One of the most common questions people ask when building a terrarium is: should I choose tropical plants or succulents? While both can create beautiful miniature gardens, they require very different environments and care routines.

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Tropical plants thrive in humid environments, making them the perfect choice for closed terrariums. Because the container traps moisture inside, tropical plants can create a self-sustaining ecosystem where water continuously cycles through evaporation and condensation. Popular tropical terrarium plants include fittonias, ferns, mosses, peperomias, and mini begonias. These plants love indirect light and typically require very little maintenance once the ecosystem stabilizes.

Succulents, on the other hand, prefer dry conditions with airflow and direct or bright sunlight. They store water inside their leaves, which allows them to survive in drier environments. Since too much humidity can cause root rot, succulents work best in open terrariums rather than enclosed containers. Their geometric shapes, unique textures, and low watering needs make them ideal for modern and minimalist terrarium designs.

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At Terrart NYC, we use both tropical plants and succulents across our workshops, DIY kits, and custom terrarium collections. During our terrarium workshops, participants can often choose between creating a lush tropical ecosystem or designing an open succulent arrangement based on their style and maintenance preference.

If you are looking for a greener, rainforest-inspired ecosystem with minimal watering, tropical plants are an excellent option. If you prefer brighter environments and sculptural plant varieties, succulents may be the perfect fit.

No matter which style you choose, terrariums are a creative and relaxing way to bring nature indoors while learning about plants, ecosystems, and sustainable design.