Terrarium plant buying guide

Before you even start deciding what type of plant you want in your terrarium, it's important to consider the size of your container. You want to avoid your plants touching the sides of the container if at all possible, so it's best to pick small plants. Too many leaves touching the sides will block out light for other plants, and risk the plants themselves getting scorched. Not only do you want smaller plants, but it's worthwhile picking out slow growing plants. Fast-growing plants could outgrow their container before you've even had time to enjoy it! Alternatively, if you're a more confident gardener you can simply keep trimming your plants back to fit the container.

A closed container has a humid and warm environment, so your plants need to like a jungle-y atmosphere! These are a few of the most striking plants that you can use to create a showstopping terrarium.

1. Friendship Plant

The luscious colours of this leafy plant are the perfect addition to any jungle-y terrarium. The dark colours add visual depth and help make brighter plants stand out.

2. Aquamarine

This is a perfect small plant, it grows to just 12 inches tall, meaning that it is the ideal base to surround some of your larger plants.

3. Starfish Plant

The star-shaped Cryptanthus bivittatus, otherwise known as Starfish plant, is a stunning addition to any terrarium. The leaves grow in a dramatic starburst and in a variety of colours, from red to green. Even better, it only grows to a maximum height of 6 inches, so it suits even the teeniest of terrariums.

4. Silver Nerve Plant

If you want to add an explosion of pattern, the Silver Nerve Plant is ideal. The leaves have bold patterns in white, burgundy, and green running all over them.

5. Maidenhair Fern

There are a huge number of ferns that you can add to your terrarium, so it's worth doing some additional research into this family. However, one of the classics that crops up time and time again is the maidenhair fern. This small fern has beautiful feathery sprays of leaves in delicate shapes to add interest to any terrarium. Another classic is the Arachnoides simplicior 'Variegata' or Holly Fern.

6. Spider Plant

The spider plant is another terrarium classic that can help to add a pop of colour and shape into your terrarium. The leaves with their bold white stripe will draw the eye of any viewer. If you want more colours and shapes is may also be worth having a look for a Watermelon peperomia!

Open container terrariums are ideal for plants that like a dry environment. Think succulents and cacti for this kind of terrarium, and don't forget to use the correct sandy soil. Here are some of our favourite open container terrariums plants.

1. Echeveria Blue Sky

There are a large range of Echeveria varities available, but the red-tinged tips of Blue Sky really make it a standout addition to any terrarium.

2. Red Tip Hens & Chicks

Bring a little more spike into your succulents with this blue and red tinted variety. If you aren't already sold after reading the name, then you will certainly want to add it after seeing its stunning, geometric shape.

3. Burrito Tail

Bring some height and unusual shapes into your terrarium with a Burrito Tail succulent. These bubbly little plants will add some height and visual interest to any collection.

4. Feather Cactus

This deceptively soft-looking cactus is an unusual addition to terrarium. The white spines bring an unusual texture and colour into the mix.

5. Zebra Haworthia

Time to bring some patterns into your container! The bold white and green stripes of the Zebra Haworthia are a dynamic way to add some pattern to your plants.

6. Moon Cacti

If you're a colour fiend, then moon cacti are your way to bring a pop of colour into a terrarium. These brightly coloured globes come in a variety of colours and will always stand out.

To complete your terrarium look you're going to want to fill up some of the free soil space. You can do this in lots of ways, from adding knick-knacks to pretty gravel, but one of the most popular additions is moss. There are a huge range of species to choose from, here are a few of the most striking and popular.

• Spike Moss

• Club Moss

• Scottish Moss

• Irish Moss

• Pincushion Moss

• Sphagnum Moss

• Sheet Moss

Hopefully this guide will have helped you choose the best terrarium plants for your terrarium!