12 Totally Tropical Terrarium Plants for a Slice of Paradise

I don’t know about you, but when I think of a tropical paradise I think of lush rainforests with broad leaves, exotic foliage, and rich greens – with dashes of vibrant colors.

And a margarita in hand…

Cocktails aside, to achieve that tropical vibe in your terrarium you’re going to need the right mix of tropical terrarium plants. The basic variety that can pull together all the important elements of thick foliage, wild growth, and contrast.

Playing with scale and texture is the key to pulling this off (as we’re not about to fit a palm tree in a terrarium) but we have some tricks up our sleeves…

So, without any further adieu, here’s a selection of terrarium plants that’ll give you that perfect tropical paradise.

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#1 Biophytum sensitivum

Nothing says tropical like a palm tree, but as we’ve said, we can’t fit one of those in a terrarium… or can we?

Well, Biophytum sensitivum (otherwise known as the “Little Tree Plant”) is the next best thing.

Native to wetland areas of India and Nepal, this miniature palm-like plant is a true tropical beauty. With delicate branches of leaves radiating outward from a central crown, they gently fold up when touched and at night.

Combining this plant with a tropical moss provides a fantastic illusion of a miniature tropical scene.

• See Biophytum sensitivum on Etsy.

#2 Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’

Native to the jungles of Southeast Asia, the Bird’s Nest Fern is one of the few ferns with broad, tropical-looking leaves.

With a characteristic ruffled leaf shape and circular growth pattern, it really adds an exotic element to a terrarium.

In its natural environment, it’s often found growing epiphytically in the crooks of large trees but it’ll do best planted in the background of a tropical terrarium where it’ll have space to grow out.

• See Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’ on Etsy.

#3 Neoregelia ‘Fireball’

For a true splash of tropical color amongst the lush greens, there’s no better plant than a fiery red Neroregelia ‘Fireball’ or there’s a ‘Green Fireball’ variety too if you’re looking to keep the green look throughout.

Growing in compact, but bright rosettes, these epiphytic Bromeliads come in an enormous variety of colors and cultivars. For added versatility, they can be grown in substrate too if you get the right mix!

• See Neoregelia ‘Fireball’ on Etsy.

#4 Humata heterophylla

A lesser-known fern masquerading as a vine, Humata heterophylla is a gorgeous emerald green plant with a unique ridged texture.

Another native epiphyte that’s found growing on rainforest trunks in the wild, this versatile plant can be planted in the substrate or mounted on your terrarium hardscape. As long as it can get plenty of moisture, it’ll thrive in a closed terrarium environment.

However you apply it in a terrarium, its wonderful vining nature makes for an element of wild growth that can add some great natural flair.

#5 Microsorum musifolium (Crocodile Fern)

Another super unique-looking fern, it’s not hard to see where the crocodile fern gets its name…

With its characteristic scaly green leaves, the foliage of Microsorum musifolium looks like they’re taken straight from a crocodile’s back.

Definitely, one for larger terrariums, as just like those saltwater crocs they can grow pretty large!

• See the Crocodile Fern on Etsy.

#6 Ficus pumila

Native to the jungles of East Asia, this little trailing plant makes for fantastic ground cover.

Ficus pumila can quickly form a network of vines – in a completely unrestrained growth pattern – that’ll give a naturalistic feel to the base of a terrarium. The ‘Minima’ variety is extra petite if you’re working with a small container.

A true terrarium classic, the Creeping Fig comes in several varieties that can really help pull together your tropical scene.

• See Ficus pumila on Etsy.

#7 Bulbophyllum sp.

Bulbophyllum are a large genus of epiphytic orchids which are well suited to life in a tropical terrarium.

With a huge diversity of weird shapes, colors and flowers, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. They also tend to be among the easiest orchids to grow too, so they’re a great choice for beginners.

They’ll do best when mounted to driftwood branches, moss poles, and cork boards, just like their native environment.

• See Bulbophyllum orchids on Etsy.

#8 Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’

The Arrowhead Vine is a true tropical rainforest staple. Native to a wide variety of areas in South America, this versatile species is often found weaving its way through the rainforest canopy.

In a humid closed terrarium environment, Syngonium podophyllum will grow without restraint. So, picking up the dwarf ‘Pixie‘ variety is a good choice to make sure it stays compact.

• See Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’ on Etsy.

#9 Macodes petola

When it comes to exotic-looking plants, it’s hard to overlook the so-called “Lightning Jewel Orchid”.

Macodes petola is a stunning tropical jewel orchid with a signature electric gold pattern that pierces the full length of the foliage.

Native to a variety of Southeast Asian jungle areas, this bold plant should take center stage in the foreground of a tropical terrarium where it can be fully appreciated.

• See Macodes petola on Etsy.

#10 Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’

Normally an aquatic species, Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ has found a home in the terrarium trade as a tropical-looking epiphyte.

With its flat leaves and dark green foliage, it adds some wonderful contrast to a terrarium.

Naturally, as an aquatic plant, it requires a lot of humidity and constant moisture to survive in the open air, but that’s exactly the kind of conditions in a tropical terrarium.

The ‘Petite’ variety is one of the smallest varieties, but you can also try the Anubias nana ‘Mini’, ‘Coin’ and ‘Bonsai’ for other small options.

• See Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ on Etsy.

#11 Bolbitis heteroclita ‘Difformis’

Another semi-aquatic plant, Bolbitis heteroclita ‘Difformis’ is a miniature fern (the Mini Asian Water Fern no less) that grows well both terrestrially and epiphytically.

As ferns often do, this versatile plant adds some real texture to wherever it’s planted.

Its compact size makes it great for fitting snugly into crevices on rocks or the crooks of branches.

#12 Tillandsia bulbosa

One of the easier Air Plants to grow in terrariums, Tillandsia bulbosa is a truly exotic species.

With its long, tentacle-like growth, it can really fill the space in the canopy and make for some exciting 3d features. Plus, you can place them anywhere you can balance them (they don’t attach), so it opens up new planting opportunities.

As with all air plants, they tend to prefer a little bit of airflow but this species is the most forgiving.

• See Tillandsia bulbosa on Etsy.

#13 Terrarium Moss!

Okay, here’s a bonus plant because no natural rainforest scene would be complete without a tropical moss. It’s the understated hero that pulls together the final look.

When playing with scale, a vibrant moss like this can be used to look like windswept plains or a lush tropical floor.

Many tropical mosses would work well in our slice of paradise, but Cushion Moss and Mood Moss are particularly good choices for their vibrant green colors and lush foliage.

• See Cushion Moss on Etsy.
• See Mood Moss on Etsy.

In reality, most terrarium plants are tropical in nature. It goes hand-in-hand with the high humidity, warmth, and moisture of a closed terrarium environment.

So whilst this is my list of particularly tropical-looking plants, there’s actually a wide variety of options out there to explore.

If you need any more help, be sure to check out our definitive guide to Closed Terrarium Plants blog post or list of Best Terrarium Plants for more information.

And of course, see our Essential Guide to Tropical Terrariums if you need more help – we have a whole section teaching you how to pair plants that will thrive and look fantastic together.

What’s your favorite tropical terrarium plant on this list?

Let us know in the comments below!