What Flowers Grow in a Terrarium?

Cool Tempertures

• Plants acclimated to cooler weather can thrive in terrariums if the nighttime temperature averages about 50 to 55 degrees F. Woodland species, such as club mosses and wood ferns, typically thrive in these conditions. Violets add color to the enclosure, while wintergreen plants only require medium light and do well in both open and closed containers. Daytime temperatures should average about 10 degrees higher than overnight temperatures, although this is not as important as the nighttime climate.

Warm Temperatures

• Gardeners who live in warm areas or who can provide consistently warm temperatures to their terrariums have an array of plants from which to choose. Some types of begonias flourish in terrariums, bring showy blossoms to indoor spaces. Tropical natives such as croton and creeping fig make excellent foliage plants. The African violet, not related to the true violet, prefers warm temperatures and adds a touch of purple or blue to the mix. Nighttime temperatures should average about 65 F for these plants to flourish.

Small Plants

• Terrariums make a great habitat for smaller plants, such as those under 6 inches high. Oaxlis, also called the wood sorrel, grows about 3 to 6 inches high and produces blooms in a range of colors, including white, yellow and pink. The nerve plant, or fittonia, reaches about 3 to 6 inches high and bears visually interesting foliage, as the leaf veins often show a different color from the rest of the leaf. Other suitable smaller plants include the piggy-back plant and the baby tears.

Large Plants

• Large plants, such as those between 6 to 12 inches high or taller, also work well in terrariums if the container is the proper size. The dwarf pomegranate does well in open containers and produces fruit if grown under bright light. The English ivy thrives in medium light and produces good results when grown in both open and closed containers. Some large plants require frequent pruning to keep them from outgrowing the enclosure.