Choosing the best plants for terrariums can make the difference between a thriving miniature landscape and a setup that struggles from day one. Whether you’re building a lush closed terrarium, a simple open display, or a fairy garden-inspired arrangement, the right plants should match your space, maintenance style, and aesthetic goals.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 15 products that fit a range of terrarium needs, from mini ferns and live moss to mixed plant packs and starter kits. We also included a few helpful accessories for anyone assembling or maintaining a terrarium the right way.
Below, you’ll find our top picks at a glance, detailed product reviews, a practical buying guide, and answers to common terrarium questions.
Our Top Picks At A Glance
| Product | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Ferns for Terrariums/Fairy Garden – Live Plants – 3 Different Plants-2″ Pots | Best Overall | Buy |
| Mini Terrarium Plants (6 Plants) (2″ Pots) Fairy Garden Plants Assorted Varieties | Best Variety Pack | Buy |
| Live Moss 4-Pack (Each 3.5″x7″) | Best for Natural Ground Cover | Buy |
The 15 Best Plants For Terrariums
1. Best Overall: Mini Ferns Trio
This mini fern set is a strong choice if you want a compact terrarium plant option with a classic, leafy look. The listing includes three different live plants in 2-inch pots, making it a simple starting point for a small indoor display.
Its fern-focused selection makes it especially appealing for terrariums and fairy garden builds where texture and softness matter. The smaller pot size also makes it easier to arrange the plants inside a container without overcrowding the design.
If you are looking for a terrarium-friendly bundle that feels balanced and easy to style, this set stands out as a practical pick.
Pros
- Includes 3 different live plants
- Compact 2-inch pots
- Designed for terrariums and fairy gardens
Cons
- Limited to three plants
- May not suit larger terrariums
2. Best Value Pack: Mini Terrarium Plants Six-Pack
This six-plant assortment gives you a broader selection for building a layered terrarium or creating multiple small arrangements. Each plant comes in a 2-inch pot, which keeps the set manageable for tight spaces.
The assorted variety is useful if you want more flexibility in your design. Instead of relying on a single plant type, you can mix shapes and textures to create a more natural-looking miniature landscape.
For shoppers who want more than a starter duo or trio, this pack offers a good balance of quantity and convenience.
Pros
- Includes 6 live plants
- Assorted varieties for variety in design
- Compact 2-inch pots
Cons
- Higher price than smaller packs
- Varieties are assorted, not specific
3. Best Natural Accent: Live Moss 4-Pack
This live moss pack is a strong option for adding a soft, natural base layer to a terrarium. The set includes four random varieties, giving you a textured look that can help tie the whole display together.
Because moss works well with terrarium layouts, this product can be used to fill open spaces, accent plant bases, or help create a more finished appearance. The size of each piece also makes it practical for small landscaping jobs.
If your goal is to add a lush green surface rather than tall focal plants, this moss set is worth considering.
Pros
- Includes 4 live moss varieties
- Useful for terrariums and natural décor
- Can help create a finished base layer
Cons
- Varieties are random
- Best suited as a ground cover, not a centerpiece
4. Best For Beginners: Mini Terrarium Plants Two-Pack
This two-plant set is a simple entry point for anyone who wants to try terrarium planting without committing to a larger bundle. The assorted varieties give you a small but useful starting selection.
With 2-inch pots, these live plants are easier to position in compact containers. That makes the set practical for small terrariums, starter projects, or gift builds where just a couple of healthy plants are enough.
If you prefer a smaller purchase and want to keep the setup straightforward, this option fits well.
Pros
- Simple two-plant bundle
- Assorted varieties
- Good for small terrariums
Cons
- Only 2 plants included
- Less variety than larger sets
5. Best For Maintenance: Aquascape Tools Kit
While not a plant, this tool kit can be a useful companion for terrarium care. It includes long tweezers, feeding tongs, aquarium scissors, and an algae scraper, giving you a compact set for maintenance tasks.
Terrariums often require careful trimming and placement, especially once plants begin to grow into each other. Tools like these can make it easier to manage tight spaces without disturbing the layout too much.
If you already have the plants and want better control over upkeep, this accessory set belongs on your shortlist.
Pros
- Includes 4 maintenance tools
- Helpful for trimming and placement
- Useful for terrariums and aquarium-style work
Cons
- Not a plant product
- More useful for upkeep than building
6. Best Fern Bundle: Mini Fern Plants Six-Pack
This fern-focused six-pack is a good fit for anyone who wants a more cohesive plant palette. The assortment gives you six live plants in 2-inch pots, all built around the fern category.
Ferns are often associated with terrariums because they naturally lend a soft, layered look. A bundle like this can be especially helpful when you want consistency across the arrangement without using identical plants.
For a fern-heavy terrarium design, this product offers both quantity and visual continuity.
Pros
- Includes 6 live fern plants
- Assorted varieties for styling flexibility
- Good for terrariums and fairy gardens
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited to fern types only
7. Best Mixed Pack: Terrarium and Fairy Garden Five-Pack
This five-plant set is designed for terrarium and fairy garden use, with plants listed at roughly 4 to 6 inches in height. That size range can work well when you want visible structure without overwhelming a container.
The 2.5-inch pot size gives each plant a little more presence compared with smaller starter pots. This can be useful if you’re building a display that needs some height variation while still staying compact.
If you are looking for a moderately sized mix for a small creative project, this pack provides a solid middle-ground option.
Pros
- Includes 5 plants
- Plants are about 4 to 6 inches tall
- Suitable for terrariums and fairy gardens
Cons
- May be taller than some very small terrariums allow
- Only 5 plants included
8. Best Large Collection: Terrarium and Fairy Garden Eight-Pack
This eight-plant set is a larger option for buyers who want more material to work with. With plants in 2-inch pots, it still stays within a space-friendly format while offering more total pieces.
A bigger bundle can be useful if you’re creating more than one terrarium or want to experiment with multiple layouts. It also gives you more flexibility to mix and match while keeping the overall look cohesive.
If quantity matters and you want a fuller assortment for design work, this is a practical pick.
Pros
- Includes 8 plants
- Compact 2-inch pots
- Good for multiple layouts or projects
Cons
- Only a moderate rating
- May be more than needed for a single small terrarium
9. Best Starter Houseplant Bundle: Altman Plants 12-Pack
This 12-pack is marketed as indoor live houseplants, making it a broad option for plant buyers who want a larger collection. The inclusion of potting soil is part of the listing, which may be helpful for general indoor use.
Because the set is not specifically built around terrariums, it may be better suited for shoppers who want flexible indoor plants and are considering terrarium use as one possible application.
If you want a bigger houseplant bundle and like the idea of choosing from a fuller set, this product is worth a look.
Pros
- Large 12-plant bundle
- Includes indoor live plants
- Good for general plant lovers
Cons
- Not specifically terrarium-focused
- May be less compact than dedicated terrarium plants
10. Best Budget Pick: Assorted Succulent Cuttings
This succulent cutting set is one of the more affordable options in the lineup. With 10 assorted live cuttings, it gives you a low-cost way to build out a mini garden or decorative terrarium project.
The listing notes that no two succulents are alike, which adds variety to the design. That can be valuable if you enjoy a more eclectic look and want to avoid a repetitive arrangement.
For budget-conscious buyers who still want live plant material, this set is a useful choice.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Includes 10 live cuttings
- Good for terrariums and mini gardens
Cons
- Cuttings may require more care than established plants
- Succulent styles may not fit all terrarium types
11. Best Large Fern Set: Mini Ferns Ten-Pack
This 10-plant fern bundle is a strong option for anyone building a larger terrarium display or multiple miniature landscapes. The plants come in 2-inch pots, which keeps the set practical despite the higher quantity.
Because the product centers on mini ferns, it can create a unified, lush look across a broad planting area. It may appeal especially to shoppers who want consistency without sacrificing visual fullness.
If your project calls for a larger quantity of compact fern plants, this is one of the more extensive options available.
Pros
- Includes 10 live fern plants
- Compact 2-inch pots
- Good for larger terrarium projects
Cons
- More expensive than smaller bundles
- Only fern plants included
12. Best Moss Duo: Live Moss Two-Variety Pack
This moss duo pack includes two types of real live moss, giving you a simple way to add texture and coverage to a terrarium. The product is also listed for reptile tank accessories and plant décor, showing its versatility.
As with other moss products, this one works best when used as a base layer or accent element. It can help soften hard edges and create a more finished, natural look inside the container.
If you want two moss types in one purchase, this set is a convenient and practical choice.
Pros
- Includes 2 moss types
- Useful for terrariums and décor
- Can help create natural ground coverage
Cons
- Not a focal plant set
- Best used as an accent rather than a main display
13. Best Succulent Collection: Altman Succulent Twenty-Pack
This 20-pack of live succulent plants is the largest plant bundle in the list. It offers a substantial selection for buyers who want many plants for indoor decorating or multiple planting projects.
The assortment can be useful for people who enjoy succulents and want to create several arrangements instead of just one terrarium. The set also includes potted succulents, which makes it easy to begin working with the plants right away.
If your focus is quantity and an established succulent collection, this bundle delivers a lot of planting material.
Pros
- Includes 20 live succulent plants
- Good for multiple projects
- Assorted potted plants
Cons
- May be more than needed for one terrarium
- Not terrarium-specific
14. Best Moss Sheet Option: Real Live Moss Variety Pack
This live moss variety pack offers a whole 8″x8″ moss piece, which can be helpful for covering larger sections of a terrarium floor. The soft green texture gives it a natural, finished appearance.
The listing highlights use for DIY terrariums, mini landscapes, bonsai, and potted plants, so it has broad decorative value. It may be especially useful when you want a smoother moss surface rather than small patch pieces.
For shoppers looking for a larger moss format, this is a strong decorative option.
Pros
- Large 8″x8″ moss piece
- Soft green texture
- Useful for terrariums and mini landscapes
Cons
- Not a plant assortment
- May be more decorative than structural
15. Best All-in-One Starter: Terrarium Starter Kit
This starter kit is a useful choice for anyone who wants more than just plants. It includes moss, vermiculite, soil, pebbles, plant food, finishing tools, and a build and care guide, making it a well-rounded terrarium project bundle.
Because it is designed as a starter kit, it can simplify the process of assembling a DIY succulent terrarium. The included materials make it easier to begin a terrarium build without sourcing every item separately.
If you want a practical kit that covers the basics, this is an appealing all-in-one option.
Pros
- Includes multiple terrarium materials
- Comes with a build and care guide
- Good for DIY terrarium projects
Cons
- Not a plant-only product
- Primarily a starter kit rather than a plant selection
Buying Guide
Choose Plants That Fit Your Terrarium Type
Some plants are better suited to closed terrariums, while others work better in open containers. Before buying, think about the environment you’re creating and whether the plants can thrive in that setup.
Consider Size and Growth Habit
Terrarium plants should stay compact enough to fit the container without overcrowding. Smaller pots and shorter plant heights are usually easier to manage in miniature displays.
Look for Variety in Texture
A good terrarium often mixes different textures, such as ferns, moss, and other compact greenery. Variety helps the display look balanced and more natural.
Think About Maintenance
Live terrarium plants need regular care, even if that care is minimal. If you prefer easy upkeep, look for compact plants and use tools that help with trimming and placement.
Check Whether You Need Plants or a Full Kit
Some shoppers only need live plants, while others may want soil, tools, and decorative materials too. Starter kits can be helpful if you want a simpler setup process.
Key Buying Criterias
Plant Type
Choose from ferns, moss, succulents, or mixed assortments based on the look and conditions you want.
Pot Size
Smaller pots are usually easier to work with for terrariums, especially when space is limited.
Quantity
Decide whether you need one small set, a medium bundle, or a larger pack for multiple projects.
Use Case
Some products are ideal for terrariums, while others are better suited to fairy gardens, potted plants, or general indoor décor.
Maintenance Needs
Think about how much trimming, misting, or arrangement work you’re willing to do after setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best plants for terrariums?
The best plants for terrariums are usually compact, slow-growing, and suited to the container’s moisture and light conditions. Ferns, moss, and small assorted live plants are common choices in this roundup.
Are mosses good for terrariums?
Yes, moss can be an excellent terrarium choice because it works well as ground cover and helps create a natural, finished look. It is especially useful when you want to fill open spaces.
Can succulents be used in terrariums?
Yes, some succulents can be used in terrariums, especially open terrariums. Their suitability depends on the setup, space, and care conditions.
Do terrarium plants need special tools?
Special tools are not required, but they can make planting and maintenance easier. Long tweezers, scissors, and other small tools are especially helpful in tight spaces.
Should I buy a plant set or a starter kit?
If you already have soil and accessories, a plant set may be enough. If you’re starting from scratch, a starter kit can save time by including multiple terrarium basics in one purchase.
Conclusion
The best plants for terrariums depend on your preferred style, the size of your container, and how much maintenance you want to handle. Fern bundles, moss packs, and mixed plant sets all serve different needs, so the right choice comes down to your setup goals.
If you want a strong all-around option, the mini fern trio is an appealing place to start. If you need more variety, larger packs and moss selections can help you build a fuller, more natural-looking display. With the right combination, your terrarium can become a beautiful, easy-to-enjoy indoor feature.