Have you ever wondered how you can brighten up a dimly lit room with lush greenery—even if you have almost no direct sunlight? If you’ve ever thought indoor gardening was impossible without a sunny window, think again! Low-light terrarium plants can thrive with minimal natural light, making them perfect for offices, apartments, and any space that doesn’t get that coveted bright sunshine. In this guide, we’ll explore 15 of the best low-light terrarium plants that love indirect sunlight, so you can enjoy a touch of nature wherever you live.
Introduction
Creating a mini ecosystem inside a glass container may sound like a science project, but it’s actually an easy and rewarding way to bring the outdoors in. Terrarium plants not only add color and life to your home, but they also help purify the air and boost mood—important benefits when you’re spending most of your day indoors. If you’re wondering which terrarium plants to choose for areas with low light, this list of hardy options will set you up for success.
Why Choose Low-Light Terrarium Plants?
- Adaptability: Terrarium plants suited for low-light conditions adapt well to indirect or filtered sunlight, meaning they won’t wilt or lose foliage in darker corners.
- Space-Saving: These compact plants fit perfectly into terrariums of all shapes and sizes—ideal for desks, shelves, or small apartments.
- Easy Maintenance: Plants that thrive in low light typically require less frequent watering and care, making them beginner-friendly.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: No sunny window? No problem. Low-light terrarium plants flourish even in winter months when sunlight is often limited.
Top 15 Low-Light Terrarium Plants That Thrive in Indirect Sunlight
Below are the 15 best low-light terrarium plants to consider. Each plant is hardy, visually appealing, and especially suited for indoor gardeners with minimal natural light.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is sometimes called Devil’s Ivy because it grows almost anywhere. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it a popular choice for terrarium plants:
- Light Requirement: Indirect or fluorescent
- Watering: Water when the soil feels slightly dry
- Why It’s Great: Pothos is incredibly forgiving and removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant’s upright, sword-like leaves add architectural flair:
- Light Requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering: Infrequent (once soil is completely dry)
- Why It’s Great: Its vertical shape fits snugly in terrariums with tall lids.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant is praised for its glossy, oval leaves and tolerance for neglect:
- Light Requirement: Low, indirect
- Watering: Only when topsoil is dry
- Why It’s Great: Nearly indestructible; ideal for busy or forgetful gardeners.
4. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Peperomia, with its thick, spoon-shaped leaves, is a classic low-light terrarium plant:
- Light Requirement: Indirect or fluorescent
- Watering: Moderate; keep soil slightly moist
- Why It’s Great: Compact growth habit and a wide variety of leaf textures.
5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Known for folding its leaves up at night (like praying hands):
- Light Requirement: Indirect, warm environment
- Watering: Keep soil slightly damp, but not soggy
- Why It’s Great: Striking vein patterns create visual interest in a terrarium.
6. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Fittonia sports colorful veins—pink, white, or red—set against dark leaves:
- Light Requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering: Needs consistently moist soil
- Why It’s Great: Adds a splash of color and texture to your mini rainforest.
7. Ferns (Asplenium, Maidenhair, and More)
Ferns come in many varieties, but most love humid terrarium conditions:
- Light Requirement: Low, diffuse light
- Watering: Keep soil and air moist
- Why It’s Great: Lush fronds fill empty spaces, creating a mini jungle vibe.
8. Moss (Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss)
Moss is the ultimate mini plant, perfect for a woodland look:
- Light Requirement: Low; thrives in humidity
- Watering: Mist regularly to keep it moist
- Why It’s Great: Moss is a natural carpet that helps maintain moisture in your terrarium.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants produce adorable “baby” offshoots that dangle like spiders on a web:
- Light Requirement: Low to bright, indirect
- Watering: Keep moderately moist
- Why It’s Great: Rapid growth and easy propagation make it a terrarium favorite.
10. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
This polka-dotted beauty thrives in humid environments:
- Light Requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
- Why It’s Great: A cheerful pop of color in pink, red, or white patterns.
11. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby Tears, also called Angel’s Tears, features tiny, delicate leaves that grow quickly:
- Light Requirement: Low or bright, indirect
- Watering: Keep soil moist
- Why It’s Great: Creates a soft, cushioning ground cover inside your terrarium.
12. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
Shiny, silver patches on the leaves give the Aluminum Plant its name:
- Light Requirement: Low, indirect
- Watering: Allow top inch of soil to dry before watering
- Why It’s Great: Bold leaf patterns and quick growth add flair to smaller terrariums.
13. Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron)
With trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, Philodendrons are terrarium plant classics:
- Light Requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering: Water when topsoil feels dry
- Why It’s Great: Adaptable, forgiving, and well-suited for humid enclosures.
14. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Tiny leaves on slender, creeping stems make this plant a favorite for terrarium walls:
- Light Requirement: Low, indirect
- Watering: Keep slightly moist
- Why It’s Great: Climbs up terrarium glass, creating a whimsical, vine-laden effect.
15. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
A delicate fern variety with thin black stems and fan-shaped leaves:
- Light Requirement: Filtered light, high humidity
- Watering: Consistently moist, but not drenched
- Why It’s Great: Soft, airy appearance contrasts with thicker-leaved terrarium plants.
Caring for Your Low-Light Terrarium Plants
Even though these terrarium plants thrive in low-light conditions, a bit of routine care ensures they remain healthy:
- Water Wisely: Over-watering is a common mistake. Keep an eye on moisture levels and only add water when needed.
- Ventilation: Occasionally open the terrarium or remove the lid to allow fresh air, preventing fungal growth.
- Prune Regularly: Trim any dead leaves to maintain airflow and encourage new growth.
- Monitor Humidity: If leaves look crispy, gently mist the terrarium or use a humidity gauge to maintain ideal moisture levels.
For more in-depth care information, consider checking out resources from Iowa State University Extension or your local horticultural extension office.
Key Takeaways
- Low-light terrarium plants are perfect for rooms with minimal direct sunlight.
- Top choices include hardy varieties like Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Peperomia.
- High humidity and consistent (but not excessive) watering keep your terrarium plants thriving.
- Occasional pruning and ventilation help avoid common terrarium problems like mold.
- These compact, forgiving houseplants are ideal for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Conclusion
Indoor gardening doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for those blessed with sun-soaked windows. With the right selection of terrarium plants, you can create a lush, low-light ecosystem right in your living room, office, or even a dim hallway. All it takes is choosing the right greenery, providing consistent moisture, and keeping a watchful eye on humidity levels. Before you know it, you’ll have your very own miniature jungle that’s as fascinating to observe as it is easy to maintain.
So, whether you’re short on windows or simply want a stunning display of foliage in a compact glass container, these 15 low-light terrarium plants will transform even the gloomiest corners into a green paradise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use artificial lights for terrarium plants if I have no windows at all?
Absolutely! Many terrarium plants do well under fluorescent or LED grow lights. Just make sure to follow the light manufacturer’s guidelines for distance and duration.
Q2: How often should I water my low-light terrarium?
It varies based on the plant and terrarium type (open or closed). Generally, check the soil moisture weekly. Water only when the soil feels dry—over-watering is a common pitfall.
Q3: Do terrarium plants require fertilizer?
Terrarium plants grow slowly, so they don’t need frequent feeding. A diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer every few months is usually sufficient.
Q4: What if my terrarium plants start to show mold or fungus?
This usually indicates excessive moisture and poor airflow. Remove the lid occasionally for ventilation, reduce watering, and remove any affected leaves.
Q5: Can I keep different varieties of plants together in one terrarium?
Yes! Terrarium plants that share similar lighting and moisture requirements can coexist well. Just be mindful of space and how quickly each plant grows.