Air plant terrariums are a beautiful and easy way to display Tillandsias. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create stunning displays that showcase the unique beauty of these fascinating plants. You’ll find examples and ideas that will inspire you below.
Due to their low-maintenance air plants can be presented in practically any glass object. For example, hanging glode and teardrop terrariums add depth and dimension to a room while creating a stunning focal point.
You can even create miniature landscapes within your terrariums by using different substrates, like sand, gravel, or lichens, to mimic natural habitats.
Some enthusiasts add small figurines, miniature houses, or other decorative elements to create whimsical or enchanting scenes.
- Creative Ways to Showcase Your Air Plants
- Multi-colored Sand Based Terrariums
- Cloche Terrariums With Wooden Bases
- Crystal Themed Terrariums
- Sea Shell Terrariums and Air Plant Jellyfish
- Using Colored Tissue or Craft Paper
- Large Air Plant Terrariums
- Teardrop and Globe Terrariums
- Wine Glass Terrariums
- Triangular Framed Terrariums
Creative Ways to Showcase Your Air Plants
Tillandsia terrariums offer endless possibilities for crafting unique and captivating arrangements. From modern geometric designs to miniature landscapes, an air plant terrarium will add a touch of greenery to your home and showcase your plants in the most imaginative ways.
Whether you prefer sleek and minimalist or bold and eclectic there’s a terrarium display that will enhance your home decor. These fascinating plants combined with glass structures of different shapes and sizes can transform your living spaces into works of art.
This simple geometric air plant terrarium with a single tilly inside looks absolutely stunning.

I hope these air plant terrarium ideas and displays jump-start your creativity.
Multi-colored Sand Based Terrariums
I love the layered effect created in this terrarium. The multi-colored sand captures your attention and draws you in. Some species of air plants grow on the sand in nature so it’s a good choice of materials.
This display is small but very effective and goes to show that big isn’t always better. Having said that perhaps a taller species of air plant would look more visually appealing in this case.

I’ve seen different colors of sand used to create circular swirls within the base layer of terrariums, which looks amazing, but I have no idea how to replicate that effect.
Cloche Terrariums With Wooden Bases
This type of terrarium is very attractive. The combination of glass and wood goes so well together. However, air plants need good air circulation to thrive so you may need to remove the glass cloche from time to time or better still rotate your plants by swapping them every few days.
The shells help to keep the plants upright but they’ll look just as good standing freely by themselves.

A single-cloche terrarium looks awesome. However, a collection of several different shapes and sizes can have an even greater impact.
Crystal Themed Terrariums
I wasn’t sure if I liked this crystal-themed terrarium at first but somehow it just works. It just goes to show that air plants are versatile and their interesting shapes can bring a touch of elegance to any display.
Another plant or two would have added even more contrast to this terrarium.

Crystals come in many colors. Imagine a flowering Tillandsia Ionantha Druid showcasing its wonderful yellow flowers next to a crystal with a yellow tinge or vein inside.

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Sea Shell Terrariums and Air Plant Jellyfish
The use of shells is very popular in air plant terrariums. There are thousands of different types of sea shells to choose from so it comes down to personal preference when selecting the shells for your display.
If you’re going for the full-on beach vibe you can also add sand, starfish, and pebbles too.
These sea shell terrariums contain “air plant jellyfish” – upside-down Tillandsias inserted into empty sea urchin shells. Before you ask, yes, air plants can grow upside-down, as they often do in nature.

Many enthusiasts hang air-plant jellyfish outside of a terrarium as a standalone display. You don’t have to use shells either as upturned or purpose-built ceramic or glass pots will create a similar effect.
Using Colored Tissue or Craft Paper
Colored tissue paper can be a creative and visually appealing addition to an air plant terrarium, adding a splash of color and texture to your display. You can be very creative or keep it simple …
A bed of crumpled or shredded tissue paper with an air plant placed on top can look attractive on its own. However, if you’re a dab-hand at origami you can make tissue or craft paper plants and flowers to enhance your displays both in and around your terrariums.

My crafting skills are pretty much non-existent so I’m not the best person to give you advice in this area. However, colored tissue paper can also be used to create colorful backdrops behind terrariums in a bohemian way.
Large Air Plant Terrariums
The larger the terrarium the more options you have to create a stunning masterpiece and perhaps a more natural display. I love the natural look of this terrarium, enhanced by the wide frame.
The glass tray at the bottom of this terrarium is a clever idea and makes for easy maintenance. This terrarium in particular reminds me of a desert landscape.

The variety of plants in this larger terrarium makes it a real showstopper. The contrasting shades of green and white look awesome.
Teardrop and Globe Terrariums
A single teardrop or globe terrarium can look attractive on its own. However, a group of three or a larger collection, like the one below, will look amazing. This display incorporates both teardrops and globes.
The addition of more plants on the window sill creates a wonderful green space in this home. When it gets dark outside and the lights in the room reflect on the glass these terrariums are going to look magical.

You can use rope, fishing line, or wire to hang your mini terrariums. Note how the ropes in these terrariums are knotted at the bottom to make it easier to hang these micro-habitats.
Wine Glass Terrariums
If you live a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to create more elaborate terrarium displays then this next idea is for you. Keep it simple, with these wine-glass terrariums. A small selection of different-shaped wine glasses is all you need to create a mini display.
The dark sand and plants in this display go well together and instantly make me think of nature and landscapes. I love the addition of the darker stones towards the bottom of the glasses, it’s a nice touch.

Any glass object can be used to create a terrarium such as spare glass bowls or vases for example. A relatively flat bowl with 5-7 different species of air plants dotted around may be enough for your display.
Triangular Framed Terrariums
Triangular terrariums are very chic and modern looking. However, they can look a bit too much like greenhouses if the frames are made of light-colored wood. This lead-framed terrarium is beautiful and has a dated appearance.
I would prop the door open a few inches to allow for better air circulation which is important for air plants and helps to prevent rotting. This would also help to prevent any condensation from building up on the inside of the terrarium.

If I could only choose one type of terrarium for my home I would choose a triangular framed terrarium or a collection of hanging spheres and teardrops. All three shapes are good at reflecting light during evening hours which adds more interest and depth to the display.
