5 Common Plants You Should Never Put in Your Terrarium

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Terrariums have become a popular way to bring greenery into indoor spaces, creating miniature ecosystems that add beauty and tranquility to any room. However, when selecting plants for a terrarium, many people mistakenly choose species that don’t thrive in these humid, enclosed environments. Today, we’ll explore five popular plants that aren’t suitable for terrariums and explain why. By knowing which plants to avoid, you can create a lasting, healthy mini-garden.

1. Phalaenopsis Orchid (Moth Orchid)

Why it’s unsuitable: Moth orchids require good air circulation and prefer a lower humidity environment than what a terrarium offers. Excess humidity can lead to root rot and limp leaves in orchids.

Tip: Place your orchid in a well-ventilated indoor area instead of a terrarium. For orchids in glass containers, choose a large, open-top container that allows airflow.

2. Succulents (e.g., Cacti, Jade Plant)

Why it’s unsuitable: Succulents thrive in dry conditions and require low humidity. The high moisture levels in a terrarium, especially in closed setups, can lead to root rot in succulents.

Tip: Use open, well-drained containers or shallow trays for succulents, and keep them out of high-humidity environments.

3. Ferns (Large Types)

Why it’s unsuitable: Although ferns generally like humidity, larger ferns like staghorn ferns need good airflow to prevent mold and decay, which terrariums lack.

Tip: Choose small ferns like maidenhair ferns for terrariums, as they are better suited to enclosed spaces. Avoid larger ferns that have high ventilation needs.

4. Aroids (e.g., Pothos, Monstera)

Why it’s unsuitable: Aroids like pothos and monstera are known for their large root systems and rapid growth, making them unsuitable for the confined space of a terrarium. These plants can quickly overtake the space and block other plants.

Tip: Grow aroids in pots or larger containers with plenty of room for root expansion and vertical growth.

5. Mint

Why it’s unsuitable: Mint has aggressive roots and grows quickly, often taking over any space it occupies. In a terrarium, it will crowd out other plants and can cause air circulation problems.

Tip: Mint grows best in its own pot or container where it has room to expand without affecting other plants.

Conclusion

While terrariums are beautiful and fun to create, not all plants thrive in their humid, enclosed environments. By avoiding these five common but unsuitable plants, you can design a long-lasting, healthy terrarium. Instead, opt for small ferns, mosses, and mini tropical plants that can truly flourish in this unique setting.

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