone loves receiving succulents as a gift, from moms and dads to grandma's and grandpas. Our succulent cuttings are sure to put a smile on anyone's face no matter the person or occasion.
- DYI DECOR: Succulent cuttings are a great DYI project idea to add character to your home. Let your imagination run wild in creating something original and personal. Put them on display in geometric vases, unconventional planters such as baskets, lanterns, birdhouses, to wall mounts, dinner table centerpieces, or even desk decor.
- Mini Terrarium Plants (2 Plants) Assorted Varieties
- Plants that thrive in high humidity envioments like Fairy Gardens and Terrariums or can be grown as houseplants in larger pots
- Licensed to Ship to California
- Order multiple sets for all different plants
- Open Terrarium for Small Plants: This geometric glass terrarium is designed for small succulents, cacti, moss, air plants and miniature plant arrangements. The open-front design allows better airflow and easy viewing for a clean tabletop display.
- Open-Front, No Door Design: Unlike closed terrariums made for moisture-loving plants, this open glass planter is ideal for drought-tolerant plants that prefer ventilation. It does not have a front door and is not a sealed terrarium.
- Compact Tabletop Size: Measures 6.5"L x 5.7"W x 9.8"H. Perfect for desks, shelves, windowsills, coffee tables and office corners. Please check the size before purchase; plants, soil, rocks and decorations are not included.
- Clear Glass with Black Metal Frame: Made with clear glass panels and a black geometric frame, this irregular prism terrarium adds a modern accent to home, office, patio or shelf decor while keeping your small plant arrangement visible from every angle.
- For Dry or Lightly Watered Arrangements: Best for dry plant displays or lightly misted plants. This container is not designed to hold standing water and may leak if water is poured directly into it. Use a spray bottle for light watering only.
- 🌱 𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐈𝐍-𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐌 𝐊𝐈𝐓: The rainforest terrarium kit comes with everything needed to set up a healthy terrarium, including premium 5-blend soil mix for proper drainage, nutrient supply for plants and oxygen supply for roots; a substrate layer with mesh to facilitate aeration and water holding; sphagnum moss for moisture and nutrient retention; and lastly, decorative materials to enhance aesthetic appeal. These closed terrarium kits also include maintenance tools and detailed instructions, making it effortless for beginners to create a complete terrarium landscape.
- 🌱 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒: All ingredients and materials in this diy succulent terrarium kit for kids and adults are meticulously researched and screened to ensure the strongest possible ecosystem. They support the environment of your terrarium and plants for a long time, helping to create a stable ecosystem
- 🌱 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 & 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐌𝐈𝐗: Premium mesh net is specially designed to separate drainage substrate layer from potting mix layer for the purpose of preventing issues such as soil compaction, root congestion and air suffocation.
- 🌱 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄 & 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐄: Duspro special cactus terrarium kit is a perfect choice for those who want to save costs without compromising product quality. Our price is 30% cheaper than other mini terrarium kit supplies while still maintaining high quality and large volume. Our open terrarium kit comes with a generous amount of materials that is equivalent to a large terrarium kit available on the market.
- 🌱 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍: Duspro terrarium kit for succulents with a beautiful package design is a perfect gift for nature lovers, kids, adults on special occasions: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas gifts; Noel; Children Day, Back to School,…
- The mini fern assortment varies with the season
- Trim as needed
- Three-2" pots included
- Excellent for terrariums
- Garden & Patio
- Modern style plant terrarium, classic elegance can both be yours when you make this lovely artistic glass terrarium a part of your home or patio; The geometric terrarium made of clear 3 mm thick glass, witch robust light transmission so can help the plant grow
- Designed for small plants only, uitable for miniature tabletop arrangements; The terrarium container is ideal for small succulent, small cacti or other small plants. Give you a decent way to raise plants and watch them, without dirting your room
- NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD WATER: Not designed to hold standing water. May leak if water is added directly. However, a small spray of water to keep the interior of the terrarium moist is ok
- Irregular glass terrarium is also perfect to showcase votive candles, tealights; The geometric terrarium can be used standing or lying down; No front door, not a sealed self-contained terrarium
- Terrarium Size: 6.5 x 5.7 x 9.8 inches / 16.5 x 14.5 x 25 cm; Glass terrarium ONLY, plants are not included; NOTE that the glass terrarium NO DOOR
Choosing the Best Open Terrarium Plants: A Complete Guide
Open terrariums are like mini-gardens in a glass container. They are easier to care for than closed terrariums because they don’t trap as much moisture. This makes them a great choice for beginners. Picking the right plants is important for a healthy and beautiful terrarium.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy plants for your open terrarium, keep a few things in mind.
- Drought Tolerance: Open terrariums have more airflow, which means they dry out faster. Plants that don’t need a lot of water are best. Look for plants with thick leaves or fuzzy textures. These often store water well.
- Sunlight Needs: Think about where you will put your terrarium. Some plants need bright, indirect light. Others do well in lower light. Match the plant’s needs to your home’s light conditions.
- Slow Growth: You don’t want plants that will quickly outgrow their glass home. Slow-growing plants will stay smaller for longer. This means less trimming and fuss.
- Small Size: Choose plants that are naturally small or stay small. Big plants will quickly fill up the terrarium and look crowded.
Important Materials
Besides the plants, you’ll need a few other things to build your open terrarium.
- Container: Any clear glass container works. Jars, bowls, or even fish tanks are good choices. Make sure it’s clean.
- Drainage Layer: Small stones or gravel go at the bottom. This helps extra water drain away from the plant roots. It stops roots from rotting.
- Activated Charcoal: A thin layer of activated charcoal sits on top of the stones. It helps keep the terrarium fresh and filters out bad smells.
- Potting Mix: Use a special potting mix for succulents or cacti. This soil drains well. Regular garden soil holds too much moisture.
- Tools: Small gardening tools like spoons, tweezers, or chopsticks are helpful. They let you place plants and soil easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The health of your plants is key to a good terrarium.
- Good Quality Plants: Healthy plants have no signs of pests or diseases. Their leaves are green and firm. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves or wilting stems.
- Proper Drainage: A good drainage system prevents waterlogged soil. This is super important for preventing root rot.
- Right Amount of Water: Overwatering is a common mistake. It can kill your plants. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Appropriate Light: Too much direct sun can scorch some plants. Not enough light makes them weak. Find the sweet spot for your chosen plants.
User Experience and Use Cases
Open terrariums are fun to create and enjoy.
- Decorations: They add a touch of nature to any room. You can place them on shelves, tables, or windowsills.
- Stress Relief: Caring for a small garden can be relaxing. It’s a calming hobby.
- Educational Tool: They are great for teaching kids about plants and how they grow.
- Gift Idea: A beautiful, handmade terrarium makes a thoughtful gift.
Building an open terrarium is a rewarding project. With the right plants and a little care, your mini-garden will thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Open Terrarium Plants
Q: What are the best plants for an open terrarium?
A: Good choices include succulents, cacti, air plants, and certain small, drought-tolerant herbs like thyme or sedum. These plants like drier conditions and bright light.
Q: Do I need to water open terrarium plants often?
A: No, you don’t water them often. Open terrariums dry out faster than closed ones, but you should still only water when the soil is dry. Overwatering is bad.
Q: Can I put any plant in an open terrarium?
A: Not all plants are suitable. Plants that love very moist environments, like ferns or mosses that need high humidity, are better for closed terrariums. They will likely not do well in an open one.
Q: How much light do open terrarium plants need?
A: Most open terrarium plants, especially succulents and cacti, need bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a sunny window is usually perfect.
Q: What kind of soil should I use for an open terrarium?
A: Use a well-draining potting mix, like one made for succulents or cacti. This soil prevents water from sitting around the roots.
Q: How do I prevent mold in my open terrarium?
A: Good airflow is key. Make sure your container has an opening. Also, avoid overwatering. A layer of activated charcoal in the soil mix can help too.
Q: Can I mix different types of plants in one open terrarium?
A: Yes, but make sure they have similar needs for light and water. Mixing a cactus with a plant that needs more moisture will cause problems.
Q: How big do plants get in an open terrarium?
A: Plants will grow, but usually slower in a terrarium setting. Choosing slow-growing varieties helps them stay a good size for a long time.
Q: What if my plants look unhealthy?
A: Check your watering schedule and light exposure. Yellow or mushy leaves often mean too much water. Crispy leaves might mean not enough water or too much direct sun.
Q: Are air plants good for open terrariums?
A: Yes, air plants are excellent for open terrariums. They don’t need soil and just need to be misted or soaked occasionally. They love good airflow.