While the hardscape—the wood and stones—provides the bones of the terrarium, it's the plants that bring it to life. To keep each creation unique and to cater to the diverse preferences of my clients, I have a rotating palette of plants and mosses that are perfect for the humid, enclosed environment.
The key is to select plants that thrive in high humidity and don't grow so quickly that they'll take over the entire space in a matter of weeks. Here are some of my go-to plants that allow me to create varied and vibrant terrarium landscapes:
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Begonia: The showstoppers! I use smaller, more compact begonia varieties for their stunning, often patterned or brightly colored leaves. They add a splash of drama and a focal point to any terrarium.
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Selaginella (Spikemoss): Though it looks like a moss, this is actually a fern-like plant that is a fantastic choice for ground cover. It creates a lush, textured carpet and comes in varieties with iridescent blue-green hues that are truly mesmerizing.
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Ferns: The quintessential terrarium plant. I choose miniature ferns like Lemon Button or Fluffy Ruffles to add a delicate, feathery texture. They provide a sense of scale and a touch of a primeval forest aesthetic.
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Fittonia (Nerve Plant): A classic for a reason. With its striking, veined leaves in colors ranging from bright pink to white and deep green, Fittonia is a go-to for adding a pop of color and intricate detail. Its compact size and love for humidity make it a perfect fit.
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Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): This is my favorite vining plant for terrariums. It's an aggressive but manageable grower that can be trained to climb up a piece of driftwood or moss, creating a natural, living backdrop.
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"Strings" (e.g., Peperomia prostrata "String of Turtles"): These vining plants with their small, unique leaves are perfect for trailing over rocks or cascading down from a piece of hardscape. They add a delicate, flowing element that softens the landscape.
And of course, we can't forget the mosses. They are the foundation of the terrarium, creating a lush, green bed for the other plants. Cushion moss, sheet moss, and various other live mosses help to maintain moisture, provide a natural-looking ground cover, and offer a calming, verdant backdrop.
By combining these different textures, colors, and growth habits, I can design a new terrarium for every client. The challenge becomes a creative exercise: how to use a splash of red begonia against a backdrop of dark manzanita wood, or how to create a delicate waterfall effect with "string of turtles" cascading over a rock, all framed by a carpet of vibrant green selaginella. Each terrarium is a miniature world, and with this seasonal selection of plants and moss, I have an endless supply of inspiration to keep every single one unique.