Terrariums are essentially mini plant ecosystems nurtured in glass jars. You could compare them to small greenhouses with plants grown inside!
Closed terrariums are definitely a perfect way to bring a little bit of nature’s beauty indoors. For some insight, these terrariums are essentially mini plant ecosystems nurtured in glass jars. You could compare them to small greenhouses with plants grown inside!
They are quite low maintenance and can be placed atop just about any firm surface in the house or office to enhance the space and add to it some vivacity. These miniature plant habitats are not only beautiful to look at, but also offer an ideal way to enjoy greenery in areas where outdoor space is, perhaps, limited.
Are Polka Dot Plants Good for Terrariums?
Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens housed in glass containers. They create a humid, tropical environment perfect for growing moisture-loving plants like polka dot plants But are polka dots really ideal terrarium plants? Let’s find out
Polka dot plants also known as freckle face plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya), are native to Madagascar. They feature brightly colored leaves spotted with various hues like white, pink, red or lavender. The vivid foliage makes them extremely ornamental houseplants.
Plus, polka dots thrive in warm, humid conditions similar to tropical rainforests. Terrariums easily recreate this environment under glass. So it seems like the two would make an excellent match!
Benefits of Growing Polka Dots in Terrariums
There are several advantages to housing polka dot plants in terrariums
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Polka dots enjoy constant moisture and humidity levels between 50-90%. Terrariums trap water vapor and maintain ideal humidity for the plants.
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These plants need bright, indirect light. The transparent terrarium walls allow light to filter through without scorching the foliage.
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Polka dots have lush, fast growth. Terrariums restrict root space and keep the plants more compact.
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The eye-catching spotted leaves stand out wonderfully against the terrarium backdrop.
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Polka dots clean indoor air by removing toxins like benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. So terrariums with these plants purify air quality.
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They are easy to propagate by stem cuttings. You can keep replenishing your terrarium with more polka dot plants.
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Their vivid colors and fun foliage provide visual interest and liveliness to the miniature garden.
Ideal Polka Dot Varieties for Terrariums
Polka dot plants come in a range of leaf colors and patterns. Some of the best types for terrariums include:
- Pink Splash – Deep green leaves with bright pink spots
- Red Splash – Green foliage with crimson speckles
- Freckle Face – Olive green leaves covered in tiny lavender dots
- Rose Splash – Emerald leaves spotted lightly with pastel pink
- Confetti – Multicolored foliage with red, white, and pink markings
- Mini White – Compact variety with white polka dots on green leaves
These ornamental varieties will charm your eyes with their playful, vibrant patterns under the terrarium glass.
Caring for Polka Dots in Terrariums
Polka dot terrariums require minimal care as long as you get a few basics right:
Light – Bright indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the foliage.
Watering – Mist the plants daily to maintain high humidity. Check soil before watering to prevent oversaturation.
Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix amended with peat moss or orchid bark to retain moisture.
Fertilizer – Apply diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
Pruning – Trim overgrown stems to keep plants compact and encourage bushy regrowth.
Propagation – Snip 3-6 inch tip cuttings and plant in moist soil to grow new polka dot plants.
With proper lighting, humidity, soil quality and occasional pruning, your polka dots will thrive happily in their miniature greenhouse!
Ideal Terrarium Setups for Polka Dots
You can house polka dot plants in open or closed terrariums based on your conditions:
Open Terrariums:
- Allow some air exchange which polka dots appreciate.
- Best for brighter spots that receive at least 4 hours of sunlight.
- Require more frequent watering as moisture escapes.
Closed Terrariums:
- Hold in humidity so work well in lower light areas.
- Create a self-contained jungle ecosystem.
- Can go longer between waterings due to trapped moisture.
- May need occasional airing out to prevent excess condensation.
Make sure to sterilize the container, use activated charcoal, and layer drainage materials like gravel, pebbles or LECA at the bottom before adding soil. Then plant a combination of polka dots, mosses, ferns etc. for a flourishing indoor oasis!
Troubleshooting Polka Dot Terrarium Problems
Polka dot terrariums are quite trouble-free but may run into a few issues:
Drooping leaves – Usually due to underwatering. Increase watering frequency.
Rotting stems/roots – Overwatering issue. Let soil dry out before next watering.
Leggy growth – Insufficient lighting. Provide brighter indirect light.
Tiny leaves – Not enough fertilizer. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly.
White crusty deposits – Hard water residue. Wipe terrarium glass clean.
Mold growth – Excess humidity and poor air circulation. Leave terrarium open temporarily.
Catching problems early and correcting care practices will restore your polka dots back to health. Proper maintenance is key for a thriving terrarium garden.
Ready to Create Your Polka Dot Terrarium?
With their moisture-loving nature, lush growth and colorful dotted leaves, polka dot plants are indeed one of the best choices for terrariums. They not only survive but truly flourish under the warm, humid conditions inside glass gardens.
Plus, their vivid and playful foliage provides an eye-catching focal point. So say yes to polka dots for beginner-friendly terrarium success! Just stick to good care practices and you’ll have a beautiful thriving indoor oasis.
Blotched Polka Dot Plant
Also called freckle face, polka dot plants are quite ideal for closed terrariums because they do not grow too tall, they thrive well in humid conditions and the pink, magenta, white, or red blotches on their leaves add color to the terrarium.
Polka dot plants in a glass terrarium. Photo by
If you want a burst of different colors in your terrarium all year round, then these plants would make an ideal choice.
Nerve plants which are also called net plants, snakeskin, or lace leaf depending on the variety, are quite popular for growing in terrariums due to their slow-growing nature and small sizes when fully grown.
Nerve plants in a closed terrarium. Photo by
The fact that the plant also loves humid conditions makes it suitable for small enclosed spaces like inside closed terrariums. Perhaps the most striking feature of these plants is the network of white, pink, or red veins that run all over the leaves.
Closed Terrariums Require Plants That Thrive in Humid Conditions
As is common knowledge, plant life is a key element of any terrarium. But sometimes choosing suitable plants for the terrarium can be a bit challenging.
Colored plants in a closed terrarium. Photo by
Even so, a key factor to note is that the most ideal plants for these miniature gardens should be slow-growing and be able to remain small in size even after full maturity. And since closed terrariums tend to be quite humid inside, plants that thrive in highly humid conditions would be ideal.
You could also spruce things up a little by deploying differently colored plants in these miniature gardens to enhance them. Here are some colorful plants that can be grown inside closed terrariums.
~ Fun Small Plant Terrarium ~ Colorful Apothecary Jar ~
FAQ
What plant is best for a terrarium?
- Ferns. First up, ferns are an excellent choice. …
- Mosses. Mosses are another fantastic option for closed terrariums. …
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant) Fittonia, also known as Nerve Plant, is another star player. …
- Pilea. Pilea ‘Greyzy’ is another excellent choice. …
- Calathea. …
- Ivy. …
- Parlour Palm. …
- Ficus Ginseng.
Can polka dot plants stay in water?
Will a polka dot plant root in water? A polka dot plant will root in both soil and water. It’ll most likely root faster in water which is why it’s the preferred method of propagation for most houseplants.
Do polka dot plants purify air?
It is also tolerant of low light levels, making it suitable for spaces that receive limited natural light. Air Purification: The Polka Dot Plant has been shown to remove harmful chemicals from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Are polka dot plants reptile safe?
The pink polka dot plant is vibrant and easy to care for. Its colourful spotted leaves can brighten up any reptile enclosure. These plants thrive in high humidity and indirect light, making them suitable for moisture-loving species.
Are polka dots good for terrariums?
Polka Dot plants thrive in damp and warm environments, making them ideal for terrariums. As there are numerous cultivars, a collection of varied-looking Polka Dots potted together in a beautiful plant terrarium makes for a brilliant piece. Also, you can mix these exotic varieties with other moisture-loving plants in terrariums.
How do you put polka dots in a terrarium?
Polka Dots, as previously stated, adore moisture content! Combining plants with standard temperature, light, and water demands. It helps to have a pair of long forceps or a set of kitchen chopsticks on hand to help place the plants. Before placing plants in the Terrarium, assemble them on the side table to find the perfect blend and layout.
Do polka dot plants need a lot of water?
The polka dot plant is a very water-dependent plant. If grown inside a closed terrarium, it needs a lot of humidity, a minimum of 50%, ideally 70-90%. If grown in an open terrarium, it needs constant watering. It will wither away very quickly if it gets dry. Nothing a few sprays of water won’t fix. Polka dot plants do excellent at room temperature.
Do polka dot plants grow at room temperature?
Polka dot plants do excellent at room temperature. Ideally from around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. As long as the temperature is not constantly under 15 or over 30 degrees, your Polka dot plant will thrive. Polka dot plants grow very fast and high if given space. But in a closed terrarium a polka-dot plant will just get very bushy.
Do polka dots need fertilizer?
This plant is commonly used as a houseplant, but it can also be seen as an annual and typical land cover. This is one of the varieties of Polka dots that require some fertilizer. However, when planted in a Terrarium, you need not fertilize it. It can also withstand high humidity and extreme drought.
What is a polka dot plant?
The Polka Dot Plant is one of the most popular indoor plants because of its distinct look and signature speckled white/pink patterned leaves. Classified as a shrub, the Hypoestes Phyllostachya (fancy name for Polka Dot Plant) is the main attraction for many terrariums.