Creating a terrarium is like building a miniature garden in a glass container, and it’s the perfect project to bring the family together! Not only do terrariums look beautiful, but they’re also easy to maintain and ideal for small spaces. Plus, they’re a great way for kids to learn about plants and get hands-on with gardening.
In this guide, we’ll share our top 10 terrarium plant combinations that are both stunning and simple to care for. Whether your family prefers lush greens, colorful pops, or even a mini jungle, there’s a combination here for everyone.
Top 10 Terrarium Plant Combinations for Stunning Displays
Why Terrariums Make a Perfect Family Project
Before we dive into the plant combos, let’s talk about why terrariums are a fantastic choice for families. Terrariums offer:
- Minimal Maintenance: Once set up, terrariums don’t require a lot of upkeep.
- Creativity and Fun: From choosing the plants to arranging them in the container, building a terrarium allows each family member to get creative.
- Educational Value: Kids learn about plant care, ecosystems, and even different climates (like tropical vs. desert).
Now, let’s get started with the plant combinations that will transform your home into a lush indoor paradise.
1. Classic Greenery Mix
Plants: Ferns, Fittonia (Nerve Plant), and Moss
For a fresh, calming vibe, try the classic greenery mix. This combination of ferns, Fittonia, and moss creates a lush, forest-like feel that’s perfect for any room.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Easy to maintain and resilient. The mix of greenery brings a lovely texture and is great for low-light areas, making it ideal for shaded spaces.
- Care Tips: These plants enjoy a humid environment. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the terrarium in indirect light. If your terrarium has a lid, mist it lightly every few days to maintain humidity.
2. Desert Oasis
Plants: Succulents like Haworthia, Jade, and Echeveria
Succulents are a favorite for open terrariums because they thrive in dry conditions. This “Desert Oasis” combination is perfect for sunny windowsills and looks beautiful with a mix of textures and shapes.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Succulents need minimal watering, which makes this a low-maintenance option. It’s perfect for families with busy schedules.
- Care Tips: Use sandy soil for good drainage and avoid overwatering. Place in a bright, sunny spot, and water only when the soil is completely dry.
3. Tropical Paradise
Plants: Miniature Orchids, Miniature Bromeliads, and Pilea
If your family loves bright colors and tropical vibes, try a tropical terrarium! Mini orchids, bromeliads, and Pilea add a burst of color and create a mini jungle feel.
- Why It’s Great for Families: These plants offer beautiful blooms and bring a vibrant look to your space. They’re also fun to take care of since they require a bit of misting and attention.
- Care Tips: Tropical plants need a humid environment, so mist them regularly and keep them in indirect sunlight. Use a closed or partially closed terrarium to retain moisture.
4. Color Pop Combo
Plants: Red Fittonia, Purple Passion Plant, and Pink Polka Dot Plant
Add some life to your space with a color pop combo! With red, purple, and pink shades, this combination is visually engaging and sparks curiosity.
- Why It’s Great for Families: The bright colors are exciting for kids, and each plant has unique textures and patterns.
- Care Tips: Mist regularly and place in indirect sunlight. These plants prefer a moist environment but avoid overwatering.
5. Woodland Wonderland
Plants: Baby Tears, Moss, and Mini Ferns
The “Woodland Wonderland” combo looks like a miniature forest floor, creating a magical, earthy look in your terrarium. It’s a fun choice for families who enjoy the outdoors.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Kids can pretend it’s a tiny forest or fairy land. The lush, green look is calming and easy to maintain.
- Care Tips: Keep the soil moist and place in a shaded area. If you want to add a little fantasy, include small stones, a tiny figurine, or even a little bridge.
6. Fairy Garden Terrarium
Plants: Small Ivy, Miniature African Violet, and Fittonia
Bring a touch of whimsy into your home with a fairy garden terrarium. Small ivy, African violets, and Fittonia make an enchanting scene, especially if you add a few tiny figurines.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Kids love adding fairies, gnomes, or small animals, making it feel like their own little world.
- Care Tips: These plants prefer a humid environment, so keep the soil moist and place the terrarium in indirect light. Misting once a week keeps them healthy and vibrant.
7. Zen Garden Combination
Plants: Air Plants, Small Succulents, and Sand
For a minimalist and peaceful vibe, go for a Zen Garden terrarium. Air plants and succulents in a sandy setup bring a calming, balanced look.
- Why It’s Great for Families: It’s super easy to care for and doesn’t require much watering. Plus, the sandy design lets you add decorative rocks or tiny rakes for a Zen touch.
- Care Tips: Place in a bright area and mist the air plants every week. For succulents, water very sparingly and avoid overwatering.
8. Jungle Adventure
Plants: Miniature Monstera, Parlor Palm, and Baby Rubber Plant
Transform your terrarium into a mini jungle with tropical plants like Monstera, Parlor Palm, and Baby Rubber Plant. This “Jungle Adventure” theme brings a lush, dense vibe to any room.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Kids love the “wild” look of a jungle theme, and it’s a great way to introduce them to different plant types.
- Care Tips: This combination needs indirect light and regular watering to stay moist. Mist occasionally to keep humidity up.
9. Mystery Forest with Carnivorous Plants
Plants: Venus Flytrap, Pitcher Plant, and Moss
Introduce a bit of mystery with carnivorous plants! Venus flytraps and pitcher plants bring an exotic twist, while moss adds a forest floor feel.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Kids find carnivorous plants fascinating. They get to see how these plants “eat” insects, making it an educational and engaging display.
- Care Tips: Use distilled water and keep the environment humid. Avoid direct sunlight; these plants do well with bright, indirect light.
10. Herb Terrarium for the Kitchen
Plants: Mini Basil, Thyme, and Parsley
For a functional twist, why not create a mini herb garden terrarium? Basil, thyme, and parsley grow well in terrariums and make a perfect addition to your kitchen.
- Why It’s Great for Families: Teach kids about edible plants while growing fresh herbs for cooking!
- Care Tips: Place in a sunny spot, like a kitchen windowsill. Water when the soil feels dry, and harvest herbs regularly to encourage growth.
Final Tips for Terrarium Success
To make the most of your terrarium, here are some final tips:
- Choose the Right Container: Closed containers work well for plants that like humidity, while open containers are best for succulents and air plants.
- Use the Right Soil: For tropical plants, use regular potting soil; for succulents, go for sandy or cactus soil.
- Layer the Bottom with Rocks: This helps with drainage and keeps the roots from sitting in water.
- Keep an Eye on Light: Place your terrarium in a spot that gets the right amount of light for the plants inside.
Ready to Build Your Own Terrarium?
Terrariums are the perfect way to bring a slice of nature into your home, especially when they’re crafted together as a family. With so many different plant combinations, there’s no limit to the creativity you can explore. Get the kids involved, experiment with new plants, and let your imagination run wild!
Now it’s your turn! Grab your supplies, choose your favorite combo, and start building your very own terrarium masterpiece. Happy gardening!