Top 10 Plants Ideal for Terrariums That Thrive in Low Light Conditions
In the realm of terrarium gardening, low-light conditions can sometimes pose a challenge. However, fear not, as there are a variety of plants that thrive in these conditions, offering a vibrant and diverse selection for your enclosed garden.
Philodendron, renowned for its low light adaptability, green foliage, and generally bulletproof nature, is a popular choice. Smaller cultivars are even suitable for terrarium use. The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus), particularly adapted for life in the shade, is another favourite. Its crinkled leaves can increase or decrease surface area, providing an adaptive advantage.
Low light terrariums often find themselves in areas a couple of metres away from a window or an open corridor attached to bright rooms. But don't let the lack of direct sunlight deter you. The Fittonia albivenis, a Peruvian rainforest floor dwelling plant, thrives in these conditions, particularly in areas with plenty of moisture and humidity.
'Frosty' Selaginella, with its overlapping, frost-tipped leaves, thrives in hot and humid conditions. The Earth Stars (Cryptanthus sp.), one of the few terrestrial Bromeliads that thrive in low light conditions, can be found far beneath the rainforest canopy.
Ficus pumila, while preferring bright, indirect light, will still grow well in a shaded environment. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus), not a true fern but a perennial that tolerates low to medium light and prefers humid environments, is another suitable low-light plant.
Succulents such as zebra haworthia, gasteria, compact jade plant cultivars, and string of hearts also perform well in low-light terrariums, especially in setups that mimic stable environmental conditions with controlled humidity and temperature.
Selaginella kraussiana (XL fuzzy fern) is an easy-care low-light plant often used in terrariums, though it is a fern relative rather than a true fern. Peace Lily, noted for its tolerance for shade, is another adaptable low-light plant.
Peperomia caperata, a small tropical plant with dark, ridged leaves, is well-suited for shaded terrariums. Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), native to East Asia, is ideal for smaller terrariums, readily weaving its way across the foundation and up the sides.
Macodes petola (Lightning Jewel Orchid), with its striking leaf venation, is a small terrestrial orchid that has more unique substrate requirements than other plants, such as lots of aeration and drainage.
If your terrarium receives enough light to comfortably read a book, low light plants should manage just fine. Pilea depressa (Baby Tears), with its tiny, round leaves, thrives in terrariums and has low light requirements. Selaginella martensii 'Frosty' is another hardy terrarium plant that can tolerate low light conditions.
Lastly, the Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium), a popular family of houseplants, grows well in low-light conditions, especially in a shaded closed terrarium with high moisture and humidity. These plants, with their ability to thrive in enclosed, humid environments, make excellent alternatives to traditional ferns for low-light terrariums.
Philodendron and Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) are suitable plants for home-and-garden enthusiasts who are interested in home-and-garden terrariums, as they thrive in low-light conditions. Succulents such as zebra haworthia, gasteria, compact jade plant cultivars, and string of hearts also perform well in low-light terrariums, providing a diverse selection for one's lifestyle-oriented home-and-garden enclosed garden.
