If you’re looking for information on the best succulents for terrariums, then you have landed on the right page!
In this article, you will find my list of 10 best succulents for terrariums, that makes keeping your little plant jungle alive a breeze. You’ll also find a handy infographic that you can easily save to your phone so you’ll be able to remember what succulents and cactus to look out for when visiting your local garden center.
You can also check out my article on succulent care tips for beginners for some useful tricks. Or if you are set on your terrarium, here are my 4 top tips on succulent terrarium care.
We will go into more detail below about what the best succulents for terrariums are and why they are so great, but as an overview my favorite are:
Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant)
Echeveria Elegans (Hens and Chicks)
Haworthia Fasciata (Zebra Plant)
Kalanchoe Tomentosa (Panda Plant)
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands)
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant)
Sedum Morganianum (Burrito)
Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
Faucaria Tigrina (Tiger’s Jaw)
Agave
What is a terrarium?
If you have come to this blog post, then chances are you already know what a terrarium is and what they are used for. But, for those of you that are unsure, a terrarium is essentially an aquarium for plants.
You can make terrariums in almost any glass container and they are not just for succulents! Other species will thrive in the beautiful tanks, which brighten up any home.
Terrariums are mainly used for decor purposes but can also be used for scientific observation or plant propagation.
10 Best succulents for terrariums
Although you can place many different varieties of plants in a terrarium, you can never go wrong with succulents! These water retaining botanical beauties both look amazing and are extremely low maintenance.
However, succulents should only be used in an open terrarium that is going to be placed in a brightly lit spot.
With 1000’s of species of succulents to choose from, how do you know which are the best succulents for terrariums? Which will thrive in humid conditions and grow slowly?
Here is my list of 10 best succulents for terrariums, that will live a long, happy and healthy life in the glass container!
Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant)
Crassula Ovata, or more commonly known as the jade plant, lucky plant or money tree is a popular succulent that is often gifted as a housewarming gift to bring luck. Easy to care for, the crassula ovata comes in many different shapes, sizes and varieties such as the popular crassula ovata gollum and crassula ovata hobbit. Although easy to care for, sometimes you will find a jade plant dropping leaves.
Why are jade plants good for succulent terrariums?
Low maintenance
Do not need watering frequently (only once the soil has completely dried out)
Thrive in bright conditions
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 9
Can be propagated
Echeveria Elegans (Hens and Chicks)
Next on our list of best succulents for terrariums is Echeveria. The beautiful rosette succulents come in an array of beautiful pastel colours that do well indoors when given enough light. This succulent is more commonly known as Hens and Chicks or Mexican Snowball. Pretty much all Echeveria types will do well in a terrarium such as Echeveria Lola and Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg’.
Why are Echeveria succulents best for terrariums?
Low maintenance
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ method for watering
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 9a
Easy to propagate
Thrives in bright, sunny conditions
Haworthia Fasciata (Zebra Plant)
The Haworthia has a striking appearance – green leaves with white stripes, giving them the nickname of zebra plant. They are from the same family as Aloe succulents and are miniature in size compared to other succulent plants. It is a common houseplant around the world and is perfect for beginners as it grows well indoors.
Why are Haworthia succulents best for terrariums?
Low maintenance
Perfect for beginners
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 10
Easily propagated through offsets
Thrives in a brightly lit, sunny room
Kalanchoe Tomentosa (Panda Plant)
Kalanchoe species is a fantastic variety of succulent that is best for terrariums. In particular, kalanchoe tomentosa will thrive when planted properly in a glass container. Also known as the panda plant, kalanchoe tomentosa has a velvety appearance that comes in shades of pale, light green and has brown spots on the tips of the leaves. This striking plant will be sure to brighten up any part of your home.
Why is Kalanchoe Tomentosa good for succulent terrariums?
Easy to care for
Uses the ‘soak and dry; watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 9a
Easy to propagate with leave cuttings
Enjoys a bright spot in your home
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands)
Next on our list of best succulents for terrariums is another from the kalanchoe family – Mother of Thousands. This houseplant is popular worldwide because it is easy to care for and is perfect for beginners. Kalanchoe daigremontiana is a monocarpic succulent, which means that it will bloom once and then die. However, during its time alive, the succulent will drop plantlets, which will grow new plants! Mother of Thousands has a vibrant green appearance and grows bulbils along its edges.
Why are Kalanchoe Daigremontiana succulents best for terrariums?
Low maintenance
Great for beginners
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
Easy to propagate with offsets
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 10a
Loves a bright, sunny spot
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant)
You’re probably beginning to guess that the kalanchoe species is one of the very best succulents for terrariums, right? So, next on our list is kalanchoe thyrsiflora – also known as the paddle plant due to its flat, rounded leaves. This beautiful succulent will plant nicely alongside other succulent types and is very easy to care for.
Why is Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora good for succulent terrariums?
Low maintenance
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
Easy to propagate with offsets
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 9a
Loves a bright, sunny spot
Is a monocarpic plant
Sedum Morganianum (Burrito)
My next best succulent for terrariums has got to be sedum morganianum – also known as Burrito. This is a wonderful trailing succulent and will add something different to your glass container, you can even have it trailing out to add a bit of boho-chic to your home. This succulent type is easy to care for and will look fantastic in any type of terrarium or hanging basket.
Why are Sedum Morganianum succulents best for terrariums?
Easy to care for
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 10
Easy to propagate with leaves or cuttings
Flowers will bloom in spring (given the right temperature)
Thrives in a bright, sunny environment
Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
Another trailing succulent that is great for terrariums is senecio rowleyanus, or better known as the String of Pearls due to its round perly shapes. Agains, this succulent looks fantastic if you are going to be hanging your terrarium as they can trail out. Too much water and the pearls will burst so you must be careful not to overwater. Senecio rowleyanus has a striking green appearance and works well with most other succulent types.
Why is Senecio Rowleyanus good for succulent terrariums?
Low maintenance
Easily propagated by seeds or cuttings
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 10
Thrives best indoors with bright sunlight
Faucaria Tigrina (Tiger’s Jaw)
Another beautiful succulent that will thrive in your terrarium in faucaria tigrina, or Tiger’s Jaw. The thick green triangular leaves are what makes this succulent so distinctive. Lined with ‘teeth’ that catch moisture, Tiger’s Jaw is sure to turn heads and will make a great addition to your glass container. Faucaria tigrina likes bright, sunny spots and with enough sunlight will flower during the day in winter and fall.
Why are Faucaria Tigrina succulents best for terrariums?
Low maintenance
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 9a
Easily propagated through offsets and seeds
Enjoys a bright, sunny spot
Agave
Finally on my list of best succulents for terrariums is Agave! This is a species of monocot native to hot regions of the Americas and tropical areas of South America. Forming large rosettes of strong leave, the agave is the perfect succulent for your terrarium. Coming in a wide range of lovely colours from green, to chalky blue. Agave is also known for its nectar benefits and can live comfortably with other succulent types.
Why is Agave good for succulent terrariums?
Easy to care for
Uses the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
United States Department of Agriculture Zone 8a
Easy propagation by offsets
Enjoys a brightly lit spot in the sun
Is a monocarpic plant
I hope you have enjoyed this article on the 10 best succulents for terrariums and are now ready to start creating your magical world inside a glass container!
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