Choosing the best plants for jumping spider terrarium is essential for creating a healthy, enriching habitat that mimics their natural environment. Jumping spiders are active, curious hunters that thrive in well-planted enclosures that provide climbing structures, hiding spots, and humidity regulation. The right plants enhance your spider’s quality of life while creating a beautiful, naturalistic display.

Jumping spiders (Salticidae family) are among the most popular pet invertebrates due to their charming behavior, excellent eyesight, and interactive nature. Unlike web-building spiders, jumping spiders are active hunters that rely on vision and agility to capture prey. In captivity, they benefit greatly from a terrarium filled with live plants that offer vertical climbing surfaces, sheltered retreats, and optimal humidity levels. Selecting safe, non-toxic plants that can thrive in the same conditions as your jumping spider is crucial for a successful enclosure.

The best plants for jumping spider terrariums are those that are non-toxic to arachnids, tolerate moderate to high humidity, and provide structural complexity. From the versatile Pothos to the compact Fittonia, each plant offers unique benefits that contribute to a bioactive, self-sustaining environment. Whether you’re a first-time spider keeper or an experienced hobbyist, there’s a plant selection suited for every terrarium size and style.

In this guide, we will review the top 15 plants ideally suited for jumping spider terrariums, examining their safety, growth habits, and care requirements. With the right plants, you can create a stunning, bioactive habitat that your jumping spider will love.

Top 15 Best Plants For Jumping Spider Terrarium

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Best Overall Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Pothos is a versatile, hardy plant that is widely considered the best overall choice for jumping spider terrariums. Its fast-growing vines provide excellent climbing opportunities and create a lush, jungle-like environment. The heart-shaped leaves offer ample hiding spots, while the trailing vines give your spider plenty of vertical space to explore and hunt.

Pothos is extremely forgiving and thrives in the moderate to high humidity conditions that jumping spiders require. It tolerates low to bright indirect light, making it suitable for most terrarium lighting setups. The plant is non-toxic to invertebrates and can be easily propagated, ensuring you always have a healthy supply of plants for your enclosure.

For jumping spider keepers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance plant, Pothos delivers exceptional results. Its rapid growth provides continuous enrichment for your spider, and the broad leaves catch water droplets that serve as a drinking source. The plant also helps maintain humidity levels by releasing moisture through transpiration.

Pros:

• Fast-growing and hardy
• Provides excellent climbing structure
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic to spiders
• Easy to propagate
• Creates naturalistic hiding spots
• Affordable and widely available

Cons:

• Can grow quickly and need trimming
• May outgrow small terrariums
• Sap can irritate skin (wear gloves)

2. Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis) – Best Compact Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Fittonia, also known as the nerve plant, is a compact, low-growing plant that is perfect for smaller jumping spider terrariums. Its striking leaves feature intricate vein patterns in white, pink, or red, adding vibrant color and texture to your enclosure. The dense, creeping growth habit provides excellent ground cover and hiding spots for your spider.

Fittonia thrives in high humidity and low to moderate light, making it ideal for the conditions jumping spiders prefer. The plant stays relatively small, typically reaching only 4-6 inches in height, making it perfect for nano and small terrariums. Its broad leaves hold water droplets, providing a hydration source for your spider.

For keepers of smaller jumping spider species or those with limited enclosure space, Fittonia is an excellent choice. Its compact size and colorful foliage create a visually stunning terrarium while providing ample hiding and hunting opportunities for your spider.

Pros:

• Compact size for small terrariums
• Colorful, striking foliage
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic to spiders
• Provides ground cover
• Holds water droplets for drinking
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Sensitive to overwatering
• Requires consistent humidity
• May wilt if conditions fluctuate

3. Bromeliads (Neoregalia spp.) – Best Hiding Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Bromeliads are stunning tropical plants that provide exceptional hiding and resting spots for jumping spiders. Their rosette-shaped leaves create natural cups that trap water, providing a reliable hydration source for your spider. The textured leaves and structural complexity offer endless exploration opportunities for curious hunters.

Bromeliads thrive in the warm, humid conditions of a jumping spider terrarium and tolerate low to moderate light. They are epiphytic, meaning they can be mounted on wood or rocks, saving valuable floor space. The colorful foliage adds a tropical aesthetic that enhances any enclosure.

For keepers seeking to create a rich, bioactive environment, bromeliads are an excellent addition. Their water-holding cups serve as a natural water source, and the dense foliage provides security for molting and resting. The plants are safe for all jumping spider species.

Pros:

• Water-holding cups provide hydration
• Excellent hiding and molting spots
• Thrives in warm, humid conditions
• Epiphytic (can be mounted)
• Colorful and aesthetic
• Safe for jumping spiders
• Long-lasting plants

Cons:

• Sharp leaf edges on some varieties
• Water cups can breed bacteria
• Requires proper drainage

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Best Climbing Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Spider plants are excellent additions to jumping spider terrariums, offering tall, arching leaves that create natural climbing structures. The green and white striped foliage adds visual interest, while the plant’s durability and adaptability make it perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

Spider plants thrive in moderate humidity and tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. The plant produces long stems with baby spiderettes that dangle, creating additional climbing and resting opportunities for your jumping spider. The non-toxic nature makes it completely safe for your invertebrate pet.

For keepers with taller terrariums, spider plants provide excellent vertical structure. The arching leaves create natural bridges and perches that jumping spiders love to use for hunting and exploring. The plant also helps maintain healthy humidity levels.

Pros:

• Tall, arching leaves for climbing
• Produces spiderettes for propagation
• Thrives in moderate humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Adaptable to various lighting
• Low maintenance
• Great for taller enclosures

Cons:

• Can grow large for small terrariums
• Requires occasional trimming
• May need repotting over time

5. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) – Best Low-Growing Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Peperomia is a diverse genus of plants that includes many low-growing, compact varieties perfect for jumping spider terrariums. The thick, succulent leaves come in various shapes, colors, and textures, adding visual interest to your enclosure. The small size makes it ideal for foreground planting.

Peperomia thrives in moderate humidity and low to bright indirect light. The compact growth habit provides excellent ground cover and hiding spots for smaller jumping spiders. The thick leaves hold moisture and create microclimates that benefit your spider’s health.

For keepers seeking variety in their terrarium planting, Peperomia offers numerous options. Its slow growth and manageable size make it perfect for nano and small terrariums. The plant is completely safe for jumping spiders and other invertebrates.

Pros:

• Compact, low-growing habit
• Variety of colors and textures
• Thrives in moderate humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Slow growing
• Excellent ground cover
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Can be sensitive to overwatering
• Limited climbing structure
• Some varieties are slow to establish

6. Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum) – Best Climbing Vine For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Syngonium, also known as arrowhead vine, is a climbing plant that provides excellent vertical structure for jumping spider terrariums. The distinctive arrowhead-shaped leaves add visual interest, and the fast-growing vines create a jungle-like environment. The plant adapts well to terrarium conditions and is easy to maintain.

Syngonium thrives in moderate to high humidity and tolerates low to bright indirect light. The climbing vines offer endless opportunities for your jumping spider to explore, hunt, and build retreats. The broad leaves provide ample hiding spots and collect water droplets for drinking.

For keepers creating a bioactive, jungle-inspired terrarium, Syngonium is an excellent choice. Its rapid growth fills in the enclosure quickly, creating a lush environment that your jumping spider will love. The plant is non-toxic and safe for all invertebrate pets.

Pros:

• Fast-growing climbing vine
• Excellent vertical structure
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Broad leaves provide hiding spots
• Creates jungle aesthetic
• Easy to propagate

Cons:

• Can grow rapidly and need trimming
• May outgrow small terrariums
• Can become leggy without pruning

7. Ferns (Various Species) – Best Texture Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Ferns are classic terrarium plants that add lush texture and a naturalistic feel to jumping spider enclosures. Species like the Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, and Rabbit’s Foot Fern offer delicate fronds that create dense hiding spots and climbing opportunities. The fine foliage provides microclimates that benefit humidity regulation.

Ferns thrive in the high humidity conditions that jumping spiders require and tolerate low to moderate light. The dense, feathery fronds create a soft, natural environment that mimics the leaf litter and understory where jumping spiders are found in the wild. The plants are completely safe for invertebrates.

For keepers seeking to create a lush, naturalistic enclosure, ferns are an excellent choice. Their varied heights and textures add depth and complexity to the terrarium, providing endless enrichment for your jumping spider. The plants help maintain stable humidity levels.

Pros:

• Lush, naturalistic appearance
• Creates dense hiding spots
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Variety of sizes and textures
• Excellent humidity regulation
• Adds depth to the terrarium

Cons:

• Can be delicate and sensitive
• May require higher humidity
• Some species are slow growing

8. Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) – Best Wall-Climbing Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Creeping Fig is a versatile plant that climbs walls and hardscape surfaces, creating a stunning green backdrop for your jumping spider terrarium. The small, heart-shaped leaves cover surfaces quickly, providing a naturalistic environment that your spider will love to explore. The dense growth creates excellent hiding spots.

Creeping Fig thrives in high humidity and moderate light, making it perfect for jumping spider enclosures. The plant adheres to surfaces with small roots, creating a living wall that enhances the aesthetic of any terrarium. The dense foliage provides security for molting and resting.

For keepers wanting to create a truly immersive, naturalistic environment, Creeping Fig is a must-have. Its ability to cover backgrounds and hardscape creates a seamless, living habitat that mimics the natural environments of jumping spiders. The plant is safe for all invertebrate pets.

Pros:

• Climbs walls and hardscape
• Creates living wall effect
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Dense foliage for hiding
• Fast-growing and easy to maintain
• Enhances terrarium aesthetic

Cons:

• Can be invasive if not trimmed
• May damage surfaces over time
• Requires regular pruning

9. Ivy (Hedera helix) – Best Trailing Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Ivy is a classic trailing plant that adds elegance and vertical interest to jumping spider terrariums. The dark green, lobed leaves create a dense canopy that provides excellent hiding and hunting opportunities. The trailing vines allow your spider to explore multiple levels of the enclosure.

Ivy thrives in moderate to high humidity and tolerates low to bright indirect light. The long vines can be trained along branches, walls, or the substrate, creating a naturalistic, multi-tiered environment. The dense foliage provides security for molting and resting periods.

For keepers seeking a classic, elegant plant for their terrarium, Ivy is an excellent choice. Its adaptability and hardiness make it suitable for a range of enclosure types, and the trailing habit adds vertical complexity that jumping spiders love.

Pros:

• Trailing vines for climbing
• Dense foliage for hiding
• Thrives in moderate humidity
• Non-toxic to spiders
• Adds vertical interest
• Hardy and adaptable
• Classic aesthetic

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Requires regular trimming
• May harbor pests if not inspected

10. Calathea (Calathea spp.) – Best Foliage Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Calathea is a stunning foliage plant with beautifully patterned leaves that create a dramatic, tropical aesthetic in jumping spider terrariums. The bold, patterned leaves provide excellent visual interest and offer broad surfaces for your spider to explore. The plants are well-suited to the high humidity conditions of bioactive enclosures.

Calathea thrives in high humidity and low to moderate light, making it perfect for jumping spider terrariums. The broad, colorful leaves provide ample surface area for water droplets, creating a natural drinking source for your spider. The dense foliage offers security and hiding spots.

For keepers seeking a show-stopping centerpiece plant, Calathea delivers exceptional beauty. Its striking foliage elevates the aesthetic of any terrarium while providing functional benefits for your jumping spider. The plant is completely safe for invertebrates.

Pros:

• Stunning patterned foliage
• Thrives in high humidity
• Broad leaves for climbing
• Non-toxic and safe
• Creates tropical aesthetic
• Excellent humidity regulation
• Centerpiece plant potential

Cons:

• Can be sensitive to conditions
• Higher price point
• Requires consistent care

11. Mosses (Various Species) – Best Ground Cover For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Mosses are essential ground cover plants for jumping spider terrariums, creating a lush, green carpet that maintains humidity and provides a natural substrate. Species like Sphagnum Moss, Pillow Moss, and Java Moss create a soft, natural environment that jumping spiders love to explore. The dense growth provides micro-habitats for isopods and springtails in bioactive setups.

Mosses thrive in the high humidity conditions of jumping spider terrariums and require low to moderate light. The dense mat holds moisture, creating a humid microclimate that benefits your spider’s health. Mosses also provide a natural substrate for egg-laying and resting.

For keepers creating a bioactive enclosure, mosses are essential components. They support the cleanup crew, maintain humidity, and create a naturalistic environment that mimics the forest floor where many jumping spiders are found. The plants are safe for all invertebrates.

Pros:

• Excellent humidity retention
• Creates natural ground cover
• Supports bioactive cleanup crew
• Non-toxic and safe
• Variety of textures and colors
• Low light requirements
• Soft, natural surface

Cons:

• May need frequent misting
• Can be slow to establish
• Requires high humidity to thrive

12. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) – Best Colorful Trailing Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Wandering Jew is a fast-growing, trailing plant with stunning purple and green striped foliage. This vibrant plant adds a pop of color to jumping spider terrariums while providing excellent climbing and hiding opportunities. The trailing vines create a lush, jungle-like environment that jumping spiders love.

Wandering Jew thrives in moderate to high humidity and tolerates a range of lighting conditions. The fast-growing vines can be trained to climb or allowed to trail, creating vertical interest in your enclosure. The colorful foliage adds visual appeal while the dense growth provides security for your spider.

For keepers seeking a colorful, fast-growing plant, Wandering Jew is an excellent choice. Its vibrant foliage brightens any terrarium, and the rapid growth provides continuous enrichment for your jumping spider. The plant is non-toxic and safe for invertebrates.

Pros:

• Colorful striped foliage
• Fast-growing and adaptable
• Trailing habit for climbing
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Adds visual interest
• Easy to propagate

Cons:

• Can grow aggressively
• Requires regular trimming
• May become leggy without pruning

13. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.) – Best Soil-Free Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Air plants are unique, soil-free plants that add an exotic touch to jumping spider terrariums. These epiphytes absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them ideal for mounting on wood, cork, or rocks. The sculptural forms create interesting perching and climbing surfaces for your spider.

Air plants thrive in the high humidity conditions of jumping spider terrariums and require bright indirect light. They can be mounted on vertical surfaces, saving valuable floor space in your enclosure. The unique textures and shapes create visual interest while providing functional climbing surfaces.

For keepers seeking to maximize vertical space, air plants are an excellent solution. Their ability to grow without soil makes them perfect for mounting on background surfaces, and their low maintenance requirements suit busy keepers. The plants are safe for all jumping spiders.

Pros:

• No soil required
• Can be mounted vertically
• Thrives in high humidity
• Non-toxic and safe
• Variety of shapes and sizes
• Low maintenance
• Saves floor space

Cons:

• Requires regular misting
• Can be sensitive to water quality
• Needs good air circulation

14. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) – Best Large Foliage Plant For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, is a striking plant with large, patterned leaves that create a bold statement in jumping spider terrariums. The broad leaves provide excellent climbing and resting surfaces, while the dramatic foliage adds a tropical aesthetic. The plant is well-suited to taller enclosures.

Dieffenbachia thrives in moderate to high humidity and tolerates low to bright indirect light. The large leaves hold water droplets that serve as a natural drinking source for your jumping spider. The plant’s dense foliage offers security for molting and resting.

For keepers with larger terrariums, Dieffenbachia is an excellent centerpiece plant. Its bold foliage creates a dramatic visual impact while providing functional benefits for your jumping spider. The plant is safe for invertebrates when handled with care.

Pros:

• Large, dramatic foliage
• Broad leaves for climbing
• Thrives in moderate humidity
• Non-toxic to spiders
• Creates tropical aesthetic
• Good for taller enclosures
• Centerpiece plant potential

Cons:

• Sap can be irritating (handle with care)
• Requires more space
• Can be sensitive to overwatering

15. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) – Best Creeping Groundcover For Jumping Spider Terrarium

Baby’s Tears is a delicate, creeping groundcover that creates a lush, green carpet in jumping spider terrariums. The tiny, round leaves form a dense mat that retains moisture and provides a soft surface for your spider to explore. The plant is ideal for creating a naturalistic forest floor environment.

Baby’s Tears thrives in high humidity and low to moderate light, making it perfect for jumping spider enclosures. The dense growth holds moisture, creating a humid microclimate that benefits your spider’s health. The plant spreads quickly, filling in empty spaces and creating a lush, natural environment.

For keepers seeking a lush, carpet-like groundcover, Baby’s Tears is an excellent choice. Its soft, delicate foliage creates a beautiful foreground that contrasts with larger background plants, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your terrarium.

Pros:

• Dense, creeping groundcover
• Thrives in high humidity
• Soft, natural texture
• Non-toxic and safe
• Spreads quickly to fill space
• Excellent moisture retention
• Creates natural forest floor

Cons:

• Can be invasive
• Requires consistent moisture
• May need regular trimming

Tips for Selecting the Best Plants For Jumping Spider Terrarium

• Choose Safe, Non-Toxic Plants: Ensure all plants are safe for arthropods and do not produce harmful toxins. Avoid plants that are known to be toxic to insects or arachnids. Research each species thoroughly before adding it to your terrarium.
• Consider the Terrarium Size: Match plant sizes to your enclosure dimensions. Tall plants like Dieffenbachia are suitable for larger terrariums, while compact plants like Fittonia and Baby’s Tears are ideal for nano enclosures.
• Provide Structural Complexity: Choose a mix of plant types—vines, groundcovers, and upright plants—to create a multi-tiered environment that offers climbing, hiding, and hunting opportunities for your jumping spider.
• Match Humidity Requirements: Select plants that thrive in the same humidity levels as your jumping spider (typically 60-80%). Ferns, mosses, and tropical plants like Pothos and Calathea are excellent choices.
• Consider Lighting Conditions: Choose plants that suit your terrarium lighting setup. Low-light tolerant plants like Pothos, Ferns, and Fittonia are ideal for setups with limited artificial light.
• Plan for Growth: Account for plant growth over time. Fast-growing plants like Pothos and Wandering Jew will need regular trimming, while slow-growing plants like Peperomia require less maintenance.
• Include Hiding Spots: Ensure plants provide adequate cover for your jumping spider to feel secure. Dense foliage creates natural retreats that reduce stress and promote natural behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants For Jumping Spider Terrarium

1. What are the best plants for a jumping spider terrarium?

The best plants for a jumping spider terrarium include Pothos, Fittonia, Bromeliads, Spider Plants, and Ferns. These plants are non-toxic, thrive in high humidity, and provide excellent climbing and hiding opportunities for jumping spiders.

2. Are live plants safe for jumping spiders?

Yes, many live plants are completely safe for jumping spiders when chosen carefully. Avoid plants with toxic sap or sharp spines. Pothos, Spider Plants, Ferns, and Bromeliads are all safe options that provide beneficial humidity and enrichment.

3. Do jumping spiders need live plants in their terrarium?

While not strictly necessary, live plants significantly enhance a jumping spider’s quality of life. They provide climbing structures, hiding spots, humidity regulation, and a naturalistic environment that promotes natural behaviors and reduces stress.

4. How do I care for plants in a jumping spider terrarium?

Care for terrarium plants by providing appropriate lighting, maintaining high humidity (60-80%), and watering as needed. Monitor for pests and trim overgrown plants regularly. A bioactive substrate with a cleanup crew helps maintain plant health.

5. Can I use fake plants instead of live plants?

Fake plants can be used but do not provide the humidity regulation, air purification, or bioactive benefits of live plants. Live plants create a more natural, enriching environment that better supports your jumping spider’s health and well-being.

6. What plants should I avoid in a jumping spider terrarium?

Avoid plants with toxic sap (like Euphorbia), sharp spines, or those that require intense lighting. Also avoid plants that produce irritating compounds or have hairy leaves that could be harmful if ingested by your spider.

7. How do I plant live plants in a jumping spider terrarium?

Plant in a well-draining substrate appropriate for the plant species. Some plants can be mounted on hardscape (like Bromeliads and Air Plants), while others should be planted in the substrate. Ensure plants are securely placed and not easily dislodged by your spider.

Conclusion

Choosing the best plants for jumping spider terrarium creates a stunning, enriching habitat that promotes natural behaviors and supports your spider’s health and well-being. Pothos earned our top recommendation for its versatility, hardiness, and excellent climbing structure that makes it ideal for any jumping spider enclosure. Fittonia emerged as a close runner-up for its compact size, colorful foliage, and exceptional humidity tolerance that makes it perfect for smaller terrariums.

For keepers seeking a lush, bioactive environment, a combination of climbing vines, groundcovers, and centerpiece plants creates a multi-tiered habitat that jumping spiders love. Bromeliads and Air Plants add unique structural elements, while Ferns and Mosses create a soft, naturalistic forest floor.

When selecting plants for your jumping spider terrarium, consider the size of your enclosure, your spider’s species-specific needs, and your own maintenance preferences. With the right plant selection, you can create a stunning, self-sustaining habitat that will captivate both you and your jumping spider.