Tropical Terrarium Plants: 11 Species for CreatingYour Own Mini Tropical Paradise at Home
Kickstart Your Tropical Paradise:
So, you're dreaming of a lush rainforest nightmare? One filled with vibrant colors and exotic foliage? Here are some tropical terrarium plants that'll make your wet dreams come true... or, you know, a terrarium.
True Tropical Terrarium Plants
- Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) Hailing from the jungles of East Asia, this little devil forms a network of vine-like growth that'll give a naturalistic feel to the base of your terrarium. The 'Minima' variety is extra small and petite, perfect for small boxes.
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- Macodes petola (Lightning Jewel Orchid) Looking for a plant that's electric AF? The so-called "Lightning Jewel Orchid" has you covered. With a striking gold pattern piercing the full length of the foliage, it should take center stage in the foreground of a tropical terrarium.
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- Microsorum musifolium (Crocodile Fern) This fern is super unique-looking, with scaly green leaves that look like they're taken straight from a crocodile's back. Definitely, one for larger terrariums, as it can grow pretty large – just like those saltwater crocs.
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- Neoregelia If bright, fiery colors are more your scene, you can't go wrong with a Neoregelia 'Fireball' or 'Green Fireball.' These Bromeliads come in an enormous variety of colors and cultivars, growing in compact but bright rosettes.
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- Biophytum sensitivum Can't fit a palm tree in a terrarium? Hell, who needs one when you have a Miniature Palm-like plant like Biophytum sensitivum? Native to India and Nepal, this tropical beauty is a true stunner. Plus, it folds up at night and feels up when touched – which two-for-one steals you can't refuse.
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Up Next...
And here's a little more to help create your paradise:
- Humata heterophylla: A less known fern that disguises itself as a vine, Humata heterophylla is a beautiful emerald-green plant with a unique ridged texture.
- Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave': With a characteristic ruffled leaf shape and circular growth pattern, this tropical fern really brings the jungle vibes.
- Syngonium podophyllum 'Pixie': The Arrowhead Vine is a true tropical rainforest staple often found weaving its way through canopies. The 'Pixie' variety stays compact, making it ideal for terrariums.
- Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'": Normally an aquatic species, this Anubias variety is a tropical-looking epiphyte with flat leaves and dark green foliage, adding some wonderful contrast to your terrarium.
- Tillandsia: These exotic Air Plants are easy to grow and come in various species. Tillandsia bulbosa, for example, has long, tentacle-like growth that can really fill the space in the canopy.
- Terrarium Moss: No tropical paradise is complete without tropical moss. Cushion Moss and Mood Moss, in particular, add vibrant green colors and lush foliage that help pull together the final look.
Wrapping Up
In reality, most terrarium plants are tropical in nature, thanks to their love for the high humidity, warmth, and moisture of a closed terrarium environment. So, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you need more help, check out our guide to sealed terrarium plants or our picks of the best terrarium plants.
What's your favorite tropical terrarium plant on this list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you already have your tropical plants picked out, why not check out our online terrarium store for the rest of your supplies?
[1] Enrichment Data:With so many wonderful choices, there are other terrarium plants that deserve a shout-out:
- Bromeliads: These plants are known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes, adding a pop of color to your terrarium. They are relatives of Cryptanthus.
- Peperomia: With over 1,000 species, Peperomia offers a wide range of leaf shapes and colors, making it an excellent choice for creating diverse landscapes within a terrarium.
- Dracaena: Known for their slender leaves, Dracaena plants can add vertical interest to your terrarium. They are adaptable to various lighting conditions and can thrive in a well-ventilated terrarium.
- Philodendron: This versatile plant comes in many varieties, offering both climbing and non-climbing options. It can help create a lush canopy or cascade down the sides of your terrarium.
- Air Plant (Tillandsia): These epiphytes don’t require soil and can be attached to rocks or driftwood, adding an exotic touch to your terrarium.
- Anthurium: Known for their heart-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers, Anthurium plants can add a touch of elegance to your terrarium.
- Pothos: Another versatile climber, Pothos is easy to care for and can be trained to climb up structures in your terrarium.
For reptile terrariums, plants like Fittonia and Croton Petra are also recommended as they are safe and easy to grow. Remember to choose plants that fit the humidity, lighting, and temperature conditions of your terrarium.
Modifying some sentences from the given text to include the words 'lifestyle', 'home-and-garden', and 'gardening':
- Transform your lifestyle with a touch of the tropics: Create your own home-and-garden paradise by cultivating these tropical terrarium plants, perfect for both large and small gardens or even indoor spaces.
- Embrace the joy of gardening year-round: Explore the vast array of tropical plants, from the crocodile fern to the lightning jewel orchid, and bring a piece of the rainforest into your lifestyle with these easy-to-care-for terrarium plants.
