Live aquarium plants are essential elements in creating a thriving aquatic ecosystem within your fish tank.
There are a few types of aquarium plants that not only enhance the aesthetics of their surroundings but also play a vital role in maintaining water quality and providing a natural habitat for your aquatic pets.
• What are Aquarium Plants?
Aquarium plants are aquatic plants that are cultivated and grown in aquariums and other water-based environments, such as ponds. These plants are specifically adapted to thrive in underwater conditions and play a vital role in creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing aquatic ecosystem.
There are various types of aquarium plants to choose from, ranging from rooted varieties to floating aquarium plants.
Rooted plants like Anubias and Java Ferns add texture to your underwater landscape while adding required levels of oxygen to the water.
Other floating aquarium plants, such as Water Lettuce or Duckweed, not only beautify the surface but also offer shade and shelter for fish.
Also read - Best Plants for Water Gardens
• Types of Aquarium Plants: Benefits and Care Tips
Some of these are floating aquarium plants while others are and can be rooted. The rooted plants derive nutrition through their roots but also their leaves.
The floating ones, on the other hand, derive nutrients through their leaves by absorbing nitrate and phosphate from the water.
Their photosynthesis increases oxygen levels in the water thus making it a win-win situation for everything present in that water.
1. Anubias
Anubias is one of the floating aquarium plants. It is beloved for its resilience and ability to grow in almost any kinds of water bodies.
It is contributes greatly to water quality and can survive in conditions with limited carbon dioxide as well.
It is great for beginners because it is hardy and slow-growing. This means that it does not need to be trimmed too often.
➣Things to remember:
Anubias can be left free-floating or can be attached to decorations and rocks. But its roots tend to rot if left buried under substrate, which is why doing so must be avoided at all costs to ensure a healthy plant.
2. Java Fern
The Java Fern is also one of the partially free floating aquarium plants. It must be attached to rocks or decorations if needed, but it is known for its hardiness and commended for its versatility.
The Java fern is one of those water plants for aquarium settings that is beloved for its aesthetic appeal and well as water purifying qualities.
➣Things to remember:
The Java Fern has very low light requirements so it should be planted/placed in parts of your aquarium that receive lesser light.
Otherwise, it should be placed in aquariums with low exposure to light in general.
3. Amazon Swords
These are root-feeder aquarium plants that need a solid source of nutrients that their roots can feed on.
Usually, their roots are either buried under substrate or given nutrients through a fertilizer pill which takes nearly 3 months to be completely consumed.
➣Things to remember:
The Amazon Sword is one of those planted aquarium plants that needs proper water conditions to thrive. It must be slightly soft to moderately hard water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range.
4. Dwarf Hairgrass
This is part of those aquarium tank plants that need a rich-nutrient dense substrate in order to ensure optimal growth.
It is known and beloved for its carpet-like appearance once it grows properly and it has a moderate growth rate. But this aquarium plant requires a little more care and attention.
➣Things to remember:
The Dwarf Hairgrass requires adequate lighting in order to thrive. As opposed to have a neutral pH level, this plant needs a slightly acidic pH level.
While it grows well otherwise, it needs a little extra care to ensure good survival.
5. Cryptocoryne
This is one of the aquarium plants known for its unique and memorable leaf shapes. Due to this, it is a beloved plant for seasoned aquarists.
The leaves of this plant come in many shapes and sizes because of which it is capable of adding a pop of color to your aquarium.
It also provides great shelter to fish and is compatible with multiple species of them.
➣Things to remember:
The Cryptocoryne needs regular trimming and pruning in order to ensure good growth rates. They thrive in lower light setting and have varied water pH level requirements.
6. Hornwort
Hornwort is a popular aquatic plant that is appreciated for its ease of care. It can grow in a multitude of lighting conditions but may grow slower in lower light conditions.
This is one of the free floating aquarium plants and it does not require a substrate to thrive.
➣Things to remember:
There is not too much maintenance to do when it comes to Hornwort but you should trim excess growth in order to maintain its development.
It also acts as a stress buster for fish, so this is considered a very good addition to your collection of aquarium plants.
7. Water Wisteria
This plant is a popular and versatile aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby. It's appreciated for its attractive appearance, ease of care, and its ability to improve water quality.
Among aquarium plants, this is beloved for its striking appearance and ability to outgrow algae.
It also absorbs excess nutrients and keeps the water fresh for fish.
➣Things to remember:
Regular pruning and trimming is required to ensure optimal growth for the Water Wisteria. Propagation is rather simple but also must be done regularly if you wish for formations to be equal.
8. Java Moss
This moss is loved for its ability to add a natural and attractive look to aquariums. It is easy to maintain and does not require too much attention.
It has a lush, feathery appearance and can create a soft, natural carpeting effect when grown on surfaces like driftwood, rocks, or decorations.
➣Things to remember:
The Java Moss does not need to be trimmed very often and can adapt to many water types. However, stable water condition is a must and should be monitored.
9. Ludwigia
Ludwigia is a diverse and beautiful genus of aquarium plants known for its vibrant colors and ornamental appearance.
These contain numerous species which also come in varied shapes and sizes, making them a decorator's favorite.
These types of aquarium plants are versatile and can thrive in most environments if given proper care.
➣Things to remember:
Maintaining proper and stable water conditions is crucial, as well as regular trimming.
10. Duckweed
Duckweed is a free-floating one of the aquatic plants for aquarium settings that is both loved and sometimes regarded as a nuisance in the aquarium hobby.
It's known for its rapid growth and ability to cover the surface of water in aquariums and outdoor ponds.
➣Things to remember:
In lower light, Duckweed grows slower as compared to high light, and this plant also requires stable water conditions.
For some of these, you can choose to buy aquarium plant seeds or bulbs to grow your plants from scratch. Aquarium plants also have a bunch of advantages and benefits, and work well to enhance the look of your aquarium.
Some live plants for fish tank settings can be very beneficial for your fish but when choosing which ones to plant, you need to consider the water temperatures and light requirements of all your choices so that they can work in sync and harmony with each other.
