Terrarium Plants

Live plants are both a structural and biological element in a terrarium. They stabilize the microclimate, support humidity, provide hiding places, and encourage natural behavior. Plant choice must match the type of environment: dry, tropical, or paludarium.

🌵 Plants for dry terrariums

Suitable for desert lizards, dry-adapted snakes, and invertebrates. These plants require strong light, and the soil should be sandy and very well drained.

Recommended species:

• Aloe (Aloe vera) - a hardy succulent that tolerates high temperatures.
• Haworthia spp. - compact succulents for smaller spaces.
• Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) - extremely tolerant of dry air.
• Gasteria spp. - suitable for somewhat lower-light areas.
• Crassula ovata (small forms) - stable in moderately dry conditions.

🌴 Plants for tropical terrariums

Suitable for geckos, chameleons, frogs, and other species that require high humidity.

Recommended species:

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) - versatile and extremely hardy.
• Dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) - creates dense foliage.
• Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) - suitable for tall terrariums.
• Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) - decorative and generally safe if nibbled.
• Philodendron scandens - easy to maintain.
• Monstera adansonii - a compact alternative to larger monsteras.
• Peperomia obtusifolia - tolerant of moderate light.
• Ficus pumila - useful for vertical planting.

🌊 Plants for paludariums

Suitable for mixed environments with both aquatic and terrestrial areas.

Recommended species:

• Anubias spp. - hardy aquatic plants.
• Microsorum pteropus (Java fern) - ideal for the aquatic section.
• Cryptocoryne spp. - suitable for semi-submerged areas.
• Neoregelia (bromeliads) - hold water in the leaf rosette.
• Fittonia spp. - ideal for humid terrestrial areas.
• Selaginella spp. - suitable for a forest-floor environment.

💡 Lighting

UVB lamps are not enough for photosynthesis.

Plants need:

• Strong LED or T5 lighting at around 6500K
• A 10-12 hour light cycle
• Good coverage across the upper part of the terrarium

In tropical and paludarium systems, stronger lighting helps plants grow more compactly.

🌱 Planting

In pots

The most practical method. It allows better moisture control and easy replacement.

Direct planting (bioactive system)

Requires a drainage layer (expanded clay), a separating mesh, and a suitable substrate. This approach is best suited to tropical terrariums and paludariums.

🌿 Fertilizing

Fertilizing can be done carefully:

• Organic liquid fertilizers
• Fertilizing outside the terrarium
• No granular chemical fertilizers

In bioactive systems, additional fertilizing is often unnecessary.

❌ Plants to avoid

• Dieffenbachia
• Nerium oleander
• Anthurium
• Monstera deliciosa
• Rhododendron
• Hedera helix
• Codiaeum variegatum
• Zamioculcas zamiifolia

📌 Conclusion

Well-chosen plants turn a terrarium into a stable, functional ecosystem. Whether you are building a dry, tropical, or paludarium setup, plants must be selected according to:

• the microclimate
• the animal species
• the lighting
• drainage