Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Updated on 12/4/2022
There's an art to picking out the perfect aquarium plants for your fish tank, but there's also some science involved in the process. Many newbies make the mistake of focusing just on the former and asking themselves questions like, "how amazing will this look in my brand-new fish tank?"
Here are a few things you need to know to avoid the unpleasant experience of witnessing the once-beautiful plants in your aquarium quickly transform into a desolate brown color within a few days.
This manual will walk you through the most common aquarium plants and explain how to care for each one correctly. Let's get started!
The Most Common Aquarium Plants
When you look into a fish tank that has been tastefully decorated, all you can see is the lush greenery that provides the fish with a natural environment to roam and investigate. However, if you look closely, you'll notice three different aquarium plants merging.
Foreground plants, mid-ground plants, and background plants comprise the three primary categories that aquarium vegetation can be categorized into. The primary consideration is the height to which these plants can mature.
As a general rule, you should avoid having tall grasses in the foreground because they completely block the view. The fish will most likely appreciate the added level of seclusion, but you won't have a lovely view of the aquarium.
Did you know that the process of designing the environment of your fish tank is referred to as aquascaping?
Aquarium Foreground Plants
In the foreground of the aquarium, you should have plants that grow slowly and are not too tall. This will allow you to create the ideal environment for aquatic life.
The most delicate plants in front of your tank spread out rather than grow up, producing a lush, verdant carpet for the environment.
Dwarf Baby Tears
DBT, often referred to as Hemianthus Callitrichoides, is a plant that is commonly used as a carpeting plant since it multiplies and produces a vibrant green covering at the bottom of your tank. The water should be somewhat acidic to thrive, and the temperature should be between 70 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensure that it has a bright light at 2 watts for every gallon of water. If it does not receive adequate sunlight, your lush emerald carpet will start to rise closer to the surface to get it.
Java Moss
When selecting foreground aquarium plants, Java Moss is one of the most excellent options available for novices. Because of its rapid pace of development, it will become a lush, verdant carpet in a short amount of time, particularly if it is exposed to an abundance of light.
Java moss is a plant that requires little care but must have water constantly moving through it. The optimal range for water temperature is 74–82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brazilian Micro Swords
Because it is native to South American countries like Brazil, including Brazil itself, the plant is known as Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis, also known as Brazilian Micro Swords, and thrives along the riverbanks of those countries.
Because this plant has a relatively short stem, its utmost height will only reach three inches.
It has a growth rate that is around average and is utilized extensively in the carpeting industry. However, Brazilian Micro Swords require intense direct lighting of at least 3 watts per gallon, and the water in which they are kept should be slightly alkaline.
Before you plant them in the tank, you should trim the roots with sharp scissors to grow more quickly.
Aquarium Plants For The Midground
Because they will serve as the primary point of interest in your aquarium, middle-ground aquarium plants require careful consideration while selecting them. The eye is drawn not only to the vibrant fish but also to the clump of plants positioned in the exact center of the aquarium.
Unless these plants are kept at a reasonable height, no one will be able to make out what's happening in the backdrop. The following are some of the most common aquarium plants in the mid-ground layer.
Java Fern
The Java fern is one of those plants that even inexperienced gardeners can successfully cultivate and maintain.
This plant is native to the island of Java in Indonesia, and it may be found growing in a variety of forms and sizes. However, the trident and the needle variants are the ones that are most commonly used as aquarium plants.
They can reach a height of 13 inches and only require a dim light source. In terms of the water conditions, Java fern demands an environment with a pH ranging from 6 to 8, and it is tolerant of temperature changes ranging from 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternanthera Reineckii
The usage of Alternanthera Reineckii as an aquarium plant is one of the most effective ways to aquascape the section of the fish tank in the middle.
The brilliant green of the foreground stands in striking contrast to the bright scarlet of its leaves. It has a slow growth rate and requires very acidic water to survive.
A helpful hint is to prune it regularly so that you can get new baby stems and so that it does not become too bushy and obscure the view of other plants.
Anubias Barteri Var. Nana
The fact that this small plant requires very little care and can easily adjust to various water conditions has contributed to its widespread adoption. This is an excellent companion plant because it won't cause you any additional headaches if you already have a more demanding plant in your aquarium.
It has a moderate pace of development, but its leaves will last for years, and it flowers consistently to boot. It can reach a height of 4-6 inches and does best in shady conditions.
Aquarium Background Plants
Fish can play a game of hide-and-seek within this sort of aquarium plant, which is used to create a background for your aquarium and is used to decorate the background of your aquarium.
If you desire, the background aquarium plants you use can grow to be as tall as the walls of your tank.
Water Wisteria
The water wisteria, also known as Hygrophila difformis, is a hardy plant and requires little care, making it an excellent option for novice gardeners.
It can reach a height of twenty inches and a width of ten inches, but this is dependent on the amount of light that it receives.
It will appear substantially less expansive if enough illumination is not provided. The water temperature should be kept around 75–82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the PH level should be kept between 6.5 and 7.5.
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus)
Because of its long leaves that resemble swords, this plant is an excellent option for the background of an aquarium. It does not call for the attention of a trained professional either.
All that is required for it to flourish is water with a pH of little less than seven and temperatures ranging from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of illumination that it receives ought to be considered moderate.
Ludwigia Repens
Ludwigia Repens can reach a height of up to 20 inches, and as a result, it is best suited for medium to large fish tanks due to the lovely crimson color of its leaves, which are highly regarded among aquarists. Because it quickly multiplies, there is no need to purchase more than a few stems.
Tip: To give it more time to adjust to the circumstances in your tank, plant it as soon as feasible. Make sure it receives lots of light, at least 2.5 watts per gallon, if you want its leaves to be an intense red color.
Which Type Of Aquarium Plants Do You Need: Saltwater Or Freshwater?
Most people just starting with aquariums choose freshwater tanks because they are simpler to maintain. However, saltwater aquariums allow you to cultivate a wider variety of fish species. Plants, like fish, have a certain kind of water that they grow best in.
Freshwater Aquarium Plants
A broad range of aquarium plants may be used in a freshwater tank. These plants can be used not only for aesthetic purposes but also to maintain the health of the fish in the tank because they act as a natural filtration system for the water.
The Java moss, the Amazon sword, the Java fern, the Anubias and Anubias Nana, the Cryptocoryne, the Pygmy Chain Sword, and the Hornwort are freshwater aquarium plants that are the most popular.
Saltwater Aquarium Plants
The animals that live in saltwater and the plants that can survive in this type of water have a more vibrant range of colors and species.
The following is a list of some of the plants that you should take into consideration if you are thinking about building up a saltwater fish tank: Mermaid's Fan, Red Mangrove Propagule, Green Finger Algae, Dragon's Tongue Algae, and Turtle Grass Shoots are all types of algae that can be found in the area.
Top Ideas for Live Aquarium Plants
What we have discussed thus far only covers the fundamentals of foreground and background placement. Let's now look at some aquascaping concepts.
The following suggestions are provided in the hopes that they may motivate you to design a fish tank artwork of any size.
1. Floating Aquatic Plants
Using floating aquatic plants, you may effectively purify the water in your fish tank. Growing swiftly and reducing harmful waste, such as nitrates, which they consume as nutrition, are characteristics of floating plants.
Duckweed, Amazon frogbit, water lettuce, Water Spangles, Normal Salvinia, Hornwort, and Riccia Fluitans are a few of the more popular floating aquarium plants. They require little upkeep and are ideal for novices.
2. Sand-wrapped Aquarium Plants
Sand makes a beautiful habitat for fish that live on the bottom. It can simultaneously produce a stunning contrast with the surrounding plants and other aquarium features, as seen in the image below.
Several aquarium plant species, including Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Dwarf hygro, Anacharis elodea (water weeds), Cabomba, or Tiger lotus, can be grown on sand.
3. Aquatic Plants in Gravel
Gravel is problematic since it shifts around and requires deeply rooted plants. You could use a gravel substrate in your aquarium, though, and it should have a size of 3 to 8 mm.
The roots can be harmed by anything bigger or smaller than that. The following plants thrive on a gravel substrate: Ludwigia repens, Amazon sword, Anubias, and jungle Vallisneria. Fertilizers will probably also be required.
4. Plants for Cold Water Aquariums
Plants that thrive in colder water can be used to spruce up an aquarium in the absence of a heater. Hornwort and frogbit are two of the most well-liked aquarium plants raised in cold water.
Additionally, familiar and beautiful choices for cold fish tanks are dwarf aquarium lilies and tiger lotuses.
5. Fern Plants for Aquariums
Simulating a plant's original environment as closely as possible is essential to ensure it thrives in an aquarium.
Because ferns are often relatively hardy plants, you may grow them in a simple tank with little upkeep.
Except for harsh illumination, ferns are not picky about the substrate and can adapt to any lighting level; moderate is preferable. They shouldn't be kept in tanks smaller than 10 gallons because they tend to grow rather large.
6. Driftwood with Aquarium Plants
If you want to give your aquarium a natural feel, add some driftwood. However, don't just use any old piece of wood you find outside.
Make sure the driftwood you get from the store is toxic-free and safe for fish before you buy it.
Anubias, Java fern, Java moss, Dwarf baby tears, African water fern, and Riccia fluitans, sometimes known as Christmas moss, are a few aquarium plants that you can find growing on driftwood.
7. Aquatic Wood Plants
The main problem with using wood in your aquarium is that not all of it is appropriate for the surroundings. Some degrade quickly, while others leach off unfavorable natural compounds for fish.
Choose bogwood from stores like Mopani, Manzanita, and Red Moor to use wood to adorn your aquarium.
The most typical plants you can grow on wood include ferns, moss, and dwarf baby tears, all of the Anubias family members.
8. Vitro aquarium plants
Aquarium plants grown in a sterile laboratory setting on a nutrient medium and supplied to the consumer are in-vitro plants.
These plants are notable for their diminutive stature and tiny stems and leaves.
Purchasing in-vitro grown plants is that they are sterile and free of pests, bacteria, algae, and pesticides.
9. Aquarium Vallisneria Plants
All of the Vallisneria family plants are a newbie aquarist's dream come true. Your tank will quickly become lush and active thanks to these plants' low maintenance requirements and ease of propagation.
We advise adding some to your aquarium because you can see how graceful and brilliant they may be in this picture.
10. Red Plants For Aquariums
As you can see in this picture, red complements your tank's green very beautifully, establishes a focal point, and attracts attention immediately.
Ammania Senegalensis, Alternanthera Reineckii, Cryptocoryne Albida Brown, Echinodorus Red Devil, Echinodorus Ozelot, and Ludwigia Repens Rubin are a few of the most well-liked red aquarium plants.
11. Aquatic Plants in Purple
A hint of purple elevates an aquarium. Do you want it to be primarily green? Purple aquarium plants can enliven any fish tank.
You might use Staurogyne purple, deep purple sword echinodorus, or Lobelia cardinalis.
12. Aquatic Plant Carpeting
Using plants that only reach a few inches in height, carpeting aquarium plants produce a pleasingly green bottom layer.
You can either cultivate it yourself or purchase it, complete with carpet. Growing it is pretty simple because of how quickly it spreads, and you can use any kind of moss or the perennial favorite Dwarf baby tears.
13. Aquarium Plants for Low Light
Although all plants require light to develop, certain aquarium plants simply need a minimal amount. Anubias is the most well-known low-light plant, although Java fern and Java moss can also thrive without excessive lighting.
Try Dwarf Rotala, which has a pleasing red color, if you find these to be too prevalent.
14. Simple Aquarium Plants
Beginners should start with plants that don't need much extra care or attention.
Even though Marimo Moss Ball is technically an algae ball rather than a plant, people claim it is the most straightforward plant to grow in an aquarium.
Amazon Swords, Cryptocoryne wendtii, Aponogeton Crispus, Bacopa caroliniana, Christmas Moss, and Vallisneria are additional plants for beginners.
15. Introductory Aquarium Plants
You will learn about pH, illumination, and water temperature, so don't worry if you don't know anything about these. Start with low-maintenance aquarium plants that can survive in various environments before doing that.
Tip: Wisteria, Java fern, or Anubias are good places to start. After you've mastered those, you can move on to plants that require more effort.
16. Rapidly Expanding Aquarium Plants
While patience is necessary for gardening, certain aquarium plants grow very quickly. If you're new to this, you want to see some green in your tank.
Amazon Swords, Sagittaria Subulata, Hornwort, Amazon Frogbit, Java Moss, Water Wisteria, Marsilea Hirsuta, and Lilaeopsis are a few examples of plants with rapid growth.
17. Potted Aquarium Plants
In a tank, these look fantastic! The pot you use to grow aquarium plants primarily depends on how you attach them to the tank's walls.
The most beautiful pots are made of glass; however, you can use cloth pots. These are excellent because they allow the soil to absorb water while keeping it inside, preventing cloudiness in the water.
18. Flowering Aquarium Plants
Try using flowering aquarium plants to simulate a genuine garden in your tank.
Some of them bloom underwater, like Anubias, Amazon Sword, and Bucephalandra. Of course, you can also grow aquatic plants that have above-water flowers, like lotuses.
Fact: You cannot have real lotuses in a tank, but you can try Giant Hygro, Green Cabomba and the delicate lace plant,
19. Bulb Aquarium Plants
In your tank, you can grow a variety of bulb aquarium plants. Aponogeton boivinianus, Aponogeton capuroni, and Aponogeton henkelianus are a few of the most well-known varieties.
Good to know: All these plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH water.
20. Aquarium Stem Plants
On the sides of the aquarium and in the backdrop, stem plants look great. Avoid placing them too near to one another to preserve their delicate beauty.
Hygrophila has lovely leafy stems, and Water Wisteria, a tough and adaptable plant, are two of the most well-liked aquarium stem plants.
Alternatively, you might use Bacopa caroliniana, Ammannia gracilis, Cabomba Aquatica, Hornwort, Scarlet hygro, or Scarlet hydrangea.
21. Aquarium Tissue Culture Plants
These plants are in-vitro aquarium plants, which are grown under sterile conditions to prevent the growth of bugs, algae, and pesticides.
The fish in the tank, which could be affected by poisonous substances, are also a concern in addition to the plant itself.
Tip: Look for plants grown in a tissue culture which are very easy to plant in the tank.
22. Plants For Tropical Aquariums
All tanks, tropical or not, must initially have carpeting. Try Vallisneria if you want a hardy, fuss-free plant.
When you've taken care of it, you can plant some tropical plants, such as Myriophyllum, Ludwigia, and Acorus, in the middle of the space.
23. Aquarium Plants Without CO2
Many aquarium plants can survive without carbon dioxide. The first is Java Fern, which is highly suggested for beginners.
You can also grow some water lettuce, exquisite Ludwigia Repens, and Vallisneria. Don't forget to plant some Anubias and Java Moss, too.
24. Tall Aquarium Plants
If your aquarium is large, you might consider adding some tall aquarium plants, not just for the background. Amazon swords and Sagittaria Subulata, which may reach a height of 20 inches, are the best of their kind.
Other excellent options include Hornwort, Water Wisteria, Marsilea Hirsuta, and Amazon Frogbit.
25. Plants For Nano Aquariums
Choose more fragile plants that don't spread out much in height or width if your tank is small or if you want to give your fish more room.
Anubias nana petite, Cryptocoryne Parva, Marimo Moss Balls, Monte Carlo, Red Tiger Lotus, and Java Fern Windelov are the most well-liked nano aquarium plants.
26. Low Maintenance Aquarium Plants
Low-maintenance aquarium plants don't need much attention regarding water temperature, pH, or illumination.
They can survive temperature changes between 60 and 80 °F, but this does not imply that they will thrive in any situation.
Tip: The easiest to grow are Java Moss, Green Hygro, Sunset Hygro, or Rotala Rotundifolia.
27. Plants For Goldfish Aquariums
The first goldfish that a person owns is what initially draws them to this activity. Additionally, you can cultivate a wide variety of plants in a goldfish tank.
The most common are Java Fern, Anubias, Onion Plant, Pothos, Water Sprite, and Crypts.
Tip: Get the plants first, you can get the fish after!
28. Resilient Aquarium Plants
Try these hardy aquarium plants that can adapt to changing conditions if you want plants for your tank that don't require much maintenance.
Incorporate Water Wisteria, African Water Fern, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne Beckettii, Dwarf Aquarium Lily, and Anubias into your garden.
Tip: Keep in mind that they will not grow to their full potential if the conditions are not optimal. For instance, Water Wisteria varies in size depending on how much lighting it gets.
29. Shrimp-Friendly Aquarium Plants
If you have a shrimp tank, you must ensure that the plants you produce are appropriate for the unique requirements of shrimp.
Java moss, Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Water lettuce, and Rotala rotundifolia, commonly known as the dwarf rotala, are the top aquarium plants for shrimp tanks.
30. Cabomba Aquarium Plants
Among aquarists, camboma plants are among the most common plants. It is simple to find them in many shops, where they are marketed as Green Cabomba, Carolina Fanwort, Brazilian Fanwort, and just Fanwort.
They work well as background plants in aquariums. Be careful that some Cabomba plants require a lot of upkeep!
31. Aquarium Plants In Pots
All aquarium plants grown in different pots rather than substrates are included in this category. In glass or fabric pots, not precisely the pots you have on the window sill.
These pots are distinct from the aquarium plant pots found in the fish store, which need to be taken out before planting.
32. Aquarium Moss Plants
Starting with wall-to-wall carpeting made of aquarium moss plants is the best way to make a gorgeous scene in your tank. These spread swiftly to cover the tank's bottom and are pretty simple to grow.
You should also try Willow moss, Weeping moss, Flame moss, Star moss, or Peacock moss. Java moss and Christmas moss are the two most popular varieties.
33. Java Fern Aquarium Plants
One of the most common aquarium plants, Java Fern, is seen in many tanks since it is so simple to grow.
Java fern plants have around 8 inches and may survive in dim light. However, it does have a propensity to develop slowly.
34. Baby Tears Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants like dwarf baby tears, which grow incredibly quickly and cover the tank floor in tiny green leaves, are popular choices.
Tip: You can also buy DBT as an instant carpet, already grown on special mats. All you have to do is roll the green carpet on the floor!
35. Aquarium algae
Although not all algae are harmful to your tank, when they overpopulate your aquarium, it indicates an environmental imbalance.
Algae can be removed using specialized treatments, but you should investigate and identify the root problem. Before it starts to impact the fish, balance out the environment.
36. Aquarium Grass
Aquarium grasses can be used to make a lawn for your fish. It appears terrific, like a tiny meadow.
Along with the carpeting, as mentioned earlier, aquarium plants, other options include Tropica Marsilea Crenata, Leaf Sword, and Dwarf Hairgrass.
37. Eco-friendly Aquarium Plants
Try one of the vast varieties of Cryptocoryne plants, which are highly hardy once they take root in the tank and don't require special maintenance or elaborate lighting systems.
Anubias barteri 'nana' is another fantastic option; it doesn't even require soil to flourish because it frequently occurs attached to driftwood.
How to Take Care of and Grow Aquarium Plants
The key to having a gorgeous fish tank full of flourishing plants is knowing how to care for them and selecting the aquarium plants that are best for you.
Caring for aquarium plants includes selecting the proper soil and fertilizer, utilizing lighting wisely, and ensuring sufficient water quality. Select an assortment of aquarium plants that flourish in comparable settings while keeping in mind that each plant has unique demands.
thriving plants in an aquarium with pristine water
The most crucial thing to remember is that plants and fish require high-quality water, which requires constant access to fresh water. Your garden will benefit from rainwater, but your aquarium plants won't!
Tip: As a rule, you should change 10-15% of the water in the tank every week. Two weeks at most, if your aquarium plants allow it.
Check the water filter for obstructions and clean it following the directions.
Plant Lighting for Aquariums
Aquarium plants use light as their primary energy source, like other plants. The photosynthesis process, by which plants turn carbon dioxide into energy, depends on natural light.
Being too close to direct sunlight will increase the growth of algae; therefore, you must be very careful where you set your fish tank.
Aquarium plants require roughly 8 hours of full-spectrum light per day to grow. Utilizing LED lights specially made for fish tanks, you may produce full-spectrum light that resembles natural sunlight.
The finest aquarium lighting is LED since it doesn't produce heat, which eliminates the risk of overheating and harming fish and plants.
Additionally, LED lighting is more affordable than traditional fixtures like metal halide or VHO (very high output) bulbs.
Plant Substrate for Aquariums
Plants in aquariums cannot survive only on water and light. Like all plants, they will require nutrients, which they take up through their roots. The substrate refers to the layer at the bottom of your tank.
If you're envisioning an aquarium with a basic layer of sand or gravel covering the bottom, this won't work for a planted aquarium.
Sand and gravel may appear lovely and may even give fish the impression that they are swimming in a river, but they are insufficient for your plants.
To ensure that the plants receive enough nutrients, you will at least need to use a lot of fertilizer.
Aquarium Soil for Plants
Many different soil kinds are available for your aquarium; however, they do not contain the common garden soil.
Important: You cannot use a layer of soil from the garden as you cannot be sure it’s 100% organic and it might contain substances that are dangerous to your fish. Also, regular soil will make the water cloudy.
You'll need to use specialized aquarium dirt, which you can purchase online or in fish retailers. Examine each variety to see which is most appropriate for your selected aquarium plants.
Our Opinion 🤔
Scent10
Easy to clean8.8
Light weight8.6
Value for money8.2
Style8
Fish Tank Plant Fertilizer
Aquarium plants require a complex blend of macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and trace levels of micronutrients like iron, boron, and manganese.
Our Opinion 🤔
Low light10
Easy to use9.2
Sheerness8.6
Value for money8.4
If any of these elements are missing from the soil in your aquarium, it will affect your plants' development and eventual demise. It makes sense to fertilize the water periodically.
Research the different types to determine which is best for your aquarium because some have highly complicated formulas while others are simpler and contain two or three nutrients.
Is It Time For Your Aquarium To Go Green?
The art of aquascaping is interesting. To see your fish tank's interior completely covered in lush greenery requires dedication and effort, but the result is immensely satisfying. Keep in mind that aquarium plants serve more purposes than just aesthetics. It was some aquascaping ideas with artificial plants.
Your fish will live in a healthy environment if the plants in your tank grow. Choose plants with complementary traits by using your imagination.
There are only so many plants you can fit in a tank, so choosing them will be tricky. However, it's a pleasant task, and we believe you'll like it.
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