Introduction
Dreaming of creating your own mini rainforest at home? Then a tropical terrarium could be just what you need. Terrariums are a simple and stylish way to bring nature indoors. They create a beautiful display while giving plants the warm, humid conditions they love. Even better, many tropical plants stay compact, making them perfect for glass containers and smaller spaces.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best tropical plants for terrariums. You’ll learn why they thrive in these environments and how to choose the right plants for your setup. Whether you’re building your first closed terrarium or refreshing an existing one, you’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration.
By the end of this post, you’ll know which plants work best together and how to create a lush indoor jungle that looks great all year.
What Are Tropical Plants?
Tropical plants come from warm, humid parts of the world. Many grow naturally in places such as South America, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions where rain is common and humidity stays high.
Because of their natural habitat, tropical plants often have bold foliage, broad leaves, and vibrant colors. Many also love moist soil and high humidity, which makes them ideal for terrariums.
Adding tropical plants to your home is a great way to bring life into your space. They add color, texture, and natural beauty to any room. They can also help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Terrariums make these plants even more eye-catching. You can style them with pretty rocks, cushion moss, driftwood, and decorative backgrounds to create your own miniature landscape. Whether you choose a closed terrarium or an open design, a well-planted terrarium can become a beautiful focal point in your home.
Best Tropical Plants for Terrariums
1. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
Air plants are some of the most unique tropical terrarium plants you can grow. These relatives of the bromeliads do not need soil and absorb moisture from the air instead.
Their unusual leaf shape makes them stand out in any plant collection. Most species produce colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, or red.
Air plants work best in open containers with good airflow. They need bright light and occasional misting. Once established, they are very easy to care for.
2. Asplenium Nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern)
Bird’s Nest Fern is loved for its bright green, wavy leaves that grow in a beautiful rosette shape.
This tropical plant brings a rainforest feel to larger terrariums. It rarely flowers, but its lush foliage more than makes up for it.
It prefers moist soil, indirect light, and high humidity. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to grow and rewards you with year-round greenery.
3. Chamaedorea Elegans (Parlour Palm)
The Parlour Palm is one of the best plants for adding height and elegance to a terrarium.
Its delicate fronds create a soft look while helping to fill empty spaces. Mature plants may produce tiny yellow flowers.
This plant enjoys humid conditions and moderate light levels. It is low maintenance and perfect for beginners.
4. Epipremnum Aureum (Pothos)
Pothos is often considered the best terrarium plant for beginners.
Its trailing stems and heart-shaped leaves quickly create a lush display. While it rarely flowers indoors, its foliage is the real attraction.
Pothos spp. thrive in moist soil and adapt to different light levels. Joy Pothos and other varieties also add beautiful leaf patterns to a terrarium.
5. Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)
Ficus pumila is famous for its tiny leaves and climbing habit.
This fast-growing plant creates a living green wall inside a glass container. It rarely flowers indoors, but its dense growth makes it a favorite among terrarium hobbyists.
It prefers high humidity and moist soil. With proper care, it quickly becomes beautiful ground cover.
6. Fittonia Albivenis (Nerve Plant)
If you love colorful little sturdy plants, Fittonia is a must-have.
Known as the Nerve Plant, it features striking leaf veins in pink, red, or white. Small white flowers may appear, although they are often hidden by the foliage.
Fittonia loves humid conditions and is almost made for a closed terrarium. It is easy to care for as long as the soil stays lightly moist.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf Philodendron is one of the most popular tropical plants in the world.
Its glossy heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully over rocks and branches. The plant rarely flowers indoors but grows steadily throughout the year.
It tolerates a range of light levels and enjoys the warm, humid conditions found inside terrariums.
8. Neanthe Bella Palm
The Neanthe Bella Palm is another excellent choice for larger terrariums.
Its soft green fronds create a tropical look without overwhelming the space. Mature specimens may produce tiny yellow flowers.
This palm enjoys bright indirect light and consistent moisture. It is also known for its air purification qualities.
9. Pilea Glauca
Pilea glauca produces tiny blue-green leaves that look almost sparkling under deep lighting.
Its delicate appearance contrasts beautifully with larger plants. Although it rarely flowers, its foliage steals the show.
This plant loves moisture and thrives in humid environments, making it perfect for smaller terrariums.
10. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The Polka Dot Plant is grown for its colorful leaves rather than its flowers.
Leaf colors range from pink and white to deep red. This instantly adds brightness to a terrarium design.
It prefers high humidity, moist soil, and indirect light. It is also very easy to care for.
11. Schefflera Arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
Schefflera arboricola adds structure and height to larger terrariums.
Its glossy green leaves form attractive umbrella-like clusters. Mature plants can produce small greenish flowers, though this is uncommon indoors.
It grows best in bright light and humid conditions. Regular trimming helps keep it compact.
12. Spike Moss (Selaginella)
Spike Moss looks like a miniature fern but belongs to a completely different plant group.
Its soft texture and vibrant green color make it ideal for creating a forest floor effect.
It thrives in moist soil and high humidity. This makes it one of the best choices for a closed terrarium.
13. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
String of Turtles is a favorite among collectors and rare plant lovers.
Its tiny round leaves are patterned like turtle shells. Small flowers may appear, although they are usually not the main attraction.
This tropical trailing plant enjoys humid conditions and bright indirect light.
14. Tropical Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons bring bold color into a terrarium.
Their leaves can feature yellow, orange, red, pink, and green shades all on one plant. Croton Gold Dust is especially popular.
Young plants work best in larger terrariums. They enjoy bright light and consistent moisture.
Closed Terrariums or Open Terrariums?
Most tropical terrarium plants prefer a closed terrarium because it traps humidity and creates conditions similar to their natural habitat.
However, some plants do better in open terrariums. Air plants are a great example because they need good airflow.
Before choosing a plant, think about the terrarium space available and the humidity levels you can provide.
Tips for Building Successful Tropical Terrariums
Choose plants with similar care needs. This makes maintenance much easier.
Use a quality terrarium soil mix such as Terra Firma or another well-draining growing medium. Add layers of pretty rocks underneath to improve drainage.
Avoid overcrowding. New plants may look small at first, but many grow quickly.
Finally, place your terrarium in bright indirect light. Too much direct sun can turn a glass container into an oven.
Conclusion
A tropical terrarium is one of the best ways to enjoy exotic foliage indoors. It allows you to create a living ecosystem that looks beautiful throughout the year.
Whether you choose Fittonia, Ficus pumila, Heartleaf Philodendron, or String of Turtles, there is a tropical plant for every terrarium style. Start small, have fun experimenting, and before long you’ll have your own thriving indoor jungle.