In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to incorporate nature into our living spaces has become increasingly important. A Wall Terrarium is an inventive and visually stunning solution. A one-of-a-kind combination of art and gardening that results in a captivating display of greenery that adorns your walls.

The best bit is that a Wall Terrarium allow you to bring the beauty of nature indoors, even in the smallest of spaces. These living works of art can transform any environment, from apartments to offices.

When it comes to designing a wall terrarium, it is important to keep both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Selecting the right plants, containers, and arrangements is crucial to creating a harmonious and thriving ecosystem. In this article, we will walk you through the best plant choices as well as some creative design ideas for bringing nature’s beauty into your living or working space.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANTING A WALL TERRARIUM

Keep in a few aspects in mind when designing your Wall Terrarium will render a much better outcome. Let’s explore…

Firstly, think about the available wall space and select appropriate sizes and shapes for the space. Consider the weight-bearing capacity of the wall and choose a sturdy mounting system. In this case, your local hardware store can provide you with the appropriate solutions to meet your requirements.

Check out our range of Wall Mounted Terrariums to get yourself started. Consider a variety of sizes to create a more dynamic and visually interesting display.

Next, consider the lighting conditions in the designated area. Different plants have varying light requirements, so choose species that will thrive in the available light. Additionally, consider the accessibility of the terrarium for watering and maintenance purposes. Ensure that it is within reach and easy to care for.

When selecting plants, opt for species that are suited for the tight, limited spacing available as well as their growth habit and reach; compact upright growth or trailing plants are ideal for this. Choose plants that have similar water and humidity requirements to simplify care.

When selecting soil for a wall-mounted terrarium, choose a well-draining substrate such as a mixture of cocoa peat and perlite, though this will be plant dependent, as succulents prefer a less rich, more sandy soil. Avoid heavy or water-retentive soils that can lead to root rot. The soil should provide adequate moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain easily.

Lastly, think about the overall aesthetic and design. Consider the visual appeal of different plant textures, colours, and shapes and the attractive soil patterns you can create when arranging the terrarium. Experiment with different layouts and arrangements to create an eye-catching display.

By considering these factors—wall space, lighting, accessibility, plant selection, and design—you can create a stunning wall-mounted terrarium that brings nature’s beauty to your indoor space.

13 BEST PLANT FOR WALL TERRARIUMS

The plants listed below are fantastic for both their appearance and their ability to thrive in a wall-mounted terrarium.

TRAILING PLANT OPTIONS

Trailing plants are ideal for wall-mounted terrariums because their cascading growth creates a visually appealing and space-efficient display, maximising the vertical space available.

• Heart Leaf Philodendron
• Golden Pothos
• Trailing peperomia like the Round leaf Peperomia and Peperomia Tetraphylla Hope
• Lace Ferns
• Philodendron Florida Beauty
• Hoya varieties 

Consider choosing these plants in Mini versions, or 10cm grow pot size. Have a look at our Mini Collection here. Also, for more trailing plant options checkout our Hanging Plant Collection.

UPRIGHT GROWING PLANTS

Upright Growing Plants are ideal for wall-mounted terrariums because they add height and structure to the display, creating a vertical focal point. However, keep in mind how wide the plant grows, as it may become crushed against the wall. Your best bets are compact growth habits.

• Peace Lily
• ZZ Plant
• Calatheas
• African Milk Tree
• Autumn Fern
• Nerve Plants
• A variety of succulent plants such as : Silver Squill, Shrek’s Ears and Panda ears are great for creating a desert theme.

We’ve listed the plants according to their trailing and upright growing habit. But no reason why you can’t combine the two styles for a mixed effect.

TOOLS NEEDED TO BUILD A WALL TERRARIUM

Here are some essentials for setting up your wall terrarium; these items will not only make potting easier, but will also help you create a wall display in no time with fewer problems.

• A Wall mounted Terrarium
• Rubbing alcohol and Paper Towel.
• Stones, sand or Leca to create a drainage layer – here try to select the lightest option, or be sure to have a stable mounting mechanism.

TOP TIP: Be creative here and select a variety of coloured stones or sand for making patterns. This adds visual interest and allows for creative designs, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the wall-mounted terrarium.

• A well draining and slightly Moisture Retentive Medium for Tropicals or a Cactus Soil for succulent plants.
• A piece of Gauze, Shade net, weed blocker or Windowscreen for creating a barrier between the stones and soil, to avoid allowing soil to sink down.

TIP: Use excess Material Shopping bags as lining (eg: Woolies bag, as they are porous and will let water drain through readily). 

• A Pair of Sterilised Scissors for trimming back roots or cleaning up foliage. 
• Moss, as a non-essential, but interesting addition.
• Wall Terrarium suitable Plants that make your design theme and will be happy in a tight growing environment
• Spoon or Potting Scoop for placing soil.
• Long tweezers or Chopsticks for adjusting items in hard to reach areas.
• A piece of paper for directing decorative stones or coloured soils
• Water, to settle the repotting, and hydrate the plants.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PLANTING A WALL MOUNTED TERRARIUM

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR WALL TERRARIUM

Consider a variety of sizes and shapes to create visual appeal and interest; otherwise, make sure to choose the correct size wall mounted terrarium to fit your chosen size plant.

Shop our wide variety of Wall Mounted Terrarium options.

STEP 2:  GET YOUR EQUIPMENT READY.

Have all your items prepped and ready at hand, to start creating your design, such as a planting mat to avoid spills on your counters and a piece of paper for directing your coloured sands/stones to make patterned layers. This also includes your plants.

STEP 3: CLEAN YOUR WALL TERRARIUM

Since these are made of glass, remove any dirt or fingerprints on the inside that might become permanent once you add soil.

STEP 4: START OFF WITH A LAYER OF PEBBLES/COLOURED SAND LAYERS

This layer should be around 4 – 6 cm thick. This layer acts as a drainage layer, allowing any excess water to drain away from the growing medium. This prevents the soil from getting soggy and assists with humidity, while additionally acting as a water reservoir.

This is the stage where you can create layers with your coloured sand or stones for a dynamic display.

STEP 5: LINE WITH GAUZE

Line the pebble bed with your chosen permeable non-biodegradable sheeting, e.g. gauze, shade net etc. This layer is there to prevent the potting medium from slipping down into the reservoir, which would create a muddy mess.

To prevent it from folding up the sides and ruining your display, be as precise and careful with your cutting as possible.

STEP 6: TOP WITH A LAYER OF POTTING MEDIUM

Just enough to raise your plant to the appropriate level in the container for your intended display. Small plants can be planted in the middle to create an open terrarium display at eye level, or larger plants can be potted as high as you like, as if you were potting up a planter.

STEP 7: READY YOUR CHOSEN PLANTS

Remove your plants from their planters, and some of the excess soil. Place it in your wall mounted terrarium at your desired height. Trim back any roots where required.

Tip: You can select a variety of plants that have the same care to create a more visually appealing design.

STEP 8: FILL IN WITH THE REMAIN POTTING MEDIUM

Fill up the roots with soil around the roots and press down lightly to secure them in place.

STEP 9: GIVE YOUR TERRARIUM A DRINK, AND SPRITZ IT DOWN

Your plants will appreciate this, as it helps them adjust to their new home and maintains their moisture levels.

You can fill it enough that about 2 cm of water sits in the drainage layer. Succulents should be spared this treatment. It should be saturated to the point of moistening the soil for them.

STEP 10: MOUNT ON WALL 

Use the proper mounting equipment to support the weight of your terrarium and install it in the optimal location to meet the lighting needs of your plants.

TERRARIUM MAINTENANCE 

Wall Mounted Terrariums are easy to care for and pretty much self sustainable. However, basic maintenance will need to be done to keep the terrarium looking its best.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Check in on these general maintenance tips, applicable to your Wall Terrarium:

• Pruning: If you find your trailing plants are getting a bit unruly, or your plants are shading out each other, prune them back to keep them looking healthy and tidy.
• Remove old or dying foliage: General grooming of yellowing foliage or crisping leaves will keep your Wall Terrarium looking pristine. It is important to remove any rotting or excess fallen foliage, as this is a great place for pests to hide.
• Pests: Although pest infestations on walls are uncommon, they do happen. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for pests on a regular basis, treat any problems right away with an organic pesticide, and keep an eye on things until they’re gone. For further reading on identifying and treating pests, click here.
• Remove or replace: Plants have a finite lifespan and eventually die or outgrow their Terrarium, in which case they must be replaced or removed. Changing out the plants for something novel is one way to shake things up.
• Fertilise: Giving the plants in your wall terrarium the nutrients they need to grow strong and produce lush foliage is as simple as fertilising them. Be sure to feed every 2 weeks or so during the spring and summer months with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Building a Wall Terrarium terrarium is a fun and rewarding project that brings nature into your living or workspace. By considering the factors mentioned and following our step by step guide, you can create a thriving and visually stunning display. So, unleash your creativity and let your walls bloom with life!

If you don’t have a place to hang your Wall Terrarium, you can design your own miniature ecosystem by following our Terrarium instructions.

Are you looking for additional plant options for hanging? Have a look at our 4 Imaginative Ways to Create a Hanging Display or consider 8 Styling Ideas for Indoor Plant Shelves.

Image 1 Credit: terrariumcreations.com