1. Home
  2. Inspiration

How to select the right base for your air plant terrarium

By Amanda Scheldt

If you want to incorporate greenery and plants into your home, air plant terrariums are a great way to add something more to your decor. Air plants, often referred to as tillandsia, are epiphytes that attach to other plants or a material layer to support themselves. These plants are simple and low-maintenance living plants that can spruce up your indoor space. They’re more than a trendy plant; their versatility allows them to be styled in many different ways, including in terrariums. But selecting the suitable base for your terrarium can be challenging, given it needs to not only meet your style expectations but proper functionality for your plants to survive. Therefore, let’s explore how you select the best base for your air plant terrarium.

luca85 / Shutterstock

Benefits of air plant terrariums in the home

When utilizing air plant terrariums as a decor choice, there can be countless benefits. Firstly, these types of plants are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and can make any space in the home look and feel more fresh and lively. Furthermore, air plant terrariums can also add a pop of color, especially to rooms with a neutral color scheme.

There are more than just design benefits to these air plant terrariums. One of the most important reasons to bring air plants into the home is that they also often purify the air you breathe. Many scientists have reported that tillandsia and a variety of other plants are capable of removing mild airborne contaminants and chemicals from their environment. Being surrounded by greenery can also help you feel more relaxed, calm, and possibly more productive.

Elements to consider when choosing a base

Before choosing the base that’ll work best for your air plant terrariums, there are several elements to consider, as choosing the right terrarium is important for the health of your air plants. While there are plenty of unique containers to choose from, ensure that the container is made of a transparent material so you can look in at your plant display.

Additionally, terrarium containers should include an opening large enough for the gardener to access the plants while also letting the plants have proper airflow. Tillandsias are different from other common terrarium-based plants because they don’t require soil.

Also keep in mind how you want to display the terrarium — whether it will be sitting on a tabletop or hanging in a window. The last thing you’d want is for a hanging terrarium to fall because the base weighed too much.

Below are some of the best terrarium base options for tillandsias:

  • Moss – Moss is ideal for hanging terrariums since it isn’t as heavy. It’s also less likely to shift around in the vessel if the hanging terrarium sways slightly.
  • Small bark or driftwood – Utilizing small pieces of bark or driftwood is ideal for a rustic look while being a more lightweight option as well. Look for bark or driftwood from non-invasion sources rather than from outside to protect your plant from the potential of pests.
  • Sand – Using sand is an excellent option for tabletop terrariums, given its weight. Sand also retains moisture longer than other options while giving your tillandsias a subtle beachy feel to them.
  • Small pebbles – Another good option for a tabletop terrarium is small pebbles, as it allows a rocky yet stable surface for the air plants to sit on securely.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When choosing your base material for your air plants, you’ll want to ensure a proper environment for your plants. Given that air plants don’t require as much moisture as other terrarium-thriving plants, you still want to provide an optimal environment for them to survive. Choosing the suitable base does not have to be challenging or tricky, so long as you follow our simple guide.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amanda Scheldt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Amanda is a self employed content writer with a diverse and multifaceted niche background. After over a decade in the…
Which plants absorb the most carbon dioxide? Here are 5 air-cleaning plants to add to your home
Easy-care houseplants that will cleanse the air in your home

It doesn't matter if you live in the city or out on a homestead; clean air in our homes is something we all want. While using air filters and opening up windows are great ways to keep your air fresh and clean, sometimes they just aren't options. To get you started on cleaning up the air in your home, we'll be talking about the plants you can use to improve the quality of your air and the aesthetics of your space. Keep reading to learn which plants absorb the most carbon dioxide.

Why find carbon dioxide-absorbing plants?
There isn't anything you have to do to encourage a plant to absorb carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. It's what it does naturally! That goes for all plants, from a giant ficus rubber tree to a modest cactus. Any plant that uses photosynthesis to create its energy will improve your air quality. You can also find plants that absorb other toxic things from the air. For example, a bamboo palm will reduce levels of formaldehyde in the air as well. So if you're looking for a forest of air-cleaning plants, you're sure to find it.

Read more
Cordyline care: How to make your cordyline plants thrive and bring the tropics indoors
Make sure your cordyline thrives with these tips

Cordylines are beautiful tropical plants native to the Pacific Islands and portions of Southeast Asia. With their striking colors and vibrant leaves, they can add some color to any garden. However, tropical plants are not always easy to grow outdoors. Unless you live in a tropical region or have a greenhouse, you'll need to grow cordylines indoors. Luckily, these plants are fairly easy to grow indoors and add both color and interest to your houseplant collection! This guide to indoor cordyline care will help ensure your new cordyline thrives.

Read more
How to propagate your jasmine from cuttings to spread the fragrant love
From cutting stems to air layering, here's what you need to know about propagating jasmine

A lovely note in floral perfumes, jasmine is one of the most fragrant plants out there and features a light, sweet scent when in full bloom. If you need more jasmine in your life, then you'll be thrilled to learn that jasmine is simple to propagate. There are three different methods for creating more of this beautiful, fragrant plant. Interested in learning how to propagate jasmine? Then this is the guide for you! We'll explain the three simple methods you can use to fill your garden and home with jasmine.

When should you propagate jasmine?
The ideal time to propagate jasmine is right after it blooms, which is usually during the spring or summer. Around this time of year, you'll likely be pruning your plant anyway, so it's an opportune time to pick out some cuttings from fresh stems while you're shaping your jasmine.

Read more