Best Terrarium Plants & Kits for Singapore

Terrariums are miniature ecosystems enclosed in glass — self-contained worlds of moss, ferns, and tiny tropical plants. They make stunning home decor, meaningful gifts, and fascinating science experiments all in one.

In Singapore, terrariums have become especially popular as a way to bring nature into compact living spaces. Here is everything you need to know about building and maintaining one.

Closed vs Open Terrariums

Closed Terrariums

A sealed glass container that creates its own water cycle. Water evaporates from soil and plants, condenses on the glass, and drips back down — mimicking a tropical rainforest microclimate.

Pros:

• Almost self-sustaining once established
• Minimal watering (some go months without)
• Maintains high humidity ideal for tropical plants
• Fascinating to watch the water cycle in action

Cons:

• Mould can develop if too wet
• Limited plant choices (only humidity-lovers)
• Needs occasional ventilation

Best for: Ferns, mosses, Fittonias, and other moisture-loving miniature plants.

Open Terrariums

An open-topped glass container without a sealed environment. Essentially a decorative glass planter.

Pros:

• Better air circulation (less mould risk)
• Wider plant selection
• Easier to maintain
• More forgiving of mistakes

Cons:

• Requires regular watering
• No self-sustaining water cycle
• Lower humidity (not ideal for some tropical plants)

Best for: Succulents (in bright light), air plants, and small tropicals that do not need constant high humidity.

Best Plants for Closed Terrariums in Singapore

Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

The quintessential terrarium plant. Tiny leaves with intricate white, pink, or red vein patterns. Stays compact and loves humidity.

Why it works: Thrives in the humid, low-light conditions inside a closed terrarium. Multiple colour varieties create visual interest.

Moss

Sheet moss, mood moss, or Java moss create the lush green carpet that defines a terrarium landscape.

Why it works: Loves humidity and low light. Provides ground cover and visual continuity. Singapore's climate supports moss growth naturally.

Ferns (Miniature Varieties)

Button Fern, Maidenhair Fern, and miniature Bird's Nest Fern add height and texture.

Why it works: Ferns evolved in humid forest understories — closed terrariums replicate these conditions perfectly.

Selaginella (Spike Moss)

Not a true moss but creates a similar lush, feathery ground cover. Several species stay compact.

Why it works: Loves humidity and moderate light. Adds fine texture to terrarium landscapes.

Peperomia (Miniature Varieties)

Small Peperomia species like P. prostrata (String of Turtles) add unique foliage patterns.

Why it works: Compact growth, interesting leaf shapes, and tolerates enclosed conditions.

Cryptanthus (Earth Star)

Flat, star-shaped bromeliads in stunning colours — red, pink, striped, and banded patterns.

Why it works: Stays small, loves humidity, and provides striking colour contrast against green moss and ferns.

Best Plants for Open Terrariums

Air Plants (Tillandsia)

No soil needed. Display on rocks, driftwood, or sand inside an open glass container.

Why it works: Singapore's humidity provides adequate moisture. Open containers allow necessary air circulation.

Succulents (Bright Location Only)

Small succulents like Echeveria, Haworthia, and mini Aloe create a desert-themed open terrarium.

Why it works: Open containers prevent humidity buildup that would rot succulents. Requires a very bright spot.

Miniature Orchids

Tiny orchid species create an elegant, sophisticated open terrarium.

Why it works: Good air circulation with ambient humidity. Stunning when in bloom.

How to Build a Terrarium: Step by Step

Materials Needed

• Glass container (jar, bowl, geometric terrarium, or repurposed glass vessel)
• Drainage layer: Small pebbles, clay balls, or crushed stone (2-3cm)
• Separation layer: Activated charcoal (thin layer) + sheet moss or landscape fabric
• Substrate: Terrarium soil or fine potting mix (3-5cm)
• Plants: 3-5 small plants appropriate for the terrarium type
• Decorative elements: Rocks, driftwood, figurines, sand
• Tools: Long tweezers or chopsticks, spray bottle, small spoon

Step 1: The Drainage Layer

Add 2-3cm of pebbles or clay balls to the bottom. This prevents water from pooling around roots — critical because terrariums have no drainage holes.

Step 2: Charcoal Layer

Sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the drainage material. Charcoal filters water, reduces odours, and inhibits mould growth — especially important in Singapore's warmth.

Step 3: Separation Barrier

Place a thin layer of sheet moss or landscape fabric over the charcoal. This prevents soil from sifting into the drainage layer.

Step 4: Soil Layer

Add 3-5cm of terrarium soil or fine potting mix. Create gentle hills and valleys for visual interest — flat landscapes look boring.

Step 5: Plant Placement

Using tweezers or chopsticks, create small holes in the soil and plant your selections:

Composition tips:

• Place the tallest plant off-centre (not dead middle)
• Use an odd number of plants (3 or 5 looks most natural)
• Leave some open soil for moss and decorative elements
• Ensure plants do not touch the glass sides (trapped moisture causes rot)

Step 6: Decorative Elements

Add moss between plants, place small stones for paths or borders, and add any decorative features (miniature figurines, driftwood pieces, or sand accents).

Step 7: Initial Watering

Mist lightly with a spray bottle. For closed terrariums, less is more — you want moist, not wet. For open terrariums, water until soil is evenly damp.

Step 8: Placement

Place the finished terrarium in bright indirect light. Never in direct sunlight — the glass amplifies heat and will cook the plants inside.

Terrarium Maintenance

Closed Terrariums

Watering: Rarely needed. Check every 2-4 weeks. If condensation covers more than 50% of the glass, the terrarium is too wet — open the lid for a few hours to let excess moisture escape. If no condensation is visible, mist lightly.

Ventilation: Open the lid for 30 minutes every 1-2 weeks to refresh air and prevent mould.

Pruning: Trim plants that outgrow the space. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves immediately — they cause mould in closed environments.

Mould control: Singapore's warmth accelerates mould growth. If you see white fuzzy patches, remove them with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol. Improve ventilation.

Open Terrariums

Watering: Check soil moisture weekly. Mist or water lightly when the top layer is dry.

Air circulation: Adequate by design, but avoid placing in stagnant, enclosed spaces.

Pruning: Trim as needed to maintain proportions.

Common Terrarium Problems in Singapore

Mould

The number one issue in Singapore's warmth. White fuzzy patches on soil, plants, or decorative elements.

Prevention: Use activated charcoal, ventilate regularly, avoid overwatering.

Treatment: Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud. Increase ventilation frequency.

Condensation Overload

Glass covered in heavy condensation means too much moisture.

Fix: Open the lid for several hours or overnight. Resume closed state when condensation is lighter.

Yellowing Plants

Usually overwatering or insufficient light.

Fix: Reduce moisture (open lid if closed terrarium). Move to a brighter spot.

Overgrown Plants

Plants outgrowing their space is a sign of healthy conditions — but needs management.

Fix: Prune back to maintain proportions. Replace plants that have outgrown the terrarium with smaller specimens.

Terrarium Gifting

Terrariums make exceptional gifts in Singapore:

Why they are great gifts:

• Visually stunning and unique
• Low-maintenance (especially closed terrariums)
• Suitable for apartments with no outdoor space
• Conversation starters
• Work as both personal and corporate gifts

Workshop option: Terrarium-building workshops are popular in Singapore for team-building, date nights, and birthday celebrations. Several studios offer guided sessions where participants build and take home their own creation.

Final Thoughts

A terrarium is a garden in miniature — all the beauty and fascination of the natural world condensed into a glass container that fits on your desk. Singapore's tropical conditions actually make terrarium keeping easier than in drier climates — the ambient humidity and warmth are exactly what these tiny ecosystems need.

Start with a simple closed terrarium using Fittonia and moss. The self-sustaining nature of a well-built closed terrarium is genuinely magical to observe.

Visit Tumbleweed Plants for terrarium plants, supplies, and ready-made terrarium kits.