Open Terrarium Plants

Open-terrarium plants suit ventilated glass displays with fresher airflow and varied moisture conditions. Compact ferns, Peperomia, Pilea and Cryptanthus create leafy miniature landscapes, while succulents and other drought-tolerant plants suit airier mineral displays.

Terrarium setup

Build the right terrarium base layer

Closed terrariums need a stable base that balances moisture, structure and hygiene before the planting layer goes in.

Shop Terrarium Base Mix Starter Open Terrarium Builder

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Plants for Open Terrariums

Plants for Closed Terrariums

Terrarium Supplies

Soil & Substrates

Variegated Curio rowleyanus, also Senecio rowleyanus, String of pearls foliage close-up with variegated pearl-like leaves.

Curio rowleyanus variegata

From €8,50

Curio rowleyanus

From €8,50

Close-up of pink Hypoestes phyllostachya leaves.

Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Pink'

€8,50

Peperomia ‘Pepperspot’

€8,50

Variegated Ceropegia woodii, String of hearts foliage close-up with variegated heart-shaped leaves.

Ceropegia woodii variegata

From €10,75

Close-up of Syngonium 'Pixie' leaves with dark green borders, pale green centres and fine veins.

Syngonium podophyllum 'Pixie' aka 'Nana'

From €8,50

Peperomia ‘Eden Rosso’

From €8,50

Peperomia caperata 'Cayenne'

€8,50

Peperomia prostrata

€8,50

Ceropegia woodii

From €14,75

Echeveria purpusiorum

€8,50

Close-up of red Hypoestes phyllostachya leaves.

Hypoestes phyllostachya 'Red'

€8,50

Close-up of white Hypoestes phyllostachya leaves.

Hypoestes phyllostachya 'White'

€8,50

Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley'

€8,50

Fittonia albivenis

€8,50

Macro view of Pilea ‘Greyzy’ showing tiny textured silver-green leaves

Pilea libanensis 'Greyzy' ('Silver Sparkles')

From €6,25

Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'

From €8,50

Close-up of pink veins on muted green Fittonia 'Joly Josan Red' leaves

Fittonia albivenis 'Joly Josan Red'

€8,50

Detailed view of green Saxifraga leaves edged in cream and pink

Saxifraga stolonifera variegata ('Strawberry Begonia')

€8,50

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Green Fantasy'

€8,50

Close-up of an Asplenium 'Parvati' frond with rounded, finely cut leaflets

Asplenium dimorphum × difforme ‘Parvati’ (‘Austral Gem’)

€12,00

Haworthiopsis limifolia

€8,50

Peperomia ‘Quito’

€8,50

Peperomia rotundifolia

From €8,50

Crassula ovata 'Minor'

€7,25

Tillandsia ionantha

€8,50

Tillandsia tricolor

€9,75

Tillandsia bulbosa

€9,75

Open Terrarium Plants

Plants for open terrarium displays

Airflow fit: selected plants suit open, ventilated displays.
Mature fit: final height, width and growth pace guide vessel size.
Starter format: small nursery pots suit compact layouts.

Quick Overview

Plants for open terrarium displays

Airflow fit: selected plants suit open, ventilated displays.
Mature fit: final height, width and growth pace guide vessel size.
Starter format: small nursery pots suit compact layouts.

Details & Care

Open terrarium plants for airy, compact displays

Open vessels suit two distinct planting styles. Dry open terrariums can hold compact succulents and other drought-adapted plants. Humid open displays can hold miniature foliage plants, selected ferns and creeping species that share a steadier moisture range. Plants from these two groups need separate substrates and watering routines.

Planting by growth speed and scale

Mature height and spread should shape the design at the planning stage. Slow rosettes preserve open space, while creeping stems gradually soften stones and hardscape. One focal plant combined with low companions creates a clear layered view. Fast vines need enough room for regular trimming.

Leaf size affects the sense of scale. Fine foliage creates depth near the glass, while one broader leaf gives the eye a resting point. The container opening also influences access for watering and maintenance.

Root zone and air exchange

A porous substrate supports air around the roots in a vessel with limited depth. Containers without drainage holes require restrained watering because excess water cannot leave through the base. Dry and humid planting styles work best in separate vessels.

Spacing, planting depth, mature spread and compatible moisture use shape a stable open display. Open vessels lose moisture more quickly, so the watering guide helps replace a fixed schedule with checks based on substrate, plant type and season.

Open Terrarium Plants FAQ

What plants work best in open terrariums?

Open terrariums suit compact plants that enjoy bright, indirect light, moderate to higher humidity and steady airflow. Small ferns, trailing tropical plants, compact Peperomia, selected Pilea, Cryptanthus and other low-growing foliage plants can work well, as long as the vessel stays open or well ventilated.

Are open terrariums easier than closed terrariums?

Open terrariums are usually easier to adjust because you can water, trim and rearrange plants without disturbing a sealed environment. They dry out faster than closed terrariums, so they need more regular checking, but they are also less prone to stale, trapped moisture.

Can I use moss in an open terrarium?

Yes, moss can be used in an open terrarium as a soft surface layer, natural accent or finishing detail. It should not stay constantly soaked, especially in a ventilated setup. Use it to cover bare substrate, soften edges and add texture rather than treating it as a permanently wet carpet.

Worth reading:

Hands placing a plant inside a glass jar terrarium with substrates and tools nearby

How to Build a Starter Terrarium: A Complete Guide

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Row of various potted baby plants (starter plants) on a white background

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The plants are carefully packaged and arrive in great conditions (I’m based in Spain) and they’re always there to help in any way they can with your purchase.I have and will always recommend Foliage Factory to every friend I can. I’m not only satisfied with their plants and prices, but their customer service is exceptional.

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Very healthy and well packed plant. Unfortunately there was one plant that ordered couldn’t be delivered as it was out of stock hence 1 star less.

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Everything arrived in good condition and very well packed - it wasn't easy with a fragile plant and a heavy bag of substrate. I recommend it!

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The plants have arrived in perfect condition, the roots and the foliage so so healthy! I had problem with 1 plant out of 16 and they have responded to my email almost instantly and the issue was resolved straight away. I'm really impressed and satisfied, definitely getting more plants from them again!

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