Want a bit of green without the hassle of daily watering? Terrariums are perfect for bringing nature indoors with minimal effort, and with the right low-water plants, you can create a thriving mini-ecosystem that practically takes care of itself. These hardy species love humidity, need little water, and thrive in contained environments, making them ideal for busy plant lovers or beginners. Whether open or closed, these 10 low-water terrarium plants combine beauty and resilience for a truly effortless indoor garden.
1. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
Air plants are the ultimate low-maintenance terrarium choice. These soil-free wonders absorb water through their leaves and only need occasional misting or soaking about once a week. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer open terrariums where air circulation is good. With their sculptural shapes and silvery green tones, air plants make any display feel modern and fresh. Best of all, they’re virtually pest-free and perfect for forgetful plant owners or small-space dwellers.
2. Haworthia
Haworthia is a small, slow-growing succulent that’s perfect for compact terrariums. With its rosette form and white-striped, spiky leaves, it adds texture and style to any setting. This plant thrives on neglect, requiring only occasional watering about once every two weeks. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Ideal for open terrariums, Haworthia stays small and manageable, making it a great choice for desks, shelves, or tiny glass containers with a modern aesthetic.
3. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are classic succulents known for their plump, glossy leaves and tree-like appearance. These plants store water in their thick leaves, making them excellent candidates for low-water terrariums. They thrive in bright light and need watering only when the soil is completely dry usually every 2–3 weeks indoors. Jade plants also symbolize prosperity and good luck, so placing one in your terrarium might bring a bit of extra charm to your space.
4. Pilea glauca (Silver Sparkle Plant)
This tiny-leaved trailing plant features silvery-blue foliage that brings a delicate, sparkling effect to terrariums. Pilea glauca is a low-water, high-humidity plant that thrives in closed or semi-closed terrariums with filtered light. While it enjoys some humidity, it doesn’t like soggy soil and should only be watered when the top layer feels dry. Its dainty leaves cascade beautifully over container edges, making it ideal for adding softness and layering in small-scale plant designs.
5. Echeveria
With their symmetrical rosettes and soft pastel colors, Echeverias are popular succulents that do beautifully in open terrariums. They require lots of sunlight and minimal water just once every few weeks, depending on the environment. Echeverias come in a range of colors and shapes, offering endless options for visual interest. Be sure to use cactus or succulent soil and avoid excess humidity. Their tidy growth habit and stunning form make them a sculptural centerpiece in any terrarium.
6. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia or other varieties)
Peperomias are compact, attractive plants with thick, waxy leaves that retain moisture perfect for low-water terrariums. They come in various leaf patterns and colors, from solid green to marbled and striped. Peperomia does well in indirect light and only needs watering every 10–14 days. It’s ideal for closed terrariums where humidity levels are higher but still tolerates drier indoor air. Its slow-growing nature and versatility make it an easy-care favorite for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
7. Moss (Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss, etc.)
Moss is the go-to choice for closed terrariums, adding lush green ground cover with minimal maintenance. It thrives in high humidity but needs surprisingly little water just an occasional misting to stay fresh and vibrant. Moss prefers low to medium light and can grow without soil, often attaching itself to rocks or wood. Its soft texture and rich green color make it the perfect base layer for forest-themed or fairy garden terrariums, adding instant atmosphere.
8. Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis fasciata)
Often mistaken for aloe, this striking succulent features pointed leaves with white horizontal stripes, resembling zebra patterns. It’s an excellent low-water plant for open terrariums and needs watering just once every two to three weeks. Zebra Plants love bright, indirect light and thrive on neglect. They remain compact, rarely outgrowing their container, and bring an architectural, graphic quality to any terrarium design. If you’re after bold texture with little maintenance, this is your plant.
9. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Unlike many ferns, the Button Fern tolerates drier conditions, making it ideal for low-water, closed terrariums. Its small, rounded leaflets grow along delicate arching fronds, creating a soft, cascading effect. Button ferns prefer indirect light and just a touch of moisture water sparingly when the soil starts to dry out. Its charming texture adds visual movement to terrarium landscapes, and its compact size ensures it won’t take over your space. A perfect fern for those who usually forget to water!
10. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Known for its bead-like foliage, String of Pearls adds whimsical charm to open terrariums or hanging containers. As a succulent, it stores water in its plump leaves and prefers bright, indirect light. Water only when the soil is completely dry usually every two to three weeks. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for tall terrariums or vessels where it can drape and spill beautifully. This plant adds dimension and drama to any setup without demanding much care in return.