What Are the Different Types of Dish Garden Plant

Dish gardens, also known as tabletop gardens or terrariums, have become a popular way to bring a bit of green into any space. These miniature gardens are usually made up of a variety of small plants, stones, and other natural elements arranged in a shallow dish or container. Dish gardens are easy to care for and can be customized to fit any decor style.

If you’re interested in creating your own dish garden, you’ll want to choose plants that complement each other and thrive in similar environments. Here are some of the most popular types of plants for dish gardens.

Succulents

Succulents are a favorite choice for many dish garden enthusiasts. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and require very little water. Some popular succulent options include:

• Echeveria
• Sedum
• Haworthia
• Crassula
• Aloe

Succulents are perfect for beginners because they’re easy to care for and can tolerate a range of light conditions.

Cacti

Cacti are another type of plant that works well in dish gardens. Like succulents, cacti are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance. Some popular cactus options include:

• Barrel cactus
• Bunny ears cactus
• Christmas cactus
• Golden barrel cactus
• Star cactus

Cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for adding visual interest to your dish garden.

Ferns

Ferns are a great option if you’re looking for a plant that adds texture and movement to your dish garden. These delicate plants require more moisture than succulents or cacti, but they still thrive in high humidity environments. Some popular fern options include:

• Boston fern
• Maidenhair fern
• Bird’s nest fern
• Staghorn fern
• Japanese painted fern

Ferns can be a bit more challenging to care for than succulents or cacti, but they’re worth the effort if you want to add a touch of elegance to your dish garden.

Air Plants

Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are a unique type of plant that doesn’t require soil to grow. Instead, they absorb nutrients and moisture from the air around them. Air plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are perfect for adding a bit of whimsy to your dish garden. Some popular air plant options include:

• Spanish moss
• Ball moss
• Xerographica
• Bulbosa

Air plants are incredibly low-maintenance and can be displayed in a variety of creative ways.

Herbs

If you’re looking for a practical and attractive addition to your dish garden, herbs might be the way to go. Many herbs are compact enough to fit into a shallow dish or container and can be used in cooking or for their medicinal properties. Some popular herb options for dish gardens include:

• Thyme
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Oregano

Herbs require more frequent watering than succulents or cacti, but they’re still relatively easy to care for.

FAQ

Do I need a special container for my dish garden?

Not necessarily. You can use any shallow dish or container that’s big enough to hold your plants and other elements. Make sure your container has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

How often should I water my dish garden?

It depends on the type of plants you’re using and the environment they’re in. Succulents and cacti require minimal watering, while ferns and herbs need more frequent watering. The best way to determine when your plants need water is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Can I mix different types of plants in my dish garden?

Absolutely! In fact, mixing different types of plants can create a more interesting and dynamic display. Just make sure the plants you choose have similar light and moisture requirements.

How much light does my dish garden need?

Again, it depends on the type of plants you’re using. Most succulents and cacti prefer bright, indirect light, while ferns and some herbs need more shade. Make sure you research the specific needs of your plants before creating your dish garden.

Can I fertilize my dish garden?

Yes, but be careful not to over-fertilize. Most dish garden plants don’t require frequent fertilization, so a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year should be sufficient.

In conclusion, creating a dish garden is an easy and affordable way to bring some greenery into any space. By choosing the right combination of plants and other elements, you can create a miniature garden that’s both attractive and low-maintenance. Experiment with different types of plants and containers until you find the perfect combination for your home or office.