Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Some of the most popular and best succulents for terrariums are low-maintenance plants that require very little attention from their owners.
Terrariums are great for bringing nature indoors and making your home feel more inviting, but many people aren’t sure which succulents are best suited to this task.
Terrariums are becoming increasingly popular home decor pieces, and succulents are among the most popular plant choices for them. In fact, succulents make up one of the largest family groups in the plant kingdom, making them the perfect choice when you want something that’s both beautiful and hardy.
There are many varieties of succulents to choose from, so it can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve put together this handy guide on the 17 best succulents for terrariums that will make choosing the right plants easier than ever for you!
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a type of enclosure that is typically used to grow plants. The word terrarium comes from the Latin word for earth, which makes sense because these enclosures are often made out of glass or plastic and can be used to create a miniature ecosystem.
A terrarium can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be and can be tailored to fit the needs of any plant. They make excellent gifts for loved ones who have green thumbs but might not have enough time to maintain a garden outside their home.
Some even use them indoors in order to add greenery without having an open window. With so many different styles and designs available, it’s easy to find one that fits your aesthetic preferences!
Types of terrariums
There are several types of terrariums, but the two most common are open and closed. Open terrariums are best for plants that require more air circulation, while closed terrariums create a more humid environment.
If you’re not sure which type of terrarium to choose, ask your local nursery or garden center for advice. It’s also important to know what kind of succulent you’re looking for before choosing one.
If you want something small and cute, look at aloe. You might also want something with a long-lasting flower like an echeveria or an agave plant.
Some succulents can be used as both landscape plants and in terrariums such as sedum or cacti. However, if you’re putting them in a closed terrarium, it is important to make sure they don’t have thorns.
Best succulents for terrariums
If you’re looking for the best succulents for terrariums, look no further! From easy-to-care-for cacti to vibrant echeverias, there’s something for everyone. And, since succulents are such low-maintenance plants, they’re perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to care for their plants.
Faucaria Tigrina (Tiger Jaws)
Faucaria tigrina, or tiger jaws, is a low-growing succulent that produces large, toothed leaves. The leaves are variegated with shades of green, white, and yellow, and they have a waxy texture. This plant is native to South Africa and can tolerate long periods of drought.
Faucaria tigrina is an easy plant to care for and makes an excellent addition to any terrarium. It needs very little water or light and will thrive in temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius).
Keep the soil well drained but moist; it will grow better in a potting mix than in regular soil. It prefers partial shade but can take full sun if it is provided protection from the midday sun.
Agave Victoria Regina
Agave Victoria-Regina is a compact, slow-growing succulent that makes an excellent choice for terrariums. It has thick, blue-green leaves with white margins and produces yellow flowers. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making it easy to care for.
In the winter, cut off any old leaves from the bottom of the stem and water sparingly (or not at all). In springtime, provide bright light but no direct sun. In the summertime, allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
If you live in a humid climate or have high humidity levels in your home then misting may be required more often than once every few days in order to prevent too much water loss through transpiration. They are also available as seedlings or grown plants.
Pincushion Cactus (Mammilaria)
The Pincushion Cactus is a perfect succulent for terrariums because it is slow-growing and doesn’t get too big. It has beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, and it is very easy to care for. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add some color to your terrarium, the Pincushion Cactus is a great choice.
There are many different varieties available, so it’s not hard to find one that matches your personal taste. These plants do best with bright light and infrequent watering – make sure not to overwater them!
They also need well-draining soil, so make sure there is plenty of room at the bottom of your container for water to drain out.
Aloe Vera (Medicine Plant)
Aloe vera is a succulent that’s popular for its use in alternative medicine. The gel inside the leaves can be used to treat burns, wounds, and other skin conditions. Aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light. When potting aloe vera, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
This succulent is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach if you have furry friends at home. It may take some time before this beauty shows off its spikes, but they’re worth the wait!
Aloe vera will form tall stems with tough leaves on top. These hardy plants are perfect for high and dry areas such as window sills or terraces. Aloe is also drought tolerant, making it perfect for those looking to conserve water in their garden.
Kalanchoe Pinnata (Cathedral Bell Plant)
A native of Madagascar, Kalanchoe pinnata is a beautiful succulent with erect, slightly branched stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a scalloped edge and a deep green color.
The flowers are bell-shaped and range in color from yellow to red. Kalanchoe pinnata is an easy plant to care for and makes an excellent addition to any terrarium.
It requires well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and infrequent watering. These plants also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find one perfect for your setup!
Sedum Dasyphyllum Pink Stonecrop
This tough little plant is perfect for terrariums because it can withstand a wide range of conditions. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners, as it’s very easy to care for. The Sedum Dasyphyllum Pink Stonecrop is a beautiful succulent that adds a touch of color to any terrarium.
It only grows to be about one foot tall and prefers moist soil. You can give this succulent plenty of light or keep it in the shade.
You’ll need to water this plant once every few weeks during the summer and once every two weeks during the winter, so make sure you pay attention to the amount of sun your plant gets.
Sempervivum Tectorum (Hens & Chicks)
Of the many succulents that make great terrarium plants, Sempervivum tectorum is one of the best. Commonly known as hens and chicks, this plant forms a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are often green, but can also be red, purple, or brown.
As the plant matures, it produces offsets (or chicks) around the edge of the rosette. You can remove these to create new plants and give them away to friends.
These little clumps will eventually produce their own chicks and start the process all over again! Like other succulents, they grow well in low-light situations and can survive with very little water once established.
They’re even able to go dormant during winter months if need be. All in all, they’re a hardy species that make for an excellent addition to any collection of potted plants on your porch or patio!
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant)
A Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, or paddle plant, is a great option for a terrarium succulent because it is slow growing and doesn’t get too big. It has interesting, textured leaves that are a beautiful green color. This plant does best in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some shade.
Be sure to water your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora regularly, as it is susceptible to root rot. You’ll want to make sure that the soil stays moist but not wet. Some people like to put sand on the bottom of their terrarium so they can keep the soil from staying soggy.
To do this, put an inch or two of sand at the bottom of your container. Fill the rest with potting soil and pack it down gently before you place any plants inside. There are also pre-made mini gardens available which don’t require any planting at all!
Haworthia attenuata (Zebra Haworthia)
This hardy little plant is perfect for terrariums because it doesn’t require a lot of water or light. The Haworthia Attenuata is also known as the Zebra Haworthia because of the white stripes on its leaves. This plant is native to South Africa and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant for your terrarium, the Haworthia Attenuata is a great choice. Just remember that this plant will only thrive in a warm environment.
The Haworthia Attenuata is hardy enough to survive indoors or outdoors with minimal care. It’s recommended that you keep this succulent in an area where there’s plenty of natural light so it won’t become too spindly.
Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)
Sedum Morganianum, or Burro’s Tail, is a beautiful succulent that makes a great addition to any terrarium. It’s easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners. Sedum Morganianum is native to Mexico and can reach up to two feet in length.
The plant gets its name from its long, trailing stems that are covered in small, round leaves. When grown outdoors, this succulent will bloom with yellow flowers.
Sedum Morganianum will work well in any type of container you may have on hand but look especially nice planted among the rocky hillsides found in the southwest region of the United States.
This drought-tolerant perennial prefers dry climates but can still thrive with plenty of water during the summer months when temperatures are high.
Echeveria shaviana ‘Pink Frills’
This echeveria’s leaves are a gorgeous, rosy hue with pink ruffled edges. It’s a small plant, so it’s perfect for terrariums. It’s also drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering it too often. Just make sure to give it bright light and well-draining soil, and it will thrive.
Keep your succulent terrarium away from drafts or direct sunlight, because that can cause the plants to wilt or even die.
Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
Senecio rowleyanus, or string of pearls, is a beautiful succulent that’s perfect for terrariums. The plant has long, cascading stems with small, round leaves that resemble pearls. The string of pearls is a low-maintenance plant that does well in bright, indirect light.
Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch and is sure to drain any excess water from the pot to prevent root rot. The string of pearls thrives in high humidity environments so be sure to mist it every day. In addition, make sure you use a fast-draining potting mix that allows good airflow around the roots so they don’t rot.
Grow your succulent plants in full sun if possible; however, you can grow them indoors as long as they get plenty of light during the day and have at least six hours per day with artificial lighting on a timer system.
Crassula Ovata (Jade plant)
Crassula ovata, or Jade Plant, is a beautiful succulent that can grow quite large. It’s perfect for terrariums because it’s slow-growing and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Just be sure to give it plenty of light and well-draining soil. You’ll want to avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
You’ll also want to avoid fertilizing your plant as this will cause them to break down faster than they would on their own. The root system is shallow so you don’t need much potting mix either.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your Jade Plant then check out our guide on caring for a jade plant here!
Kalanchoe Tomentosa (Panda plant)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance succulent to add to your terrarium, look no further than the Kalanchoe tomentosa, or panda plant. This South African native is tolerant of neglect and can go long periods without water.
It’s also one of the few succulents that do well in lower light conditions, making it ideal for indoor terrariums. All these factors combined make this succulent an excellent choice for beginners who are new to planting succulents.
Euphorbia Obesa
A Euphorbia Obesa is a great choice for a terrarium because it is slow growing and easy to care for. It can tolerate low light and drought conditions, making it a low-maintenance plant. The plant produces a beautiful flower that will add color and interest to your terrarium.
They also grow well in containers and are good for beginner gardeners. However, you should be careful when handling the plants because they have sharp spines on their leaves.
If you want to keep them outside of the container, you should use a thin layer of gravel or sand so that the spines don’t touch anything.
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana (Mother of thousands plant)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance succulent to add to your terrarium, look no further than the Kalanchoe daigremontiana. This plant is native to Madagascar and is known for its vivacious growth habit; it can quickly take over a terrarium if left unchecked!
Despite its rampant growth, the Kalanchoe daigremontiana is relatively easy to care for; it prefers bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. It does not require much in the way of soil, preferring just a layer of sand or gravel on top of a cactus potting mix.
The Kalanchoe daigremontiana’s tiny leaves provide excellent cover for small animals living in the terrarium and its flowers are an excellent source of nectar for pollinators.
Echeveria Elegans (Hens and Chicks)
Of all the different types of succulents, the Echeveria Elegans is one of the most popular succulents for terrariums. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of light and temperature conditions. Plus, they are super cute and come in a variety of colors!
If you’re looking for a tough little plant to add to your terrarium, consider the Echeveria Elegans. These plants can grow in a wide range of lighting and temperatures which makes them an ideal choice for terrariums.
Plus, they look really adorable with their pretty flowers popping out of the ground.
