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

or above the water’s surface entirely? Aquarium Co-Op has many plants that were grown from water on the farms where they came. We begin the process of converting them into their proper habitat.

Submersed

or underwater form for you to enjoy 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. This list contains aquatic plants that can grow from water if you want to add greenery to your humid paludarium or terrarium.

Bacopa Species

Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) and Bacopa caroliniana are excellent candidates for a paludarium-type setup. 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 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. It is a wonderful way to see the tiny, delicate flowers that bacopa produces.

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 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 can also grow in half water and half water, creating a lovely effect.

Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian pennywort or Hydrocotyle leucocephala is just a fun plant to grow in general. This plant can be planted underwater and produces umbrella-shaped leaves that create small areas of shade in 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. If the Brazilian pennywort is emerged, it 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. 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 is similar to that of an aquatic environment, slow and steady. Anubias and mosses can be grown together to create a stunning combination. The moss can also help keep the roots of anubias moist while they grow. This is a wonderful pair!

Scarlet Temple

Alternanthera reineckii or scarlet temple are another great choices that add a splash of color to your garden. Although it is not outside in the literal sense of the word, this plant would be happy in a terrarium or similar humid environment. Provided it has plenty of accessible water and high humidity, terrestrial scarlet temple will thrive out of water. It is a beautiful accent or centerpiece plant that can brighten up any green background. 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 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. These options don’t end there. Many aquatic plants that we love and know can thrive in a variety of environments. You can find more information about aquarium plants in our collection of planted tank articles.