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 completely? Aquarium Co-Op has many plants that were grown from water on the farms where they came. We start the process of changing them to their original form.

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. If you’re looking to add some more greenery to your humid terrarium or paludarium, look no further than this list of aquatic plants that can be grown out of 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. Because they do not require intense lighting or high humidity, they are very easy to grow. This is a great way to observe the delicate, little flowers that bacopa produces.

Java Moss, and Other Mosses

Java moss can grow outside of the aquarium, much like the moss covered trees and rocks in nature. Java moss is a beautiful addition to moist, terrestrial environments, even though it requires high humidity and almost constant moisture. It will spread and cover any surface it is attached to, creating a soft, luscious carpet. It can also grow in half water and half water, creating a lovely effect.

Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian pennywort, or Hydrocotyle Leucocephala, is a fun and easy plant to grow. This plant can be planted underwater and produces umbrella-shaped leaves that create small areas of shade in an aquarium. This effect is even more dramatic when the plant has been grown without water. The leaves tend to grow more densely, and the stems are more rigid, creating a little bush of umbrella greenery that is perfect for little critters to take shelter. If the Brazilian pennywort is emerged, it can produce tiny, white flowers. If left to its own devices though, this plant will grow quite large and spread across a wide area fairly quickly. If you keep it in a small container, make sure to trim it regularly.

Anubias

Anubias live in semi-aquatic areas, where many anubias grow in soil near the banks of rivers or streams. Although it is not fond of being too dry, Anubias species will happily grow in terrestrial environments. 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. 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. Although it is not outside in the literal sense of the word, this plant would be happy in a terrarium or similar 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 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 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. For more information about aquarium plants, see our collection of planted tank articles.