5 Aquarium Plants You Should Try in Your Next Terrarium or Paludarium

Did you know that many of the aquarium plants we know and love to grow in our fish tanks can also be grown

emersed

Are you able to see the water’s surface? Aquarium Co-Op carries many plants grown in water from the farms they are sourced. We take the time to begin the process of converting them to their

submersed

You can enjoy the underwater form in your fish tanks. Many hobbyists seek emersed-grown aquarium plant species to grow in enclosed glass containers. They also want to create terrariums for their pets frogs and other amphibians. This list contains aquatic plants that can grow from water if you want to add greenery to your humid paludarium or terrarium.

Bacopa Species

Bacopa caroliniana and Bacopa monnieri, both moneyworts, are great candidates for a paludarium. These plants are happy to grow underwater. However, if left alone, their stems will eventually rise well above the surface. Bacopa species can also thrive in a terrestrial environment provided they are given water frequently and don’t dry out too much. Because they do not require intense lighting or high humidity, they are very easy to grow. This is a great way for you to admire the delicate little flowers that bacopa plants.

Java Moss and other Mosses

Java moss is similar to the moss-covered trees or rocks in the forest, and can thrive even outside our aquarium borders. Java moss is a beautiful addition to moist, terrestrial environments, even though it requires high humidity and almost constant moisture. It can spread to cover any surface that it is attached, creating soft and luxurious carpets. It also loves to grow half-in and half-out of water, which can make for a beautiful effect.

Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian pennywort (or Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is fun to grow. When planted underwater, this plant produces umbrella-like leaves, which create little areas of shade inside an aquarium. This effect is even more dramatic when the plant has been grown without water. The leaves tends to grow densely and the stems become more rigid. This makes it ideal for small creatures to shelter from the sun. When emersed, Brazilian pennywort can produce tiny white flowers. The plant will spread rapidly if it is left alone. If you keep it in a small container, make sure to trim it regularly.

Anubias

In its natural habitat, anubias can often be found in semi-aquatic environments with many individuals growing in terrestrial soil near the bank of a river or stream. While it doesn’t like to be overly dry, species in the genus Anubias will very happily grow outside of our fish tanks in a terrestrial setting. Although they do require high humidity and lots of water, they are extremely easy to grow. Their growth rate is similar to that of an aquatic environment, slow and steady. It is a beautiful combination of anubias with mosses. In fact, the moss can help to keep the roots moist during their growth. What a charming pair!

Scarlet Temple

Alternanthera reineckii or scarlet temple are another great choices that add a splash of color to your garden. Not outside in the literal sense, but this plant would be quite happy in a terrarium or any similar type of humid container or environment. The terrestrial scarlet temple can thrive in water, provided it has access to water and high humidity. It can produce stunning, pinkish-red foliage just like it does under water. This makes it an excellent accent or centerpiece to brighten up an otherwise dull background. It’s even common for scarlet temple plants to be grown out of water at plant farm facilities before they make their way to end users.

You might consider growing these plants in your aquarium, whether you are looking to create a new project or simply for fun. You may be surprised at the variety of plants you can create, and the different appearances that same plants can take when placed in different environments. The options are not exclusive to this list either – a great many of the aquatic plants we know and love can thrive even if they’re nowhere near a fish tank. For more information about aquarium plants, see our collection of planted tank articles.