Planted aquariums are becoming more popular due to their natural look and ability to help maintain water quality. They can absorb harmful nitrogen compounds from fish waste, making the tank healthier. However, many beginners find it challenging to keep their aquarium plants looking vibrant and green. After years of experience with keeping, growing, and selling aquarium plants, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 easy-to-care-for plants that won’t break the bank.
1. Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo moss balls are not actually plants but balls of algae. They’re known as one of the simplest aquarium additions because they need very little maintenance. To keep their round shape, gently roll the moss ball during water changes. These inexpensive, eye-catching balls are great for betta and goldfish tanks. You can even unravel them and wrap them around driftwood to create a natural-looking tree effect.
2. Amazon Sword
Amazon swords are popular for their large, lush green leaves. They can grow quite big, so they’re great for filling space in your aquarium. While they aren’t picky about lighting or substrate, they do need plenty of root tabs to stay healthy. The leaves might change when moved to a tank, but this is normal. New leaves will adapt to the water and grow longer and narrower. If leaves turn yellow, add more root tabs. Eventually, the plant may grow baby swords that you can plant in other tanks.
3. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a hardy, slow-growing plant that doesn’t need liquid fertilizers or CO2. It does well in various light conditions and substrates. If using an inert substrate, add root tabs every few months. Crypt wendtii comes in green, brown, tropica, and red varieties. Sometimes the leaves may melt back after being added to a new tank, but leave the plant in place, and it will bounce back with fresh growth.
4. Aponogeton Crispus
This plant grows from a bulb and features long, wavy leaves that sway in the water. It’s a favorite for betta tanks due to its easy care. Just place the bulb on the substrate and let it sprout. Sometimes, the plant enters a dormant phase where old leaves die back, but new leaves will eventually grow. For just a few dollars, it’s a beautiful addition that grows quickly and can even flower.
5. Bacopa Caroliniana
Bacopa is a great stem plant for beginners. It has straight stems with round leaves and thrives without CO2 injection. It can survive in low light, but high light and iron can give its leaf tips a red hue. As the plant grows, it may develop a bare stem at the bottom, but you can cut the tops and replant them for a fuller look. This also makes propagation simple.
6. Christmas Moss
Christmas moss is ideal for breeding tanks because its fluffy, tree-like fronds provide cover for baby fish. You can tie it to rocks or driftwood to create a forest look. Keep it healthy with small algae eaters and liquid fertilizer. It’s slow-growing but worth the effort for its unique appearance.
7. Vallisneria
If you want a jungle-like feel, try vallisneria. This grass-like plant can grow to the water’s surface and spreads through runners. Once established, it’s tough enough to handle plant-eating fish. Use root tabs and liquid fertilizers for the best results.
8. Java Fern
Java fern has long, pointed leaves that sprout from a rhizome. Unlike most plants, don’t bury the
rhizome in the substrate. Instead, attach it to wood or rocks. The plant absorbs nutrients from the water rather than the substrate. You can propagate it by splitting the rhizome or allowing baby plants to grow from mature leaves.
9. Cryptocoryne Lutea
This variety of crypt is just as easy to care for as wendtii. It has narrow green leaves and doesn’t require much maintenance besides root tabs. Crypt lutea grows slowly but remains attractive without frequent pruning. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting low-maintenance greenery.
10. Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf sagittaria is a hardy, grass-like plant that works well as a carpeting option. It can grow short in high light or taller in low light. It reproduces by sending out runners, and you can pull out unwanted shoots to replant elsewhere. Keep it healthy with both root tabs and liquid fertilizer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plants makes it easier to maintain a planted aquarium. These beginner-friendly plants are beautiful, resilient, and affordable. If you notice any problems with plant health, check out guides on plant nutrient deficiencies to keep your aquarium thriving.
