Low-light Plant Spectacular for Terrariums: 10 Shade-Loving Options
In the quest for a vibrant and thriving indoor garden, low-light spaces can often feel like a challenge. However, fear not, as a variety of plants are well-suited to these conditions, transforming your home into a lush, green oasis. Here are some terrarium plants that thrive in low-light settings.
One such plant is the Earth Star (Cryptanthus sp.), a terrestrial Bromeliad that grows far beneath the rainforest canopy. Known for its unique star-shaped leaves, this plant can thrive in low-light spaces in homes.
Another interesting choice is the Lightning Jewel Orchid (Macodes petola), a small orchid that stands out for its beautiful foliage with striking lightning-like leaf venation. While requiring unique substrate requirements, Macodes petola can handle the conditions at the lower end of light intensity.
The Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium) is a popular family of houseplants that grows well in low-light conditions. Typically growing along the rainforest floor or climbing trees, Syngonium comes in a striking array of greens, pinks, and reds, making it a great addition to any terrarium.
Asplenium nidus, or the Bird's Nest Fern, is a fern particularly suited for life in the shade. It has an adaptive advantage in low-light environments due to its ability to increase or decrease the crinkly texture of its leaves, making it one of the most forgiving ferns when it comes to lighting.
Peperomia caperata, a small tropical plant with dark, ridged leaves, is commonly found on the shaded rainforest floor. Peperomia is another genus of small tropical plants, with over 1000 species recorded and a wide diverse range of colors and shapes, many of which can tolerate low light conditions.
Selaginella martensii 'Frosty' is a hardy terrarium plant with frost-tipped leaves that forms a dense mat, growing up to a few inches tall and thriving in hot and humid conditions.
For those seeking a more unique substrate requirement, consider the Lightning Jewel Orchid's cousin, Macodes petola, which needs lots of aeration and drainage.
Lastly, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) and the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are adaptable to low light and low maintenance, making them suitable for terrariums with less natural light. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.) can also tolerate low to moderate light and do well in humid terrarium environments if proper air circulation is maintained.
When cultivating these plants in low-light terrariums, providing bright, indirect light or supplementing with LED grow lights for about 12-16 hours daily can improve their growth and health without causing stress or leaf burn. Maintaining high humidity (80-90%) and stable temperatures (18-24°C / 64-75°F) is also critical for tropical and moisture-loving species to thrive.
By incorporating these plants into your terrarium, you'll increase diversity and ensure successful growth in low light settings. Happy gardening!
The Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium), known for its vibrant greens, pinks, and reds, can enhance the home-and-garden aesthetic by thriving in low-light spaces, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardening. Additionally, the Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus), with its adaptive leaf texture, not only fits well with a lifestyle that prioritizes low-light spaces but also adds a touch of lush greenery to any home-and-garden design.
