Top 10 Live Aquarium Plants for Your Fish Tank

Aquarium plants are aquatic plants specifically cultivated and grown in fish tanks or aquariums. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem by oxygenating the water, absorbing excess nutrients, and providing shelter and grazing areas for fish and other aquatic species. Many fish keepers may not consider planting in an aquarium but it can really benefit the tiny ecosystem that they’ve created and cut down on the maintenance needs of the tank. 

Some species of fish will eat aquarium plants. Fish can either be omnivores or herbivores and those who survive solely off a plant based diet will often have an interest in any living matter you add to their environment. The trick is getting the balance right as you want your fish to have a nice nutritious snack but you don’t want them to chew your plants down as soon as you put them in. Goldfish are herbivores that need a lot of plant matter in their diet and are known for destroying fish tank plants in record time. They’re simply too big for most planted tanks and do better with the addition of things like moss balls that they can’t do as much damage to. While your guppies might have a nibble, due to their size it’s far less likely that they will do much damage. 

Aquarium water can be beneficial for plants, as it contains essential nutrients that plants need to thrive, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. That said, water quality is crucial and regular maintenance is important for making a healthy habitat where they can survive. You will need to perform regular water changes and have proper filtration to make sure conditions remain suitable. While aquarium plants for fish tanks can benefit from living alongside their fishy friends to keep them happy and well fed, they will quickly be overcome and ideal conditions with the right amount of nutrients can turn toxic. You’ll still need to maintain good water management but aquarium water can be beneficial to live plants and they will in turn benefit your fish and make your job a little easier. 

Planting an aquarium is just like planting in the garden where each species might have slightly different needs. Where and how you plant each one will depend on whether it’s a background, foreground or middle dwelling plant. Some plants will have bulbs that need to be placed into the substrate while others will need separating to allow them to float on the surface of the tank. Others prefer to anchor to objects and may need a little help starting out but you can use string to tie them to ornaments or press their roots between rocks to keep them steady. Anchoring plants can bring your tank decorations to life. If you’re trying to create a luscious and grassy carpet for the base of your tank, you will have to divide a plant's roots and plant it in sections to allow it to gradually spread across the whole floor of the tank.  

When you’re planting any plant, you should cut away any wilted or dead leaves to make sure you’re only introducing healthy plants to the aquarium’s water.  

To ensure the best plant growth in your fish tank, there are a few things you can do to help keep greenery healthy and thriving. Prioritise key factors such as lighting, supplementation of carbon dioxide, and a substrate rich in nutrients. Adequate lighting is crucial as it fuels photosynthesis, the process essential for plant growth. Without the light they need, many species will struggle to thrive so how you plant your fish tank is important. Overcrowding can cause smaller plants to struggle while the taller ones gain access to all of the light sources. Planting larger plants towards the back with smaller ones in the front won’t just create a better view for you but will help every plant get all the light they need to survive.

A substrate rich in nutrients will provide plants with essential elements for healthy development. They often do better with fine gravel like Hugo Natural Fine Gravel For Aquariums or a high quality soil to be able to grow their roots into. Having a selection of fish or invertebrates in the tank will also help with healthy plant growth. Living animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide which is important for plants so try to strike a balance between the number of plants and fish and they will help to keep each other healthy.

Live plants offer numerous benefits for fish tanks, including oxygenation, water filtration, and natural aesthetics. They can also help reduce algae growth and provide a more natural habitat for fish, leading to lower stress levels and improved overall health. While using fake plants may seem a lot easier and there are some stunning life-like options like the Mopani Wood With Plants Fish Tank Decoration, real plants can help to cut down maintenance and keep your fish’s home a little bit healthier. 

Aquarium plants that undergo photosynthesis produce oxygen as a byproduct, helping to oxygenate the water. Generally speaking, faster growing plants tend to be the best at producing oxygen. In the same way that young fish need to be fed more often while they grow, growing plants will use up more energy which means their rate of photosynthesis is higher. Faster growing plants like Vallisneria will populate a tank quickly as well as provide a healthy, oxygen rich environment. 

Aquarium plants can help reduce ammonia levels in fish tanks by absorbing ammonia and other nitrogenous waste products through their leaves and roots. Plants alone may not be sufficient to maintain ammonia levels within safe limits and regular water changes and proper filtration are still essential. Some experienced aquarists can create environments that are so balanced, that they need very little maintenance. In most cases, you will still have to give your tank a helping hand to remove some of the waste and avoid conditions becoming toxic to those living in it. 

Aquarium plants may turn brown due to a variety of reasons, including nutrient deficiencies, inadequate lighting, poor water quality, or algae growth. If you plant a light loving species in a darker tank or if smaller plants are overshadowed by larger ones, you may need to introduce another light source to keep everyone happy. If you don’t do water changes often enough, the environment can easily become overwhelming for plant species. Keep the tank clean and make sure there’s plenty of light but if only a few leaves are turning brown this can also be natural. As plants grow, older leaves may die off to make way for new growth so as long as the water is kept clean and their needs are being met, it could just be a natural part of the process. 

It's generally advisable to remove dying or decaying plants from an aquarium promptly. Decomposing plant matter can release toxins into the water and contribute to poor water quality and algae problems. Removing dead or dying plants also helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for fish and other aquarium inhabitants. While some species like snails and bottom feeders might feed from dead leaves, they won’t be able to consume the whole thing so you will still have a rotten leaf releasing toxins into the environment once they’re finished. 

When considering whether to leave aquarium plants in pots, it's essential to understand their specific needs and growth habits. While some plants thrive when planted directly into the substrate, allowing their roots to spread and establish more effectively, others, like anubias or java ferns, can be securely attached to driftwood or rocks without removing them from their pots.  

This method offers the benefits of both stability and nutrient uptake while preserving the plants' root systems. For most aquatic plants though, removing them from their pots before planting is recommended. It helps to encourage healthier growth by enabling roots to spread and access nutrients more efficiently. It also prevents potential issues such as root constriction and allows for better integration into the aquarium's ecosystem. Removing a plant from the pot means you can also divide it into smaller sections to allow each part to flourish and grow even bigger. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific requirements and your own preferences.  

When selecting plants for your fish tank, consider factors such as the plant's compatibility with your aquarium setup, its growth habits, and its care requirements. Opt for plants that are suitable for your tank size and water parameters to ensure they thrive in their new environment. Buying larger species that grow quickly can take over a smaller tank in no time so picking smaller species can help to maintain a good balance. Don’t forget the importance of choosing plants that complement your aquascape design and provide adequate shelter and grazing areas for your fish. Making informed decisions on which plants are best in what kind of tanks and even where to plant them will help them thrive.  

Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a popular and versatile plant that thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions. Its lush, green foliage provides ample hiding places for fish and fry, making it an ideal choice for breeding tanks. Java moss is easy to care for and can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other aquarium decor to create stunning underwater landscapes. 

The Amazon sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) is popular for its striking appearance with broad, sword shaped leaves that add a dramatic touch to any aquarium. It is relatively low maintenance and can grow to impressive sizes under the right conditions. The amazon sword is a favourite among aquarists for its ability to create dense, jungle-like habitats for fish while also helping to maintain water quality. If you need a larger plant for a tank that doesn’t have access to the best lighting, the amazon sword is going to be your best bet. 

Bacopa caroliniana, also known as water hyssop, is a beautiful stem plant with delicate, bright green leaves. It is well suited to both beginner and experienced aquarists, as it’s hardy and easy to propagate. Bacopa caroliniana is often used as a background plant in aquariums, where its vertical growth can create a stunning backdrop for fish and other aquatic life. The foreground can be planted with smaller colourful plants while this sways beautifully with the current in the background.  

Vallisneria, or eelgrass, is a popular choice for aquariums due to its graceful appearance and ease of care. This hardy plant features long, ribbon-like leaves that can reach impressive lengths, providing shelter and grazing areas for fish. Vallisneria is known for its rapid growth rate which is ideal for fish keepers starting from scratch. If you want to make your tank look like the underwater jungle of your dreams as quickly as possible, Vallisneria can be a great shortcut. 

Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a classic aquarium plant prized for its hardiness and striking appearance. Its distinctive, leathery leaves add texture and visual interest to any tank, and it can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Java fern is often used as a midground or background plant in aquascapes, where its unique growth pattern can create a captivating focal point. It can grow quite tall and reach 30cm so won’t struggle to find light to help it thrive, even in heavily planted tanks. Java ferns are tough enough to thrive in cold water tanks as well as warmer water.  

Dwarf sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) is a petite and versatile plant that is well suited to smaller aquariums and nano tanks. Despite its smaller size, dwarf sagittaria can quickly form dense carpets of grass like foliage, providing habitat for small fish and invertebrates. This hardy plant is relatively undemanding and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. 

Anubias is a genus of aquatic plants known for their thick, leathery leaves and slow growth habit. These plants are popular among aquarists for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and their resilience to fluctuations in water quality. Anubias can be attached to driftwood or rocks using fishing line or a small amount of glue, creating natural looking displays in the aquarium. Many plastic and material plants are made using anubias as a model but the real deal looks that much more beautiful and isn’t difficult to care for.  

Cryptocoryne lutea is a species of crypt that is prized for its vibrant green leaves and compact growth habit. It is a versatile plant that can be used as a foreground, midground, or background plant depending on the size of the aquarium. Cryptocoryne lutea is relatively undemanding and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. 

Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei) can be a festive little addition to your tanks or it can decorate it all year round. It gets its name from the fine, branching fronds that resemble miniature evergreen trees. Christmas moss is easy to care for and can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other surfaces using thread or fishing line, allowing for endless creative possibilities in the aquarium. You can give the appearance of driftwood that’s been there long enough to grow its own moss with a bit of creativity. Even anchored to another object, it will still move with the currents and give your tank extra dimension without being difficult to keep alive. 

Marimo moss may not technically be a plant that you can add to your aquascaping. It’s an algae that is formed into a ball and is worth a mention for anyone who struggles to keep aquarium plants alive. Their needs as far as keeping them happy and thriving are limited to almost none! If you manage to kill a marimo moss ball, there isn’t much hope for graduating up to more complex aquascaping. Moss balls will generally survive anywhere in the tank, they can sometimes float but when fully saturated will usually float to the bottom of the tank.  

All you have to do is move them every once in a while to make sure every angle can have access to a bit of sun. You can even unwind them and anchor them to some driftwood where they will anchor and continue to thrive.  

Selecting the best aquarium plants is not just about enhancing the visual appeal of your tank, it's about fostering a harmonious ecosystem where aquatic life thrives. By choosing plants that complement your tank's size, lighting, and water parameters, you can create a balanced environment that promotes the health and well being of your fish and other inhabitants. Whether you opt for fast growing stem plants to oxygenate the water, lush carpeting plants to provide shelter for bottom dwelling species, or elegant mosses to add a touch of natural beauty, each plant contributes to the overall success of your aquarium