Fruit Plants That Can Be Grown Inside a Terrarium

Terrarium General Information

• A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem. Soil, air, water and plants all make up a successful terrarium. Different cases work well for these mini environments including glass aquariums and clear plastic storage containers with lids. The key to growing plants inside a terrarium is the level of humidity the plants need and proper soil drainage. Create optimal conditions for soil drainage by placing a layer of pebbles on the bottom of the terrarium covered by a thin layer of moss.

Strawberries

• Strawberries grow well under a variety of conditions. Plant this shallow-rooted fruit plant in your terrarium. The soil should be 8 to 10 inches deep to fully support strawberry plants. Fill the terrarium with the layer of potting soil over the moss. Monthly fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer and regular watering are the basics to caring for your terrarium strawberries. Check the soil before watering, as the natural humidity the terrarium produces will help keep the soil moist. Harvest the berries when they are bright red.

Dwarf Pomegranate

• The Punica granatum nana, “dwarf pomegranate,” reaches a height of up to 12 inches. Keep the terrarium with a dwarf pomegranate in a warm area where it receives bright light for several hours each day. The plant will produce fruit under these conditions. Prune the plant back as needed to fit inside a terrarium.

Dwarf Natal Plum

• Carissa macrocarpa,”dwarf natal plum,” is actually an evergreen ground cover that produces edible red fruit. The plant naturally grows up to 2 feet high that you prune back to fit comfortably inside the terrarium. This plant is tolerant of most soil types; a good potting soil works well to grow this fruit plant in the terrarium. The dwarf natal plum is drought tolerant and enjoys full sunlight to partial shade.