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? 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. 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 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 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. Bacopa species are extremely easy to grow, as they don’t require high humidity or intense lighting. It is a wonderful way to see the tiny, delicate flowers that bacopa produces.

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. Though it does require high humidity and pretty much constant moisture, Java moss can be a beautiful addition to a moist, terrestrial environment. It can spread to cover any surface that it is attached, creating soft and luxurious carpets. 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. The umbrella-shaped leaves of this plant are best when planted under water. This creates little shade areas in aquariums. However, when the plant is grown out of water, this effect becomes even more dramatic. 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. The plant will spread rapidly if it is left alone. So, if you have it in a small container, be prepared to do some regular trimming.

Anubias

Anubias live in semi-aquatic areas, where many anubias grow in soil near the banks of rivers or streams. 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 in an aquatic environment is slow and steady, similar to the one they experience. 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

For another great choice with a pop of color, why not try scarlet temple or Alternanthera reineckii planted outside of an aquarium? 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. Terrestrial scarlet temple thrives in dry conditions, as long as it has enough water and is well-humidified. It is a beautiful accent or centerpiece plant that can brighten up any green 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.

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. 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. You can find more information about aquarium plants in our collection of planted tank articles.