Dive into Greenery: The Top 10 Must-Have Plants for Your Planted Aquarium
Aquariums have always been a great addition to homes and offices. They bring in a sense of calmness and add beauty to the surroundings which can help to manage the stress and anxiety of general life. Planted aquariums, however, take it up a notch by bringing in greenery into the mix. Adding live plants to an aquarium not only adds aesthetic value but also helps maintain a healthy environment for your fish. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of planted aquariums and explore the top 10 must-have plants that are easy to grow and maintain, adding color and life to your underwater world. This blog piece will discuss each plant's unique features and requirements, ensuring that you make an informed decision while choosing what is best for your aquarium. So let's get started!
Example of a high tech setup with carpeting plants.
Unveiling the Allure of Planted Aquariums
Live aquatic plants in a freshwater aquarium contribute to its aesthetic appeal and create a captivating underwater environment. These plants, such as slender-leaved Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) and Christmas Moss, also play a vital role in maintaining water quality by absorbing nitrates and providing oxygen. Additionally, a well-designed planted aquarium offers aquarists an opportunity to showcase their creativity and create diverse underwater habitats, making it a visually appealing and soothing environment for both fish and hobbyists.
The Role of Plants in an Aquarium
Aquatic plants play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and providing a natural habitat for aquarium fish and shrimp. By serving as a natural biological filter, they aid in balancing the aquarium ecosystem. Additionally, their growth helps control Algae and prevents substrate compaction, promoting beneficial bacterial growth. Through photosynthesis, aquatic plants contribute to oxygenation, benefiting the overall health of the aquarium. Furthermore, they offer shelter and breeding spaces, creating a more comfortable environment for fish
Placement matters
Strategic positioning of live aquarium plants is pivotal for maximizing their visual appeal and growth potential. When situating the plants, it's crucial to consider the specific lighting and water flow requirements of each species. Thoughtful placement not only enhances the aquascape's depth and dimension but also creates natural hiding spots for fish, contributing to a harmonious aquarium environment. Understanding the growth habits of different plant species is essential for achieving an aesthetically pleasing layout that complements the overall aquarium design.
Selecting the Best Plants for Your Aquarium
When establishing a thriving aquarium ecosystem, choosing the right live aquarium plants is crucial. Consider their compatibility with your tank conditions, such as lighting, substrate, and water parameters. Research different varieties of java fern, crypts, and buce to find options that align with your aquascaping goals. Some plants, like christmas moss, offer low maintenance while others, like slender-leaved plants, serve as vibrant focal points. Selecting a diverse range can help create a dynamic and balanced planted aquarium.
Understanding Plant Requirements
Aquatic plants' lighting, water hardness, and nutrient level requirements vary. Understanding their growth patterns and needs is vital for successful cultivation. Consider the temperature, pH preferences, and root systems for optimal growth. Researching propagation methods and adjusting fertilizer and CO2 can maximize their potential.
Gauging Your Aquarium Conditions
Assessing the lighting, water parameters, and substrate composition of your aquarium is vital for selecting live aquarium plants. Consider natural or artificial light sources and their intensity. Understand water flow patterns to influence plant placement and growth. Monitor water quality parameters like pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels. Plant compatibility with your aquarium conditions is key for a thriving freshwater aquarium. Using algae eaters such as Dwarf shrimp, Otocinclus Catfish or Plecos are a great way to keep the maintenance down.
What are the different levels of care and maintenance levels
For aquascapers, it is essential to understand the care and maintenance levels of live aquarium plants. Certain plants like Christmas moss and Java fern require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for beginners or low-tech setups. In contrast, high-maintenance plants such as Bucephalandra or Hemianthus Callitrichoides can be quite demanding. These plants may require specific lighting, nutrient supplementation, and CO2 injection or high-tech setups.
To achieve long-term success in the freshwater aquarium hobby, balancing plant care requirements with available resources is crucial. Researching varieties with varying care levels can help create a manageable and rewarding planted tank. It's important to note that some plants will thrive in certain conditions but struggle in others. Therefore, it's essential to take into account the environment in which you plan to keep your aquatic plants before selecting them.
Furthermore, understanding how to appropriately trim and propagate aquatic plants is also vital for maintaining a healthy aquarium. Some fast-growing species may need frequent pruning to prevent them from overrunning the tank, while slow-growing varieties are less likely to require trimming.
Overall, choosing the right live aquarium plants for your setup is just one aspect of creating a visually stunning and healthy aquatic environment. By researching care requirements and taking into account available resources, aquascapers can build an attractive and thriving planted tank that provides endless enjoyment and satisfaction.
Below are our top plants for aquariums
1. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) - Beginner
Java moss, also known as Taxiphyllum barbieri, is an ideal choice for aquascaping novices due to its versatility and low maintenance. Its delicate, branching structure provides natural cover for fish fry and shrimp, enhancing aquarium biodiversity. Thriving in a wide range of lighting conditions and known for its slow growth rate, this resilient aquatic plant requires minimal pruning and maintenance. Additionally, the ability of java moss to attach to driftwood or substrate makes it visually dynamic and adaptable in aquarium layouts. There are many great other mosses available that can be used in place of Java Moss such as Flame Moss, Christmas Moss, Weeping Moss, Pellia Moss and Taiwan Moss. They are all beautiful in their own ways and do have slightly different uses in aquascaping.
Amano Shrimp keeping the moss algae free.
Care and Maintenance
A crucial aspect of caring for live aquarium plants like Java Moss involves monitoring and adjusting water parameters, such as pH and temperature, to create an optimal environment.
This hardy plant thrives in low lighting and requires minimal maintenance.
However, regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from overgrowing the tank.
Additionally, Java Moss can serve as a natural habitat for fish and shrimp, contributing to the overall health and balance of the freshwater aquarium environment.
2. Anubias (Anubias barteri) - Beginner
Anubias plants, with their broad, durable leaves, are compatible with herbivorous fish in aquariums. Their adaptability to various water conditions and slow growth rate make them a popular choice. Anubias is well-suited for aquascapes featuring driftwood, adding striking green coloration for aesthetic appeal. These plants require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for aquarists seeking low-effort plant care. There are an increasing number of varieties available now and the cost is starting to slowly come down for these plants. A good tip is to make sure you are choosing the right Anubias for your size aquarium, for example an Nana Petite Anubias is pretty small and would get lost in a large tank but is perfect for smaller nano style setups.
Care and Maintenance
Anubias thrives in low to medium lighting conditions and can be attached to driftwood or rocks without the need for substrate, making it a low-maintenance live aquarium plant.
Regular pruning of dead leaves and controlling algae growth are crucial for its well-being.
Avoid burying the rhizome, as it can lead to plant decay.
Anubias is an excellent choice for beginners entering the freshwater aquarium hobby due to its resilience and easy care requirements.
3. Cryptocoryne Wendtii - Intermediate
Cryptocoryne Wendtii, an ideal choice for beginners, thrives in low to moderate lighting, adding depth and vibrancy to the aquarium. With its slender leaves and moderate growth rate, this plant fills out the tank beautifully, providing an attractive contrast within the aquascape. Its adaptability and striking green color make it a versatile and visually appealing addition to any freshwater aquarium. Crypts are a great addition and there are plenty of options available such as Parva, Undulata, Spiralis and Balansae to name a few options.
Care and Maintenance
Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a low-maintenance plant that adapts to various tank conditions.
To optimize its growth, provide proper lighting and nutrient supplementation.
Avoid sudden water parameter changes when introducing or relocating the plant.
Watch for algae growth on the leaves and trim yellow or damaged leaves for healthy growth.
Crypts are prone to "melting" when moved meaning their leaves tend to die back. A healthy plant will recover with no problems but it may take some time. To help with re-planting them make sure to are cutting there roots back to an inch or so to force the plant to re-generate.
Bringing it all together to create a living piece of art.
4. Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) - Beginner
Dwarf Baby Tears, also known as Hemianthus callitrichoides, thrive in high light conditions, forming a lush green carpet in the aquarium. Adequate CO2 injection is essential for optimal growth and carpet formation. Regular trimming and pruning are necessary to maintain its tidy appearance. This plant also requires a nutrient-rich substrate for support. Its delicate appearance adds an elegant touch to the aquascape, making it a popular choice among aquascapers.
Care and Maintenance
Ensure high light conditions and proper CO2 levels for optimal growth of live aquarium plants.
Use a nutritious substrate and liquid fertilization to support healthy growth.
Regular trimming and replanting encourage dense carpet formation.
Monitor and adjust water parameters to prevent algae growth on delicate leaves.
Prevent shading from other plants to maintain the compact growth of the Dwarf Baby Tears.
5. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) - Beginner
Adaptable to various water conditions, Amazon Sword plants are beginner-friendly with impressive size and striking appearance. Their broad leaves create a visually appealing focal point in the aquarium, providing shelter and spawning sites for fish. Supporting healthy growth and leaf coloration, regular root tabs and liquid fertilizer are key. Plenty of fish also use the leaves of Amazon Swords to spawn on making them great additions to breeding tanks.
Care and Maintenance
Regular trimming of old or decaying leaves is crucial for encouraging new growth.
Using root tabs provides essential nutrients, especially in aquariums with inert substrates.
Pruning side shoots and daughter plants prevents overcrowding. Once a baby plant has its own roots you can "cut the cord" so to speak and have a new plant for another aquarium (MTS has probably started).
These are larger plants and need adequate space and light for each plant must be ensured to prevent shading.
6. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) - Beginner
Water Wisteria, also known as Hygrophila difformis, thrives as a live aquarium plant, enhancing the aesthetics of your freshwater aquarium. Its slender leaves and vibrant green color add a graceful touch, making it a popular choice among aquascapers. This plant is a great addition to new tanks, as it requires low lighting and simple planting in gravel. Regular trimming and pruning, akin to using super glue gel to attach new shoots to sewing thread, will maintain its neat appearance and support healthy growth in the water column.
Care and Maintenance
Water Wisteria thrives with moderate to high lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate.
Enhancing plant growth and health, CO2 supplementation is beneficial.
Regular pruning controls overgrowth and maintains the desired shape.
These are fast growing plants and are great at algae prevention as they suck up excess nutrients within the tank.
7. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) - Beginner
Java Ferns, scientifically known as Microsorum pteropus, are resilient and slow-growing live aquarium plants suitable for low-maintenance setups. They thrive in low lighting and are a popular choice among hobbyists due to their attractive slender leaves and vibrant green color. Java Ferns, commonly known for their ability to propagate through rhizomes, can quickly produce new shoots and leaves, making them an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium. These plants also serve as natural shelter and cover for fish and shrimp, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the tank. These are one of my personal favorites and the great news is they come in a few different variations such as: Windelov, Narrow leaf, Needle leaf, Trident and Philippine. There are also micro versions becoming more available for nano style tanks (usually 5 gallons or less).
Dwarf Pufferfish enjoying the Java Fern, Moss and Anubias.
Care and Maintenance
Java Fern is a staple in the freshwater aquarium hobby.
It thrives in low to medium light conditions and is adaptable to various water parameters.
Ideal for beginners, this live aquarium plant can be easily propagated by cutting and attaching it to driftwood or rocks using fishing line or sewing thread.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain its attractive appearance. The leaves will develop new plantlets so make sure you are removing and re-planting the baby plant to increase the number of plants in the tank or start a new tank.
Caution must be exercised to avoid burying the rhizome too deeply.
8. Monte Carlo (Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo') - Advanced
When choosing plants for your aquarium, consider the benefits of live aquarium plants. Monte Carlo, also known as Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo,' is a top choice due to its vibrant green color, low lighting needs, and fast growth rate. To successfully grow Monte Carlo, plant it in gravel with high iron content, provide adequate lighting, and add liquid fertilizer to the water column. Regularly trimming the new shoots and leaves will help maintain its lush appearance. This plant is perfect for aquascapers looking to enhance their freshwater aquarium with beautiful greenery. Iwagumi style aquascapes typically use this style of carpeting plant exclusively in the setup to create a beautiful contrast between rock and plant.
Care and Maintenance
Regular pruning is essential to sustain its carpet-like appearance.
High lighting and CO2 levels are crucial for the thriving of Monte Carlo in a planted aquarium.
To prevent yellowing of leaves, it's imperative to use fertilizers rich in iron and micronutrients.
For a striking contrast with taller plants in the background, Monte Carlo is an excellent foreground plant.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy planted aquarium with Monte Carlo requires regular water changes and proper filtration.
This is a harder plant to keep happy but is worth the effort!
9. Bucephalandra - Beginner
Bucephalandra (or Buce), a favored plant in aquariums due to its unique appearance and easy maintenance, thrives partially or fully submerged, adapting to different tank setups. Buce is available in various colors and textures, from green to red to brown, it adds intrigue to any aquarium. Its slow growth requires minimal trimming, and propagation is possible by dividing rhizomes. The plant can also be attached to driftwood or rocks for added dimension. For aquarists seeking live aquarium plants that are low maintenance and visually appealing, Bucephalandra is an excellent choice. These expensive (but amazing) plants are becoming more widely available and come in a few varieties such as: Brownie Blue, Brownie Ghost, Wavy Green, Red Mini, Kedagang, Green Velvet, Skeleton King, Blue Velvet, Catherineae, Theia and Purple Blue to name a few. This new genus of plants is still being discovered and cataloged therefore the naming conventions vary significantly from country to country. Please also be aware that some of these plants are being taken from natural environments in Indonesia compared to being reproduced with tissue culture so please ensure you do your research before buying. We all have a part to play to help preserve natural habitats.
Care and Maintenance
For Bucephalandra to thrive in a planted aquarium, it requires low to moderate lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate.
It is advisable to plant Bucephalandra in small groups or attach it to hardscape materials such as rocks or wood.
The plant thrives in temperatures between 72-82°F and pH levels between 6.0-7.5.
To promote faster and healthier growth, consider adding CO2 injection to the aquarium.
Higher quality lights tend to bring out the fluorescent look of these plants making them unique and truly worth the price tag.
10. Vallisneria (Vallisneria spp.) - Beginner
Vallisneria spp., commonly known as Vallisneria, is one of the easiest plants is prized in the aquarium hobby for its resilience and low-maintenance nature. This live aquarium plant with slender leaves offers excellent coverage and refuge for fish and aquatic creatures. While it thrives in bright lighting and nutrient-rich substrates, Vallisneria can adapt to lower light conditions. Its versatility and ease of care make it a popular choice for both new tank setups and seasoned aquascapers. Adding Vallisneria to your planted aquarium will bring a touch of green color and natural beauty to the water column.
Care and Maintenance
For optimal growth, Vallisneria requires a nutrient-rich substrate and moderate to high lighting.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain healthy growth, and the plant can propagate through runners, forming a dense carpet. This also helps to grow new leaves.
Consider supplementing with CO2 and fertilizers for enhanced growth.
When performing maintenance, avoid disturbing the roots of established Vallisneria plants.
11. Rotala (Rotala spp.) bonus plant - Beginner
Rotala, a great bonus plant, is an easy plant that adds vibrant red tones and effortless growth to any aquarium. Its slender leaves bring a pop of color, making it a favorite among aquascapers. With low lighting needs, Rotala is perfect for both new tanks and established setups. It's an easy addition, especially when secured with super glue gel for planting. This versatile plant thrives in the water column, making it a desirable choice for freshwater aquariums.
Add a splash of color with the easy Rotala.
Care and Maintenance
Provide moderate to high lighting and CO2 supplementation for Rotala (for full red). Otherwise for a cheat code in low-tech setups keep the plant as high in the aquarium as possible to keep the leaves closest to lights and they will be red!
Ensure soft water with a pH range of 6 to 7.5 for the plant.
Use either substrate or floating techniques to grow Rotala.
Regular fertilization and water changes are essential for the plant's health and longevity.
Conclusion
Creating a planted aquarium not only enhances the aesthetics but also creates a healthy and natural habitat for aquatic pets. The right selection and placement of plants can significantly improve the overall appearance and atmosphere of your aquarium. There are numerous plant options available, ranging from low-maintenance ones like Java Moss and Anubias to more demanding species like Dwarf Baby Tears and Rotala. Your choice of plants depends on your preferences and the conditions in your aquarium. To better understand the basics of planted aquariums we have another article here.
It is crucial to consider the specific care requirements of each plant, including adequate lighting, nutrients, and CO2 supplementation if required. Incorporating these top 10 must-have plants can help you create a stunning underwater garden that will flourish and bring vitality to your aquarium.
Apart from aesthetics, live plants in an aquarium offer several benefits such as oxygenation, carbon dioxide removal, nutrient cycling, and providing additional hiding spots for fish. They also help maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates and other toxins produced by fish waste.
When selecting plants for your aquarium, be mindful of their growth rate and potential size to avoid overcrowding or dominating the tank's space. You can also experiment with different plant arrangements to create a unique look or replicate natural aquatic habitats like rivers or swamps.
Overall, creating a planted aquarium is a rewarding hobby that offers numerous benefits for both you and your aquatic pets. With proper care and attention, it can become an eye-catching centerpiece in any room while providing a healthy living environment for your underwater friends. We hope you enjoyed this blog and leant something new on your aquascaping journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure my plants receive enough light and nutrients in my aquarium?
To ensure optimal growth and health of your aquarium plants, provide ample light with a high-quality LED aquarium light. Supplement the nutrients by considering fertilizers or CO2 injection. Regularly prune and remove dead plant matter to prevent nutrient depletion and algae growth. Research specific plant needs for best results.
Are there any plant species that are particularly difficult to grow in an aquarium setting?
Some plant species, like carpeting plants and stem plants, can pose challenges when trying to grow them in an aquarium. These plants may require specific lighting, CO2 injection, and fertilization to thrive. However, there are also easy-to-grow options like Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon sword. It's important to research the specific needs of each plant before adding them to your aquarium.
