Which plants suit an open terrarium and which a closed one? Humidity, water and light decide - here's how to choose the right plants for your glass garden.
The short answer: a closed terrarium suits plants that love high humidity, such as Fittonia, ferns and asparagus. An open terrarium suits plants that can handle drier air, such as succulents and cacti. The difference lies in the ecosystem: a closed terrarium holds on to its own moisture, an open one doesn't. Here's how to choose well.
A closed terrarium is a small ecosystem that largely regulates its own water and humidity. Moisture evaporates, condenses on the glass and returns to the soil. That's why you often need to water only once or twice a year. An open terrarium has no lid or cork to trap that moisture, so the air is drier, the soil dries out faster and you water more often.
That difference decides which plants thrive. A plant that loves a humid, sheltered spot feels at home in a closed terrarium. A plant that tolerates drought and dislikes wet roots belongs in an open one.
For a closed terrarium, look for plants that stay small, cope with shade or indirect light and enjoy high humidity. Three classics:
That combination comes in the Sam XL: a terrarium with an LED cork, supplied with asparagus, fern and Fittonia White Tiger, plus fresh cushion moss, terrarium soil, clay pebbles, activated charcoal and a step-by-step guide. Everything you need to build your own closed ecosystem is in the box.
An open terrarium has more ventilation and drier air, so your plant choice changes. Succulents and cacti are the best-known option because they store water in their leaves or stems and don't like constant humidity. Give them plenty of light and a free-draining substrate, and go easy on the water.
Be careful: moisture-loving plants such as Fittonia dry out quickly in an open terrarium and get brown edges. So never mix drought-loving and humidity-loving species in the same glass. Want to know which plants really don't belong in a closed terrarium? Read our article on plants to keep out of a closed terrarium.
Both types do best in a bright spot without direct sun. Glass acts like a magnifier: in full sun the inside can heat up quickly. A terrarium with LED light, like the Sam XL with LED cork, also gives you more freedom in where you place it.
A closed terrarium often needs water only once or twice a year. An open terrarium gets a little water regularly, depending on the plants. In both cases, too little is better than too much, because standing water leads to rot.
With a closed terrarium it's wise to open it for a few hours a month so fresh air can get in. Remove wilted leaves and trim plants that grow too big. An open terrarium needs more attention to soil moisture, but is easier to reach and tend.
Think about your situation. Want minimal upkeep and a lush, woodland look? Choose a closed terrarium with humidity-loving plants. Prefer a bright, sunny spot and the character of succulents or cacti? An open terrarium fits better. What matters most is choosing plants that enjoy the same conditions.
Planning to fill a closed terrarium yourself or replant an existing one? Browse our terrarium plants and pick a combination that belongs together.
That's not a good idea. Succulents like dry air and lots of light, while a closed terrarium stays humid. Give them an open terrarium instead.
Thanks to the closed cycle, you often need water only once or twice a year. Also open the terrarium for a few hours a month to let in fresh air.
Yes, as long as they enjoy the same conditions. Combine humidity-lovers with other humidity-lovers and drought-lovers with drought-lovers, never the two together.
Ready to get started? Discover the Sam XL and build your own closed ecosystem.
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