Terrific Low-light Terrarium Plants Suitable for Shady Environments
Terrarium Plants Thriving in Low Light Conditions
In the world of terrarium gardening, finding plants that can thrive in low light conditions is essential. Here are some terrarium plants that excel in such environments.
Cryptanthus beuckeri, a variety of Cryptanthus, is a true low-light contender, making it an ideal choice for terrariums. Its compact cousin, the dwarf 'Pixie' variety of Syngonium, is another compact and prolific low-light terrarium plant.
The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is particularly suited for life in the shade. Its crinkled leaves allow it to adapt to low-light environments by increasing or decreasing their crinklyness. Another forgiving fern is Asplenium nidus, which thrives in low-light conditions.
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is ideal for smaller terrariums. It will readily weave its way across the foundation and up the sides, providing a beautiful green cover. Although Ficus pumila generally prefers bright, indirect light, it will still grow well in a shaded environment.
Selaginella martensii 'Frosty' is a hardy type of terrarium plant that can tolerate low light conditions. It forms a dense mat and will only grow up to a few inches tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller terrariums. Interestingly, it looks like a festive plant but thrives in hot and humid conditions.
Macodes petola, also known as the Lightning Jewel Orchid, is a small, stunning terrarium plant known for its "striking" lightning-like leaf venation. It grows in the ground and has unique substrate requirements, including lots of aeration and drainage.
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock plant) is another excellent choice for low light environments. It requires semi-shade without direct sunlight and thrives in high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums. The leaves close at night and open in the morning, which is a distinctive trait.
Athyrium spicatum (Fern) prefers partial shade and average water, making it suitable for terrariums and tolerating low light levels well.
Java Moss is an extremely hardy moss that grows well with very low light and can survive even periods out of water. It can attach to rocks or driftwood inside the terrarium and is easy to maintain.
For general low-light houseplants, Snake Plant (Sansevieria) and Peace Lily are also strong candidates. Although less specific to terrarium cultivation, they are highly tolerant of low light and minimal care. The Snake Plant even helps purify air, while the Peace Lily thrives in low to medium light and requires consistent moisture. It blooms periodically and also purifies air.
Streptocarpus (Ladyslipper Violet) can manage low light but grows slower and may bloom less under such conditions.
In summary, for terrariums specifically, Calathea varieties, ferns like Athyrium spicatum, and Java Moss are excellent choices for low light environments due to their shade tolerance and humidity preference. For general low-light houseplants, snake plants and peace lilies are also strong candidates, though less specific to terrarium cultivation.
The Calathea varieties, like Calathea Makoyana (Peacock plant), are ideal for home-and-garden low light terrariums, as they thrive in semi-shade and high humidity. Java Moss, a hardy and easy-to-maintain moss, is another suitable home-and-garden choice for terrariums due to its low-light tolerance and capacity to survive in waterless periods.
