Bountiful Gardens

The Glass Gardeners: Popular Terrarium Species

When selecting plants for a terrarium, you aren't just looking for beauty; you’re looking for compatibility. Tropical understory plants are the champions here because they are evolved to live in the damp, shaded "basement" of the rainforest.

Suggested Placement in the Home

• The "Goldilocks" Zone: Place your terrarium in a spot with bright, indirect light.

• Avoid the "Greenhouse Effect": Never place a glass terrarium in direct, harsh sunlight. The glass will magnify the heat and literally cook your plants.

• Eye-Level Focus: Bookshelves, coffee tables, or desks are perfect. Since these are "micro-landscapes," you want them where you can appreciate the small details.

Care & Maintenance

• The Finger Test: In a closed terrarium, you should rarely need to water. If the soil looks light brown or the moss feels crunchy, add a tiny bit of distilled water.

• Ventilation: If the glass is so foggy you can't see the plants, open the lid for a few hours to let some moisture escape.

• Housekeeping: Use long tweezers to remove any yellowing or decaying leaves immediately. In a humid environment, one moldy leaf can spread quickly.

The Essential Tip for Beginners

The "Springtail" Secret: If you want a truly healthy closed terrarium, add Springtails. These tiny, harmless insects are nature's cleaning crew. They eat mold, fungus, and decaying matter, acting as a biological insurance policy for your mini-ecosystem. You can find them at most reptile or specialty plant shops!