Imagine bringing a lush, vibrant slice of nature into your home with a terrarium, but struggling to choose best 10 terrarium plants that thrive in such a unique environment. Many beginners and enthusiasts face challenges selecting low-maintenance, visually appealing plants that suit the humid, confined conditions of a terrarium, risking plant loss or an uninspiring display. This guide curates the top 10 terrarium plants available on Amazon in 2025, based on customer ratings, popularity, and suitability for open or closed terrariums, to help you create a thriving, low-maintenance mini ecosystem with confidence.
Why Choose the Right Terrarium Plants?
Selecting the right terrarium plants is crucial for a flourishing mini ecosystem. Terrariums, whether open or closed, create unique microclimates—closed terrariums mimic tropical, humid environments, while open ones suit drier, airier conditions. Choosing plants that match these conditions ensures longevity and vibrancy. These plants enhance home decor, bringing greenery to small spaces like apartments or offices. They’re low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care once established, and studies show indoor plants can boost mental well-being by reducing stress. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, the right terrarium plants make all the difference in creating a stunning, hassle-free display. Keywords: terrarium plant care, low-maintenance terrarium plants, best plants for closed terrariums, best plants for open terrariums.
How We Chose the Best Terrarium Plants
To curate this list, we analyzed 2025 Amazon best-seller lists, focusing on terrarium plants with 4+ star ratings and high review volumes (1,000+ reviews). We prioritized plants suitable for open or closed terrariums, considering size, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal. Our research included expert insights from sources like BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and Terrarium Tribe, ensuring plants meet beginner and enthusiast needs. We evaluated light and humidity requirements, growth habits, and customer feedback to recommend plants that thrive in confined spaces and varied conditions, helping you make informed decisions. Keywords: top-rated terrarium plants 2025, Amazon terrarium plants, beginner terrarium plants.
The Best 10 Terrarium Plants: Detailed Reviews and Comparisons
Comparison Table
| Plant Name | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Peperomia Prostrata | $29.99 | Beginners, small closed terrariums |
| Fittonia (Nerve Plant) | $38.22 | Colorful closed terrarium displays |
| Selaginella Kraussiana | $15.99 | Tropical closed terrarium ground cover |
| Pilea Glauca | $9.99 | Mixed open/closed terrarium designs |
| Begonia Rex | $39.99 | Bold, colorful closed terrariums |
| Syngonium ‘Pixie’ | $21.82 | Compact vertical terrarium growth |
| Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant) | $27.99 | Vibrant closed terrarium accents |
| Tillandsia (Air Plants) | $18.99 | Minimalist open terrariums |
| Fern (Miniature Varieties) | $29.99 | Lush, tropical closed terrariums |
| Cushion Moss | $29.99 | Low-maintenance ground cover |
1. Peperomia Prostrata (String of Turtles)
- Product Description: The Peperomia Prostrata, commonly known as String of Turtles, is a charming trailing plant that captivates with its tiny, round leaves resembling turtle shells, adorned with delicate silver-green patterns. Native to South American rainforests, this plant thrives in the high humidity and indirect light of closed terrariums, making it a favorite for beginners. Its trailing vines cascade beautifully over rocks or driftwood, adding a whimsical, natural aesthetic to any mini ecosystem. Slow-growing and compact, it reaches about 4-6 inches in length, ensuring it won’t outgrow small containers. Available on Amazon in 2025, it’s often shipped in 2-3 inch pots, perfect for terrarium setups.
- Price: $29.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Compact, trailing growth ideal for small terrariums
- Thrives in moderate light (indirect, filtered sunlight) and high humidity
- Easy to propagate from stem cuttings, allowing expansion of your display
- Non-toxic to pets, safe for households with animals
- Pros:
- Low maintenance, requiring minimal watering (once every 1-2 weeks)
- Beginner-friendly due to its hardiness and adaptability
- Visually striking with unique leaf patterns, enhancing terrarium aesthetics
- Suitable for both open and closed terrariums with proper care
- Cons:
- May shed leaves if overhandled during setup or pruning
- Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which can be tricky in sealed terrariums
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.7/5 stars (1,500+ reviews). Customers praise its adorable appearance and ease of care, with many noting its ability to thrive in small, humid setups. Some report slow growth, which is ideal for terrariums but may disappoint those expecting rapid spread. Occasional complaints mention leaf drop during shipping, so inspect upon arrival.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: The String of Turtles is a top pick for its compact size, low-maintenance care, and unique aesthetic, making it perfect for beginners creating a visually appealing closed terrarium. Its resilience in humid conditions ensures long-term success.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Perfect for beginners or those with small closed terrariums seeking a decorative, trailing plant that requires minimal upkeep. Keywords: Peperomia prostrata terrarium, String of Turtles Amazon, best trailing terrarium plants.
2. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
- Product Description: Fittonia, or the Nerve Plant, is a tropical gem from South American rainforests, renowned for its vibrant, veined foliage in shades of green, pink, white, or red. Its leaves feature striking, net-like patterns, making it a standout in closed terrariums where high humidity mimics its natural habitat. Growing to a compact 3-6 inches tall, Fittonia is ideal for small containers, adding bold color and texture without overcrowding. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-4 inch pots, it’s a top choice for those seeking a low-maintenance plant with dramatic visual impact.
- Price: $38.22
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in high humidity, perfect for closed terrariums
- Compact growth ensures it fits small spaces without pruning
- Vibrant, variegated foliage adds bold color to terrarium designs
- Signals watering needs by wilting, recovering quickly when watered
- Pros:
- Easy to care for with consistent moisture (mist weekly)
- Wide variety of leaf colors (pink, white, red, green) for customization
- Beginner-friendly, forgiving of minor care mistakes
- Enhances tropical terrarium aesthetics with lush foliage
- Cons:
- Prone to root rot if overwatered, requiring careful monitoring
- Not ideal for open terrariums due to high humidity needs
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.6/5 stars (2,000+ reviews). Customers love its vibrant colors and ease of care in humid setups, with many highlighting its ability to recover from wilting. Some report issues with shipping damage, such as crushed leaves, but most plants recover with proper care.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Fittonia’s striking appearance and humidity tolerance make it a favorite for tropical closed terrariums, offering vibrant color with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Best for closed terrarium enthusiasts seeking colorful, low-maintenance plants to create a tropical vibe. Keywords: Fittonia terrarium plant, nerve plant Amazon, colorful terrarium plants.
3. Selaginella Kraussiana (Golden Clubmoss)
- Product Description: Selaginella Kraussiana, or Golden Clubmoss, is a lush, moss-like plant native to African forest floors, perfect for creating a carpet-like ground cover in closed terrariums. Its delicate, feathery green foliage with golden undertones forms a dense mat, adding texture and a forest-like aesthetic to mini ecosystems. Growing to just 2-4 inches tall, it’s ideal for small containers and thrives in low light and high humidity, mimicking its natural shaded habitat. Available on Amazon in 2025 in small clumps or 2-inch pots, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance choice for terrarium enthusiasts.
- Price: $15.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in low light and high humidity, ideal for closed terrariums
- Dense, mat-forming growth creates a natural ground cover
- Hardy and resilient, tolerating minor care inconsistencies
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly households
- Pros:
- Foolproof for closed terrariums, requiring minimal care
- Adds lush texture to terrarium landscapes
- Grows well in dim conditions, perfect for low-light spaces
- Easy to propagate by dividing clumps
- Cons:
- Not suitable for open terrariums due to humidity needs
- Can spread quickly, requiring occasional trimming to prevent overgrowth
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (1,200+ reviews). Customers appreciate its hardiness and lush appearance, with many using it as a base layer in tropical terrariums. Some note it arrives smaller than expected, but it grows quickly in proper conditions.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its resilience and ground-covering ability make it a go-to for creating lush, tropical scenes in closed terrariums with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Great for those building a tropical, closed terrarium with a forest-like aesthetic, especially beginners. Keywords: Selaginella terrarium, Golden Clubmoss Amazon, ground cover terrarium plants.
4. Pilea Glauca (Silver Sparkles)
- Product Description: Pilea Glauca, also known as Silver Sparkles, is a delicate, trailing plant with tiny, silver-green leaves that shimmer like dew drops, adding a sparkling contrast to terrarium plants. Native to Central and South America, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, making it versatile for both open and closed terrariums. Its fine, cascading stems grow to about 6-12 inches, perfect for draping over terrarium features or creating moss wall accents. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-3 inch pots, it’s a low-maintenance choice for those seeking elegance in their mini ecosystems.
- Price: $9.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Trailing growth ideal for vertical or cascading terrarium designs
- Thrives in bright, indirect light, adaptable to various setups
- Easy to propagate from stem cuttings, allowing expansion
- Lightweight foliage, perfect for delicate terrarium structures
- Pros:
- Low maintenance, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks
- Adds a unique silvery texture to enhance visual appeal
- Suitable for both open and closed terrariums with proper care
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly households
- Cons:
- Requires careful watering to avoid over-saturation and root rot
- Fragile stems may break during setup or rearrangement
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.6/5 stars (1,800+ reviews). Customers praise its delicate beauty and versatility, with many noting its success in mixed terrarium designs. Some mention slow recovery from shipping, recommending gentle handling and immediate care upon arrival.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its small size, unique silvery foliage, and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any terrarium, offering elegance with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Ideal for those wanting a subtle, elegant plant for mixed open or closed terrarium designs, especially for moss walls or vertical setups. Keywords: Pilea glauca terrarium, Silver Sparkles Amazon, trailing terrarium plants.
5. Begonia Rex
- Product Description: Begonia Rex is a tropical showstopper from Southeast Asia, celebrated for its vibrant, variegated leaves in shades of green, red, pink, and silver. Its bold, textured foliage makes it a focal point in closed terrariums, where high humidity supports its lush growth. Compact varieties, growing to 4-6 inches tall, fit perfectly in small containers, adding dramatic color without overwhelming the space. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-4 inch pots, Begonia Rex is ideal for those seeking a striking, tropical aesthetic in their terrarium plants collection.
- Price: $39.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in high humidity and moderate, indirect light
- Compact varieties designed for small terrarium spaces
- Stunning leaf patterns (swirls, spots, metallic hues) for visual impact
- Slow-growing, requiring minimal pruning
- Pros:
- Adds vibrant color and texture to closed terrariums
- Easy to care for in humid environments (mist weekly)
- Wide variety of leaf designs for customization
- Beginner-friendly with proper humidity control
- Cons:
- Not suitable for open terrariums due to humidity needs
- Sensitive to overwatering, requiring well-draining soil
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (1,500+ reviews). Customers love its bold beauty and tropical vibe, with many praising its performance in closed terrariums. Some report leaf drop during shipping, but plants typically recover with care.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its colorful foliage and humidity tolerance make it a standout for tropical terrarium enthusiasts seeking a bold, low-maintenance plant.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Perfect for those building a vibrant, colorful closed terrarium with a tropical aesthetic. Keywords: Begonia rex terrarium, colorful terrarium plants Amazon, tropical terrarium plants.
6. Syngonium ‘Pixie’
- Product Description: Syngonium ‘Pixie’ is a compact arrowhead vine from Central America, featuring heart-shaped, cream-white and green leaves that add vertical interest to terrariums. Growing to just 4-6 inches tall, it’s ideal for small spaces and thrives in low to moderate light and high humidity, making it versatile for both open and closed terrariums. Its upright growth can be trained to climb or trail, offering flexibility in design. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-3 inch pots, it’s a low-maintenance choice for terrarium enthusiasts seeking a compact, lush plant.
- Price: $21.82
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Compact, upright growth saves space in small terrariums
- Thrives in low to moderate light and high humidity
- Easy to prune for size control and shaping
- Variegated foliage adds visual interest
- Pros:
- Versatile for open or closed terrariums with proper care
- Low maintenance, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks
- Beginner-friendly, forgiving of minor care mistakes
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly households
- Cons:
- May require occasional pruning to maintain size
- Can outgrow very small terrariums if not managed
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.7/5 stars (1,700+ reviews). Customers praise its compact size and attractive foliage, with many noting its success in small terrariums. Some mention slow growth, which suits confined spaces but may not suit those seeking rapid spread.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its versatility, compact growth, and low care needs make it a reliable choice for various terrarium types, especially for beginners.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Great for beginners or those with small terrariums seeking vertical or climbing terrarium plants. Keywords: Syngonium pixie terrarium, arrowhead vine Amazon, compact terrarium plants.
7. Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant)
- Product Description: Hypoestes, or the Polka Dot Plant, is a vibrant tropical plant from Madagascar, known for its spotted leaves in pink, red, or white against green foliage. Its compact growth (4-6 inches tall) and love for warm, humid conditions make it a perfect fit for closed terrariums, where it adds a playful pop of color. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-3 inch pots, this plant is a favorite for those seeking a low-maintenance, colorful accent to elevate their terrarium’s aesthetic.
- Price: $27.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in warm, humid conditions, ideal for closed terrariums
- Compact and slow-growing, fitting small containers
- Bright, spotted foliage adds playful color contrast
- Easy to propagate from cuttings
- Pros:
- Low maintenance, requiring weekly misting
- Adds bold color to tropical terrarium designs
- Beginner-friendly, tolerating minor care inconsistencies
- Wide variety of leaf colors for customization
- Cons:
- Not suitable for open terrariums due to humidity needs
- Can fade or become leggy in low light, requiring moderate light
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.6/5 stars (1,400+ reviews). Customers love its vibrant colors and ease of care in humid setups, with many using it as a focal point. Some report leggy growth if light is insufficient, recommending bright, indirect light.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its colorful, compact nature makes it a great accent plant for tropical closed terrariums, offering visual appeal with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Ideal for those wanting a vibrant, colorful accent in a closed terrarium setup. Keywords: Polka dot plant terrarium, Hypoestes Amazon, colorful terrarium plants.
8. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
- Product Description: Tillandsia, commonly known as Air Plants, are unique, soil-free terrarium plants from Central and South America that absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Their sculptural, spiky forms and minimal care needs make them perfect for open terrariums or minimalist setups. Growing to 2-6 inches, they can be placed on rocks, driftwood, or terrarium decor, adding a modern, airy aesthetic. Available on Amazon in 2025 as single plants or packs, they’re ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, creative terrarium design.
- Price: $18.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Soil-free, absorbing moisture from air or misting
- Thrives in bright, indirect light, perfect for open terrariums
- Minimal watering (misting 1-2 times weekly)
- Unique, sculptural shapes enhance modern terrarium designs
- Pros:
- Extremely low maintenance, ideal for busy owners
- Versatile for open terrariums, fitting creative layouts
- Wide variety of species for aesthetic customization
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly households
- Cons:
- Not suitable for closed terrariums due to low humidity tolerance
- Requires regular misting, which may be forgotten
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.8/5 stars (3,000+ reviews). Customers praise their ease of care and unique appearance, with many using them in open terrariums or as standalone decor. Some note variability in size or health upon arrival, recommending careful seller selection.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Their soil-free nature and minimal care needs make them ideal for creative, low-maintenance open terrarium designs.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Best for open terrarium owners or those seeking minimalist, modern terrarium plants with unique aesthetics. Keywords: Tillandsia terrarium, air plants Amazon, open terrarium plants.
9. Fern (Miniature Varieties)
- Product Description: Miniature ferns, such as the Lemon Button Fern or Maidenhair Fern, are delicate, feathery terrarium plants native to shaded forest floors, perfect for creating a lush, tropical vibe in closed terrariums. Their soft, green fronds grow to 4-6 inches tall, making them ideal for small containers where high humidity and low light mimic their natural habitat. Available on Amazon in 2025 in 2-3 inch pots, these ferns add texture and a classic forest aesthetic, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a natural, verdant display.
- Price: $29.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in high humidity and low to moderate light, ideal for closed terrariums
- Compact varieties fit small spaces without overcrowding
- Lush, feathery fronds enhance tropical aesthetics
- Hardy with proper care, tolerating minor inconsistencies
- Pros:
- Perfect for closed terrariums, requiring minimal maintenance
- Adds rich texture and greenery to mini ecosystems
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly households
- Wide variety of miniature fern types for customization
- Cons:
- Can overgrow if not pruned regularly, requiring occasional trimming
- Not ideal for open terrariums due to humidity needs
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (1,300+ reviews). Customers appreciate the lush growth and tropical feel, with many using ferns as a backdrop in closed terrariums. Some note sensitivity to shipping, recommending immediate care upon arrival to prevent frond browning.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Their lush, feathery foliage and humidity tolerance create a classic, forest-like terrarium look with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Great for those building a tropical, closed terrarium with a forest aesthetic, especially for beginners seeking hardy plants. Keywords: Miniature fern terrarium, ferns for terrariums Amazon, tropical terrarium plants.
10. Cushion Moss
- Product Description: Cushion Moss is a soft, vibrant green moss that forms a lush, carpet-like ground cover, ideal for adding a natural, forest-floor aesthetic to closed terrariums. Native to temperate regions, it thrives in moist, low-light conditions, creating a dense, velvety layer that complements other terrarium plants. Available on Amazon in 2025 in small clumps or trays, it’s perfect for covering terrarium bases or decorating around rocks and driftwood. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a staple for tropical terrarium designs.
- Price: $29.99
- Key Features and Benefits:
- Thrives in moist, low-light conditions, perfect for closed terrariums
- Easy to maintain with regular misting (1-2 times weekly)
- Dense, carpet-like growth enhances terrarium aesthetics
- Hardy and resilient, tolerating minor care variations
- Pros:
- Low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond misting
- Ideal for closed terrariums, creating a lush base layer
- Adds a natural, forest-like look to mini ecosystems
- Non-toxic, safe for pet-friendly setups
- Cons:
- Not suitable for open terrariums due to humidity needs
- May require occasional cleaning to prevent mold in overly wet conditions
- Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.6/5 stars (1,600+ reviews). Customers love its lush appearance and ease of use as a ground cover, with many praising its ability to thrive in humid setups. Some note drying during shipping, recommending immediate misting upon arrival.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its versatility, low care needs, and lush appearance make it a staple for creating tropical, forest-like terrariums with minimal effort.
- Ideal Use Case/Who Should Buy: Perfect for those creating a lush, tropical closed terrarium with a natural ground cover. Keywords: Cushion moss terrarium, moss for terrariums Amazon, ground cover terrarium plants.
How to Choose the Best Terrarium Plants for Your Needs
Selecting the right terrarium plants ensures a thriving, low-maintenance mini ecosystem. Consider these factors:
- Terrarium Type: Closed terrariums suit humidity-loving plants like Fittonia, Begonia Rex, or Cushion Moss, while open terrariums work best for air plants like Tillandsia.
- Light Conditions: Match plants to your space—low light for Selaginella or ferns, moderate to bright indirect light for Pilea Glauca or Syngonium ‘Pixie’.
- Maintenance Level: Beginners should opt for low-maintenance options like Peperomia Prostrata or Tillandsia, while experienced gardeners can handle Begonia Rex or Hypoestes.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Choose plants for color (Fittonia, Hypoestes), texture (ferns, moss), or growth patterns (trailing Peperomia, upright Syngonium).
Tips: Start with beginner-friendly plants, combine complementary species (e.g., moss with ferns for a forest look), and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Keywords: how to choose terrarium plants, terrarium plant care tips, beginner terrarium guide.
Terrarium Plant Care Tips for Success
To keep your terrarium plants thriving, follow these care tips:
- Watering: Mist lightly every 1-2 weeks for closed terrariums; open terrariums may need weekly misting for air plants. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Lighting: Provide bright, indirect light for most plants; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Low-light plants like Selaginella thrive in shaded setups.
- Maintenance: Prune overgrown plants (e.g., Syngonium, ferns) to maintain size, remove dead leaves, and check for pests like fungus gnats.
- Ventilation: Open closed terrariums every 1-2 weeks for a few hours to refresh air and prevent mold, especially for moss and humidity-loving plants.
Keywords: terrarium care guide, how to maintain terrarium plants, terrarium plant care 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best plants for a closed terrarium? Fittonia, Begonia Rex, Selaginella, and Cushion Moss thrive in high-humidity, closed setups due to their tropical nature.
- Can I mix open and closed terrarium plants? Mixing is possible if conditions are balanced (e.g., moderate humidity and light), but avoid combining high-humidity plants like Fittonia with air plants like Tillandsia.
- How often should I water my terrarium plants? Mist closed terrariums every 1-2 weeks, open terrariums weekly, depending on plant needs. Monitor soil moisture to avoid overwatering.
- Where can I buy the best terrarium plants? Amazon offers a wide selection of top-rated terrarium plants in 2025, with reliable shipping and customer reviews to guide your purchase.
Keywords: terrarium plant FAQs, common terrarium plant questions, best terrarium plants for beginners.
Conclusion
The best 10 terrarium plants for 2025—Peperomia Prostrata, Fittonia, Selaginella Kraussiana, Pilea Glauca, Begonia Rex, Syngonium ‘Pixie’, Hypoestes, Tillandsia, miniature ferns, and Cushion Moss—offer a range of colors, textures, and growth habits to suit any terrarium. Whether you’re a beginner seeking low-maintenance options like String of Turtles or an enthusiast crafting a tropical display with Begonia Rex, these plants ensure a thriving, vibrant mini ecosystem. Explore these top-rated plants on Amazon, choose the perfect fit for your terrarium, and start building your own slice of nature today. Keywords: best terrarium plants 2025, buy terrarium plants Amazon, create a terrarium at home.
