Creating a Beautiful Closed Terrarium in India

Creating a closed terrarium can be a rewarding project, especially in the diverse climate of India. With its varying weather conditions, selecting the right plants is essential for a thriving terrarium. In this guide, we will explore some of the best plants to include in your terrarium, tailored specifically for Indian conditions.

1. Ferns

Ferns are perfect for a closed terrarium due to their high humidity and indirect light requirements. Two popular varieties that thrive in Indian conditions are:

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): This fern prefers high humidity and indirect light, making it ideal for a terrarium setting. It adds a lush yet delicate texture to your creation. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus): Known for its fine, delicate foliage, this plant thrives in slightly moist environments, making it a great addition to your terrarium.

2. Mosses

Mosses are a versatile addition to any terrarium, helping to maintain humidity and provide an attractive, natural look. Some suitable varieties include:

Sheet Moss (Hypnum spp.): This moss is perfect for covering the ground, creating a lush, verdant floor in your terrarium. Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangiferina): Despite its name, this plant is not actually a moss but a lichen. It adds a charming, unique element to your terrarium while being easy to care for.

3. Small Tropical Plants

Several compact and visually appealing tropical plants are ideal for smaller terrariums. Varieties like:

Peperomia: With many varieties to choose from, these plants are compact and well-suited to life in a terrarium. They are known for their varied leaf shapes and textures. Fittonia (Nerve Plant): This plant is famous for its striking, variegated foliage. It prefers humid environments, which makes it a perfect fit for the conditions within a closed terrarium.

4. Succulents for Drier Environments

For those in regions with less humidity, some succulents can be a good choice:

Haworthia: Known for their small size and low maintenance, haworthias require less humidity and are less prone to rot in a closed terrarium. Echeveria: This type of succulent features compact rosettes that can add visual interest and color to your terrarium.

5. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

For unique touch, air plants can be a standout feature:

Tillandsia: These remarkable plants do not require soil, making them adaptable to the closed environment of a terrarium. They can be placed throughout the terrarium for a stunning, otherworldly look.

6. Creeping Plants

Creeping plants can add vertical interest and lushness to your terrarium:

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): This ivy-like plant can create a textile-like cover for walls or vertical areas of your terrarium. Pilea (Maidenhair): Some compact varieties can spread beautifully, adding a long, creeping texture to your terrarium.

Additional Tips for Success

To ensure the success of your closed terrarium, consider the following:

Lighting: Place your terrarium in a spot with indirect sunlight to prevent overheating and burning the plants. Watering: Be careful not to overwater as closed terrariums retain moisture. A light misting is often sufficient. Ventilation: Occasionally open the terrarium to allow for air circulation and prevent mold growth. Size: Choose smaller plants to ensure they have enough space to grow without overcrowding.

By selecting the right plants and taking care of their environmental needs, your closed terrarium can thrive beautifully, providing you with a lush, green oasis in your home or office.

For more detailed information, check out my YouTube channel, Art in Greens, where I've made a video about 25 plants you can use in closed terrariums. Don't miss it!