Best Plants to Grow Inside an Enclosure

Creating a thriving indoor ecosystem can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, especially when it comes to cultivating plants inside an enclosure. Whether you’re building a terrarium, vivarium, or a simple glass container, selecting the right plants is crucial for achieving a healthy and sustainable environment. Enclosures provide controlled humidity, temperature, and light conditions, which can be perfect for certain species that thrive in such microclimates.

In this article, we will explore some of the best plants to grow inside an enclosure, focusing on their environmental needs, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with typical enclosure inhabitants such as reptiles, amphibians, or small insects.

Why Grow Plants Inside an Enclosure?

Before diving into plant selections, it’s important to understand the benefits of growing plants inside enclosures:

Humidity regulation: Live plants help maintain humidity by transpiring water vapor.
Oxygen production: Photosynthesis adds fresh oxygen to the enclosure.
Natural cover: Provides hiding spots and climbing opportunities for animals.
Aesthetic enhancement: Creates a more natural and visually pleasing environment.
Soil stability: Roots help prevent substrate erosion and maintain structure.

Plants not only improve the wellbeing of your enclosure’s inhabitants but also enhance the overall microclimate and biodiversity.

Key Considerations When Choosing Plants

When selecting plants for an enclosure, keep these factors in mind:

Light requirements: Many enclosures have limited natural light; choose low-light or shade-tolerant plants if necessary.
Humidity levels: Tropical plants thrive in high humidity; desert dwellers may prefer drought-tolerant species.
Growth habit: Compact or slow-growing plants avoid overcrowding.
Toxicity: Ensure plants are non-toxic to your enclosure’s animals.
Root system: Shallow-rooted plants are ideal for shallow substrates common in enclosures.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance plants reduce the need for constant care.

With these considerations in place, you can select plants that will flourish in your specific setup.

Best Plants for High-Humidity Enclosures

High-humidity enclosures are typical for tropical reptiles and amphibians like dart frogs, tree frogs, geckos, and anoles. These plants thrive in moist environments and often benefit from consistent misting and warm temperatures.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of the most popular choices due to its resilience and adaptability. It tolerates low light well and prefers humid conditions. Its trailing vines offer excellent hiding places and climbing surfaces.

Growth: Fast-growing vine
Light: Low to bright indirect
Care: Prefers moist substrate but not waterlogged
Benefits: Easy to propagate, purifies air

2. Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

This fast-growing vine clings well to surfaces, making it an excellent ground cover or wall plant inside vertical terrariums.

Growth: Creeping/climbing
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Care: Likes regular watering and humidity
Benefits: Great for creating lush backgrounds

3. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are epiphytic plants native to tropical rainforests. Their unique rosette shape collects water which can serve as a mini-water reservoir beneficial for amphibians.

Growth: Rosette-forming
Light: Bright indirect light
Care: Moderate watering; keep central cup filled with water
Benefits: Adds exotic flair; supports small fauna

4. Calathea

Known for their striking leaf patterns and colors, Calatheas thrive in low-light humid conditions. They add visual interest without overwhelming space.

Growth: Clumping foliage plant
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Care: Requires consistently moist soil
Benefits: Non-toxic; attractive foliage

5. Mosses (e.g., Java Moss, Sheet Moss)

Mosses are ideal for covering substrate or decor elements, helping retain moisture while providing excellent natural aesthetics.

Growth: Ground cover
Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Care: Keep moist consistently
Benefits: Easy to maintain; great humidity retention

Best Plants for Medium-Humidity Enclosures

Enclosures housing animals like crested geckos or certain snakes may require moderate humidity levels (40%-60%). These species balance between tropical and temperate climates.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants adapt well to various conditions and have arching leaves that provide good cover without taking up much substrate space.

Growth: Clumping with long arching leaves
Light: Indirect bright light preferred but tolerates low light
Care: Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between watering
Benefits: Air purifying; non-toxic

2. Peperomia

Peperomias come in many varieties with different leaf shapes and colors. They tend to be compact with shallow roots ideal for small enclosures.

Growth: Compact rosette or trailing forms
Light: Medium indirect light
Care: Moderate watering; avoid overwatering
Benefits: Slow-growing; good variety for visual interest

3. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia’s brightly veined leaves make it a favorite for adding color inside glass enclosures. It thrives in moderate humidity with consistent moisture.

Growth: Low-growing mat-forming plant
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Care: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Benefits: Attractive texture; covers substrate well

4. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants don’t require soil at all, which means they can be placed on rocks or wood inside enclosures without disturbing substrate layers.

Growth: Epiphytic rosettes
Light: Bright indirect light
Care: Mist regularly or soak weekly depending on humidity
Benefits: Unusual appearance; minimal soil needs

5. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Baby Tears create a carpet of tiny leaves that look charming in vivariums and terrariums alike. They prefer moderate humidity but can adapt well if misted regularly.

Growth: Ground cover mat-former
Light: Medium indirect light
Care: Keep soil moist
Benefits: Dense coverage; soft texture

Best Plants for Low-Humidity Enclosures

Desert-dwelling animals such as leopard geckos or bearded dragons require drier habitats where moisture-loving plants would struggle. Choose drought-tolerant species that can survive lower moisture levels inside the enclosure.

1. Succulents (e.g., Haworthia, Echeveria)

Succulents store water in their thick leaves making them perfect candidates for arid enclosure setups.

Growth: Rosette or spiky form
Light: Bright direct or indirect light
Care: Minimal watering required
Benefits: Low maintenance; sculptural forms

Note: Avoid succulents with sharp spines if housing delicate animals.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants tolerate dry air well and grow upright leaves that won’t interfere with animal movement.

Growth: Upright sword-shaped leaves
Light: Low to bright indirect
Care: Water sparingly
Benefits: Hardy; excellent air purifier

3. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)

Zebra plants boast striking striped foliage that thrives under moderate watering regimes suitable for semi-arid enclosures.

Growth: Bushy with broad leaves
Light: Bright indirect
Care: Allow topsoil to dry out between watering
Benefits: Decorative foliage

Note: Zebra Plants prefer somewhat higher humidity than true desert species but can tolerate brief dryness if watered correctly.

4. Euphorbia

Certain Euphorbia species resemble cacti but belong to a different family offering interesting shapes without requiring constant moisture.

Growth Form varies widely from shrubby to columnar
Light Needs bright light
Water Needs minimal water
Benefits ornamental diversity

Caution: Some Euphorbias exude irritating sap—make sure they’re safe around your pets.

Additional Tips for Growing Plants Inside Enclosures

To maximize plant health inside enclosed spaces:

Lighting: Use full-spectrum LED grow lights designed specifically for terrariums when natural sunlight is insufficient.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow to prevent mold growth by incorporating ventilation holes or fans as needed.
Substrate choice: Use sterile substrates like orchid bark mixes or coconut coir depending on moisture preferences.
Watering routines: Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot—check substrate moisture carefully.
Plant placement: Arrange taller plants toward the back or sides with ground covers in front to mimic natural layering.
Regular pruning: Maintain plant size so they don’t overwhelm enclosure inhabitants.
Check animal safety: Verify that all chosen plants are non-toxic to resident species before introduction.

Conclusion

Selecting the best plants for your enclosure depends largely on the climate you wish to simulate and the needs of your animals. Whether you opt for lush tropical foliage or hardy desert succulents, there is a wide variety of indoor-friendly species available that will bring life, color, and functional benefits into your enclosed ecosystem.

By considering factors such as humidity levels, lighting conditions, growth habits, and toxicity, you can create a balanced environment where both flora and fauna thrive harmoniously—leading to a beautiful and sustainable indoor habitat that mimics nature itself.

Growing plants inside an enclosure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also supports the health of its inhabitants by improving air quality, maintaining hydration levels, and providing shelter options—making it a truly worthwhile addition to any vivarium or terrarium project.