10 Live aquarium plants you should consider for your home
Are you setting up a freshwater aquarium and wondering which aquarium plants to choose? The variety of live plants available can transform your fish tank into a stunning underwater ecosystem. But which ones are the best fit for your needs, climate, and fish? This article will help you navigate through some of the most popular and beautiful freshwater aquarium plants that can enhance your tank and provide natural habitats for your aquarium fish.
Here are ten popular live aquarium plants for fish tanks, along with their characteristics, size, climate requirements, cost, and maintenance levels.
1. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Java Fern is a hardy, slow-growing plant that attaches to driftwood or rocks. It’s a popular choice for beginners due to its ability to survive in low-light conditions and varying water parameters, making it perfect for low-maintenance aquariums.
Java Fern
Average Size: 8–12 inches
Average Cost: $3–$7 per plant
Climate Conditions: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Long-lasting
2. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)
Amazon Sword is a large, leafy plant that provides excellent coverage and hiding spots for fish. It requires a nutrient-rich substrate and regular pruning to maintain its size and health, making it ideal for medium to large aquariums.
Average Size: 12–20 inches
Average Cost: $5–$10 per plant
Climate Conditions: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Moderate
Life Cycle: Several years
3. Anubias Nana
Anubias Nana is a slow-growing plant with broad, dark green leaves. It can be attached to hard surfaces, such as rocks or driftwood, and thrives in low light, making it a great choice for beginners looking for a low-maintenance option.
Average Size: 4–6 inches
Average Cost: $5–$8 per plant
Climate Conditions: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Long-lived
4. Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)
Dwarf Hairgrass is a popular choice for creating a grassy carpet at the bottom of your tank. It requires good lighting and CO2 supplementation to grow well but provides a lush, green appearance that’s perfect for aquascaping.
Average Size: 2–4 inches
Average Cost: $6–$10 per bunch
Climate Conditions: 70°F to 83°F (21°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Moderate
Life Cycle: Long-lasting with regular trimming
5. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
Water Wisteria is a fast-growing plant with delicate, feathery leaves. It is easy to care for and quickly fills up space in the aquarium, making it ideal for beginners who want a lush, green tank with minimal effort.
Average Size: 10–20 inches
Average Cost: $3–$6 per stem
Climate Conditions: 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Grows rapidly, may require pruning
6. Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei)
Moss balls are unique, low-maintenance algae formations that add a fun element to your tank when added with aquarium rocks. While they don’t replace traditional plants, they offer some filtration benefits and are easy to care for.
Average Size: 2–4 inches
Average Cost: $4–$10 each
Climate Conditions: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Long-lasting
Can Moss Balls Replace Plants in an Aquarium? Moss balls provide some filtration and aesthetic value, but they do not offer the full benefits of live plants in an aquarium.
7. Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis)
Vallisneria is a tall, grass-like plant that grows quickly and can reach the water’s surface, providing vertical cover in the tank. It’s easy to grow and is a great option for filling the background of the aquarium.
Average Size: 12–30 inches
Average Cost: $3–$8 per bunch
Climate Conditions: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Propagates easily through runners
8. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Hornwort is a fast-growing, floating plant with needle-like leaves. It offers a natural filtration system and provides excellent cover for fish, making it a great addition to almost any freshwater aquarium.
Average Size: 6–12 inches
Average Cost: $3–$5 per bunch
Climate Conditions: 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Grows rapidly and easily
9. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne Wendtii is known for its textured, wavy leaves, which come in shades of green and brown. It’s slow-growing but thrives in low light and offers an aesthetically pleasing foreground or midground option.
Average Size: 6–8 inches
Average Cost: $4–$7 per plant
Climate Conditions: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
Maintenance: Moderate
Life Cycle: Long-lived but prone to “crypt melt”
10. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
Java Moss is a versatile plant that can grow on any surface, making it perfect for covering rocks, driftwood, or even the tank floor. It’s very low-maintenance and grows well in a variety of conditions, making it ideal for beginners.
Average Size: Variable
Average Cost: $3–$5 per portion
Climate Conditions: 60°F to 86°F (16°C to 30°C)
Maintenance: Low
Life Cycle: Continuously growing
Choosing the Right Aquarium Plants
When it comes to selecting aquarium plants to buy, consider factors like size, lighting, and climate needs. Beginners should opt for low-maintenance plants like Java Fern and Anubias Nana, while more experienced aquarists might prefer faster-growing plants like Water Wisteria or Dwarf Hairgrass. Whether you’re looking for live aquarium plants for sale or researching the best aquarium plants in freshwater, these selections will give you a thriving and beautiful tank.
Investing in a variety of plants not only enhances your tank’s aesthetic but also provides essential benefits for your fish, such as natural filtration and hiding spots. Now that you know the characteristics, maintenance levels, and conditions required for popular plants, you’re ready to start building your underwater paradise!
