A terrarium glass cloche is one of the most elegant ways to grow plants indoors. These domed glass covers not only create a charming display but also give your plants a self-sustaining environment. A glass cloche traps humidity and warmth, making it perfect for plants that thrive in a moist and stable climate. If you want to grow a miniature indoor garden that looks beautiful on a table, shelf, or desk, a terrarium glass cloche is an ideal choice.
In this post, you will learn what plants grow best under a glass cloche, how to plant them, and how to care for your indoor terrarium so it stays healthy and lush.
Why Choose a Glass Cloche for Plants
A glass cloche is more than just decoration. It acts like a greenhouse in miniature, keeping moisture in and protecting plants from drafts. This helps reduce watering needs and creates a steady microclimate that encourages growth. Because the air inside stays humid, you will find that tropical plants, mosses, and ferns do especially well under glass.
Another benefit is the way a cloche enhances the beauty of your plants. The clear glass dome magnifies their natural details and makes them the centerpiece of any room. Whether you prefer a modern, vintage, or rustic style, a terrarium glass cloche can fit into your home décor effortlessly.
Best Plants to Grow Under a Glass Cloche
The key to success with a terrarium cloche is choosing plants that love humidity and do not need much airflow. Dry-air plants like succulents or cacti are not the best choice because they can rot in the damp environment. Instead, focus on moisture-loving plants that stay small and compact.
Mosses
Moss is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow under glass. It thrives in damp conditions and forms a soft green carpet that looks stunning in a cloche. Moss does not need direct sunlight and will grow happily with moderate light.
Ferns
Miniature ferns such as maidenhair ferns, button ferns, or bird’s nest ferns are ideal for terrariums. Their delicate fronds love the extra humidity, and they stay lush with little care. Since ferns do not tolerate dry air, a glass cloche helps them flourish indoors.
Nerve Plants (Fittonia)
Fittonia, also called the nerve plant, adds color and texture to a cloche terrarium. Its striking veined leaves come in shades of pink, white, or red. This plant thrives in low to medium light and loves the constant humidity a glass dome provides.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia)
This plant creates a dense mat of tiny leaves that spill beautifully across the soil. Baby’s tears are perfect for ground cover under a cloche and make a lush backdrop for other plants.
Miniature Orchids
Some small orchids such as Masdevallia or jewel orchids thrive in high humidity. When grown under glass, they produce delicate flowers and glossy foliage. They add elegance and a tropical touch to your terrarium.
Peperomia
Dwarf peperomia varieties with small round leaves work well under a cloche. They tolerate humidity and stay compact, making them an excellent choice for a miniature garden.
Carnivorous Plants
Some carnivorous plants such as sundews and butterworts enjoy humid conditions. Under a cloche, they receive the damp environment they need while also being showcased as unique specimens.
How to Plant in a Terrarium Glass Cloche
Planting under glass is simple but requires the right setup. Since a cloche does not have drainage holes, you need to prepare the base carefully to avoid excess water buildup.
Step 1: Choose a Base
Select a shallow dish, wooden tray, or terrarium base that fits your glass cloche. The base should be waterproof and sturdy enough to support the dome.
Step 2: Add Drainage Layers
Start with a layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom. This prevents plant roots from sitting in water. On top of the gravel, add a thin layer of activated charcoal. Charcoal keeps the terrarium fresh by filtering the water and preventing odors or mold.
Step 3: Add Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix designed for terrariums. For ferns, moss, and tropical plants, a mix of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil works well. Spread the soil evenly but keep it shallow to allow room for the cloche to fit over the plants.
Step 4: Plant Carefully
Arrange your chosen plants inside, starting with taller plants in the center and shorter ones around the edges. Gently press the roots into the soil and cover them lightly. Add patches of moss to fill gaps and create a natural look.
Step 5: Water Lightly
Mist the soil lightly with a spray bottle. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause rot. The goal is to create a slightly damp environment that will maintain itself under the glass.
Step 6: Cover with the Glass Cloche
Once everything is planted, place the glass dome over the arrangement. Within a day or two, you will notice condensation forming inside, showing that the environment is sealed and self-sustaining.
Caring for Plants Under a Glass Cloche
Even though plants under glass require less maintenance than regular houseplants, they still need proper care. With the right attention, your terrarium will thrive for months and even years.
Light Requirements
Most cloche plants do best in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your glass cloche in direct sunlight because the glass can magnify the heat and scorch the plants. A north or east-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, you can use a small grow light.
Watering
One of the biggest mistakes with glass cloche terrariums is overwatering. Since the dome traps humidity, the soil rarely dries out. Watch for condensation on the glass. If there is too much moisture, lift the cloche for a few hours to let the excess evaporate. If the soil looks dry, mist lightly with water.
Air Circulation
Although plants love the humidity under glass, they still need occasional airflow. Lift the cloche every week or two to let in fresh air. This prevents mold and keeps plants healthy.
Fertilizing
Because plants under glass grow slowly, they need only light feeding. Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every two to three months. Too much fertilizer can cause rapid growth, which may overcrowd the small space.
Cleaning the Glass
Over time, the glass may collect dust or mineral spots. Wipe the cloche gently with a damp cloth to keep it clear and sparkling. Clean glass not only looks better but also allows more light to reach your plants.
Pruning and Trimming
As your plants grow, trim back any overgrown leaves or stems. Regular pruning keeps them compact and prevents the terrarium from becoming crowded. Remove any dead leaves right away to avoid mold growth.
Decorating Your Glass Cloche Terrarium
A terrarium glass cloche is not just about growing plants—it is also about creating a miniature landscape. You can add small stones, driftwood, shells, or figurines to enhance the design. Layering different plants and textures makes the display more interesting. For example, combine moss at the base with a small fern and a Fittonia for color. The possibilities are endless, and each cloche can be a unique piece of living art.
Common Problems and Solutions
Like any indoor garden, terrarium cloches can face challenges. The most common issues are mold, overwatering, or plants outgrowing the space. To prevent mold, make sure to air out the terrarium regularly. To avoid overwatering, mist lightly instead of pouring water. If plants get too large, trim them back or replace them with smaller varieties. With simple adjustments, your cloche can stay balanced and healthy.
Final Thoughts on Terrarium Glass Cloches
A terrarium glass cloche is a timeless way to grow plants indoors. It combines beauty, simplicity, and function in one piece. By choosing the right plants, preparing the soil correctly, and caring for them with light misting and proper airflow, you can enjoy a thriving miniature garden that requires very little effort. Whether you grow moss, ferns, or colorful Fittonia, your cloche will bring a touch of nature and elegance into your home.
If you want an easy, attractive, and rewarding gardening project, try planting under a terrarium glass cloche. With the right care, your little indoor garden will stay green, healthy, and enchanting all year long.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Bonsai, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!