Why Add Live Plants?

Integrating live plants into your aquascape has many benefits beyond just aesthetics. The plants help filter the water by absorbing nitrates, ammonia, and other waste from the fish. They also oxygenate the tank and provide natural hiding spots and territory boundaries for the fish. Live plants help establish the nitrogen cycle, allowing the tank’s ecosystem to thrive. Many fish species are more active and less stressed in a natural planted environment.

Best Low-Light Aquarium Plants

Most beginner aquarists start with a basic tank that comes with standard fluorescent lighting. Low to moderate light plants are ideal in these setups, as they don’t require the intense lighting that advanced planted tanks have. Here are some top picks:

Java Fern
One of the most popular, Java fern is extremely hardy and undemanding. It tolerates a wide temperature range and is comfortable in tanks with fish, shrimp, snails, or crayfish. Java fern prefers to be attached to driftwood or rocks instead of planted in the substrate. It reproduces and spreads quickly under favorable conditions. The long green leaves provide terrific hiding places.

Anubias
Similar to Java fern, Anubias does best when anchored to a rock or decoration instead of planted. Its broad, dark green leaves look elegant. It grows slowly and requires little care. Just avoid planting it fully underground or the rhizome will rot. The Anubias nana and Anubias barteri varieties work well for aquarium beginners.

Amazon Sword
The Amazon sword is a classic aquarium plant, beloved for its lush green leaves and height. It grows substantial roots, so it must be planted in substrate. It often propagates “daughter” plants as runners spread from the mature plant. Amazon swords thrive with root tabs and are generally undemanding. The tall plants give fish plenty of cover.

Cryptocorynes
Crypts are excellent plants with interesting leaf patterns that remain fairly small. They grow slowly from rhizomes and do fine in regular gravel substrate. Cryptocoryne wendtii is one of the most popular, and it comes in green and bronze hues. Crypts are tolerant of most water conditions but may melt if conditions change drastically. After adjustment, they will regrow. Crypts prefer low-tech setups.

Best Beginner Foreground Plants

Carpet and foreground plants create a lush lawn covering the bottom of the tank and contrast nicely with midground and background plants. They add depth and dimension while keeping tank maintenance easy. Some top options include:

Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf sag, or S. subulata, only reaches about 6 inches high. The long and narrow leaves provide a grassy texture and act as a carpeting plant. It’s an easy aquarium plant that propagates rapidly under high light but still does fine in low-tech tanks. Dwarf sag thrives with root fertilization. It helps create the illustrious “carpeted” look.

Java Moss
Java moss is actually a versatile aquatic moss, not a flowering plant. It attaches to hardscape decor and can carpet the substrate. Java moss is extremely hardy and undemanding, adapting to a wide range of conditions. It makes an attractive foreground plant and provides protection for shrimp and fish fry. It may need trimming to prevent overgrowth.

Dwarf Hairgrass
Dwarf hairgrass grows as a short carpet across the substrate, resembling a lawn. Eleocharis acicularis and Eleocharis parvula only reach 3-6 inches so they qualify as foreground plants. Hairgrass does best with added CO2 but is quite hardy. Be patient—it propagates through runners and will eventually fill in. The textured grassy patches create great contrast to other plants.

Best Low-Maintenance Stem Plants

Stem plants are classic aquarium choices that grow vertical stalks above the substrate. They come in almost endless varieties and add movement and interest to planted setups. Some low-demand options for beginners include:

Water Wisteria
Water wisteria is a fast-growing stem plant that is extremely hardy. The green leaves provide lots of cover for fish. It propagates easily by trimming and replanting the cuttings. Water wisteria helps absorb excess nutrients and clarifies cloudy tanks. It may need regular pruning. This versatile plant oxygenates the water efficiently.

Anacharis
Similar in profile to water wisteria, Anacharis has slender leaves and a rapid growth rate. It is durable and undemanding, adapting to a wide range of water parameters. Its floating stems provide shelter and hiding spots. Anacharis is also excellent at removing nitrates and phosphates from the water. Trim it routinely to encourage bushier growth.

Hornwort
Hornwort has thin, forked leaves that provide a nice contrast texture. It thrives floating or planted and grows rapidly. The stems can reach 10+ inches so it may require trimming. Hornwort does not root in the substrate—just weigh it down or let it float. It propagates well from clippings. Its fine leaves offer safety for fry and small species.

Best Root Feeder Plants

Some aquatic plants feed mainly through their roots instead of the water column. They perform best with added fertilization like root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate. Here are a couple great options:

Amazon Sword
As mentioned already, Amazon swords develop large root structures. Root feeder tabs are tremendously beneficial since swords are heavy root feeders. Push them deep into the substrate near the roots for the best results. Swords will flourish beautifully with supplemented nutrition via root fertilization.

Red Flame Sword
A variation of the standard Amazon sword, the red flame sword sports vibrant red coloration on its leaves. It requires the same care and feeding schedule. The red hues provide a pop of color and contrast nicely with green plants. Use root tabs monthly and this eye-catcher will retain its unique coloring.

Best Floating Plants

Floating plants are essentially no-maintenance since they draw everything they need from the water itself. They also help shade light-sensitive fish. Interesting options for beginners include:

Duckweed
Duckweed is a classic tiny floating plant that propagates rapidly to form a lush green carpet on the water’s surface. Fish and invertebrates appreciate hiding among the trailing roots. Duckweed helps block light for fish that prefer shaded tanks. It grows easily regardless of setup but may need thinning.

Frogbit
Resembling miniature lily pads, frogbit floats freely and has dainty leaves with hanging roots. It multiplicates quickly and serves as a natural bio-indicator of tank health. If frogbit starts looking poor, it signals issues with the water before other plants or fish show signs. It also absorbs excess nitrates from the water.

Conclusion

Live aquarium plants might seem tricky for beginners, but many species thrive with minimal care. Plants like Java fern, Anubias, Amazon swords, and cryptocorynes are practically fool-proof and do fine in standard low-tech tanks. Carpeting plants like dwarf sagittaria and floating species like duckweed are also simple yet effective.

A thriving live plant setup brings huge benefits for tank inhabitants and helps recreate a small piece of nature in your home. With a few robust species, the ability to propagate cuttings, and some root fertilizer when needed you can create a lush underwater garden that even plant-growing novices can enjoy. I sincerely hope you find this “The Best Live Plants for Beginners in Aquariums In 2024” article helpful.

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