Ever wanted a lush, green garden but your Nairobi balcony is too sunny or your apartment too small? Pole, we get it. That’s where a closed terrarium comes in—a tiny, self-watering world in a jar. This list shows you the top five easiest plants to start with, perfect for beginners.
We’ll walk you through the best picks that thrive in our local climate, from tough succulents to humidity-loving ferns. You’ll learn how to create your own little ecosystem, a perfect project for those rainy Nairobi afternoons or to brighten up your workspace.
What Makes This List
We didn’t just pick any pretty plants. This list focuses on species that are forgiving for first-timers, easy to find in local nurseries around Nairobi or Mombasa, and can handle the warmth and occasional humidity swings we experience. They are chosen for their slow growth and low-maintenance nature, meaning less stress for you and a higher chance of your terrarium thriving for years. These are the real survivors, perfect for creating that lush, miniature jungle on your shelf.
1. The Tough-as-Nails Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
This plant is a superstar for closed terrariums because it tells you exactly what it needs. Its beautifully veined leaves will dramatically wilt when thirsty, then bounce back within hours after a little water. It thrives on the consistent humidity a sealed jar provides, eliminating guesswork.
Finding a Fittonia in Kenya is sawa. You can easily spot them in the plant sections of major supermarkets like Carrefour or at dedicated Nairobi nurseries like Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. Their dramatic “fainting” act makes them a fun, talking-point plant for your living room.
Use its wilting leaves as your perfect, natural watering indicator. Never let the soil get bone dry.
2. The Slow-Growing Miniature Fern (Polystichum tsus-simense)
For that authentic, lush forest floor look, this Korean Rock Fern is unbeatable. It stays compact and grows very slowly, so it won’t outgrow your glass container in a few months. Its dark green, leathery fronds add beautiful texture and a sense of ancient, cool greenery to your miniature world.
This fern appreciates the stable, moist environment a terrarium creates, which mimics the cool, humid air found in places like the Kakamega Forest. It’s a great way to bring a piece of that forest vibe into your urban Nairobi apartment without any of the maintenance hassles of a full-sized fern.
Place it in a slightly shadier spot within your terrarium to prevent the fronds from scorching.
3. The Unkillable Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
True to its name, this plant is so easy to propagate that you’ll be giving away baby plants to friends in no time. Its textured, deeply veived leaves have a stunning metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It loves humidity and spreads modestly, filling out space without taking over.
In Kenya, sharing plant cuttings is a common gesture of friendship. Starting with a Pilea means you can participate in this tradition directly from your terrarium. You can often find starter plants at affordable prices, sometimes under KES 300, at local plant swaps or markets like the Maasai Market.
Pinch off a stem with a node, pop it in moist soil, and you’ve got a new plant to share.
4. The Moss That Makes It All Look Real (Selaginella)
Often called Spike Moss, this isn’t a true moss but it plays the part perfectly. It forms a dense, carpet-like mat of tiny green leaves, creating that instant “forest floor” foundation. It is a humidity addict and will absolutely flourish in the moist, still air of a closed terrarium where other plants might struggle.
For the best results, source your Selaginella from reputable local nurseries that specialize in terrarium plants, rather than trying to collect it from the wild. This protects our local ecosystems and ensures you get a healthy, pest-free start. It’s the secret ingredient that makes your creation look professionally designed.
Keep it moist at all times and provide bright, indirect light for the most vibrant green colour.
5. The Architectural Star: Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
This plant creates a breathtaking cascade of tiny, round leaves that can drape over stones or form a perfect green hill. It grows quickly to cover bare soil, giving your terrarium a finished, mature look almost instantly. Its delicate appearance belies a tough nature in the right humid conditions.
While it loves moisture, be cautious during our hot, dry seasons (like January-February). Even in a closed terrarium, if placed in direct sun through a window, the internal heat can spike. A spot with bright but filtered light, similar to the dappled shade under a Nandi Flame tree, is ideal.
Trim it regularly with small scissors to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Ready to Build Your Own Miniature Jungle?
You now have a solid list of five resilient, easy-to-find plants that are perfect for starting your first closed terrarium. The key is choosing species that love humidity and grow slowly.
Your first stop should be a visit to a local nursery like those in Karen or along Ngong Road to see these plants in person. Grab a clear glass jar—an old jam or pickle container works perfectly—some charcoal, pebbles, and potting mix. Assemble your layers, plant your chosen starters, give them a light mist, and seal it up.
Starting this simple project this weekend could be the perfect, calming hobby to add a permanent spot of green to your home or office desk.
The Bottom Line
Creating a thriving closed terrarium in Kenya is less about having a green thumb and more about choosing the right, forgiving plants that suit our environment. By starting with these five hardy species, you’re setting yourself up for success with a low-maintenance, self-sustaining piece of nature. It’s a simple way to bring the calming beauty of a miniature ecosystem into your daily life.
So, pick your favourite two or three from this list, visit your nearest plant seller, and get your hands dirty—your own little glass-enclosed world is waiting to be built.
Frequently Asked Questions: Top 5 Best Plants for Closed Terrariums for Beginners in Kenya
Where is the best place in Kenya to buy all these plants at once?
For the widest selection, dedicated plant nurseries in major towns are your best bet. In Nairobi, areas like Karen, Ngong Road, and Limuru Road have several clustered together.
You can also find many of these plants at larger supermarket garden centres or by joining Kenyan gardening groups on Facebook, where members often sell cuttings.
Do I need a special kind of soil from abroad?
Hapana, you don’t! A standard, good-quality potting mix from a local agrovet or nursery works perfectly well. The key is ensuring it’s well-draining.
Just mix in some extra horticultural charcoal (also available locally) and small pebbles at the bottom to prevent root rot in the closed, humid environment.
My terrarium glass is getting foggy. Is this normal?
Yes, some condensation is normal and shows your mini-ecosystem is working. It should clear up during the day and reappear at night.
If it’s constantly dripping wet, you might have overwatered. Simply open the lid for a few hours to let some excess moisture evaporate.
Can I use a sealed bottle I find at home, like a soda bottle?
Absolutely! Upcycling glass jars or bottles is a fantastic and affordable way to start. An old jam jar, pickle container, or even a nice bottle makes a great first terrarium.
Just make sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and water first. The clear glass allows you to see all the beautiful layers you create.
What if a plant outgrows the terrarium?
This is a great problem to have—it means your plant is thriving! You can carefully prune it back with clean scissors to maintain the size and shape you want.
Alternatively, you can transplant it into a regular pot as a houseplant and start a new terrarium with a fresh cutting or a new starter plant.
