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

Is it above the water’s surface altogether? Aquarium Co-Op carries many plants grown in water from the farms they are sourced. We start the process of changing them to their original form.

Submersed

Fish tanks can be enjoyed in both their underwater form. But many hobbyists are looking for emersed-grown aquarium plants to use in their enclosed glass container ecosystems, planted terrariums for their pet frogs or other amphibians, and paludariums that consist of both water and land environments. This list includes aquatic plants that can be grown in water to enhance your humid terrarium.

Bacopa Species

Bacopa caroliniana (Bacopa monnieri), and moneywort (Bacopa montnieri) are both excellent choices for a paludarium. These plants can grow well underwater but they will be happy to stay there if allowed to do so. Bacopa species will grow happily in a dry environment, provided they have water and don’t get too dry. They are exceptionally easy to grow since high humidity and intense lighting are not required. This is a great way to observe the delicate, little 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. Though it does require high humidity and pretty much constant moisture, Java moss can be a beautiful addition to a 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 fun to grow. 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 become dense and stiffer, which creates little umbrellas of greenery where little creatures can shelter. When emersed, Brazilian pennywort can produce tiny white flowers. The plant can quickly grow large if it is left alone. It is best to keep the plant in a small container.

Anubias

Anubias are often found in semi-aquatic habitats, with many individuals living in soil close to a stream or river. The Anubias genus doesn’t like too much dryness, but it will grow happily in a terrestrial environment. They prefer humidity and plenty water, but otherwise they are very easy growers. Their growth rate is similar to that of an aquatic environment, slow and steady. Growing anubias and mosses together not only looks exceptionally beautiful, but the moss can actually help keep the roots of the anubias moist as they grow together. This is a wonderful pair!

Scarlet Temple

Alternanthera redeeckii or scarlet thorn are two other great choices for adding color and interest to an aquarium. While it’s not outdoors in the literal sense, this plant would thrive in a terrarium or other humid environment. Terrestrial scarlet temple thrives in dry conditions, as long as it has enough water and is well-humidified. It can produce stunning, pinkish-red foliage just like it does under water. This makes it an excellent accent or centerpiece to brighten up any green background. Scarlet temple plants can even be grown from water in plant farm facilities before reaching their intended users.

This is a great way to experiment with plants and create new projects or even a fun hobby. You might be amazed at the results you can achieve and how different plants look 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. Check out our collection for information about aquarium plants.