As it aims to be indoor, don’t be surprised if gardeners prefer the low light terrarium plants to put in the glass jar. Thus, they can enjoy their beauty without frequently moving them into direct sunlight. Otherwise, you can put the plant inside a terrarium with light.
Low light terrarium plants are those that can survive even under minimal sunlight. They are able to adapt physiologically, or in such a way, without fading their beauty.
List of the Best Low Light Terrarium Plants
Choosing plants for indoor purposes is not an easy thing. You have to understand very well which one is suitable for the room in any condition. Using this plant for a low-maintenance terrarium is the best choice!
It will be a long journey to comprehend, but at least this list of the best low-light terrarium plants can help you.
Fittonia albivenis (The ‘Nerve plant’)
The mention of the name ‘Nerve Plant’ does not seem without reason. Fittonia albivenis is a type of plant that easily dries up if it does not get the appropriate treatment.
It is a rainforest floor dwelling-type that will thrive in dark and humid places.
Take it as one of the low light terrarium plants seems to be great because the glass material will help it get high humidity and moist conditions.
The transparent-jar ideas will help you perfectly observe the greenery in this pink hue.
Philodendron Species
Another of recommended low light terrarium plants to choose from is Philodendron. It has green foliage with beautiful patterns.
No wonder many people make this plant the choice for home decoration.
Philodendrons do not hate the light; they are just very adaptive to the amount of sunlight. It is what makes them survive well, even if in a shady room.
If you want to present the beauty of this kind of low light terrarium plants, some of the species to choose from are the Hederaceum ‘Brazil’ and Philodendron Birkin.
The first is indestructible enough to make it easier to maintain.
Hemionitus arifolia (the Heart Fern)
Among the many low light terrarium ideas, using the Hemionitus arifolia will be the best one. This plant has all the qualifications needed for a terrarium.
As the name suggests, this evergreen plant has leaves that are shaped like hearts. The average height reaches 6-10 inches and thrives in temperatures of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, the degree of acidity suitable for it is around 5.5-6.5. In addition to its beautiful shape, this variety is a part of slow-growing plants.
The heart fern will not be a hassle while in the terrarium. It can coexist with other plants without becoming a parasite. Uniquely, Asian people also use this plant as a medicine to treat cancer.
Rhipsalis species
This mistletoe cactus is also known to have various members of the species that are very suitable for small terrarium plants.
With the unique structure, this multiple-branched evergreen can thrive in temperatures of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rhipsalis is classified as one of the low-medium light terrarium plants that like fertile soil.
Its presence can help create a humid environment and help restore soil and water conditions when they start to dry out.
Uniquely, this variety can live in various conditions. When you get full sun, it will filter the plant according to your needs.
But when the amount of sunlight is only a little, it will still survive as a slow grower.
Cryptanthus (The Earth Stars)
This beautiful tropical terrarium plants nickname is the perfect description for Cryptanthus. It is a ground-based plant whose shape is reminiscent of a star.
Also, the reddish color makes it the perfect decoration choice for your home.
Its colors are varied and can make your home decor even more fun. You can plant this variety in any medium and combine it with the other beautiful plants.
This plant has several species that have different light requirements.
However, as the society of this plant explains, the best kind for low light terrarium plants is Cryptanthus beuckeri. With attractive colors, it will be the best candidate for a terrarium.
Hatiora salicornioides (The ‘Drunkard’s Bones’)
If you are unfamiliar with the scientific name, you may be more familiar with the names, such as ‘bottle cactus’, ‘dancing bones’, ‘drunkard’s bones’, and else.
It is a part of the cactus family but has a grass-like shape.
This plant can grow on top of others, such as Rhipsalis. But rest assured, he will not become a parasite. Precisely its presence will further complement the beauty of other plants in the terrarium.
Besides being classified as a kind of low light plant, gardeners also like this plant because it is easy to grow and care for. The shape is upright and has a height of up to 20 inches.
Haworthia species
This variety is a part of the succulent family that has a small, long, and pointed shape. Usually, it has white dots all over it.
Many people cultivate this species in pots, and recently it is also popular as a terrarium.
Like other types of succulents, Haworthia’s does not like too much water. It is very beneficial for terrarium lovers because there is no need to water often. Placement in a container is the right choice.
Haworthia species like a lot of light, but they also do not thrive in direct sunlight. Therefore, you can place them indoors but still have sunlight access.
Sansevieria (The ‘Snake plant’)
You must be familiar with this kind of tropical terrarium plant. The leaf-shaped cuties have a green color with a distinctive yellow border.
Caring for the plant is easy because it can live in an environment with a small amount of light. This variety can still grow well without regular watering.
Therefore, it becomes one of the best low light terrarium plants for your mini garden.
Gasteria species
This plant is still related to Haworthia and aloe. But physically, Gasteria looks smoother with a more irregular shape. However, compared to their cousins, it is much easier to grow and care for.
The shape is also more compact and thick, similar to aloe vera but with a white pattern on the surface. There are fine thorns on the edges of the leaves that you have to be careful when caring for them.
Gasteria itself likes sunlight in large quantities. But the problem is, the direct one will be uncomfortable that it cannot perfectly develop. The shady places will be the best ones.
Syngonium podophyllum (The Arrowhead Plant)
As the name suggests, it has a pointed head shape reminiscent of an arrow. When this plant is young, green becomes the dominant color. Over time, it will turn yellow.
The pattern of degradation on the surface is one of the attractions. In the wild, Syngonium podophyllum usually grows on the rainforest floor.
In addition, this variety also propagates on large trees, whatever it is, as long as the plant gets a shady location. This vine will be one of the best low light terrarium plants for decoration.
This Arrowhead plant will thrive in a terrarium that has high humidity and moisture. In the wild, its size can be larger than that in a glass jar.
Asplenium nidus (The Bird’s Nest Fern)
Almost all fern species are low light terrarium plants. They can live well in a place with minimal sunlight. However, they will start to break down and die if they are constantly in the dark.
Asplenium nidus has a unique feature. It is a type of fern that is most adaptive to low light conditions by adjusting the shape of the leaf surface.
Being in the sun will make it grow well. But when there is no light, the leaf surface will shrink to save energy.
This plant can go on long enough for it to run out of reserve resources.
Pilea microphylla (the Artillery Fern)
Although it is not a part of the fern, Pilea microphylla gets the name after the unique reproduction way.
This variety will shoot seeds until it hears a ‘poop’ sound enough to make people notice.
Apart from this uniqueness, this plant has a beautiful appearance and unique texture. In addition, the seeds are easy to find and can reproduce quickly.
Regarding care, the Artillery fern is a medium to bright light plant and requires a standard amount of water. It is green with small leaves like moss.
Pilea Cadierei (the Aluminum Plant)
The other best of low light terrarium plants to choose from is the aluminum plant. This plant comes from Vietnam and will thrive in warm temperatures.
If it is in the right environment, such as moist soil, its growth will be fast.
Physically, Pilea Cadierei has green leaves and regular white motifs. Its leaf shape is long but half round. This plant can be a solution on how to make a beautiful and colorful terrarium.
Macodes petola (The Lightning Jewel Orchid)
The basic color of the leaves is dark green, but it has a yellowish motif that, at first glance, looks lit.
Meanwhile, the size is not too big that it can be one of the low light terrarium plants with a glow-in-the-dark ambiance.
This Lighting Jewel Orchid is a type of terrestrial orchid that usually grows on the ground that it can live well as the low light plants.
They have been terrarium plants for quite some time and will thrive in airflow.
Selaginella martensii (The ‘Frosty’)
If you want to find low light terrarium plants but have a lush shape, then Selaginella martensii is the answer.
This plant is also known as Frosty because it has shapes that resemble overlapping ice flowers.
In taxonomy, this plant belongs to the Selaginella family, which is similar to moss for terrarium but also has fern-like properties.
Meanwhile, martensii species are the most adaptive to light and can last a long time in a dark room.
Pilea depressa (The Baby Tears)
This plant with small round leaves is a favorite of many gardeners because of its beautiful appearance and character.
The name ‘Baby Tears’ refers to the unique shape that always manages to beautify the room.
Pilea depressa will grow well in moist and warm conditions. However, the plant is not too resistant to the brightness that it is suitable as one of the ideal low light terrarium plants for home.
Otherwise, placing the Baby Tears in a bright place is not a problem as long as without direct sunlight. Another plus, this variety is not a vulnerable plant that it can survive in various conditions.
Peperomia caperata
People also call this plant Ripple Peperomia. It is a kind of tropical low light terrarium plant that usually lives on the rainforest floor.
The caperata will thrive in a shady location with indirect sunlight.
Physically, this plant has a dark purplish tone with a thick leaf texture. Generally, it has a variety of colors and shapes to create a lively atmosphere.
However, not all Peperomia has strong resistance as low light terrarium plants.
If your miniatures look like they are starting to dry out, try putting some light on them to get them back as fresh as they were before.
Ficus pumila (The Creeping Fig)
Even though the name is scary, believe me, that this Ficus pumila is one of the best low light terrarium plants for decorating your home.
This vine has beautiful heart-shaped leaves that will make the surrounding atmosphere even more perfect.
This plant is also remarkable in Asia and becomes a decorative creeper on the outer walls of buildings.
Besides being able to withstand a little light, the Creeping Fig is also strong enough to face natural circumstances.
You do not have to look for it in nature. You can get this low light terrarium plants for sale easily in various stores, of course with varying quality and prices.
Epipremnum Aureum (The Pothos)
Pothos is not a special plant because you can usually find this variety on the street. However, as a low light terrarium plants choice, it gives off a completely different aura.
Like street plants, Epipremnum aureum is durable and not easily damaged. Its beauty shines when we place it in a terrarium with the other cuties to form a beautiful miniature of nature.
This plant likes and requires large amounts of sunlight. But placing it indoors is not a bad idea. The location should be near a window or apply artificial UV.
Pellaea rotundifolia (The Button Fern)
It is the other low light terrarium plants that will make your miniature perfect. Pellaea rotundifolia is a green foliage-type grower that will do well in the full shade to filtered light area.
Since the plant cannot stand direct sunlight, placing it in a terrarium is a good idea. Its beauty and elegant color will make the room atmosphere lively.
In addition, the Button Fern is also not a plant that likes water. You need weekly watering to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Question
Can a terrarium grow in low light?
Yes, The actual meaning of growing terrarium in low light is indirect light. Your terrarium still need light to do their photosynthesis to continue their life. You have to make sure put some short of light source or put those around the window to access the indirect light.
Where should I keep my terrarium?
You should keep your terrarium around your window. The ideal location is somehow around 5 feet from your window. Otherwise you can also use artificial UV light to put them anywhere you want.
Does the terrarium need water?
It depends on what kind of terrarium container you Gabe, the normal, loose-fitting glass lid, need to be watered or sprayed every 3 months, It depends on your plant condition. For the tight glass or closed terrarium, you don’t need to water it because of the natural cycle.
Can moss survive in artificial light?
Yes, you can use artificial light to replace the indirect sunlight. You can use fluorescent or LED grow light that you can find easily on the market.
Conclusion
Now, you know some low light terrarium plants that can be an option for miniature nature in the room. If you are still a layman, try to continue to learn how to create the best mini garden in the glass. Look where to buy terrarium plants? you can just check on amazon and type the plants that you want! Check out tips on the list of self-sustain terrarium plants.
