Adding Lichens to Terrariums – Yes, You Can!

Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens typically filled with small plants, mosses, and other natural elements to create a lush, enclosed world While mosses are a common terrarium inhabitant, you may wonder if lichens can also survive and thrive within these glass containers The answer is yes – lichens can make a fantastic addition to open terrariums when their needs are met.

What are Lichens?

Lichens are composite organisms that form a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria The body of a lichen is made up of fungal filaments while the algae or cyanobacteria provide food through photosynthesis. Lichens grow on various surfaces like rocks, soil, bark, and more Common types include crustose, foliose, and fruticose lichens.

Benefits of Adding Lichens to Terrariums

There are several reasons you may want to incorporate lichens into your terrarium design:

• Provide visual interest – lichens have unique shapes, textures, and colors that add diversity.

• Complement mosses – lichens and mosses often grow together in nature.

• Add height/structure – fruticose lichens can provide vertical accents.

• Accent other elements – lichens can be used to enhance plants, hardscape, etc.

• Give an aged look – lichens can make a terrarium seem older and more established.

• Bring nature indoors – lichens evoke a sense of the outdoors/forests.

Best Lichens for Terrariums

Good lichen choices for terrariums include:

• Cladonia (cup lichens) – hollow, goblet-shaped lichens that come in green, gray, and red varieties. Slow growing.

• Parmotrema – foliose lichens with round lobes and powdery, gray-green surfaces. Tolerates some sun.

• Usnea (old man’s beard) – shrubby, hanging fruticose lichens with bushy strands. Can reach 6+ inches long.

• Xanthoparmelia – a crustose lichen that forms small yellow-green mats on rocks. Easy to grow.

• Peltigera – ground-hugging, dog-lichens with furrowed gray-blue surfaces. Does well in humid environments.

Lichen Care Tips for Terrariums

• Most lichens prefer humid, shady conditions similar to terrariums. Select species suited to your container’s environment.

• Give lichens medium to low light. Avoid direct sunlight which can dry them out.

• Plant lichens in areas of the terrarium that get air circulation to prevent mold.

• Use shallow, wide containers as lichens have shallow roots and require airflow.

• Water sparingly, ideally through light misting. Saturated lichens are prone to rotting.

• Trim lichens if they start overgrowing. Old strands can be re-planted to propagate.

• Watch for pests like mites that can attack stressed lichens. Isolate and treat if found.

• Remove dead or dying lichens promptly to prevent issues from spreading.

Pairing Lichens with Other Terrarium Elements

Lichens pair nicely with:

• Mosses – grow together naturally and have similar care needs.

• Miniature ferns and foliage – lichens act as epiphytes growing on plants.

• Succulents like sedum, sempervivum – contrasting textures.

• Concrete, rocks, gravel – lichens grow on stony surfaces in nature.

• Wood, cork, rotting wood – can resemble lichen-covered forest floor.

• Figurines, miniatures – enhances sense of a little world.

Ready to Add Lichens to Your Terrariums?

With their diversity and natural beauty, lichens can be a lovely addition to open indoor gardens. Select hardy species suited to the terrarium environment, provide proper care, and partner with compatible elements. Maintain ideal humidity and airflow levels in your container, mist occasionally, and avoid overwatering or prolonged sun exposure. Let your lichen-filled mini-world flourish! What combinations of lichens and other plants/materials do you recommend for great terrariums?