If you’re a fan of terrarium plants, chances are, you have some at home too.
The amazing thing about terrarium plants is that they give your house appeal with their varied foliage, textures, and colors.
Moreover, it’s exciting and rewarding to take care of one to full growth and health.
There are many different species of terrarium plants, some you may not have even heard of, and this article contains seven rare and exotic terrarium plants that you should know about.
While some of these are super easy to grow and maintain, others you may want to avoid if you are just getting started growing terrarium plants.
1. Aerangis Punctata
The Aerangis punctata, also known as the dotted Aerangis, is native to Madagascar.
It grows in highland forests at 900 to 1500 meters above sea level.
This small angraecoid orchid has beautiful rugose roots and a flower that is almost the same size as the plant. A nectar can emerge from a corkscrew-like structure in the flower that can be up to 4″ long.
The small plant produces leaves with a maximum length of approximately 1″.
This exotic species makes an incredible terrarium plant if grown under the correct conditions:
- To start with, it is necessary for the plant to be kept in a thermophilic environment. Depending on the climatic season the plant keeps high humidity in a space of 60-75%.
- It needs bright and filtered light, at no point should it have exposure to direct sunlight, it can dry the plant out very fast.
- Also, the plant needs watering every day. You need to be moderate with this watering so that it is damp on the soil type and not soggy. The space also must have enough area for strong air advantage for the plant.
Bonus Tip: Should you wish to accelerate its growth, fertilize the plant every week using a quarter to a half the recommended amount.
2. Hypoestes Phyllostachya- Polka Dot Plant
Commonly referred to as polka dot plants, the hypoestes phyllostachya is a unique terrarium plant that originates from Madagascar.
You may also have found it in parts of South East Asia and South Africa. It is a popularly grown plant due to it’s bright and colorful appearance that can make rich changes to a household.
This isn’t your typical plant, because it is rare and belongs to the plant family Acanthaceae.
It may intrigue you to know that it has been misclassified for many years, and only within the last couple of years it was place in the group Hyphoestes which includes over 100 plants.
Hypoestes phyllostachya showcases a natural lilac color, though it may grow in an array of colors based on the light it receives.
In order to have the best and brightest color you want to ensure its getting bright but full indirect sunlight. Without sufficient light, the plant may get leggy and develop very long shoots which can be a challenge to grow within a terrarium.
Ultimately, polka dot plant is easy to grow. They grow in warm climates within their natural habitat.
Thus the polka dot plant will require warm temperature and high humidity levels to thrive in a terrarium setting. Overall, they have a moderate growth rate and also tend to be tiny even at their largest stages.
3. Dendrophylax lindenii- The Ghost Orchid
This rare terrarium plant, Dendrophylax lindenii, is all flower and no foliage.
In case you were wondering, the plant photosynthesis via its roots, which is unusual for plants.
It has about two or three roots. In return for whatever amount of photosynthesis is done, one of the most beautiful flowers in the world will appear.
Natives of Florida, ghost orchids grow very slow and are also very difficult to cultivate. Compared to the pure lindenii species, they are easier to grow, although definitely not beginner plants.
They have a better chance of thriving in the hands of a more experienced grower.
Ghost orchids like high humidity and pure water: either rain water or distilled water.
Our recommendation: You will more effectively water the plant every day – more mist than water. Expose it to sunlight some time during the day as well. You can have some Orchid Fertilizer to encourage the growing plant.
4. Anoectochilus Chapaensis – Jewel Orchid
This terrestrial orchid makes a great terrarium plant and is indigenous to Southeast Asia (specifically in China, Yunnan and Vietnam).
This plant features one of the most exquisite foliage and is sometimes called a ‘golden jewel’ which mainly pertains to the bright hues of the veins in the dark-colored leaves that makes it so fascinating to behold.
The dark color of the leaves fall between burgundy to dark green. The shape of the leaves is heart-like shape, that adds to its beauty.
Jewel orchids grow at a relatively slow pace but are easy to maintain. Terrestrial, it grows in lower light levels and high humidity.
So in order to accommodate the plant, jewell orchids must stay out of direct sunlight-Keeping it in a warm, darkroom is important. Also, ensuring humidity is higher-than-usual.
In addition, it can help to keep the soil wet to the ground always. Just make sure your watering is proportional and not over-watering.
5. Tillandsia (Air Plants for Terrariums)
Tillandsia is a variety of air plant found in the Bromeliaceae family.
They are loved for the fact that they are very easy to take care of, as well as for their unique display possibilities in the home. Unlike other plants, tillandsia do not have roots, which is why they are referred to as air plants.
Instead, they absorb nutrients through their leaves. Ultimately, air plants will survive off of moisture and moderate light.
Although they are easy to care for when it comes to growth, the tillandsia plant itself does not grow very easy. They require a certain level of skill and many years of patience, so they would not be recommended for beginners.
Because they do not have roots, it is important to make special considerations while caring for the plant:
- You cannot water them the normal way. You must remove them from the terrarium and either soak them in water for a couple of hours, or dampen them lightly with a water gun, or you can rinse them off. After the plant has soaked or been dampened, you must allow it time to dry, then place it back in the terrarium.
- Additionally, tillandsia will grow better in bright light, but filtered light is preferred. So, south, west or east-facing window will be perfect.
- Because they need moisture and air circulation all day long, an open terrarium will work best for tillandsia.
6. Asplenium Nidus – The Bird’s Nest Fern
The Asplenium nidus, is from South East Asia and East Australia.
Also dubbed the Bird’s Nest Fern, it thrives in tropical environments, but can survive in a terrarium with the right conditions.
The two main factors to grow, and care for, this plant are:
- Humidity
- Sunlight protection
However, we recommend to make sure they are given some sunlight to aid their well-being. Typically some morning or pre-sunset sunlight is best.
In its natural habitat, the Bird’s Nest Fern does grow epiphytically in sections of large trees.
Nonetheless, it will grow well in the background of a tropical terrarium, as long as it has enough room to grow out.
The Bird’s Nest Fern even looks different from other ferns with spear-shaped leaves instead of the palm-type fronds that most people think of with ferns.
No doubt, it will add an exotic look to your space.
7. Macodes Petola – Lightning Jewel Orchids
The incredibly stunning Macodes petola is a rare interior plant that most people want for its stunning leaves.
The leaves are brimming with crystalline veins that immediately bring to mind gold flecks of lightning, which is likely why it is also known as Lightning jewel orchids.
In addition to being incredibly rare, these plants grow very slowly.
The good news is that, contrary to how rare they are, they don’t need any special treatment – you can grow them like normal houseplants and they will thrive (just at a slower rate).
You should make sure they get a bit of filtered sunlight every day in moderation. Just be careful not to put it in direct sunlight because that will hurt their growth and development.
Additionally, they do well in mild temperatures (staying warm, not going below 10 degrees Celsius) and they’re also not very particular about humidity, so they should do great in a closed terrarium.
The roots should stay moist all the time – they should never be dry or soggy.
Where they come from: In nature, the Macodes petola can be found in the forest in areas of Southeast Asia, in the mountain forests in Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Final Words
In general, the majority of planted terrariums are made up of tropical plants, which need quite a bit of humidity, moisture, warmth, and indirect light to thrive. And, rare and exotic terrarium plants are no different.
In the above article, we’ve seen seven of the rarest terrarium plants, many of which you may have never heard about.
If you want to give it a go, maybe you’ll even find some, grow them, and add a little exotic appeal to your home.