You love terrariums and want to grow your own plants from seeds? It's not as hard as you might think. With a few tips and tricks, you can create your own green paradise. In this article, we'll introduce you to 10 great terrarium plants you can grow from seed, and explain how to germinate them and plant them in your terrarium.
If you need a comprehensive guide to closed terrariums, check out the ultimate guide.
Table of Contents
These plants are quite easy to grow
Liverwort
Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) is a ground-covering plant and has small umbrellas that contain spores. It fits well in moist and shady terrariums. You can propagate it from spores or from small pieces. The spores need light and moisture to germinate and should be sprinkled on a moist substrate. Germination can take several weeks. The small pieces you can simply put on the substrate and press lightly.
Fittonia
The Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis) has variegated leaves with red, pink or white veins. It likes it bright, but not directly sunny, and needs high humidity. You can propagate it from seeds or from cuttings. The seeds are very small and should be pressed only lightly on a moist substrate. Germination occurs after about two weeks at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can cut the cuttings from the top or middle part of the plant and place them in a glass with water until they form roots.
Flaming Katy
The flaming katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is houseplant and has bright flowers in different colors. It likes it bright and warm and needs little water. You can propagate it from seeds or from leaf cuttings. The seeds are very fine and should be sifted onto a slightly moist substrate. Germination occurs after about two weeks at a temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. The leaf cuttings you can separate from a healthy leaf and put in a moist substrate.
Baby's tears
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a very delicate plant and has tiny green leaves that forms a dense carpet. It is well suited for humid and shady terrariums. You can propagate it from seeds or from small pieces. The seeds are very small and should be scattered on a moist substrate. Germination takes place after about two weeks at a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. You can simply place the small pieces on the substrate and press lightly.
Portula floret
The Portula floret (Portulaca grandiflora) is very colorful and has large flowers in different colors. It likes it sunny and dry and needs little care. You can propagate it from seeds or from cuttings. The seeds are small and should be scattered on a dry substrate. Germination occurs after about a week at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can cut the cuttings from a healthy shoot and place them in a glass with water until they form roots.
Air plant
The air plant (Tillandsia) does not need soil and absorbs its nutrients from the air and water. It usually has gray or green leaves and sometimes forms colorful flowers. It likes it light and airy and needs water regularly. You can propagate it from seeds or from pinnules. The seeds are very small and should be scattered on a moist substrate. Germination occurs after several weeks at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The filaments are small offshoots that grow on the mother plant. You can carefully cut them off and put them in your terrarium or hang them up.
Zanzibar gem
The Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) might not be a literal gem but still lives up to the name. The plant likes it light to partial shade and needs little water. You can propagate it from seed or from leaf cuttings. The seeds are large and should be pressed into a moist substrate. Germination occurs after several weeks at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can cut the leaf cuttings from a healthy leaf and put them into a moist substrate.
Orchids
Orchids (Orchidaceae) come with beautiful flowers and in different shapes and colors. They like it bright, but not directly sunny, and need high humidity. You can propagate them from seeds or from children. The seeds are very small and should be scattered on a special orchid substrate. Germination occurs after several months at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The filaments are small offshoots that grow on the mother plant. You can carefully separate them and plant them in a moist substrate.
Here you can find a whole article about closed terrariums with orchids.
Mini cacti
Mini cacti (Cactaceae): These small cacti have different shapes and spines. They like it sunny and dry and need little water. You can propagate them from seeds or from cuttings. The seeds are small and should be scattered on a sandy substrate. Germination occurs after several weeks at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can cut the cuttings from a healthy cactus and let them dry for a few days. Then you can put them in a sandy substrate.
How to Germinate and Plant Your Terrarium Seeds
To grow your terrarium plants from seed, you'll need the following materials:
- Seeds of your choice
- Substrate of your choice (e.g. soil, sand, orchid substrate)
- Small pots or bowls
- Plastic film or glass
- Water
Then follow these steps:
- Fill the pots or trays with the substrate and moisten it slightly.
- Sprinkle the seeds evenly on the substrate and press them lightly. Do not cover them with substrate unless indicated on the seed package.
- Cover the pots or trays with plastic wrap or glass to retain moisture. But leave some holes for air circulation.
- Place the pots or trays in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the temperature constant at the recommended temperature for the particular plant.
- Moisten the substrate regularly with a sprayer or a small watering can. But avoid waterlogging.
- Watch the germination and remove the cover as soon as the first seedlings appear. Thin them out if they are too dense.
- Continue to care for the seedlings and transplant them to your terrarium when they are large enough.
Conclusion
You see, it's not that hard to grow your own terrarium plants from seeds. With a little patience and care, you can create your own green paradise. Terrariums are not only decorative, but also relaxing and educational. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of plants and learn more about their needs and characteristics. There We wish you a lot of fun trying!
