🌿 Trifolium repens ‘Red Midrib’
Care Sheet – Terrarium & Houseplant
A classic clover with a bold twist 🍀—green leaves marked by a striking red midrib. Beautiful, fast-growing, and surprisingly tough.
 
🌱 Plant Overview
Common name: Red Midrib Clover
Growth habit: Creeping, stolon-forming groundcover
Mature height: 5–15 cm
Spread: Indefinite (will run if allowed)
Lifespan: Short-lived perennial (often behaves like an annual indoors)
🫙 Terrarium Care
⚠️ Best suited to OPEN or well-ventilated terrariums.
Closed jars = fungal problems sooner or later.
 
☀️ Light
Bright, indirect light
Can tolerate some gentle morning sun
Too little light = leggy growth, faded red midrib
 
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 15–24 °C
Tolerates cooler conditions better than heat
Struggles above 28 °C in stagnant air
 
💧 Humidity & Airflow
Enjoys moderate humidity (50–70%)
Needs airflow – this is non-negotiable
Stagnant, wet air = rot + mildew
 
🌿 Substrate
Free-draining but moisture-retentive:
Fine bark or coco peat
Perlite or pumice
A little compost or worm castings
Avoid dense, soggy mixes ❌
 
🚿 Watering
Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged
Allow top layer to slightly dry between waterings
 
✂️ Maintenance
Trim runners regularly
Remove yellowing leaves immediately
Expect periodic replanting—it won’t stay “perfect” forever
🪴 Houseplant Care (Pots & Bowls)
 
☀️ Light
Bright indoor light near a window
East or north-facing windows are ideal
Too much direct sun = leaf scorch 🔥
 
💧 Watering
Water when top 1–2 cm of soil is dry
Do not let the pot sit in water
Underwatering causes droop; overwatering causes rot
 
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 16–25 °C
Handles cooler rooms well
Not a fan of hot, dry air from heaters
 
🌱 Feeding
Very light feeder
Optional: diluted balanced liquid fertiliser at ¼ strength, once a month
Overfeeding = lots of green growth, less red colour
 
✂️ Pruning
Pinch tips to keep compact
Cut back hard if it gets leggy—it rebounds fast
 
🌼 Flowers
Small white to pale pink flowers
More common in bright light
Flowering shortens leaf quality over time (normal)
⚠️ Honest Pros & Cons
 
✅ Pros
Fast-growing groundcover
Eye-catching red midrib
Easy to propagate from runners
Cool-climate friendly
 
❌ Cons
Short-lived indoors
Not suitable for sealed terrariums
Can look messy if neglected
Needs regular trimming
 
⭐ Verdict
Excellent for open terrariums, bonsai bowls, and bright indoor pots.
Poor choice for sealed jars and “set-and-forget” displays.
 
Treat it like a living carpet, not a museum piece—and it’ll reward you 🍀