Creating a lush and vibrant small terrarium is an enjoyable way to bring nature indoors. Choosing the right plants can maximize the appeal while requiring minimal maintenance. Below is a summary table highlighting selected terrarium plants perfect for compact spaces, featuring a range of live and artificial varieties for various terrarium styles.
| Product | Brand | Pot Size | Plant Variety | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Terrarium Plants (6 Plants) | Optiflora | 2″ pots | Assorted small varieties | Closed/open terrariums, fairy gardens |
| Mini Fern Plants (6 Plants) | Optiflora | 2″ pots | Mini ferns assorted varieties | Terrariums, fairy gardens |
| Altman Plants Live Houseplants (12PK) | Altman Plants | 2″ nursery pots | Begonia, Philodendron, Pilea, and more | Indoor terrariums and home decor |
| Terrarium & Fairy Garden Plants – 8 Plants | Hirt’s Gardens | 2″ pots | Seasonal assortments | Open and closed terrariums |
| Vtapliea 5Pack Tall Aquarium Plants | Vtapliea | Artificial | Silk fake aquarium plants | Fish tanks, terrariums, low maintenance |
Mini Terrarium Plants (6 Plants) in 2″ Pots

This set of six small terrarium plants by Optiflora comes in convenient 2″ pots, ideal for creating a variety-filled miniature garden. You can order multiple sets to increase plant diversity, receiving additional varieties with larger orders. These easy-care plants are perfect for fairy gardens or closed/open terrariums. The assortment varies ensuring a unique setup with each purchase. Their small size and adaptability make them excellent choices for hobbyists seeking low-maintenance greenery.
Mini Fern Plants (6 Plants) in 2″ Pots for Terrariums

Optiflora’s mini fern assortment includes six small fern plants perfectly potted in 2″ nursery pots. These lush, compact ferns bring a woodland feel to terrariums or fairy gardens. The ferns suit enclosed environments where humidity and low light conditions thrive, making them a natural choice for terrarium beginners. Their charming appearance adds texture and greenery to small spaces without overwhelming the design.
Altman Plants Live Houseplants (12PK) for Indoor Terrariums

This deluxe pack of 12 live indoor plants offers an eclectic assortment of small, easy-care varieties including Begonia, Philodendron, Pilea, Pothos, Peperomia, and more. All come in 2-inch nursery pots, ready for indoor terrariums or home décor. This set suits plant lovers looking to create diverse terrariums or decorate small spaces, presenting plants known for their adaptable nature and attractive foliage shapes. These plants also make thoughtful gifts accompanied by your favorite decorative pots.
Terrarium & Fairy Garden Plants – 8 Plants in 2″ Pots

Hirt’s Gardens offers an 8-plant assortment suited for both open and closed terrariums. This seasonal variety selection allows for fresh combinations depending on availability. Each plant arrives in a 2-inch pot, easy to trim as needed for size control. This set supports creative terrarium setups that benefit from varied shapes and foliage textures, ideal for those customizing fairy gardens or green desktop displays.
Vtapliea 5Pack Tall Aquarium Plants – Silk Fake Plants

For those who prefer maintenance-free décor, this set of five tall silk aquarium plants by Vtapliea provides realistic greenery that requires no watering or light. Crafted from plastic, resin, and ceramic bases, these artificial plants are safe for fish tanks and terrariums. They hold their shape indefinitely and add vibrant color without any care, making them perfect for reptile habitats or aquatic environments where live plants struggle to thrive.
Buying Guide for Small Terrarium Plants
Choosing the best plants for a small terrarium involves multiple considerations to ensure healthy growth and visual appeal.
Plant Size and Growth Rate
Since terrariums are limited in space, select plants that remain compact or grow slowly. Miniature varieties, like ferns or succulents, fit well without overwhelming the container. Watch for growth habits to avoid overcrowding and frequent pruning needs.
Environment Type: Open vs Closed
Closed terrariums retain moisture and require humidity-loving plants such as ferns and mosses. Open terrariums suit succulents and cacti that thrive in drier air. Understanding your terrarium’s microclimate helps select appropriate plants.
Light Requirements
Low to medium light-tolerant plants excel in indoor terrariums. Avoid high-light plants unless your terrarium is near a bright window. Artificial plants offer décor flexibility regardless of lighting.
Maintenance and Care
Live plants vary in watering and care demands. Some require regular misting and soil monitoring, while others are resilient to neglect. Artificial plants eliminate ongoing maintenance but don’t improve air quality.
Plant Variety and Aesthetics
Mixing leaf shapes, colors, and textures creates a visually appealing terrarium. Combining several species or colors enhances the miniature ecosystem’s beauty.
Allergen and Safety Considerations
If pets or children frequent the area, choosing non-toxic plants or silk replicas reduces risk. Check individual species safety to ensure a worry-free display.
By balancing these factors, you can select suitable plants that thrive in your terrarium environment while meeting your design and lifestyle preferences.