My Top 5 Favorite Closed Terrarium Plants

In my experience, closed terrariums thrive when populated with slow-growing, humidity-tolerant species. These five plants deliver texture, moisture management, and visual interest without constant upkeep—especially when you include regular pruning to keep each one in scale.

For a step-by-step on layering substrate and hardscape, see our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Building a Closed Terrarium.

1. Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles)

Distinctive Features: Silvery-green, tortoise-shell patterned leaves that trail in delicate runners.

Size & Growth: Foliage stays under 3″ tall; runners can extend 8–12″ if left untrimmed.
Light & Water: Bright, indirect light; allow the top 10–20% of substrate to dry between mistings to prevent rot.
Pruning Tip: Snip runners back to a leaf node every 6–8 weeks to maintain a dense mat.

2. Ficus pumila var. quercifolia (Mini Oak-Leaf Creeping Fig)

Distinctive Features: Tiny, oak-shaped leaves that cling to glass and hardscape.

Size & Growth: Advances a few inches per year when trimmed regularly.
Light & Water: Moderate, indirect light; stable humidity supports gentle growth.
Pruning Tip: Trim back every 6–8 weeks at the base of overlong stems to preserve the living-wall effect.

3. Dwarf Sword Fern (Nephrolepis ‘Duffii’)

Distinctive Features: Fine, arching fronds that add a soft, ferny layer without overtaking small spaces.

Size & Growth: Fronds generally reach 6–12″ long; crown remains compact.
Light & Water: Low to medium, indirect light; keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning Tip: Remove old or overly long fronds at the crown quarterly to maintain shape.

4. Dwarf Ruffly-Leaf Fern (Microsorum musifolium ‘Crispum’)

Distinctive Features: Deeply ruffled, dark-green fronds forming neat rosettes.

Size & Growth: New fronds often span 6–8″; mature rosettes can reach 12–24″ across over multiple seasons.
Light & Water: Medium, indirect light; mist lightly to preserve the crisped texture.
Pruning Tip: Cut back spent fronds at the base to prevent decay and encourage fresh growth.

5. Moss

Distinctive Features: Dense carpet that holds moisture and unifies all elements.

Role: Absorbs excess water and releases it gradually, reducing dry spots.
Care Tip: Light misting every 2–3 weeks; maintain a thin drainage layer beneath to prevent sogginess.
Pruning Tip: Gently trim or thin overgrown patches to keep an even carpet.

Terrarium Composition & Maintenance Tips

Zoning: Place taller ferns in the midground, creeping fig on the back wall, and Peperomia plus moss in the foreground to create depth.
Drainage: Use a layer of horticultural charcoal and coarse substrate beneath your soil to prevent waterlogging.
Vent & Prune: During your weekly air exchange, trim any overgrowth touching the glass or crowding neighbors.
Watering: If condensation slows, mist sparingly—typically every 2–3 weeks.