Ripariums are becoming more common in today’s modern aquascaping.
The idea of taking an aquarium and adding a dimension outside of the tank is where things really start to change.
New opportunities become available with designing and ideas can evolve into an entirely new concepts.
The typical theme for these kinds of scapes requires specific types of riparium plants.
This guide will take a closer look at marginal plants that are well-suited for this type of enclosure.
Table Of Contents:
ToggleWhat Are Riparium Plants?
Riparium plants are marginal plants that thrive in or around high levels of water.
They can be broken down into two groups; submerged and immersed plants.
Submerged plants are generally aquatic plants that can survive if parts of the plant grow beyond the waterline.
Immersed plants are plants that have roots below the water line but the bulk of the plant is out of water.
![Riparium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-06.jpg)
![Riparium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-06.jpg)
Submerged Plants
In the traditional planted tank, aquatic plants usually remain fully underwater.
In the case of a riparium, the enclosure will be more shallow than usual practices.
This will often lead to aquatic plants growing above the line of water.
High humidity will be a strong requirement here for most aquatic plants in order for them to continue flourishing.
Here is a comprised list of submerged plants well suited for life beyond the planted tank:
![Water Sprite | Aquatic Plants For A Riparium](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-01.jpg)
![Water Sprite | Aquatic Plants For A Riparium](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-01.jpg)
Common Marginal Plants
Semi-aquatic plants are a really good place to start when setting up a riparium with flora.
Most common marginal plants found in pet stores will grow emersed in highly humid conditions.
Furthermore, not all aquatic foliage is right for this type of setup.
My recommendation is to be mindful of the particular biotype you strive to design and pick plants that would be native to that environment.
Here are a few easy-to-find aquatic plants suitable for a riparium:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Egeria densa "Anacharis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-79-600x444.jpg)
![Egeria densa "Anacharis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-79-600x444.jpg)
Anacharis (Egeria densa)
![The Ultimate Anubias spp. Care Guide | Aquarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-67-600x444.jpg)
![The Ultimate Anubias spp. Care Guide | Aquarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-67-600x444.jpg)
Anubias (Anubias spp.)
![Aponogeton ulvaceus "Aponogeton Bulbs" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-69-600x444.jpg)
![Aponogeton ulvaceus "Aponogeton Bulbs" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-69-600x444.jpg)
Aponogeton Bulbs (Aponogeton ulvaceus)
![Lobelia cardinalis "Aquatic Cardinal Plant" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-66-600x444.jpg)
![Lobelia cardinalis "Aquatic Cardinal Plant" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-66-600x444.jpg)
Aquatic Cardinal Plant (Lobelia Cardinalis)
![Hydrocotyle leucocephala "Brazilian Pennywort" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-75-600x444.jpg)
![Hydrocotyle leucocephala "Brazilian Pennywort" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-75-600x444.jpg)
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)
![Broadleaf Sagittaria latifolia Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-63-600x444.jpg)
![Broadleaf Sagittaria latifolia Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-63-600x444.jpg)
Broadleaf Sagittaria (Sagittaria latifolia)
![The Ultimate Cryptocoryne spp. "Crypts" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-68-600x444.jpg)
![The Ultimate Cryptocoryne spp. "Crypts" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-68-600x444.jpg)
Crypts (Cryptocoryne spp.)
![Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria Subulata)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Dwarf-Sagittaria-Sagittaria-Subulata-600x444.jpg)
![Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria Subulata)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Dwarf-Sagittaria-Sagittaria-Subulata-600x444.jpg)
Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria Subulata)
![Hygrophila corymbosa "Giant Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-72-600x444.jpg)
![Hygrophila corymbosa "Giant Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-72-600x444.jpg)
Giant Hygrophila (Hygrophila corymbosa)
![Oldenlandia salzmannii "Hedyotis Salzmannii" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-76-600x444.jpg)
![Oldenlandia salzmannii "Hedyotis Salzmannii" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-76-600x444.jpg)
Hedyotis Salzmannii (Oldenlandia salzmannii)
![Ludwigia Glandulosa "Ludwigia Peruensis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-78-600x444.jpg)
![Ludwigia Glandulosa "Ludwigia Peruensis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-78-600x444.jpg)
Ludwigia Glandulosa (Ludwigia Peruensis)
![Myriophyllum aquaticum "Parrot's Feather" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-74-600x444.jpg)
![Myriophyllum aquaticum "Parrot's Feather" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-74-600x444.jpg)
Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
![potamogeton spp. "Pondweed" Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-64-600x444.jpg)
![potamogeton spp. "Pondweed" Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-64-600x444.jpg)
Pondweed (Potamogeton spp.)
![Ludwigia Repens "Red Ludwigia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-77-600x444.jpg)
![Ludwigia Repens "Red Ludwigia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-77-600x444.jpg)
Red Ludwigia (Ludwigia Repens)
![Echinodorus spp. "Sword Plants" Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-65-600x444.jpg)
![Echinodorus spp. "Sword Plants" Care Guide | Aquarium Plant](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-65-600x444.jpg)
Sword Plants (Echinodorus spp.)
![Hygrophila angustifolia "Willow Hygro" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-73-600x444.jpg)
![Hygrophila angustifolia "Willow Hygro" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-73-600x444.jpg)
Willow Hygro (Hygrophila angustifolia)
Carpeting Plants
Depending on the layout, aquatic carpeting plants can also aid in the design of a riparium.
They can be established traditionally as ground cover underwater… As well as accent flora attached to a hardscape.
These types of riparium plants are easy to find at local pet stores and under moderate humidity, will grow immersed as well.
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
Ferns
Aquatic ferns are one of the most popular plants found in the fishkeeping hobby.
Many work great in marginal conditions of a riparium and will grow in diverse ways.
Some will float along the surface creating a cascading effect… While others simply emerge from the line of water.
Here is a list of common ferns sold as aquarium plants suitable for this biotype:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
Mosses
Just about all aquatic moss can be used as good riparium plants.
With high humidity, these types of moss will self-prune creating a unique carpeting effect above the line of water.
In addition, mosses grown underwater will grow into a bushy mass great for small inhabitants to feel safe.
Here are a few varieties of popular riparium mosses:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![christmas moss Vesicularia Montagnei](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/christmas-moss-Vesicularia-Montagnei-600x444.jpg)
![christmas moss Vesicularia Montagnei](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/christmas-moss-Vesicularia-Montagnei-600x444.jpg)
Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)
![Crystalwort Riccia Fluitans](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Crystalwort-Riccia-Fluitans-600x444.jpg)
![Crystalwort Riccia Fluitans](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Crystalwort-Riccia-Fluitans-600x444.jpg)
Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans)
![Flame Moss Taxiphyllum sp](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Flame-Moss-Taxiphyllum-sp-600x444.jpg)
![Flame Moss Taxiphyllum sp](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Flame-Moss-Taxiphyllum-sp-600x444.jpg)
Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.)
![coontails hornworts (Ceratophyllum Demersum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/coontails-hornworts-Ceratophyllum-Demersum-600x444.jpg)
![coontails hornworts (Ceratophyllum Demersum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/coontails-hornworts-Ceratophyllum-Demersum-600x444.jpg)
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
![Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/java-moss-600x444.jpg)
![Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/java-moss-600x444.jpg)
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
![Liverwort Monosolenium Tenerum](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Liverwort-Monosolenium-Tenerum-600x444.jpg)
![Liverwort Monosolenium Tenerum](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Liverwort-Monosolenium-Tenerum-600x444.jpg)
Liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum)
![Nano Moss (Amblystegium Serpens) Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Plant-thumbnail-600x444.jpg)
![Nano Moss (Amblystegium Serpens) Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Plant-thumbnail-600x444.jpg)
Nano Moss (Amblystegium serpens)
![peat moss sphagnum thumbnail](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/peat-moss-sphagnum-thumbnail-600x444.png)
![peat moss sphagnum thumbnail](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/peat-moss-sphagnum-thumbnail-600x444.png)
Peat Moss (Sphagnum moss)
![Phoenix Moss Fissidens Fontanus](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Phoenix-Moss-Fissidens-Fontanus-600x444.jpg)
![Phoenix Moss Fissidens Fontanus](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Phoenix-Moss-Fissidens-Fontanus-600x444.jpg)
Phoenix Moss (Fissidens fontanus)
![Star Moss Tortula Ruralis](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Star-Moss-Tortula-Ruralis-600x444.jpg)
![Star Moss Tortula Ruralis](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Star-Moss-Tortula-Ruralis-600x444.jpg)
Star Moss (Tortula ruralis)
![Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum Alternans)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Taiwan-moss-Taxiphyllum-Alternans-600x444.jpg)
![Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum Alternans)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Taiwan-moss-Taxiphyllum-Alternans-600x444.jpg)
Taiwan Moss (Taxiphyllum alternans)
![Weeping Moss (Vesicularia Ferriei)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/weeping-moss-Vesicularia-Ferriei-600x444.jpg)
![Weeping Moss (Vesicularia Ferriei)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/weeping-moss-Vesicularia-Ferriei-600x444.jpg)
Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)
![Willow Moss (Fontinalis Antipyretica)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/willow-moss-Fontinalis-Antipyretica-600x444.jpg)
![Willow Moss (Fontinalis Antipyretica)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/willow-moss-Fontinalis-Antipyretica-600x444.jpg)
Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica)
Stem Plants
When looking for slightly larger choices of riparium plants to consider, aquatic stem plants are another easy-to-find foliage often stocked at local pet stores.
Stem plants are great for riverside-inspired tanks and will often grow in a variety of aquarium soils.
Here is a list of common stem plants that will thrive in marginal conditions:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Elodea canadensis "American Waterweed" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-11-600x444.jpg)
![Elodea canadensis "American Waterweed" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-11-600x444.jpg)
American Waterweed (Elodea canadensis)
![Hygrophila polysperma "Dwarf Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-71-600x444.jpg)
![Hygrophila polysperma "Dwarf Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-71-600x444.jpg)
Dwarf Hygrophila (Hygrophila polysperma)
![Hygrophila corymbosa "Giant Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-72-600x444.jpg)
![Hygrophila corymbosa "Giant Hygrophila" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-72-600x444.jpg)
Giant Hygrophila (Hygrophila corymbosa)
![Oldenlandia salzmannii "Hedyotis Salzmannii" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-76-600x444.jpg)
![Oldenlandia salzmannii "Hedyotis Salzmannii" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-76-600x444.jpg)
Hedyotis Salzmannii (Oldenlandia salzmannii)
![Ludwigia Glandulosa "Ludwigia Peruensis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-78-600x444.jpg)
![Ludwigia Glandulosa "Ludwigia Peruensis" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-78-600x444.jpg)
Ludwigia Glandulosa (Ludwigia Peruensis)
![Myriophyllum aquaticum "Parrot's Feather" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-74-600x444.jpg)
![Myriophyllum aquaticum "Parrot's Feather" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-74-600x444.jpg)
Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
![Ludwigia Repens "Red Ludwigia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-77-600x444.jpg)
![Ludwigia Repens "Red Ludwigia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-77-600x444.jpg)
Red Ludwigia (Ludwigia Repens)
![Alternanthera reineckii "Scarlet Temple" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-70-600x444.jpg)
![Alternanthera reineckii "Scarlet Temple" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-70-600x444.jpg)
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii)
![Hygrophila angustifolia "Willow Hygro" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-73-600x444.jpg)
![Hygrophila angustifolia "Willow Hygro" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-73-600x444.jpg)
Willow Hygro (Hygrophila angustifolia)
Immersed Plants
Immersed plants are flora that will require a bulk of the plant’s mass to remain above the line of water.
These plants have root systems that have evolved to thrive in conditions where oxygen is limited within the substrate.
A surprising number of terrestrial plant species can do well in these unusual marginal conditions.
Here is a comprised list of immersed plants well suited as riparium plants:
![Peace Lilly | Common Houseplants A For Riparium](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-08.jpg)
![Peace Lilly | Common Houseplants A For Riparium](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/riparium-plants-08.jpg)
Common Houseplants
Often, I find myself at Home Depot sifting through plants considering if rather or not they would thrive in the low-oxygenated conditions ripariums provide.
You may be surprised to know, many houseplants are actually native to these conditions.
Picking the right riparium plants is a common challenge when looking at foliage advertised as a potted plant.
Here is a list of tropical plants perfect for a riparium:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Alocasia reginula "Alocasia Black Velvet" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203634.560-600x444.jpg)
![Alocasia reginula "Alocasia Black Velvet" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203634.560-600x444.jpg)
Alocasia Black Velvet (Alocasia reginula)
![Pilea depressa "Baby Tears Plant" | The Complete Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203820.788-600x444.jpg)
![Pilea depressa "Baby Tears Plant" | The Complete Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203820.788-600x444.jpg)
Baby Tears Plant (Pilea depressa)
![Pilea peperomioides "Chinese Money Plant" | The Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T204031.953-600x444.jpg)
![Pilea peperomioides "Chinese Money Plant" | The Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T204031.953-600x444.jpg)
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
![The Juncus Effusus Spiralis "Corkscrew Rush" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-11-600x444.jpg)
![The Juncus Effusus Spiralis "Corkscrew Rush" Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-11-600x444.jpg)
Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’)
![Hemigraphis repanda "Dragon's Tongue" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-18-600x444.jpg)
![Hemigraphis repanda "Dragon's Tongue" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-18-600x444.jpg)
Dragon’s Tongue (Hemigraphis repanda)
![Dieffenbachia "Dumb Cane" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-13-600x444.jpg)
![Dieffenbachia "Dumb Cane" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-13-600x444.jpg)
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
![Pilea involucrata "Friendship Plant" Care Guide | Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-10-600x444.jpg)
![Pilea involucrata "Friendship Plant" Care Guide | Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-10-600x444.jpg)
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
![Anthurium spp. "Laceleaf" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-12-600x444.jpg)
![Anthurium spp. "Laceleaf" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-12-600x444.jpg)
Laceleaf (Anthurium spp.)
![Dracaena braunii "Lucky Bamboo" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-17-600x444.jpg)
![Dracaena braunii "Lucky Bamboo" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-17-600x444.jpg)
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
![Monstera karstenianum "Monstera Peru" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203526.617-600x444.jpg)
![Monstera karstenianum "Monstera Peru" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203526.617-600x444.jpg)
Monstera Peru (Monstera karstenianum)
![The Moon Valley Pilea mollis | Complete Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203750.570-600x444.jpg)
![The Moon Valley Pilea mollis | Complete Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203750.570-600x444.jpg)
Moon Valley Pilea (Pilea Mollis)
![Fittonia albivenis "Nerve Plant" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-16-600x444.jpg)
![Fittonia albivenis "Nerve Plant" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-16-600x444.jpg)
Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
![Cyperus papyrus "Paper Reed" | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Plant-thumbnail-99-600x444.jpg)
![Cyperus papyrus "Paper Reed" | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Plant-thumbnail-99-600x444.jpg)
Paper Reed (Cyperus papyrus)
![Chamaedorea elegans "Parlor Palm" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-22-600x444.jpg)
![Chamaedorea elegans "Parlor Palm" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-22-600x444.jpg)
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
![Spathiphyllum "Peace Lily" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-15-600x444.jpg)
![Spathiphyllum "Peace Lily" Care Guide | Tropical Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-15-600x444.jpg)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
![Pinstripe Calathea ornata | The Complete Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203719.607-600x444.jpg)
![Pinstripe Calathea ornata | The Complete Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203719.607-600x444.jpg)
Pinstripe Calathea (Calathea ornata)
![Maranta leuconeura "Prayer Plant" Care Guide | Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-14-600x444.jpg)
![Maranta leuconeura "Prayer Plant" Care Guide | Terrarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-14-600x444.jpg)
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
![Hemigraphis alternata "Purple Waffle" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-21-600x444.jpg)
![Hemigraphis alternata "Purple Waffle" Care Guide | Tropical Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-21-600x444.jpg)
Purple Waffle (Hemigraphis alternata)
![Silver Monstera siltepecana | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203447.952-600x444.jpg)
![Silver Monstera siltepecana | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203447.952-600x444.jpg)
Silver Monstera (Monstera siltepecana)
Outdoor & Pond Plants
Let’s say you want to consider building a larger-than-usual riparium. You may want to consider outdoor lawn plants or even pond flora.
There are quite a few riparium plants one could consider in this category as well.
Many of these plants are native to swamps and inner shorelands.
Here are an array of common lawn ornaments and small pond plants that will do well in these kinds of enclosures:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Saintpaulia ionantha "African Violet" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-83-600x444.jpg)
![Saintpaulia ionantha "African Violet" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-83-600x444.jpg)
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
![Alternanthera ficoidea "Arrowhead Plant" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-82-600x444.jpg)
![Alternanthera ficoidea "Arrowhead Plant" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-82-600x444.jpg)
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
![Lindernia grandiflora "Blue Moneywort" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-84-600x444.jpg)
![Lindernia grandiflora "Blue Moneywort" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-84-600x444.jpg)
Blue Moneywort (Lindernia grandiflora)
![Aglaonema spp. "Chinese Evergreen" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-87-600x444.jpg)
![Aglaonema spp. "Chinese Evergreen" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-87-600x444.jpg)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
![Codiaeum variegatum "Croton" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-86-600x444.jpg)
![Codiaeum variegatum "Croton" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-86-600x444.jpg)
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
![Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ "Katie Ruellia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-89-600x444.jpg)
![Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ "Katie Ruellia" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-89-600x444.jpg)
Katie Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’)
![Saururus cernuus "Lizard’s Tail" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-88-600x444.jpg)
![Saururus cernuus "Lizard’s Tail" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-88-600x444.jpg)
Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus)
![Coleus scutellarioides "Painted Nettle" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-90-600x444.jpg)
![Coleus scutellarioides "Painted Nettle" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-90-600x444.jpg)
Painted Nettle (Coleus scutellarioides)
![Alternanthera ficoidea "Party Time Plant" | The Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-80-600x444.jpg)
![Alternanthera ficoidea "Party Time Plant" | The Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-80-600x444.jpg)
Party Time Plant (Alternanthera ficoidea)
![Pink Syngonium 'Neon Robusta' | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203931.339-600x444.jpg)
![Pink Syngonium 'Neon Robusta' | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203931.339-600x444.jpg)
Pink Syngonium (Syngonium ‘Neon Robusta’)
![Acorus calamus "Sweet Flag" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-81-600x444.jpg)
![Acorus calamus "Sweet Flag" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-81-600x444.jpg)
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
![Laguncularia racemosa "White Mangrove" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-85-600x444.jpg)
![Laguncularia racemosa "White Mangrove" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-85-600x444.jpg)
White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
Gardening Plants
Gardening plants are an unusual touch to a riparium but all the more possible.
This edible selection of foliage will add an element of uniqueness to any enclosure let alone a marginal one.
Even though this list is short, many vegetables and herbs can easily be propagated in pure water for a short period of time.
Here are a couple of gardening plants I know off the top of my head that can survive long periods of time as a riparium flora:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
Carpeting Plants
Non-aquatic carpeting plants are another kind of foliage that can be used sparingly despite the lack of land ripariums provide.
These plants will often grow just fine with their roots immersed in water.
For enclosures that have a more saturated layer of soil or driftwood cascading from the line of water, these carpeting plants are great for marginal setups:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
Vines
Vining or creeping plants are probably one of the most popular riparium plants used in the hobby today.
They are very easy to care for and will grow quickly in a multitude of conditions.
If you are scaping a riparium in a room where humidity is difficult to establish, vines are a perfect substitute for many of the other plants on this entire list.
In addition, vines allow hobbyists more vertical real estate for scaping options as well.
Here are a few readily available climbing plants on the market:
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Epipremnum pinnatum "Cebu Blue Pothos" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203357.742-600x444.jpg)
![Epipremnum pinnatum "Cebu Blue Pothos" | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203357.742-600x444.jpg)
Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum)
![Lysimachia Nummularia "Creeping Jenny" Care Guide | Vivarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-5-600x444.jpg)
![Lysimachia Nummularia "Creeping Jenny" Care Guide | Vivarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-5-600x444.jpg)
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
![Golden Pothos "Devil's Ivy" (Epipremnum Aureum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Devils-Ivy-Epipremnum-Aureum-600x444.jpg)
![Golden Pothos "Devil's Ivy" (Epipremnum Aureum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Devils-Ivy-Epipremnum-Aureum-600x444.jpg)
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
![Ecuador Philodendron verrucosum | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203228.735-600x444.jpg)
![Ecuador Philodendron verrucosum | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203228.735-600x444.jpg)
Ecuador Philodendron (Philodendron verrucosum)
![Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Scandesens)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Heartleaf-Philodendron-Philodendron-Scandesens-600x444.jpg)
![Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Scandesens)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Heartleaf-Philodendron-Philodendron-Scandesens-600x444.jpg)
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandesens)
![Epipremnum aureum Manjula Pothos | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T202956.072-600x444.jpg)
![Epipremnum aureum Manjula Pothos | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T202956.072-600x444.jpg)
Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’)
![Epipremnum aureum N'Joy Pothos | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-100-600x444.jpg)
![Epipremnum aureum N'Joy Pothos | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-100-600x444.jpg)
N’Joy pothos (Epipremnum aureum N’Joy)
![Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron Hederaceum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Philodendron-Brasil-Philodendron-Hederaceum-600x444.jpg)
![Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron Hederaceum)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Philodendron-Brasil-Philodendron-Hederaceum-600x444.jpg)
Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum)
![Satin Pothos (Scindapsus Pictus 'Argyraeu')](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Satin-Pothos-Scindapsus-Pictus-Argyraeu-600x444.jpg)
![Satin Pothos (Scindapsus Pictus 'Argyraeu')](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Satin-Pothos-Scindapsus-Pictus-Argyraeu-600x444.jpg)
Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘argyraeu’)
![The Silver Sword Philodendron hastatum | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203148.268-600x444.jpg)
![The Silver Sword Philodendron hastatum | Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203148.268-600x444.jpg)
Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum)
![Sphagneticola Trilobata "Trailing Daisy" Care Guide | Vivarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-7-600x444.jpg)
![Sphagneticola Trilobata "Trailing Daisy" Care Guide | Vivarium Plants](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plant-thumbnail-7-600x444.jpg)
Trailing Daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata)
![The Velvet Leaf Philodendron micans | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203051.720-600x444.jpg)
![The Velvet Leaf Philodendron micans | The Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Plant-thumbnail-2023-03-02T203051.720-600x444.jpg)
Velvet Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron micans)
Floating Plants
Floating plants are like the topping on the cake for any aquatic tank… Pun intended!
These types of riparium plants flawlessly add a dimension to a riparium that easily connects immersed foilage with everything underwater.
Good lighting is the only requirement with floating flora.
I personally find growing this kind of aquatic plant so easy I have to throw loads of it away during routine maintenance.
(Click on a plant to learn more about it!)
![Nymphoides aquatica "Banana Lily" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-2-600x444.jpg)
![Nymphoides aquatica "Banana Lily" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-2-600x444.jpg)
Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica)
![Lemna minor "Common Duckweed" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-600x444.jpg)
![Lemna minor "Common Duckweed" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-600x444.jpg)
Common Duckweed (Lemna minor)
![Nymphaea stellata "Dwarf Water Lily" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-4-600x444.jpg)
![Nymphaea stellata "Dwarf Water Lily" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-4-600x444.jpg)
Dwarf Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata)
![Floating Fern (Salvinia Natans)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Floating-Fern-Salvinia-Natans-600x444.jpg)
![Floating Fern (Salvinia Natans)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Floating-Fern-Salvinia-Natans-600x444.jpg)
Floating Fern (Salvinia natans)
![Limnobium laevigatum "Frogbit" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-6-600x444.jpg)
![Limnobium laevigatum "Frogbit" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-6-600x444.jpg)
Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
![Najas guadalupensis "Guppy Grass" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-16-600x444.jpg)
![Najas guadalupensis "Guppy Grass" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-16-600x444.jpg)
Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis)
![Mosquito Fern (Azolla Filiculoides)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Mosquito-Fern-Azolla-Filiculoides-600x444.jpg)
![Mosquito Fern (Azolla Filiculoides)](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Mosquito-Fern-Azolla-Filiculoides-600x444.jpg)
Mosquito Fern (Azolla filiculoides)
![Pistia stratiotes "Water Lettuce" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-5-600x444.jpg)
![Pistia stratiotes "Water Lettuce" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-5-600x444.jpg)
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
![Salvinia minima "Water Spangles" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-1-600x444.jpg)
![Salvinia minima "Water Spangles" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-1-600x444.jpg)
Water Spangles (Salvinia minima)
![Aldrovanda vesiculosa "Waterwheel Plant" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-7-600x444.jpg)
![Aldrovanda vesiculosa "Waterwheel Plant" Plant Care Guide](https://bantam.earth/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Plant-thumbnail-7-600x444.jpg)
Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa)
In Summary
Riparium plants aren’t hard to find if you know what to look for. The key aspect of a marginal setup is mimicking a similar environment.
Riverbanks, shorelines, and swamps are going to be the biotypes you most likely have in mind when making this type of vivarium.
Understanding what kind of plants visually add to that aesthetic is going to make it easier to pick the proper foliage for that enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When planting, anchor the roots of the plants in the soil and make sure they receive enough water. Once growing, don‘t let the water level drop too low. Trim plants as necessary to maintain the desired shape of your riparium.
Here’s a list of the best types of riparium plants:
- Bacopa monnieri
- Hydrocotyle verna
- Anubias nana
- Ammania senegalensis
- Alternanthera reineckii
- Bacopa caroliniana
- Cryptocoryne wendtii
- Hygrophila corymbosa
- Ludwigia repens
- Crinum natans