As summer approaches and sunlight floods our homes, it’s the perfect time to refresh your indoor greenery. One of the most beautiful and creative ways to bring nature indoors is by creating a terrarium — a self-contained, miniature garden inside a glass vessel. Terrariums are ideal for busy city-dwellers or anyone who wants a slice of nature at home with minimal maintenance.
At Art Play London, we love terrariums because they combine art, nature, and mindfulness, all in one delightful project. But not every plant thrives in the heat and bright conditions of summer. Selecting the right plants is crucial for a thriving summer terrarium. In this guide, we’ll explore the best terrarium plants for summer, their care tips, and some styling ideas to make your mini-ecosystem a true work of art.
Why Choose Summer-Ready Plants?
Summer brings longer days and higher temperatures. In a closed terrarium, this can sometimes create a humid, warm environment — wonderful for some plants, but challenging for others. Choosing heat-tolerant, humidity-loving, or resilient species ensures your terrarium remains lush and vibrant throughout the season.
Additionally, summer is a time of growth. Plants are naturally in their most active phase, making it the perfect moment to plant, style, and even experiment with new terrarium designs.
1. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonias are beloved for their striking, colourful veined leaves that come in pinks, reds, and silvers. They thrive in high humidity, making them excellent candidates for closed terrariums, which naturally trap moisture.
Summer Care Tips:
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Mist lightly to maintain humidity if your terrarium is open.
Avoid overwatering; a light moistening once a week usually suffices.
Design Idea:Mix different colours of Fittonia together for a stunning, mosaic-like terrarium floor.
2. Pilea Depressa (Baby Tears)
This sweet, trailing plant brings a lush, forest-floor feel to terrariums. Pilea Depressa loves warmth and humidity, flourishing during the sunny summer months.
Summer Care Tips:
Place your terrarium in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
Water moderately; the soil should stay damp but not soggy.
Trim lightly to maintain shape and prevent crowding.
Design Idea:Use Pilea around decorative stones or driftwood to create a natural, wild look.
3. Ferns (e.g., Button Fern, Maidenhair Fern)
Ferns are classics in terrariums for good reason. Their delicate fronds and vibrant green hues bring a fairy-tale quality to any container.
Summer Care Tips:
Ferns love filtered light and high humidity.
Mist frequently in open terrariums.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Design Idea:Pair ferns with mosses for a soft, enchanted forest effect perfect for summer afternoons.
4. Peperomia Species
From the heart-shaped leaves of Peperomia caperata to the water-retaining round leaves of Peperomia obtusifolia, these hardy plants are perfect for summer terrariums.
Summer Care Tips:
Thrive in bright, indirect light.
Tolerate occasional drying out, making them forgiving for beginners.
Wipe leaves occasionally to keep dust-free and shining.
Design Idea:Use contrasting Peperomia varieties to play with texture and leaf shape.
5. Moss (Sheet Moss, Cushion Moss)
Moss is the unsung hero of terrariums, acting as a gorgeous green carpet that holds moisture and cools the soil for companion plants.
Summer Care Tips:
Mist regularly to keep moss lush and prevent drying out.
Avoid placing moss in direct sunlight; too much light can cause it to bleach.
Design Idea:Layer moss across hills and dips inside your terrarium for an immersive, landscape feel.
6. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Though not a traditional terrarium plant, air plants add a modern, whimsical touch. Perfect for open terrariums or glass globes, they thrive in summer’s bright conditions.
Summer Care Tips:
Submerge in water for 20–30 minutes once a week.
Let dry upside down after soaking to avoid rot.
Provide lots of bright, filtered light.
Design Idea:Hang air plants inside suspended glass spheres for a dreamy, floating garden.
7. Succulents (Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum)
If you prefer an open terrarium that mimics an arid summer landscape, succulents are your best bet.
Summer Care Tips:
Place terrariums in a bright, sunny spot.
Water sparingly — only when the soil is completely dry.
Use gritty, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Design Idea:Create a desert-inspired terrarium using small stones, sand layers, and miniature figurines.
8. Creeping Fig (Ficus Pumila)
The creeping fig grows charming, tiny leaves on wiry vines, and loves warmth and humidity. It’s ideal for larger terrariums where it can climb structures or spread across the base.
Summer Care Tips:
Likes bright, indirect light.
Water regularly but do not overwater — soggy roots can be a problem.
Prune to keep it in check.
Design Idea:Train creeping fig up a miniature trellis or along the inner walls of your terrarium.
Quick Guide: Open vs Closed Terrariums
When designing your summer terrarium, it's crucial to choose between an open or closed environment:
Type of Terrarium | Best For | Ideal Plants | Key Summer Tips |
Closed | Humidity-loving plants | Ferns, Fittonia, Pilea, Moss | Avoid direct sunlight; monitor for mould. |
Open | Drier, heat-tolerant plants | Succulents, Air Plants, Peperomia | Ensure excellent drainage; water sparingly. |
How to Set Up a Summer-Ready Terrarium
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to set up your perfect summer terrarium:
Choose Your Vessel: Clear glass containers work best to allow plenty of light in.
Layer Your Base: Start with pebbles for drainage, then add activated charcoal (to prevent odours), followed by potting soil.
Plant Thoughtfully: Begin with taller plants first, then fill in with smaller species and moss.
Decorate: Add decorative stones, tiny sculptures, or even small shells for a summery touch.
Position Wisely: Place your terrarium where it will get bright but indirect light.
Monitor and Care: Check weekly for moisture, mould, or yellowing leaves, adjusting watering as necessary.
Terrarium Styling Ideas for Summer
To truly capture the magic of summer in your terrarium, why not try a themed design? Here are a few inspirations:
Beach Escape: Use sand, tiny shells, and succulent 'palm trees' to evoke a coastal scene.
Tropical Jungle: Layer lush mosses with vibrant Fittonia and Pilea to create a humid, green paradise.
Desert Dream: Combine Echeveria, cacti, and golden pebbles for a sun-baked desert landscape.
Midsummer Night's Garden: Opt for ferns, tiny fairy lights, and miniature fairy figurines for a whimsical, dreamy display.
Common Summer Terrarium Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Condensation Overload: If you notice heavy condensation, open the lid for a few hours a day to allow airflow.
Mould Growth: Remove affected plants immediately, replace soil if necessary, and ventilate better.
Overheating: Move your terrarium away from windows if the sun is too intense, or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
Drying Out: Mist more frequently or add moisture-retentive moss layers if the soil dries out too quickly.
Final Thoughts
A terrarium is more than just a decorative piece; it’s a living, breathing artwork that evolves with the seasons. In summer, when everything is alive with energy and light, creating a terrarium brings a little bit of that vibrant growth into your personal space.
Whether you opt for a misty rainforest vibe with ferns and moss or a dry, dramatic succulent arrangement, the key is selecting plants that thrive in summer’s conditions. With the right choices and a bit of creativity, your terrarium will not only survive but flourish through the hottest months.
At Art Play London, we celebrate the joy of creativity, mindfulness, and natural beauty. If you’d like to try making your own summer terrarium, keep an eye out for our upcoming workshops — a perfect way to bring a piece of artful nature into your home this season.
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