Where to Find Terrarium Plants: An In-Depth Guide

Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens housed in glass containers. They allow you to create a tiny ecosystem right in your home! Terrariums are very customizable – you can fill them with a variety of small tropical plants to create a lush miniature landscape.

But where can you find the perfect plants to populate your terrarium? Getting the right plants is key to creating a thriving terrarium environment. This guide will walk you through the best places to shop for terrarium plants, both online and in physical plant stores. We’ll also overview the top plants to look out for and provide tips on how to pick healthy specimens.

Finding Terrarium Plants Online

Searching online opens up a huge world of plant suppliers and exotic varieties from around the globe. Here are some of the best online shops for sourcing terrarium plants:

Specialty Terrarium Plant Websites

Websites dedicated specifically to terrarium gardening will have the best selection tailored for small enclosed environments Here are two top options

• Steve’s Leaves – This site has a specific section for terrarium plants with both common and rare tropicals perfect for terrariums. Look for begonias, pilea, peperomia, ferns, moss and more.

• Glass Box Tropicals – Focused solely on plants for closed terrariums and wardian cases They carry tropicals bred specifically to thrive in high humidity.

Etsy

The handmade marketplace has an amazing variety of terrarium plants available from small independent sellers. Search using terms like “terrarium plant”, “wardian case plant” or “closed terrarium plant”.

Amazon

Amazon offers convenience for one-stop terrarium plant shopping. Look for plants sold by nurseries that specialize in tropical and terrarium varieties. Always check reviews.

Specialty Nursery Websites

Many online specialty nurseries have sections for terrarium or tropical plants A few top options

• Glasshouse Works – Specializes in rare and exotic tropicals from around the world.

• Logee’s Plants – Family-owned nursery offering a huge selection of rare and unusual plants.

• Gabriella Plants – Known for unique tropical foliage plants perfect for terrarium gardening.

Finding Terrarium Plants Locally

Check out these locations in your local area to find terrarium plants:

Independent Plant Nurseries

Local specialty plant nurseries will have the best selection of small tropical houseplants suitable for closed terrariums. Tell them you’re looking for terrarium plants and ask for recommendations.

Big Box Stores

While selection is limited, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often carry small houseplant varieties that can work for terrariums, like ferns, peperomia, and pilea. Check the houseplant section.

Plant Swaps

Attending local plant swaps and exchanges can be a great way to get starter plants or cuttings for your terrarium for free or cheap. Connect with plant enthusiasts through Facebook Groups, Meetups, or Instagram.

Botanical Gardens

Many botanical gardens have tropical greenhouses perfect for finding terrarium plants. Ask about plant sales or memberships with plant benefits. Bonus if the gift shop has any terrarium specimens for sale.

Best Plants for Terrariums

Here are some of the top types of plants well suited to growing in high humidity terrarium environments:

• Tropical ferns – Small ferns thrive in terrariums, like maidenhair ferns, button ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns. Go for miniature varieties.

• Moss – Added as a floor covering, mood moss enjoys constant moisture. Popular choices are sheet moss and mood moss.

• Trailing vines – Pothos, creeping fig, string of turtles add movement and fill space. Keep them trimmed back.

• Low-growing foliage – Plants like peperomia, pilea, and marcgravia work well as specimen plants. Go for compact rosette types.

• Blooming plants – Consider mini African violets, primrose, gesneriads, and some orchids. Enjoy seasonal flowers.

• Carnivorous plants – Venus flytraps and other small carnivorous plants love the humidity of a closed terrarium.

Choosing Healthy Terrarium Plants

When selecting plants, look for these signs the plants are healthy and will thrive inside your terrarium:

• Plump, green leaves and good color
• No browning, yellowing, or wilting
• No pests visible on leaves
• Clean roots if in pots, no rot
• Active new growth and shoots
• Overall vibrant, perky appearance

Avoid plants that are leggy, rootbound, have damaged leaves, or show other signs of poor health.

Setting Your Terrarium Plants Up for Success

Once you get your plants home, follow these tips to transition them smoothly into their new terrarium habitat:

• Acclimate plants by placing in a plastic bag for a few days to maintain humidity.
• Plant in proper terrarium substrate like peat, moss, charcoal.
• Mist and water plants after planting to settle roots into new soil.
• Position plants based on light and watering needs.
• Move slowly when adjusting plants or decor to avoid damage.
• Keep freshly planted terrariums out of direct sun for a week.
• Cover terrarium and slowly transition to desired ventilation.
• Monitor plants closely and adjust conditions if needed.

With the right plant choices and care, your terrarium will soon transform into a flourishing tiny world and conversational piece in your home. Enjoy sourcing plants and creating your unique indoor garden oasis.