What Are the Easiest Plants to Grow in a Fish Tank?

Growing plants in a fish tank not only enhances the beauty of your aquarium but also contributes to a healthier environment for your fish. While some aquarium plants require specific conditions and intensive care, many are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. So, let’s explore some of the easiest plants to grow in a fish tank, along with some essential tips on how to look after them.

Benefits of Aquarium Plants

Before you think about adding plants to your tank, it’s essential to know what kind of impact they can have. There are a number of benefits to introducing aquarium plants to your tank, including:
• Improved Water Quality: Aquatic plants help to absorb excess nutrients and toxins from the water, reducing the growth of harmful algae and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
• Oxygenation: Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, improving the oxygen levels in the tank and ensuring a healthier environment for fish.
• Natural Habitat: Plants provide hiding spots and breeding grounds for fish, making them feel more secure and reducing stress.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A planted aquarium is visually appealing, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to your home or office.

Top 5 Easiest Aquarium Plants to Grow in a Fish Tank

Wondering which aquarium plants to add to your tank? Here are a few of our favourites:

Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Java Moss is a versatile and hardy plant that can thrive in various water conditions. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or left floating, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
• Light Requirement: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 15-30°C
• Care Level: Easy
• Benefits: Java Moss helps in reducing nitrates and provides cover for small fish and fry.

Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana)

Anubias Nana is a slow-growing plant with broad, dark green leaves. It is highly tolerant of low light conditions and can be attached to substrates or decorations in the tank.
• Light Requirement: Low
• Temperature: 22-28°C
• Care Level: Easy
• Benefits: Anubias Nana is almost maintenance-free and adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium.

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Java Fern is another hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can be anchored to rocks or wood, and it thrives in various water conditions, making it perfect for beginners.
• Light Requirement: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• Care Level: Easy
• Benefits: Java Fern helps in oxygenating the water and is resistant to most fish that tend to nibble on plants.

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)

Amazon Sword is a popular choice for its large, broad leaves and robust growth. It is relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate lighting and occasional fertilization.
• Light Requirement: Moderate
• Temperature: 22-28°C
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Benefits: Amazon Sword creates a dramatic backdrop and provides shelter for fish.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is known for its hardiness and adaptability to different water conditions. It comes in various colours and sizes, making it a versatile addition to any aquarium.
• Light Requirement: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• Care Level: Easy
• Benefits: Cryptocoryne Wendtii helps in maintaining water quality and adds diversity to the plant layout.

Tips for Growing Aquarium Plants

Never grown any aquarium plants before? Don’t worry! We’re specialists in the field, and have some top tips for you:
• Choose the right substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate supports root development and plant growth. Consider using specialised aquarium plant substrates for best results.
• Provide adequate lighting: Ensure your tank has appropriate lighting based on the plants’ needs. LED lights are a popular choice for their efficiency and adjustable spectrum.
• Maintain water quality: Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters (pH, temperature, hardness) are essential for healthy plant growth.
• Fertilisation: Liquid or root fertilisers can supplement the nutrients in the water, promoting robust growth.
• CO2 supplementation: While not always necessary, adding CO2 can enhance plant growth, especially in densely planted or high-light tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the signs that my aquarium plants are unhealthy?

Unhealthy plants may show signs such as yellowing leaves, holes, and slow growth. These symptoms can be due to inadequate lighting, nutrient deficiencies, or poor water quality. Regularly check and adjust conditions to ensure plant health.

How often should I trim my aquarium plants?

Trimming frequency depends on the plant type and growth rate. Fast-growing plants like Java Moss may need trimming every few weeks, while slow-growing plants like Anubias Nana require less frequent maintenance. Regular trimming helps maintain the desired shape and prevents overgrowth.

Do I need CO2 for easy-to-grow aquarium plants?

While CO2 can boost growth and health, many easy-to-grow plants like Java Moss, Anubias Nana, and Java Fern do well without it. They thrive in low to moderate light conditions and don’t require CO2 injection.