Need suggestions for floating plants

[Herpin Man]

I need suggestions for floating plants to put in my paludarium.
The paludarium is 4' x 8' x 6' tall. The lighting is 3' or so above the surface of the water, and appears to be sufficient for the terrestrial plants. However, I have tried water hyacinth and water lettuce, and I can't keep them alive, presumably due to the distance from the light.
I have a large water surface area that I would like to cover with floating plants.
Any ideas?

 

[acpart]

You could use frogbit or duckweed, but realize that you'll have a complete surface coverage relatively soon.

Aliza

 

[Herpin Man]

I like frogbit, but I read that the leaves rot if water gets on top of them. Since I mist often, this would be an issue. I have duckweed, but it isn't multiplying.

 

[Hilde]

I used water sprite when I had a paludarium. There are several species, easily available any place that sells aquarium plants. They can be floating or rooted. The only disadvantage is that they grow fast, you'll have to thin them out every so often.

 

[Herpin Man]

Does water sprite float on the surface, and can it thrive in moderate lighting?

 

[Hilde]

Yes, it floats, but can also be rooted in the substrate.
It does best in bright light, but moderate light will work.
I found they tend to stay floating if there's less than optimal light, possibly because they get more light at the surface. Rooted ones need brighter light, so it can reach them in the water. If the light is ideal, some will end up rooting on their own. The roots extend quite far down into the water, if you happen to have fish, they'll hide inside there.
The leaves change appearance a bit, depends on the light and whether they're floating or rooted.

 

[Hilde]

This link should answer most of your questions Water Sprite Plant Care, Floating Roots & Reproduction