How to Group Plants Together in a Terrarium

Evaluate the light in the display area. Although some choose artificial lighting for their terrariums, natural lighting eliminates the need for expensive lights or unsightly cords. Decide how your terrarium will be lighted to determine which plants can be expected to thrive.

Choose plants whose light requirements closely match the lighting available. Trying to grow plants with too little or too much light is a recipe for disaster. Plants are available to fit any lighting need -- other than total darkness. Browse the nursery or specialty catalogs for suitable plants.

Select plants with similar moisture requirements. Typically, terrariums work best for plants that require moist soil and a high relative humidity, although you can lower humidity levels by reducing water and leaving the top open.

Include plants with interesting foliage. Varying the size, shape and color of foliage makes up for the lack of blooms generally found in summer gardens. Try pairing smooth glossy leaves with small textured leaves, or flat rounded leaves with miniature teardrops. Look for variations in color or shades of green.

Position the tallest plants at the back of the terrarium. For terrariums viewed from multiple angles, place the tallest plants in the middle. Medium-sized plants come next, while the smallest plants should be placed at the forefront of the display. Consider tiny trailing plants for the foreground.