Can you build a closed terrarium with succulents? Short answer is no, you can not use succulents in a closed terrariums. Succulents love dry, well ventilated environments – closed terrariums can’t provide that. This article explains why succulents don’t thrive in closed spaces and what plants to use for your terrarium instead.
Quick Facts
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Succulents don’t like closed terrariums because of high humidity and poor air circulation which can cause root rot.
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Succulents like well draining soil, low humidity (10-30%) and about 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
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For closed terrariums use tropical plants like ferns or moss, they love the humid environment not succulents.
Why Succulents Don’t Like Closed Terrariums
Succulents are not the best choice for closed terrariums. In my five years of making terrariums, I've never seen succulents survive in a closed environment, regardless of the jar size or setup. Initially, I thought the small jar size was the issue, but even in a larger 10-gallon container, they still didn't make it. Meanwhile, the tropical plants were thriving.
The problem is that closed terrariums typically have limited airflow, which succulents can't handle since they love fresh air. Additionally, succulents aren't suited to the continuous moisture in closed terrariums. They evolved in arid environments and have thick leaves that store water, but this trait becomes a curse in a sealed glass environment.
The high humidity and no air circulation of a closed terrarium is not a welcoming home for most succulents. They love fresh air circulation – which is absent in a closed space – and excess moisture can lead to root rot and other problems. Unfortunately no matter how good the setup may seem at first it’s almost impossible for succulent species to thrive in these wet conditions. I have tried with many different setups and in many different size of containers but there is no hope for succulents that I know.
There’s danger from sunlight when magnified through the glass of a terrarium – creating excessive heat and more moisture which is another threat to these desert adapted plants. It should be obvious why putting succulents in hermetically sealed environments is a bad horticultural practice. Instead of trapping them indoors behind glass they’d do much better in drier environments similar to their natural habitats.
Even if you would like to experiment with making a closed succulent terrarium, you cannot use any other plants that love moisture, like moss or tropical plants. Please let me know if you come up with a solution to make a closed terrarium with a succulent.
Succulent Plant Conditions
Succulents need a lot of direct sunlight. Usually 6 hours a day is enough. But you need to introduce them slowly to full sun to avoid burning their leaves. These tough plants like environments where the humidity is low – between 10-30% ideally – to match their dry native habitats.
The conditions to provide for succulent growth are:
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A lot of sunlight daily (about 6 hours)
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Gradual introduction to strong light sources to avoid burning the leaves
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Humidity 10-30% to match their dry native habitats
To avoid issues like excess moisture and root rot, succulents should be planted in soil that drains well. So it’s important to plant them in containers with at least one hole for drainage. Mixing coarse sand or perlite in your soil mix will help with water flow.
Succulents go dormant during winter and will need very little watering – just enough not to let the plant die from root rot caused by too much moisture from not watering for days, weeks or even months. Remember: profuse lighting, well drained soil and modest humidity are key to growing healthy specimens!
Alternatives to Succulents for Closed Terrariums
Tropical plants are better for closed terrariums than succulents because they love warm and humid conditions. They like steady moisture and can adapt to the limited airflow inside a closed terrarium.
Check out these tropical plant options and learn how to create a harmonious ecosystem for them in your terrarium.
Top Tropical Plants for Closed Terrariums
Ferns, moss and air plants are great for closed terrariums. They are naturally adapted to humid environments and thrive in closed terrariums. The Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) is a compact fern that does well in these conditions.
Fittonia or Nerve Plant is loved for its colorful leaves and compact growth, perfect for terrariums. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is popular for its humidity loving nature and beautiful foliage.
Peperomia prostrata or String of Turtles is a favorite for closed terrariums. Its low growing habit and beautiful leaves is perfect for small spaces and adds beauty and functionality to your terrarium.
Balancing the Ecosystem
It’s important to regulate the humidity for a stable ecosystem in a closed terrarium. Adding plants like ferns and moss will increase the moisture in the environment and will promote healthy conditions for other tropical species.
Air plants are special because they don’t need soil to grow. They absorb water and nutrients from their leaves. This allows them to contribute to gas exchange through photosynthesis and maintain balance in the terrarium ecosystem.
To have a self sustaining succulent terrarium, choose a variety of plants adapted to humid environments. A careful selection will meet the needs of each and harmony for all the inhabitants of your mini world.
Open Terrarium for Succulents
Building an open terrarium is a fun project that will give your succulents the perfect environment to thrive. Start by laying down a layer of small stones or pebbles at the bottom of your container to prevent water from accumulating too much. Above this add another filter layer like moss or cheesecloth to prevent soil from falling into the rocks.
Then place your plants inside, starting with the largest ones to create a beautiful and balanced arrangement. After planting them in their new home, give them a light mist of water – just enough moisture for growth without overwatering.
Succulents are perfect for open terrariums because they need good air flow and low humidity to thrive.
Terrarium Supplies
To build a terrarium you will need some basic supplies. Glass or plastic containers are good choices. Jars, aquariums and decorative vases are all options. A layer of rocks at the bottom of the container will help with drainage. For plants like succulents that need well draining conditions, a soil mix with sand or gravel is a must.
Use tools like extended tweezers and spoons to place soil and other elements inside the glass container. These can be found at local garden centers or online, so you can start building your terrarium.
Caring for your Terrarium Plants
Taking care of plants in a terrarium is low maintenance but requires observation. Routine maintenance is removing dead leaves and cleaning the decorative stones and controlling algae growth on the glass. Check your plant’s leaves and soil moisture to see when to mist or water. Wilted leaves and dry soil are the signs.
To grow well, rotate the terrarium every now and then to give each side enough light. To prevent mold on plant leaves, wipe them down regularly and check for air flow in the terrarium – if it’s too humid, open the lid for a bit.
Trimming back overgrown stems will help maintain balance in your glass container. This will give each plant enough room to grow.
Conclusion
So building a terrarium for succulents looks nice but succulents don’t thrive in closed terrariums. Tropical plants are more suited to those conditions because they love high humidity and low air circulation. For succulent lovers, an open terrarium is the way to go to display and care for these tough plants.
Follow this guide and you’ll be building beautiful and thriving terrariums for either tropical plants or succulents. Happy gardening!
FAQs
Why can’t I use succulents in a closed terrarium?
Succulents can’t thrive in closed terrariums because they need dry conditions and good air circulation which closed environments can’t provide.
To make succulents happy, it’s better to put them in an open terrarium or a dry place.
What plants are good for closed terrariums?
For closed terrariums, tropical plants like ferns, moss and Fittonia are your best choice since they love high humidity.
They’ll keep your terrarium happy!
How often should I water my closed terrarium?
Since the moisture is trapped in a closed terrarium, it only needs to be watered once a month.
Check on it and adjust your watering schedule if needed!
What do I need to start a terrarium?
To start a terrarium, you’ll need a container, rocks for drainage, well draining soil and some tools like extended tweezers and a spoon.
You’re all set for an indoor garden!
How do I care for my terrarium plants?
Remove dead leaves and check for algae growth.
Water as needed and know their water needs and provide equal lighting.
