Terrariums are miniature gardens that are enclosed in glass containers, such as jars, bottles, or bowls. They are a great way to bring some nature and beauty into your home, especially if you have limited space or no access to outdoor plants. Terrariums are also easy to make and maintain, as they create their microclimate and recycle water and nutrients.
But did you know that terrariums can also improve your indoor air quality? According to NASA, certain plants can filter out harmful toxins and pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are commonly found in household products, such as paints, cleaners, adhesives, and fabrics, and can cause various health problems, such as headaches, allergies, asthma, and even cancer.
By choosing the right plants for your terrarium, you can create a natural air purifier that will refresh and detoxify your home. In this article, we will show you the top terrarium plants that can purify your indoor air quality, and how you can make your terrarium with them.
Ferns
Ferns are one of the best terrarium plants for air purification, as they can remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Ferns are also ideal for terrariums, as they thrive in humid and shady conditions, and can adapt to various sizes and shapes of containers. Ferns have delicate and feathery leaves that add texture and contrast to your terrarium and can create a lush and tropical look.
Some of the best ferns for terrariums are:
• Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia): This fern has small and round leaves that grow on arching stems. It prefers bright indirect light and moist soil.
• Maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp): This fern has delicate and lacy leaves that grow on thin and black stems. It likes moist, low-to-medium light soil.
• Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus): This fern showcases broad and undulating leaves that emanate gracefully from a central rosette. Flourishing when exposed to medium to bright light, it thrives optimally in soil that retains moisture. For those keen on adding such botanical delights to their space, consider exploring exclusive offers and discounts through the use of Bloombox Club Promo Codes.
Mosses
Mosses are another excellent terrarium plant for air purification, as they can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Mosses are also perfect for terrariums, as they require little to no maintenance, and can grow in low light and high humidity. Mosses have a soft and velvety texture that can cover the soil and create a natural carpet for your terrarium, and can also add some color and variety to your terrarium.
Some of the best mosses for terrariums are:
• Sheet moss (Hypnum spp): This moss has a flat and dense growth habit that can form a green mat over the soil. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
• Cushion moss (Leucobryum spp): This moss has a round and fluffy growth habit that can form a cushion-like shape over the soil. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
• Reindeer moss (Cladonia spp): This moss has a branching and coral-like growth habit that can form a colorful and sculptural shape over the soil. It prefers low to medium light and dry soil.
Succulents
Succulents are another great terrarium plant for air purification, as they can remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Succulents are also ideal for terrariums, as they are drought-tolerant and can survive in various light and temperature conditions. Succulents have fleshy and colorful leaves that can store water and nutrients and can create a stunning and diverse look for your terrarium.
Some of the best succulents for terrariums are:
• Jade plant (Crassula ovata): This succulent has thick and glossy leaves that grow on woody stems. It prefers bright light and dry soil.
• Echeveria (Echeveria spp): This succulent has rosette-shaped leaves that come in various colors and patterns. It prefers bright light and dry soil.
• Aloe vera (Aloe vera): This succulent has long and spiky leaves that contain a gel-like substance that has healing properties. It prefers bright light and dry soil.
Air Plants
Air plants are another amazing terrarium plant for air purification, as they can remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Air plants are also unique for terrariums, as they do not need soil to grow, and can absorb water and nutrients from the air. Air plants have thin and curly leaves that can grow in various shapes and sizes, and can create a whimsical and airy look for your terrarium.
Some of the best air plants for terrariums are:
• Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides): This air plant has long and stringy leaves that can hang from the container or wrap around other plants. It prefers bright indirect light and misting once a week.
• Ionantha (Tillandsia ionantha): This air plant has short and spiky leaves that can turn red or purple when blooming. It prefers bright indirect light and misting once a week.
• Xerographica (Tillandsia xerographica): This air plant features expansive and silver-hued leaves that possess the unique ability to curl into captivating formations such as a ball or a spiral. Flourishing best under the influence of bright indirect light, this botanical beauty benefits from a weekly misting routine. For those interested in bringing such distinctive flora into their living spaces, explore exclusive offers and savings opportunities with Home & Garden Promo Codes.
Orchids
Orchids are another wonderful terrarium plant for air purification, as they can remove xylene and toluene from the air. Orchids are also beautiful for terrariums, as they produce stunning and fragrant flowers that can last for weeks or months. Orchids have thick and fleshy roots that can grow on the surface of the soil or attach to other plants and can create an exotic and elegant look for your terrarium.
Some of the best orchids for terrariums are:
• Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis spp): This orchid has broad and flat leaves that grow from a single stem, and produces long-lasting flowers that come in various colors and patterns. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
• Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor): This orchid has dark and velvety leaves that have white or red veins, and produces small and white flowers. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
• Slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum spp): This orchid has long and narrow leaves that grow from a single stem, and produces large and unusual flowers that have a pouch-like shape. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
Conclusion
Terrariums are a wonderful way to purify your indoor air quality and beautify your home. By choosing the right plants for your terrarium, you can create a natural air filter that will remove toxins and pollutants from the air, and improve your health and well-being. You can also make your terrarium with simple materials and tools, and customize it to your liking. By following the basic care tips, you can ensure that your terrarium will last for a long time and bring you joy and satisfaction.
