When it comes to creating the perfect terrarium, choosing the right plants is key. The best plants not only enhance the aesthetic of your enclosure but also provide essential cover and climbing spaces for your animals. Whether you’re working with a tropical, humid environment or something on the drier side, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into my top five terrarium plants, starting with number five.
Starting off with number five, let’s talk about philodendrons. These versatile plants, which can sometimes be mistaken for monstera, are quite similar and both produce air roots. Whether you opt for broad or small leaves, philodendrons fill out enclosures beautifully. You can position them to cascade down from a background or plant them on the ground to grow upwards. Their sturdy stems can support the weight of various animals, whether it’s an anole, a tree frog, a dart frog, or even something larger. Philodendrons and monstera are great for providing both ground cover and shaded areas, which is especially useful in moist, tropical, or humid environments where issues like foot or scale rot might be a concern for your animals. Plus, these plants grow rapidly. You can easily propagate them, allowing you to expand your collection without spending more money. Philodendrons are a perfect choice for most terrariums.
At number four, I have bromeliads. There are various types, but Guzmania are my personal favorite due to their stunning blooms. Although they only bloom every couple of years, they produce pups that you can continue to grow. This particular species is native to Costa Rica, but you can find bromeliads in garden centers across the US, Canada, the EU, and beyond, regardless of the season. Even when not in bloom, they’re excellent for terrariums. Bromeliads don’t require soil to thrive, you can place them in your terrarium background or attach them to branches. Smaller animals, like tree frogs or dart frogs, often enjoy perching on them, as the structure provides a flexible yet stable surface. These plants thrive in hot, humid environments, making them low-maintenance and visually appealing options for your setup.
Coming in at number three are orchids, specifically terrarium orchids—not to be confused with the phalaenopsis orchids you might see in your grandma’s living room. These terrarium orchids, such as the epidendrum, are ideal for dart frog tanks and tropical setups. Like bromeliads, they are epiphytes, meaning they grow off the ground on logs or moss. These orchids are excellent for adding a touch of elegance and variety to your terrarium, and they thrive when placed higher up in the enclosure.
Now for number two, the snake plant, which, despite no longer being in the sansevieria family, is often still referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue. This versatile plant can adapt to both tropical and drier environments, making it unique. It may not provide much cover, but it’s an excellent addition to enclosures with arboreal or semi-arboreal animals, like crested geckos. These sturdy plants can support the weight of climbing animals and grow tall, making them a striking feature in your setup. They’re almost indestructible and easy to care for, making them a reliable choice for any terrarium.
Finally, at number one, my favorite terrarium plant: Pothos. This plant is incredibly easy to care for and grows like a weed, making it perfect for filling out your enclosure. Whether you plant it on the ground or let it vine down from the top, Pothos provides ample cover for your animals, be they terrestrial, arboreal, or somewhere in between. This plant is resilient, easy to propagate, and can thrive in various conditions, from humid to slightly drier environments. It’s a staple in many homes, and once you have one, you’ll have Pothos forever, thanks to its rapid growth and ability to be easily propagated.
So there you have it—my top five terrarium plants for any setup, whether humid, arid, or a mix of both. I hope you found this list helpful. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite terrarium plant is and if you think any other plants should have made the list.