7 Best Large Terrarium Plants to Grow

If you want to turn your home into an indoor jungle, then having large terrarium plants is the perfect way to do it.

Apart from elevating aesthetics, these plants purify air, make your space feel fresh and add tropical vibe with their bold leaves.

Compared to other houseplants, terrarium plants relatively need low maintenance as they thrive in shade and humid environment with minimal care.

The contained set-up of terrariums reduces pests, prevent soil mess and make pruning easy.

If you’re new to terrariums, I suggest you to start with smaller terrarium plants that require low light.

Open and closed terrariums create different environments, so it is essential to choose plants that thrive in their specific conditions.

Closed terrariums maintain high humidity and warmth, making them perfect for tropical plants like mosses, ferns, and fittonias.

In contrast, open terrariums allow better airflow and stay drier, which suits succulents, cacti, and other low-humidity plants.

Matching plants to the right environment not only support healthy growth but also keeps the terrarium balanced and easier to maintain.

7 Best Large Terrarium Plants to Grow

Large terrariums allow you to grow bold, dramatic plants that smaller container simply can’t handle.

They provide room for height, structure, and lush foliage that turns your terrarium into a miniature indoor jungle.

Below are seven excellent choices that not only thrive in terrarium conditions but also bring unique textures, colors, and personalities.

1. Croton

Croton is a bold choice for large terrariums, instantly recognizable for its vibrant mix of reds, yellows, oranges, and greens. Its colorful foliage creates a lively, tropical feel.

It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, both of which closed terrariums provide. Keeping the environment warm ensures its leaves remain vibrant.

Regular misting helps maintain humidity and prevents leaves from drying. Croton enjoys slightly moist soil but doesn’t like to sit in water.

Since it can grow quite bushy, pruning keeps its size manageable inside the terrarium. Trimming also encourages fuller, healthier growth.

As a statement plant, Croton adds energy and contrast to your terrarium, balancing green foliage with bold splashes of color.

Also Read: How Often to Water Terrariums?

2. Bird’s Nest Fern

The Bird’s Nest Fern is prized for its wide, wavy fronds that spread outward like a nest. It’s perfect for creating a lush, rainforest look.

It thrives in high humidity and shaded conditions, which a closed terrarium provides naturally. Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the delicate fronds.

This fern enjoys consistently moist soil, but water should never pool in the center of the rosette. Gentle watering around the base works best.

Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for adding height and structure in larger terrariums. Over time, it fills out beautifully without overwhelming the space.

Easy to care for and visually striking, the Bird’s Nest Fern brings a calming, tropical charm to your terrarium setup.

3. Begonia Maculata

Begonia Maculata, or Polka Dot Begonia, is loved for its dark green leaves with silver spots and red undersides. Its patterned foliage makes it instantly eye-catching.

It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, which helps it maintain vivid leaf color. Too much direct sun can fade or burn the spots.

The plant enjoys evenly moist soil, and a terrarium’s humid conditions keep it happy. Regular misting supports its striking foliage.

Pruning keeps Begonia Maculata compact, as it tends to grow tall and leggy if left unchecked. Cutting back encourages bushier growth.

Its bold appearance makes it a perfect terrarium focal point, adding contrast and a decorative flair to green surroundings.

4. Philodendron verrucosum

Philodendron verrucosum is known for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves with striking veins. Its tropical look instantly elevates any large terrarium.

This plant thrives in warm, humid environments and enjoys bright, filtered light. A closed terrarium provides the perfect microclimate.

Its vining habit means it may need support or training. You can guide its growth on a moss pole or gently prune to keep it contained.

Moist, well-draining soil keeps it healthy, and occasional misting enhances the velvety texture of the leaves. Avoid letting it dry out.

With its dramatic foliage and luxurious feel, Philodendron verrucosum is a true showpiece for large terrariums.

5. Alocasia Stingray

Alocasia Stingray is one of the most unique terrarium plants, with leaves shaped like stingrays gliding through water. Its quirky form makes it unforgettable.

It loves bright, indirect light and thrives in high humidity, which closed terrariums naturally provide. A warm environment helps it flourish.

Keep the soil evenly moist, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Regular misting enhances its glossy leaf texture.

As an upright grower, it adds vertical interest and sculptural form to your terrarium. It’s excellent for creating a bold centerpiece.

This rare-looking plant is guaranteed to draw attention and add exotic flair to your terrarium design.

6. Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)

The Mini Monstera offers the beauty of a Monstera deliciosa in a smaller, faster-growing form. Its fenestrated leaves bring instant jungle vibes.

It enjoys bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity, which terrariums supply well. Avoid direct sun to keep the leaves from burning.

Being a natural climber, it benefits from a moss pole or small trellis inside the terrarium. This helps it grow vertically without taking over.

Its fast growth may require occasional pruning to control size. Cutting back also encourages new, lush foliage.

With its tropical charm and manageable size, the Mini Monstera is perfect for adding drama and greenery to a large terrarium.

7. Fishbone Prayer Plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii)

The Fishbone Prayer Plant is admired for its striking herringbone-patterned leaves. Its decorative foliage brings texture and personality to terrariums.

It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and loves humidity, making closed terrariums an excellent fit. Stable moisture keeps it healthy.

Like other prayer plants, its leaves fold up at night, adding fascinating movement and a sense of life to your setup.

Regular misting helps prevent browning leaf edges, especially in drier indoor air. Well-draining soil ensures the roots stay happy.

The Fishbone Prayer Plant combines beauty with charm, making it a standout addition to any large terrarium collection.

Conclusion

Creating a large terrarium is all about balance—mixing height, structure, and variety to mimic a miniature ecosystem.

Plants like Croton and Begonia Maculata add vibrant colors, while Bird’s Nest Fern and Philodendron verrucosum bring lush greenery and texture.

Alocasia Stingray and Mini Monstera provide striking shapes and height, while the Fishbone Prayer Plant adds movement and intricate patterns.

Together, these plants transform your terrarium into a thriving indoor jungle, full of beauty, life, and natural harmony.