Top 5 Terrarium Plants for Autumn Growth
Introduction
Terrariums are small, self-sustaining ecosystems that are perfect for plant enthusiasts looking to create beautiful, miniature landscapes indoors. As autumn arrives, temperatures drop, and humidity stabilizes, making it the ideal time to choose plants for your Terrarium. In this article, we will recommend five plants that are perfect for autumn Terrariums. These plants not only thrive during this season but also enhance the visual appeal and complexity of your Terrarium.
1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
Aesthetic Value:
Maidenhair Fern is known for its light and delicate fronds, featuring slender black stems topped with fresh green fan-shaped leaves. It adds a soft, fresh layer of green to the Terrarium.
Landscaping Tips:
Maidenhair Fern is best placed at the middle or back of the Terrarium, serving as a background plant. It requires high humidity, making it ideal to pair with moss or other low-growing plants. The cool and stable humidity of autumn provides an excellent environment for its steady growth. Its fine leaves also contribute to vertical landscape designs.
2. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Aesthetic Value:
Nerve Plant is loved for its striking leaf veins, which come in white, pink, or red, creating a visually appealing contrast. Its diverse colors and textures add depth and variety to your Terrarium.
Landscaping Tips:
Nerve Plant works well in the foreground or along the edges of the Terrarium, contrasting with other green plants. With autumn’s cooler and more humid conditions, Nerve Plant thrives. Its low-growing nature makes it an excellent complement to taller plants, adding color variation while maintaining a harmonious overall look.
3. Spike Moss (Selaginella kraussiana)
Aesthetic Value:
Often referred to as "resurrection plant," Spike Moss has fern-like, finely textured, bright green leaves. Its soft, dense foliage adds a lush, full effect to the Terrarium.
Landscaping Tips:
Spike Moss is ideal as ground cover, forming a thick green carpet at the base of the Terrarium. The higher humidity and cooler temperatures of autumn support its rapid and robust growth. It fills empty spaces and pairs well with taller plants to enrich the landscape.
4. Hypnum Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme)
Aesthetic Value:
Hypnum Moss is a popular moss species used in Terrariums for its soft texture and unique deep green color. It thrives in low light and high humidity, creating a natural forest atmosphere.
Landscaping Tips:
Hypnum Moss can be used to cover the Terrarium’s base or serve as a decorative accent. It’s especially good for adding a natural ground effect to small landscapes. During the cooler, wetter autumn season, Hypnum Moss grows more steadily. It can grow on stones, bark, or substrate, forming a continuous green carpet that adds texture and depth to the overall layout.
5. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Aesthetic Value:
Peperomia is known for its thick, glossy leaves that come in bright deep green. Its leaves are rounded or oval-shaped, offering great visual appeal and texture.
Landscaping Tips:
Peperomia is ideal for the center or edges of the Terrarium as a focal plant. Autumn’s cooler temperatures help Peperomia maintain its vibrant foliage while preventing excessive water loss. Its upright form contrasts well with mosses or creeping plants, creating a noticeable height difference. Peperomia adapts to various light conditions and thrives under most circumstances.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plants is key to building a successful Terrarium, especially as seasons change and plant needs shift. The cool climate and moderate humidity of autumn create an optimal environment for plants like Maidenhair Fern, Nerve Plant, Spike Moss, Hypnum Moss, and Peperomia to thrive. These plants not only beautify your Terrarium but also work together to create a rich, layered landscape. We hope this article inspires your autumn Terrarium design.