Paludariums

Paludariums for planted land and water landscapes

A paludarium combines a land area with a permanent water section, bringing elements of terrarium growing and aquascaping into one display. Its appeal lies in the transition between the two: leaves arching over a pool, moss softening a raised bank, or planted wood linking the waterline with the space above. You can make that transition the centrepiece without needing a complicated layout or keeping animals.

Plan the land and water areas together

Start by deciding how much of the display you want to devote to water, land and taller planting. A broad enclosure offers scope for a longer shoreline, while extra height can accommodate raised planting and suitable climbing or mounted plants. Allow for the space taken up by rocks, wood, planting supports and equipment. These reduce the room available for roots and the amount of water the finished layout holds. Leave access for cleaning and pruning rather than building an attractive scene you cannot reach.

Choose plants for each growing zone

Above the waterline, choose compact tropical foliage and small ferns suited to the light, temperature and humidity you can provide. Keep the growing medium for plants that need drainage separate from the saturated water section. Some miniature orchids can be grown on raised mounts, provided their individual airflow and watering requirements are met.

At the water's edge, suitable Anubias and Bucephalandra can offer a transition between aquatic and above-water planting when their growing conditions are appropriate. Keep their rhizomes, or creeping stems, uncovered rather than burying them. Use genuinely aquatic plants for permanently submerged areas, and check whether each plant can grow underwater, above water or both. A moisture-loving houseplant is not automatically suitable for submersion.

Choose an enclosure and equipment around your layout

Check the manufacturer's permitted water depth, water-holding design and any assembly or sealing requirements before planning your setup. Access arrangements, ventilation and provision for equipment vary between products, so compare the individual specifications rather than assuming every paludarium has the same features. Follow the manufacturer's setup guidance and check for leaks before completing the planting.

Lighting needs to reach both the upper foliage and any plants growing in the water. Pumps can create streams or waterfalls, while suitable filtration can help maintain water quality. Choose equipment for the actual water volume, water depth and intended inhabitants. A simple plant-only design may need less equipment than a display containing animals, but it still needs an appropriate care routine.

Keep the landscape healthy as it develops

Prune plants before they overwhelm their neighbours, remove decaying leaves and keep viewing surfaces clean. Check the water level, maintain any installed equipment and carry out water changes appropriate to the setup; topping up evaporation is not the same as removing accumulated waste. Review lighting and plant growth as the display fills out, particularly where taller foliage begins to shade the water.

For a planted landscape without a substantial water section, explore our terrariums. For a garden that continues across the waterline, a paludarium provides the starting point for a distinctive indoor feature that can develop with your planting skills.