The Top 10 Best Succulents for Terrariums

Terrariums are a fun and creative way to display beautiful succulents in a miniature indoor garden But not every succulent is well-suited for the warm, humid environment inside a closed terrarium Certain varieties will thrive while others may struggle and decline over time.

When selecting succulents for terrariums choose varieties that naturally prefer warm, tropical conditions. Avoid any succulents that require intense sunlight and prolonged dry periods between waterings. With the right choices, you can create a gorgeous living succulent terrarium that will delight for years to come.

Here are the top 10 best succulent varieties that are perfect for planted terrarium designs:

1. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

With its long trailing stems densely packed with plump teardrop-shaped leaves, Burro’s Tail is one of the most popular choices for draping down the sides of terrariums. This Mexican succulent tolerates the higher humidity of a terrarium environment better than other sedums. Allow the trailing tails to spill over the edges of the container or wind through terrarium decorations.

2. Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata)

The Zebra Plant is a common houseplant succulent, prized for its dark green leaves marked with distinctive white banding. These small, low maintenance succulents stay under 5 inches tall, making them excellent terrarium filler plants. Zebra Plants add nice texture and a tropical look.

3. Aloe hybrids

Small, compact aloe hybrids bring a bold, spiky element to terrarium designs. Look for dwarf or miniature varieties that stay under 6 inches tall. Plant several together in a cluster for a lush, jungle effect. Just avoid large aloe species that require full sun and dry conditions.

4. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade Plants are very popular indoor succulents, with small tree-like trunks and thick oval leaves. Miniature and dwarf jade plant cultivars like ‘Minima’ stay under 12 inches tall and make perfect centerpiece plants for terrariums, especially when paired with a decorative rock topping the soil.

5. Echeveria

The hundreds of echeveria hybrids and cultivars exhibit a stunning range of colors and shapes. Look for small rosette-forming types under 6 inches wide. Plant a combination of complementary colors like pastel pink, blue, and purple varieties together to create a visually striking planted terrarium design.

6. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

While technically not a true succulent, the thorny Euphorbia milii offers unique texture and the bonus of colorful bracts surrounding tiny flowers. It does well in warm indoor conditions. Miniature Euphorbia milii cultivars under 8 inches tall work great as accents within larger terrarium plantings.

7. Peperomia

Peperomia offer diversity in leaf shapes and patterns, with some varieties distinctly resembling succulents. Many do well in the stable environment of a terrarium. Choose low-growing varieties under 8 inches tall. Peperomia ‘Pixie Lime’ is one particularly charming option, with its lime-green and cream variegated foliage.

8. Flapjacks (Kalanchoe luciae)

Flapjacks form round pancake-like leaves on low plants reaching just 4-8 inches tall. Their interesting thick foliage adds fun form and texture contrast when combined with other succulents and tropical plants in a terrarium garden. Plant a cluster for maximum impact.

9. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

Fuzzy Panda Plants have velvety leaves with brown tipped edges, resembling cute miniature pandas sitting within your terrarium creation. They stay compact under 12 inches tall and provide neat contrast paired with smooth-leaved succulents and tropicals.

10. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

As a trailing succulent vine, String of Pearls cascades beautifully over the edges of planted terrariums and hanging containers. Let the strings of pea-sized succulent beads drape down like whimsical green garlands. Their decorative nature makes them highly desirable for terrariums.

When selecting and designing your terrarium, opt for miniature, low-growing succulent varieties that require minimal sunlight and enjoy warm, humid environments. With the right choices, your living succulent terrarium will thrive for years to come! Avoid large, sun-loving varieties and resist overcrowding the container. Proper drainage and avoiding overwatering is also key to maintaining healthy plants in an enclosed terrarium. With a little planning and care, you can create breathtaking living succulent art.