colorful succulents

The Best Succulents to Plant in a Terrarium

Succulents are a large group of plants that originated from arid environments. Fleshy in appearance, succulents come in a multitude of sizes, shapes and colors. This combination of characteristics has made them emerge as one of the most popular indoor plant types around.

A fun way to display succulents is in a terrarium. Terrariums, like succulents, come in lots of shapes and sizes and are really simple to make. Start by picking a terrarium you love, then find the perfect succulent to match. Alternatively, pick your favorite succulent, then find the terrarium that suits it. Either way, a DIY Terrarium Kit and Terrarium Tools can come in handy when putting your terrarium together.

DIY Terrarium Kit

Terrarium Tools

You can’t really go wrong picking the right succulent as they are all fairly low maintenance. The key to buying a succulent is to choose the healthiest plant you can find in the bunch. This way, you are starting out with the best possible chances of keeping your plant happy and healthy. There is nothing worse than inheriting someone else’s diseased or stressed plant!

A healthy succulent is free of blemishes and marks and has no sign of disease or bugs.

There are many varieties of succulents, from cascading to spiky, succulents come in all shapes and sizes.

 

The Best Terrarium Succulents:

 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a great succulent option. It looks attractive as a potted plant and doubles as a home remedy for minor burns and blemishes. Due to its ability to thrive in almost any environment, it is one of our top picks.

 

Aloe Vera plants in weathered slate urban earth trio planter

 

Echeveria

Echeveria are a large group of succulents that are amongst the most popular. The varieties of this species is endless and that’s why they are one of the more popular succulents for terrariums. These little beauties flower, usually on long stems, which look spectacular. Keep well-watered and in a sunny position to encourage this.

Some of the best Echeveria:

  • Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg’
  • Echeveria ‘Afterglow’
  •  Echeveria Sp

Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant)

Haworthia fasciata is more commonly known as the Zebra plant. One look at this succulent’s white stripes and you’ll know why. It has a spiky appearance, much like a cactus, but without the prickles. It regularly produces flowers on long stems, several times the height of the plant itself!

 

Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

String of pearls is an oldie but a goodie. Once established, this succulent thrives. It’s a cascading succulent and will quickly sprawl over the sides of any pot given half the chance. This characteristic makes it the perfect succulent for a hanging terrarium. The height will allow the pearl necklace like tendrils to be shown off to their full effect. A terrarium like the Floating Orb Garden Kit would be the ideal partner for this special succulent.

 

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant)

The Panda plant is a cute little succulent with an upright appearance and is often used as a secondary succulent in a terrarium. It adds structure and height to the ensemble while filling in empty spaces and giving a backdrop to the star succulent. Although, it can make quite a statement on its own.

 

Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail)

This is a really fun, unique succulent and an ever-popular indoor variety. With its bushy tail -like stems and its plump, full appearance, it makes a great indoor plant. On its own or in a terrarium arrangement with several other succulents, it’s definitely a must on your succulent shopping list!

Burro's tail in a planter

 

Jovibarba hirta

Although similar, the Jovibarba hirta differs from the Echeveria family with its more unique, spiky leaf. A firm favorite around 46 & Spruce, this succulent looks stunning planted in groups. A tip with this plant is to start with three and wait for them to have “pups” (baby succulents), which will quickly grow and fill in the bare patches.

Regardless of what succulent you choose, the key to keeping it happy and healthy is following these three tips:

  • Soil – plant in free draining soil.
  • Water – get the watering right. Succulents do need water, but it can be harmful to over water. The key is to let the soil dry out a little between watering.
  • Sun – position in the sunniest spot in the house.

For more information on how to take care of your succulents, check out this article!

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