Desert Terrarium Plants

Haworthia

• Several of the smaller varieties of Haworthia are well suited to growing in a desert terrarium setting. These plants form whorls of pointed, succulent leaves, some with spiked edges. Many of the Haworthia species do not exceed 6 inches in width. As with many desert plants, Haworthia require direct sun and little water.

Echeveria

• Similar in form to the Haworthia, Echeveria plants possess thick, stubby, pointed leaves that form in a flower-like pattern. Known for budding off tiny daughter plants, Echeveria are often called Hens and Chicks. The plants are easily propagated by removing and transplanting the "chicks" from the parent "hen" plant. Many varieties of Echeveria are available in a range of colors from white to light blue, jade green to maroon. With low water demand and a slow growth rate, these plants work well in a desert setting.

Jade Plant

• The jade plant possesses teardrop-shaped, flattened leaves that are bright green and translucent like the gemstone, jade. The leaves are often edged in red and grow in clusters on thick, woody stems. While jade plants can become quite large, they grow very slowly and can be trimmed to fit in a desert terrarium environment. This succulent plant requires little water and root easily from cuttings. Occasionally, jade plants produce clusters of tiny white flowers.

Rebutia

• Rebutia is a type of barrel cactus. Small, round, and covered with whorls of short and sharp spines, many species of Rebutia grow slowly in tight clusters, with each cactus rarely exceeding 3 inches. Many species of Rebutia will bloom indoors, given enough warmth and light. The blossoms vary in color from white, to yellow or bright red, depending on the species.

Sedum

• While many varieties of sedum can grow very large, often reaching 18 to 24 inches in height, other varieties are quite small and will fit well in a desert terrarium. Forming clusters of lobe-shaped, fleshy leaves, the plants range in color from bright green to gray or red. Sedum flowers vary in color from white and yellow to red and purple, depending upon the species. These plants thrive in poor soils in dry climates with full sun, and root easily from stem cuttings.

Lithops

• Lithops, also called living stones or stone plants, are another good choice for a desert terrarium. The name of these succulent plants comes from the fact that they more resemble small stones, rather than plants. Growing slowly to a size of only 1 to 3 inches, Lithops plants require little attention. They may occasionally produce a single daisy-like blossom from the fissure in the top of the plant.