Open Terrarium Plants

Open-terrarium plants suit ventilated glass displays with fresher airflow and varied moisture conditions. Compact ferns, Peperomia, Pilea and Cryptanthus create leafy miniature landscapes, while succulents and other drought-tolerant plants suit airier mineral displays.

Terrarium setup

Build the right terrarium base layer

Closed terrariums need a stable base that balances moisture, structure and hygiene before the planting layer goes in.

Shop Terrarium Base Mix Starter Open Terrarium Builder

TrendingBuild Your Own Terrarium Kit

Plants for Open Terrariums

Plants for Closed Terrariums

Terrarium Supplies

Soil & Substrates

Open Terrarium Plants

Plants for open terrarium displays

Airflow fit: selected plants suit open, ventilated displays.
Mature fit: final height, width and growth pace guide vessel size.
Starter format: small nursery pots suit compact layouts.

Quick Overview

Plants for open terrarium displays

Airflow fit: selected plants suit open, ventilated displays.
Mature fit: final height, width and growth pace guide vessel size.
Starter format: small nursery pots suit compact layouts.

Details & Care

Open terrarium plants for airy, compact displays

Open vessels suit two distinct planting styles. Dry open terrariums can hold compact succulents and other drought-adapted plants. Humid open displays can hold miniature foliage plants, selected ferns and creeping species that share a steadier moisture range. Plants from these two groups need separate substrates and watering routines.

Planting by growth speed and scale

Mature height and spread should shape the design at the planning stage. Slow rosettes preserve open space, while creeping stems gradually soften stones and hardscape. One focal plant combined with low companions creates a clear layered view. Fast vines need enough room for regular trimming.

Leaf size affects the sense of scale. Fine foliage creates depth near the glass, while one broader leaf gives the eye a resting point. The container opening also influences access for watering and maintenance.

Root zone and air exchange

A porous substrate supports air around the roots in a vessel with limited depth. Containers without drainage holes require restrained watering because excess water cannot leave through the base. Dry and humid planting styles work best in separate vessels.

Spacing, planting depth, mature spread and compatible moisture use shape a stable open display. Open vessels lose moisture more quickly, so the watering guide helps replace a fixed schedule with checks based on substrate, plant type and season.

Open Terrarium Plants FAQ

What plants work best in open terrariums?

Open terrariums suit compact plants that enjoy bright, indirect light, moderate to higher humidity and steady airflow. Small ferns, trailing tropical plants, compact Peperomia, selected Pilea, Cryptanthus and other low-growing foliage plants can work well, as long as the vessel stays open or well ventilated.

Are open terrariums easier than closed terrariums?

Open terrariums are usually easier to adjust because you can water, trim and rearrange plants without disturbing a sealed environment. They dry out faster than closed terrariums, so they need more regular checking, but they are also less prone to stale, trapped moisture.

Can I use moss in an open terrarium?

Yes, moss can be used in an open terrarium as a soft surface layer, natural accent or finishing detail. It should not stay constantly soaked, especially in a ventilated setup. Use it to cover bare substrate, soften edges and add texture rather than treating it as a permanently wet carpet.

Worth reading:

Hands placing a plant inside a glass jar terrarium with substrates and tools nearby

How to Build a Starter Terrarium: A Complete Guide

Experience you can count on

More than 20,000 customers, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Quality first

Plants are hand-selected and checked before shipping.

Reliable shipping

Safe packaging and tracked shipping from DE and NL.

Small business

Support a small, independent, women-led family business.

Row of various potted baby plants (starter plants) on a white background

Shop Baby Plants ➜

Our Customers

rate us with 4.6 out of 5 Stars

★★★★★

Die Pflanzen waren prima verpackt und ein heatpack war im Paket enthalten. Die Lieferzeit hat 2 bis 3 Tagen gedauert, was aus meiner Sicht wirklich gut ist. Alle drei Pflanzen haben die Lieferung gut überstanden. Ich habe mich auf Hoyas spezialisiert und habe schon die nächsten Pflanzen meiner Wunschliste auf der Website gefunden. Daher wird die nächste Bestellung nicht lange auf sich warten lassen.

Marion

★★★★★

The plants are carefully packaged and arrive in great conditions (I’m based in Spain) and they’re always there to help in any way they can with your purchase.I have and will always recommend Foliage Factory to every friend I can. I’m not only satisfied with their plants and prices, but their customer service is exceptional.

José

★★★★☆

Very healthy and well packed plant. Unfortunately there was one plant that ordered couldn’t be delivered as it was out of stock hence 1 star less.

Sam

★★★★☆

Die Sendung kam leider in keinem guten Zustand bei mir an, kann passieren. Habe mich darauf hin sofort an Foliage Factory gewandt und habe selten einen so guten, schnellen, freundlichen und kulanten Kundendienst erlebt.

Frauke

★★★★★

Everything arrived in good condition and very well packed - it wasn't easy with a fragile plant and a heavy bag of substrate. I recommend it!

Lia

★★★★★

Bester online-Pflanzenhandel den ich kenne (habe davor 4 andere ausprobiert). Eine teure Pflanze wurde beim Transport beschädigt und mir ersetzt. Der Kontakt dabei war auch sehr nett (danke Jan) und hat mir gut geholfen. Die anderen Pflanzen sind in einem sehr guten Zustand, keine Schädlinge, super Bewurzelung. Nur zu empfehlen! :)

C L

★★★★★

Super Service, Gute Auswahl, Preise sind fair. Eine Pflanze kam kaputt an, hab sofort Ersatz bekommen. Danke an den unkomplizierten (und blitzschnellen) Kundenservice!!

Sarah

★★★★★

Envoie très rapide (2 jours), plantes parfaitement emballées et super offres ! Je suis une habituelle j'ai passé 6 ou 7 commandes et je n'en peut être plus satisfaite du service client et de la qualité et variété des plantes offertes

Iris

★★★★★

The plants have arrived in perfect condition, the roots and the foliage so so healthy! I had problem with 1 plant out of 16 and they have responded to my email almost instantly and the issue was resolved straight away. I'm really impressed and satisfied, definitely getting more plants from them again!

Patricija

★★★★★

I received perfectly heathy and absolutely beautiful plants, even bigger than expected. The delivery within Europe was really fast. I think Foliage Factory has one of the best plant web shops in the internet. It‘s just great to get so much informations about the plants. I will definitely order again :)

Walkerova

Exclusive Offers

Limited discounts, extras, and bundle deals for subscribers.

Foliage Points

Get points with every order to redeem them for discounts.

Refer a Friend

Give your friends 10 € off and get 200 Foliage Points.

Newsletter Perk

Use your 10% code on plants when you're ready to order.