Do you want to add some greenery to your aquarium as a beginner aquarist? Adding real plants to your aquarium not only beautifies it, but it also creates a natural and healthy environment for your fish. However, not all aquatic plants are appropriate for beginning gardeners. Here are some easy-to-grow aquarium plants for beginners that are simple to care for and flourish in a range of aquarium settings.
- Java Moss
Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a common aquatic plant that is often used in aquariums. It is a hardy and low maintenance plant that is suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Here are some care tips for Java moss:
Lighting: Java moss does not require high-intensity lighting and can thrive in low to moderate lighting conditions. It can even grow in shady or low-light locations.
Water Quality: Java moss tolerates a wide variety of water parameters, but prefers a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 and a water hardness between 5 and 20 dGH. It can grow in both freshwater and saltwater, making it a versatile choice for different types of aquariums.
Temperature: Java moss tolerates temperatures ranging from 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). However, it grows best at temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C.
Nutrients: Java moss is a slow growing plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, providing some nutrients can help it grow faster and healthier. You can add liquid fertilizer or root tablets or supplement CO2 to the substrate.
Placement: Java moss can adhere to a variety of surfaces, including rocks, driftwood, and substrate. It is a versatile plant that can be used in many ways to create natural-looking aquascapes.
Maintenance: Java moss is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, it may need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain its shape. You can use scissors or your fingers to snip off any excess growth.
Overall, Java moss is a versatile and low maintenance plant that will add a natural beauty to your aquarium. With the right lighting, water quality, and nutrients, it can thrive and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
- Anubias
Anubias are a popular aquatic plant for aquarists due to their distinctive appearance and ease of care. This plant is native to Africa and belongs to the family Araceae. It is a slow-growing plant that is suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Here are some Anubias care tips:
Lighting: Anubias can grow well in low to moderate light conditions. Strong light is not required and can even damage plants.
Water Quality: Anubias can tolerate a range of water parameters, but prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and a water hardness of 4 to 12 dGH. It can grow in fresh and brackish water.
Temperature: Anubias can withstand a wide temperature range of 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). However, it grows best at temperatures between 24 °C and 26 °C.
Nutrients: Anubias are slow growing plants that do not require regular fertilization. However, providing some nutrients can help it grow faster and healthier. You can add liquid fertilizer or root tablets or supplement CO2 to the substrate.
Placement: Anubias can be attached to a variety of surfaces including rocks, driftwood, and substrate. It is important not to bury the rhizome, which is the thick stem from which the leaves grow. Rhizomes should be left on top of the substrate to prevent rotting.
Maintenance: Anubias is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, they may need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain their shape. You can use scissors or your fingers to snip off any excess growth.
Overall, Anubias is a hardy and low maintenance plant that will add a natural beauty to your aquarium. With the right lighting, water quality, and nutrients, it can thrive and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
- Amazon Sword
The Amazon sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is a favorite aquatic plant for aquarists because of its beautiful appearance and ease of care. It is native to South America and belongs to the Alismaaceae family. Here are some maintenance tips for your Amazon Sword:
Lighting: The Amazon Sword requires medium to high intensity lighting. Insufficient light will result in slow growth and smaller leaves. Ideally, plants should receive 8 to 10 hours of light per day.
Water Quality: Amazon Sword needs good water quality to thrive. It likes a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and a water hardness of 3 to 8 dGH. Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to maintaining good water quality.
Temperature: Amazon Sword prefers temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. However, it can withstand temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C (68 °F and 86 °F).
Nutrients: The Amazon Sword is a heavy feeder and requires regular feeding to thrive. You can add liquid fertilizer or rhizome flakes to the substrate to provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, supplemental carbon dioxide helps promote growth and prevents algae growth.
Location: Amazon Sword should be planted in a nutrient-rich substrate. The roots of the plant should be anchored in the substrate, but the crown (the area where the leaves meet the roots) should remain above the substrate. The plant should have enough space to grow, and other plants should not be planted too close to it to avoid competition for nutrients.
Maintenance: The Amazon Sword requires moderate maintenance. Plants may need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain their shape. You can cut off excess growth with scissors. Regular removal of dead or dying leaves will also help keep the plant healthy.
Overall, the Amazon Sword is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that will add a natural beauty to your aquarium. With the right lighting, water quality, and nutrients, it can thrive and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
- Java Fern
Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a favorite aquatic plant for aquarists because of its hardiness and ease of care. It is native to Southeast Asia and belongs to the family Aquapodiaceae. Here are some care tips for Java fern:
Lighting: Java fern can grow in low to moderate light conditions. Strong light is not required and can even damage plants. It is best to provide it with 8 to 10 hours of light every day.
Water Quality: Javan ferns can tolerate a range of water parameters, but prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a water hardness of 3 to 8 dGH. It can grow in fresh and brackish water.
Temperature: Javan fern tolerates a wide temperature range of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). However, it grows best at temperatures between 24 °C and 27 °C.
Nutrients: Javan fern is a slow growing plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, providing some nutrients can help it grow faster and healthier. You can add liquid fertilizer or root tablets or supplement CO2 to the substrate.
Placement: Java Fern can be attached to a variety of surfaces including rocks, driftwood, and substrates. It is important not to bury the rhizome, which is the thick stem from which the leaves grow. Rhizomes should be left on top of the substrate to prevent rotting.
Maintenance: Java Fern is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, they may need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain their shape. You can use scissors or your fingers to snip off any excess growth. Regular removal of dead or dying leaves will also help keep the plant healthy.
Overall, Java fern is a hardy and low maintenance plant that will add a natural beauty to your aquarium. With the right lighting, water quality, and nutrients, it can thrive and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
- Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne are popular aquatic plants among fish keepers due to their hardiness and diversity. There are more than 60 species of Cryptocoryne, all native to Asia, belonging to the family Araceae. Here are some general care tips for Cryptocoryne:
Lighting: Cryptocoryne can grow in low to moderate light conditions. Strong light is not required and can even damage plants. It is best to provide it with 8 to 10 hours of light every day.
Water Quality: Cryptocoryne prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a water hardness of 3 to 8 dGH. It can withstand a wide range of water temperatures from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).
Nutrients: The Cryptocoryne is a heavy feeder and requires regular feeding to thrive. You can add liquid fertilizer or rhizome flakes to the substrate to provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, supplemental carbon dioxide helps promote growth and prevents algae growth.
Location: Crypto sweet potatoes should be planted in a nutrient-rich substrate. The roots of the plant should be anchored in the substrate, but the crown (the area where the leaves meet the roots) should remain above the substrate. The plant should have enough space to grow, and other plants should not be planted too close to it to avoid competition for nutrients.
Maintenance: Cryptocoryne is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, they may need occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth and maintain their shape. You can cut off excess growth with scissors. Regular removal of dead or dying leaves will also help keep the plant healthy.
It is important to note that different Cryptocoryne species may have specific care requirements, so it is best to research the specific species in your aquarium to ensure proper care. Also, some Cryptocoryne species may be sensitive to changes in water parameters, so it is important to make changes gradually.
Overall, Cryptocoryne is a beautiful and low maintenance plant that will add a natural beauty to your aquarium. With the right lighting, water quality, and nutrients, it can thrive and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
It is important to remember not to overcrowd your aquarium when adding plants. Overcrowding can lead to the accumulation of organic waste and poor water quality. Also, before adding plants to your aquarium, make sure you understand their individual needs.. Please see our article Artificial Plants vs. Live Plants in a Fish Tank: Pros, Cons, and Which is Best for Your Aquarium to see if real plants are right for your tank.
Finally, adding real plants to your aquarium is an excellent way to improve its attractiveness and health. Create a natural environment for your fish without time-consuming plant care with these easy-to-grow beginner aquarium plants. Happy gardening!