One of the most exciting aspects of building a paludarium is selecting the plants that will transform a glass enclosure into a thriving slice of nature. Whether you’re creating a tropical rainforest, a misty jungle stream, or a lush moss-covered landscape, the plants you choose will determine both the appearance and long-term success of your setup.
The Ultum Nature Systems (UNS) Paludarium 35E and 60E models have become increasingly popular thanks to their ultra-clear low-iron glass, elegant rimless design, and dimensions specifically suited to creating stunning terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments. Their vertical height provides the perfect opportunity to combine ground cover plants, epiphytes, climbing species, and mosses into a truly immersive display.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best plants for UNS Paludariums, how to use them effectively, and how to create a thriving ecosystem that looks better with every passing month.
Why Plant Selection Matters in a Paludarium
Unlike traditional aquariums or houseplant displays, a paludarium contains multiple growing zones.
These often include:
- Aquatic areas
- Marginal planting zones
- Terrestrial sections
- Vertical backgrounds
- Hardscape surfaces
Each area offers unique conditions, meaning plant selection must be carefully considered.
Choosing the right species helps create:
- Better aesthetics
- Improved humidity balance
- Easier maintenance
- Stronger biological stability
- More natural growth patterns
Understanding the UNS 35E and 60E
The UNS Paludarium range was designed specifically for immersive nature displays.
UNS 35E
Ideal for:
- Compact rainforest setups
- Moss-focused layouts
- Small amphibian habitats
- Desktop paludariums
UNS 60E
Offers:
- Greater planting space
- Enhanced vertical growth opportunities
- Larger hardscape structures
- More complex ecosystem designs
Both models provide excellent conditions for tropical plants.
The Different Planting Zones in a Paludarium
Before choosing plants, it helps to understand where they will grow.
Aquatic Zone
Submerged below water.
Marginal Zone
Roots remain wet while foliage grows above water.
Terrestrial Zone
Moist substrate with high humidity.
Epiphytic Zone
Plants attached to wood, rock, or backgrounds.
Using all four zones creates depth and realism.
Best Mosses for UNS Paludariums
Mosses are often the foundation of a successful paludarium.
They soften hardscape, retain moisture, and create a natural rainforest appearance.
Java Moss
One of the easiest and most versatile mosses available.
Benefits
- Hardy
- Fast-growing
- Adaptable
- Easy to attach to hardscape
Works particularly well on driftwood and rock.
Christmas Moss
Offers a more structured appearance than Java Moss.
Ideal For
- Tree branches
- Moss walls
- Elevated hardscape
Its layered growth creates excellent visual texture.
Cushion Moss
A favourite for terrestrial rainforest displays.
Benefits
- Natural woodland appearance
- Excellent humidity retention
- Soft visual impact
Perfect for foreground areas and exposed roots.
Best Epiphytic Plants
Epiphytes grow attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate.
These plants are a staple of modern paludarium design.
Bucephalandra
One of the most popular plants for premium paludariums.
Why It’s Popular
- Compact growth
- Beautiful leaf colours
- Easy attachment to hardscape
- Thrives in humidity
Excellent for both the 35E and 60E.
Anubias Nana Petite
A classic choice.
Benefits
- Extremely hardy
- Slow growing
- Compact size
- Attractive dark-green leaves
Ideal for attaching to rocks and wood.
Mini Orchids
Miniature orchid species can thrive in humid paludarium environments.
Popular Choices
- Pleurothallis species
- Lepanthes species
- Masdevallia species
They add incredible visual interest and can become focal points.
Best Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover helps create a natural forest-floor appearance.
Selaginella
Often called spikemoss.
Benefits
- Vibrant green colour
- Fine texture
- Excellent humidity tolerance
Perfect for tropical paludariums.
Pilea Species
Small-leaved Pilea varieties are excellent for creating lush carpets.
Popular Options
- Pilea depressa
- Pilea glauca
These species spread naturally and soften transitions between hardscape elements.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Creates a dense green carpet.
Works Well In
- High humidity
- Moist substrates
- Tropical-themed layouts
Can rapidly fill empty spaces.
Best Ferns for Paludariums
Ferns provide structure and height while thriving in humid environments.
Mini Bolbitis
An elegant fern suitable for both aquatic and emergent growth.
Benefits
- Natural appearance
- Excellent texture
- Slow growth
Looks particularly effective attached to wood.
Rabbit’s Foot Fern
A favourite among paludarium enthusiasts.
Features
- Interesting rhizomes
- Delicate foliage
- Strong humidity tolerance
Perfect for creating a rainforest aesthetic.
Microsorum Species
Related to Java Fern.
Advantages
- Adaptable
- Epiphytic growth habit
- Attractive leaf shapes
A reliable addition to most tropical setups.
Best Tropical Foliage Plants
Larger-leaved plants provide visual contrast and help establish scale.
Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
One of the most popular paludarium plants.
Available In
- Green
- Pink
- Red
- White vein varieties
Its colourful foliage creates striking focal points.
Peperomia Species
Highly versatile and available in many forms.
Benefits
- Compact growth
- Attractive foliage
- Excellent humidity tolerance
Ideal for midground planting.
Cryptanthus (Earth Stars)
Adds colour and texture.
Features
- Rosette growth
- Red and pink varieties
- Tropical appearance
Works well in elevated planting areas.
Best Climbing and Background Plants
Vertical growth adds depth and maturity to a paludarium.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
One of the best plants for background coverage.
Benefits
- Fast-growing
- Easy to train
- Excellent vertical coverage
Can quickly transform bare backgrounds.
Marcgravia Species
Highly sought-after among advanced paludarium hobbyists.
Why They’re Popular
- Unique growth patterns
- Strong climbing behaviour
- Exceptional rainforest aesthetic
Particularly stunning in larger 60E builds.
Philodendron Species
Certain miniature Philodendrons thrive in paludariums.
Popular Options
- Philodendron micans
- Philodendron verrucosum (juvenile forms)
These add a premium tropical appearance.
Plants for the Water Section
The aquatic portion of the paludarium should not be overlooked.
Cryptocoryne
Excellent for shallow water sections.
Benefits
- Easy maintenance
- Natural appearance
- Wide variety of species
Anubias Barteri
Can thrive partially submerged.
Perfect for transitional planting zones.
Hygrophila Pinnatifida
A versatile species that grows both submerged and emersed.
Adds texture and movement.
Creating a Balanced Planting Layout
The most successful paludariums combine different plant types.
Foreground
- Mosses
- Pilea
- Selaginella
Midground
- Bucephalandra
- Anubias
- Ferns
Background
- Creeping Fig
- Marcgravia
- Philodendrons
Layering creates depth and realism.
Lighting Requirements
Most tropical paludarium plants thrive under moderate to strong LED lighting.
Key Considerations
- 8–10 hours daily
- Consistent schedule
- Full-spectrum lighting
The correct lighting supports compact growth and vibrant colours.
Humidity and Plant Success
Humidity is one of the biggest advantages of the UNS Paludarium format.
Many species perform best at:
70–90% Humidity
This supports:
- Moss growth
- Epiphytes
- Tropical foliage plants
Misting systems can help maintain consistency.
Common Planting Mistakes
Using Plants That Grow Too Large
Research mature sizes before planting.
Overcrowding
Leave room for growth.
Ignoring Humidity Requirements
Not all houseplants are suitable.
Poor Plant Zoning
Match species to appropriate moisture levels.
Proper planning prevents maintenance headaches later.
How Long Does a Paludarium Take to Mature?
A newly planted paludarium often looks sparse.
Typical Timeline
1–3 Months
Plant establishment.
3–6 Months
Noticeable growth.
6–12 Months
Lush coverage develops.
12+ Months
Mature ecosystem appearance.
Patience is one of the most important ingredients for success.
Final Thoughts
The UNS 35E and 60E Paludariums provide an exceptional canvas for creating stunning tropical ecosystems. By combining mosses, epiphytes, ferns, climbing plants, and colourful foliage species, hobbyists can build living displays that evolve and improve over time.
The key is selecting plants suited to each growing zone, providing appropriate humidity and lighting, and allowing the enclosure to mature naturally. Whether you’re creating a compact rainforest in a 35E or an elaborate jungle landscape in a 60E, the right plant selection will transform your paludarium into a thriving slice of nature.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a wide range of Ultum Nature Systems paludariums, terrarium plants, mosses, hardscape materials, lighting systems, misting equipment, and maintenance products to help you create the tropical display you’ve always envisioned.
