If you own an aquarium, chances are you know the importance of having aquarium plants. If you’re planning to start an aquarium, trust me, you won’t go wrong with aquarium plants. Aqua plants don’t only beautify your aquarium but also ensure it remains functional. The more aquarium plants you keep in the aquarium, the better it looks. An aquarium without plants is possible but very hard to maintain.
Keeping aquarium plants is easy. It just calls for a little knowledge, direction, and practice. Essentially, you should choose the right variety of aquarium plants. Some float on the aquarium while others stay rooted at its base. If your fish species love nibbling plants, look for hardy aquarium plants to discourage them.
Aquarium plants liven the aquarium. They’re tough enough to tolerate variations of water temperatures and the surrounding conditions. They help in keeping the fish healthy and inbreeding the small fishes.
Also, aquarium plants offer shelter and a place for the fish to nourish and care for the fingerlings.
Importantly, aquarium plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon (iv) oxide and ammonia, thus ensuring the survival of your aquarium’s components.
Considering that, the importance of aquarium plants in an aquarium can’t be overemphasized. In this write-up, we have compiled 12 types of aquarium plants we believe to be the best. See which type of aquarium plants appeals to you.
Types Of Aquarium Plants
1. Java FernIt’s
great for freshwater aquariums and primarily works with shrimp. They thrive under low light conditions. Their rhizomes can be hooked to an object, maybe an ornament or rock. This plant develops long, clustered deep green leaves that serve as hiding spots for fish and unique background decorations. It does best under temperatures of 200 Celsius.
Upon maturity, Java Fern produces spores from their leaves. These spores are vital for propagation. With time, they attach themselves to something, thus enhancing fast growth.
This aquarium plant is cheap, easy to grow, available in different varieties, and a fantastic solution for newbies wishing to try aquarium plants. What’s more, they don’t need fertilizer supplements to grow.
2. Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant
This fantastic aquarium plant thrives in varied conditions. It’s one of the easy-to-grow and maintains plants. Usually, it grows vast inside the aquarium. As such, consider that while buying it.
Amazon Sword aquarium plant is also great for newbies, thanks to its low price, little nutrients, and lighting requirements. Though not a must, applying nutrient supplements and increasing its lighting fastens its growth rate.
This plant originated from South America. It thrives under the temperatures conditions of around 270 Celsius. Just like its name imply, the leaves resemble a sword. The Amazon Sword is known to develop up to a height of 20 inches.
3. Anubias and Anubias Nana
These are another easy-to-keep type of aquarium plants. Anubias plant is usually sold on rocks in an aquarium store. This species is known for its slow growth. As such, it’s good to buy a specimen that correctly fits your aquarium. Always let its roots be over the substrate. This plant should be placed in the shady part of the aquarium to inhibit algae’s development on its leaves. It requires zero to a minimal level of nutrient supplements.
The Anubias Nana is a sub-variation of Anubias that has smaller leaves. It’s rarely available, thus a higher cost. However, it gives a higher measure of coverage compared to the other type of aquarium plant.
If your fish species love hiding, this is the perfect aquarium plant. It rarely grows past 6 inches tall, thus no need for trimming. It thrives under around 25 0 Celsius and little lighting.
4. Java Moss Aquarium plant
This type of aquarium plant is probably shrimp’s favorite. It provides a perfect hiding spot for them. It is best appended to objects inside the aquarium, such as rocks, using elastic bands.
Java Moss is known to float. Therefore, always append them to a stable surface to ensure they don’t float away. This plant enjoys dim light. Subjects to brilliant light can slow their growth and cause them to develop a green algae plague.
5. Crypt wendtii
This popular type of aquarium plant originated from Sri Lanka. Crypts are usually displayed in pots in fish stores. They are less resistant to variations in their environment.
As such, they’re known to ‘liquefy’ once added to an aquarium. At first, they may appear to dissolve in response to the change. However, with continued tendering, the Crypt return to full health.
Unlike most aquarium plants, they require higher lighting. Therefore, they are best with more advanced aquarists. Their long slim leaves emanating below the substrate form their trademark. This unique plant can be split around the rhizome are and be propagated throughout the aquarium.
6. Moneywort
This easy-to-grow plant is popularly called Brahmi by herbalists. It is bright green and lime coloration under conducive temps. (about 270 Celsius) makes it a perfect addition to aquariums. It’s propagated through seeds and cuttings and can grow while partially or fully submersed.
On average, Moneywort grows up to 12 inches but can grow taller under the right conditions. It starts by extending horizontally until it surfaces above the water surface.
It should be trimmed lest the branches get outside the water. This plant can deteriorate under unstable aquarium conditions.
7. Hornwort Aquarium Plant
Hornwort can be grown rooted or floating in an aquarium’s substrate. It’s propagated through its side shoots and grows to a maximum height of 24 inches. It is very hardy and fast-growing. This type of aquarium plant is known to take over and dominate its environment.
It usually shed its leaves, which then provide food to some species of fish. Overall, Hornwort’s dark green color makes it a charming aquarium plant. It is an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its ease of growth.
8. Rotala rotundifolia
This one is best among the types of aquarium plants for those wishing to splash a variety of colors to their aquarium. It’s native to South-East Asia and grows to a maximum of 30 cm tall. It’s excellent for home aquariums and needs enough lighting to develop red leaves.
Fish usually eat this plant, so it’s better to have an aquarium community with various fish to make it last longer. It’s known for its side shoots, compact and bushy growth pattern. This can cause low lighting problems. As such, prune it regularly.
9. Water Lettuce/Water cabbage/Nile cabbage
Be keen on the aquarium plants’ selection in the most garden, and you’ll likely find water lettuce. It’s a popular surface plant for providing protection, color, and shade for most aquariums. It develops to 8-10 inches but usually is smaller when in an aquarium.
It thrives floating on surface water, and its leaves form a dense rosette with submerged roots underneath. It’s compatible with tropical fish, but more prominent varieties can consume its roots and kill it. Water lettuce is one of the best types of aquarium plants suited for a small water garden.
10. Vallisneria Spirallis Aquarium Plant
Its short leaves make it the best type of aquarium plant for small-size aquariums. The leaves are also amazingly thin and don’t overshadow the smaller plants. It’s easily propagated using runners.
It takes 5-7 days to grow. Its growth is a bit tricky. It floats on the aquarium’s surface until its roots take hold of the aquarium substrate. Don’t plant them too deep lest they dry off. They look incredible when they’re plenty of water movement.
11. Duckweed
This delicate and beautiful aquarium plant is hardier than you may think. It provides the perfect shelter for fingerlings that live in the aquarium and provides a favorable breeding spot for certain fish species.
They can rapidly spread and dominate your aquarium within weeks. Unfortunately, by doing so, they could lead to deprivation of oxygen to your aquatics. This may call for its removal, which again isn’t easy.
It has an annoying habit of clinging to everything that enters your filter. They thrive in a quiet habitat with minimal movement. Despite their downsides, they are guaranteed to add a desirable natural aspect to your aquarium. Remember that you’re in for a long haul once you add it since it’s hard to remove.
12. Marimo Ball Aquarium Plant
Honestly, this discussion can’t end without mentioning this unusual type of aquarium plant. They’re perceived to be a symbol of good luck and usually given as gifts. Today, they’re considered a national treasure or endangered species depending on their location.
They thrive in temperatures below 250 C at the bottom of the aquarium. Just like other plants, they love it when the water is clean.
This plant is hardy and known for tolerating fish nipping. Their spongy texture acts as filters, eradicating particulates from the aquarium. Marimo plants can live for years.
Final Thoughts on Types of Aquarium Plants
Incorporating aquarium plants to your aquarium enhances your hobby while benefiting your fish. The above 12 types of aquarium plants are just a few of the various aquarium plants that exist.
Hopefully, we’ve captured your interest. You’re now set to enjoy the fun of equipping your aquarium with these aquarium plants. With the right care and a good setup, aquarium plants are guaranteed to thrive for many years.
