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? In fact, many of the plants we carry at Aquarium Co-Op are grown out of water at the farms from which they come. We start the process of changing them to their original form.

Submersed

You can enjoy the underwater form in your fish tanks. Hobbyists are searching for emersed grown aquarium plants to use within their enclosed glass container ecosystems. These include planted terrariums of their pet frogs or amphibians and paludariums that combine both land and water environments. You can add more greenery and life to your humid terrarium, or paludarium by using this list of aquatic plants which can be grown from water.

Bacopa Species

Bacopa caroliniana and Bacopa monnieri, both moneyworts, are great candidates for a paludarium. Although these plants will tolerate growing under water, if they are left to their own devices, the stems will eventually reach the surface of the water. Bacopa species will also grow very happily in a terrestrial setting as long as they get water regularly and are not left to dry out for long periods. They are exceptionally easy to grow since high humidity and intense lighting are not required. This is a great way for you to admire the delicate little flowers that bacopa plants.

Java Moss and other Mosses

Much like the moss-covered trees and rocks in the woods, Java moss can also thrive outside of our aquarium boundaries. Java moss requires high humidity and constant moisture to thrive. However, it can make a wonderful addition to any moist, terrestrial environment. It spreads and covers any surface it is attached to creating a soft, luxurious carpet. 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 just a fun plant to grow in general. When planted underwater, this plant produces umbrella-like leaves, which create little areas of shade inside an aquarium. The effect gets even more dramatic if the plant is grown from water. The leaves tend to be more dense and the stems more rigid. This creates a small bush of umbrella greenery for tiny creatures to shelter in. When emersed, Brazilian pennywort can produce tiny white flowers. This plant can grow very large and spread quickly if left to its own devices. 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. It doesn’t like being overly dry but species of the genus Anubias can happily grow outside our fish tanks in a terrestrial environment. They do prefer high humidity and plenty of water but are otherwise exceptionally easy growers. Their growth rate in an aquatic environment is slow and steady, similar to the one they experience. 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 and scarlet temple, which are great options for adding color to an aquarium, can be planted outside. This plant is not meant to be outside, but it would thrive in a humid environment such as a terrarium. The terrestrial scarlet temple can thrive in water, provided it has access to water and high humidity. It produces stunning, pinkish-red leaves just as it does under water, making it a lovely centerpiece or accent plant to brighten up an all-green backdrop. Scarlet temple plants are often grown in water at farm facilities before being shipped to their end users.

These plants can be grown in your aquarium if you are looking for something new or a fun experiment. You just might be surprised at what you’re able to create and at how differently the same plants can appear when grown in a different environment. This list is not limited to aquatic plants. Many of the aquatic plants we love can thrive even in an environment that doesn’t include a fish tank. For more information about aquarium plants, see our collection of planted tank articles.