Echeveria
Crassulaceae family
This family of plants is characterized by its flamboyance. It comes in various colors and shapes, so abundant variation can be achieved even in a terrarium composed exclusively of echeveria.

Echeveria topsy turvy
[Spring/fall grower] This type gets its name from its leaves, which appear to be attached the wrong way around. In the fall, the entire plant turns a pale pink

Echeveria kirchneriana
[Spring/fall grower] The leaf tips of this succulent are a subtle shade of pink. It has orange flowers.

Echeveria harmsii
[Summer grower] Also known as the plush plant, it is characterized by its leaves, which are covered in a light fuzz. In the fall, the leaves turn red at the tips and create an attractive contrast with the green.

Echeveria opal
[Summer grower] This fleshy succulent has beautiful purple leaves. As its leaves remain this color year-round, it works well as an accent in a terrarium.
Haworthia
Liliaceae family
In the translucent varieties, the leaf tips act as lenses, turning the entire plant a clear green. Hardy against cold and heat, it’s a genus that is easy to grow.

Haworthia cymbiformis (variegated)
[Spring/fall grower] The yellow running through the green leaves and the translucent “windows” at the leaf tips are typical of a Haworthia. In comparison with other succulents, these plants favor shaded areas.

Haworthia viscosa
[Spring/fall grower] This type is defined by its trio of leaves that grow in layers. Its deep, serene green color provides an accent when incorporated into a terrarium of vivid verdant tones.

Haworthia turgida
[Spring/fall grower] This Haworthia has tough yellow-green leaves. It maintains its color yearround, but be aware of its vulnerability to strong light.

Haworthia attenuate
[Spring/fall grower] White horizontal stripes are the defining characteristic of this thick-leaved type. Even within the same type, some of the white stripes are broad and others are finer, so choose a specimen that complements the other plants you are using.

Haworthia retusa kotobuki
[Spring/fall grower] Vertical white markings define this type. Although somber in coloring and small in stature, this is a plant with plenty of presence.

Haworthia vittata
[Spring/fall grower] The juicy green shade of this plant is eye-catching. It dislikes strong light, so it is recommended to grow it with Haworthias, Gasterias and other plants that need to be kept out of direct sunlight.
Sedum
Crassulaceae family
Even among succulents, the Sedum genus stands out for its many varieties and chubby leaves. All its varieties are hardy, making it an easy plant for beginners to grow.

Sedum rubrotinctum
[Spring/fall grower] Both the chubby leaves and the stem of this plant are hardy, and as it is suited to being grown from cuttings, even beginners will find it easy to grow. In this variety, the combination of hues is especially attractive when the leaves change color.

Sedum cape blanco
[Spring/fall grower] This Sedum grows in a dome shape. Its entire surface is powdery white, with yellow flowers blooming in spring. It likes the cold but is vulnerable in summer, so care is needed.

Sedum pachyphyllum
[Spring/fall grower] This type gets its Japanese name, “Maiden’s mind” from the blush of pink that appears at the tip of the leaves when they change color. It works as an accent in a terrarium.

Sedum golden glow
[Spring/fall grower] This type does not change color, maintaining a yellow hue all year round. For this reason, it can be planted with other Sedum to create a delightful color scheme.

Sedum adolphii
[spring/fall grower] A glossy yellow color characterizes this type.

Sedum treleasei
[Spring/fall grower] Plump, vibrant blue-green leaves define this type.
Gasteria
Liliaceae family
While most succulents are hardy, this is a particularly hardy genus. Patterns form on the center of the fleshy leaves and it also flowers. The flowers’ resemblance to a stomach (Latin: gaster) is what gives the plant its name.

Gasteria gracilis var. minima (variegated)
[Summer grower] The patchy patterns on the leaves define this variety.

Gasteria glomerata
[Summer grower] This Gasteria has plump, rounded orange flowers and whitish-tinged leaves.
Crassula
Crassulaceae family
These plants are characterized by their charming flower petals. The varieties whose leaves are fleshy and covered in fuzz are vulnerable to heat, so it’s important to keep them well ventilated and water sparingly.

Crassula tetragona
[Summer grower] This type is defined by the way it grows, stretching upwards. The stem becomes woodier as it grows.

Crassula sarmentosa
[Summer grower] The leaves of this type turn red around the edges in the fall. The stem turns red and grows in a vertical direction.

Crassula ovata
[Spring/fall grower] The round, thick shape of the leaves gives rise to this plant’s alternative name, money tree. It is defined by the red tinge at the tips of the leaves.
Crassula marnieriana
[Summer grower] This succulent is characterized by the winding fashion in which it grows. Grow it in combination with plants twisting in different directions for an attractive result.
More from Miniature Terrariums:
Excerpted from Miniature Terrariums by Fourwords and reprinted with permission from Tuttle Publishing, 2018.
Succulents
Along with gorgeous photos packed with design ideas, Baldwin offers her top 100 plant picks and explains how to grow and care for succulents … no matter where you live. Step-by-step projects, including a cake stand centerpiece, special occasion bouquets, a vertical garden and a succulent topiary sphere, will inspire you to express your individual style. Order from the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Store or by calling 800-234-3368.