Asparagus setaceus: The Asparagus Fern is a very popular plant for terrariums. These are not
true ferns but are in fact members of the Lily family. They grow best in bright, indirect light without any full sun. Asparagus Ferns should be planted in rich, light,
slightly acidic, well-drained soil in a moist, humid setting.
Asplenium nidus: Bird's Nest Fern is a tropical, epiphytic fern that, in nature colonizes in trees or on rock faces. Requires warmth, high humidity, moderate light and rich, well draining soil that isn't too wet. Use in larger terrariums to show off their larger leaved form.
Fittonia verschaffeltii: A classic terrarium selection, Nerve Plant has beautiful, deep-green leaves with vein patterns of white, pink, or red. In its native South America, this tropical plant grows as a ground cover and can spread out about 12 inches. Its low-spreading habit makes it ideal for dish gardens and terrariums, where it thrives with the help of high humidity. Be aware that this plant doesn't like dry air, drafts, or direct sun, any of which may cause its leaves to shrivel or fall off.
Peperomia species: Peperomias are mounding plants often with deeply corrugated, 1�" heart shaped leaves and variegated colors along its veins. Needs moderate light. Allow soil to dry thoroughly before watering. Do not over water! Seldom needs re-potting.
Pilea cadierei: Aluminum Plants are fast growing, easy to care for plants that branch freely. These plants have 3", deep green, lance shaped leaves arranged in pairs along their upright, succulent stems. The fleshy leaves are accented with bold bands of metallic silver.
Soleirolia soleirolii: Baby Tears is an excellent, moss-like ground cover plant for
dish gardens and
open terrariums. Needs moderate light. Soil should be kept constantly moist but water on the tiny foliage should be avoided.
Can be propagated by division. Spreads readily but is easily controllable.
Syngonium podophyllum: Arrowhead Vines are fast growing plants that are easy to grow in bright, indirect light or light shade. Allow rich, well draining soil to dry before watering. Pinch tips to induce bushiness.
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Asplenium nidus
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Peperomia sandersii
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Peperomia sandersii
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Pilea cadierei
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Asparagus setaceus
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Soleirolia soleirolii
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Syngonium podophyllum
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High Light Conditions:Adiantum raddianum: Another terrarium classic, Maiden Hair Fern prefers bright indirect light, rich well draining soil and high humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist, but decrease watering slightly in the winter. Grows best when night temperatures are cooler (55�).
Cryptanthus bromelioides: Popular for terrariums, this rosette forming, epiphytic Bromeliad from Brazil needs bright light but no direct sun and high humidity. Should be planted in a potting mix containing sphagnum moss or peat.
Dracaena marginata: This dracaena species is a tree-like plant that is tolerant of lower light but appreciates bright, indirect light. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Sensitive to fluoride, so allow water to set for 24 hours before watering.
Epipremnum aureum: Golden Pothos are one most popular of all house plants. They are attractive, durable and easy to grow vines that have smooth, leathery, heart shaped leaves with distinctive marbling alternating along rope-like green stems. Pothos vines are among the top ten air purifying plants for indoor use.
Hypoestes phyllostachya: For a splash of bright color, the Polka Dot plant grows best in a humid environment, needs bright light but not full sun. Use water that has been allowed to set for 24 hours to keep the soil slightly moist. Pinch back for bushiness.
Pilea involucrata: Friendship Plants are native to Central and South America, where they are known as Panamiga plants. They are creeping plants that form dense, mound of deeply textured, oval, 2�" leaves. The foliage color varies, but the most common variety has dark, reddish brown leaves gilded with silver or copper. Adds great color and texture to a terrarium setting.
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Adiantum raddianum
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Cryptanthus bromelioides
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Dracaena marginata
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Epipremnum aureum
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Hypoestes phyllostachya
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Pilea involucrata
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Other Selections:
Tillandsia species: Tillandsia, commonly referred to as 'air plants' is the largest genus in the bromeliad family, accounting for approximately 550 of the over 2,500 species of bromeliads. They are native to the warmer climates of the Americas. Most Tillandsia species use their root systems to attach themselves to trees or rocks and absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. There is enormous variety in size, shape, texture, bloom and color of these bromeliads. The three most important requirements are bright light, although not direct sun, good air circulation and water. These plants pair will with epiphytic orchids. The way to display these amazing plants is only limited by one's imagination.
Succulents: A wide variety of succulents and cacti make great dish displays. Most require bright or direct sun, otherwise they can get leggy. Also, succulents prefer an open dish or bowl with excellent drainage and air circulation rather than an enclosed Edwardian case or glass cloche. Use a cactus soil and water sparingly. Pinch back to keep compact.