Collection: Aquatic Plants

๐ŸŒŠ Why Aquatic Plants Matter

Aquatic plants are more than decorationโ€”they oxygenate water, absorb nitrates, provide shelter for fish and shrimp, and create a natural ecosystem inside the aquarium. Live plants also help reduce algae by competing for nutrients.

๐ŸŒฟ Types of Aquarium Plants

๐ŸŒฑ Foreground Plants

  • Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis sp.) โ€“ carpeting grass-like plant
  • Monte Carlo (Micranthemum sp.) โ€“ lush green carpet, beginner-friendly
  • Anubias nana petite โ€“ hardy, small-leaved plant for foreground

๐ŸŒฟ Midground Plants

  • Cryptocoryne species โ€“ colorful, hardy plants for mid-level growth
  • Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) โ€“ attaches to driftwood or rocks
  • Staurogyne repens โ€“ bushy growth, adds texture

๐ŸŒฟ Background Plants

  • Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) โ€“ tall, broad-leaf plant
  • Vallisneria (Jungle Val) โ€“ long, grass-like leaves for vertical depth
  • Rotala & Ludwigia species โ€“ vibrant reds and greens

๐ŸŒฟ Floating Plants

  • Duckweed โ€“ small, fast-growing surface cover
  • Water Lettuce โ€“ floating rosettes with dangling roots
  • Frogbit โ€“ broad leaves, easy nutrient absorber

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tank Requirements for Plants

  • Lighting: Low, medium, or high depending on species
  • Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil for root feeders; sand or gravel with root tabs
  • Fertilization: Liquid fertilizers and root tabs for healthy growth
  • COโ‚‚: Some plants thrive without it (Anubias, Java Fern), while carpeting and red plants benefit from COโ‚‚ injection

โœ… Benefits of Aquatic Plants

  • Oxygen production & improved water quality
  • Shelter and breeding areas for fish/shrimp
  • Reduces algae by using excess nutrients
  • Enhances the natural look of aquascapes

โ“ FAQ

Q: What are the easiest aquarium plants for beginners?
Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword, and Cryptocoryne are hardy starter plants.

Q: Do aquarium plants need COโ‚‚?
Not allโ€”many thrive without COโ‚‚, but high-light plants (like carpeting species) benefit from added COโ‚‚.

Q: How long do aquarium plants live?
With proper care, many aquatic plants grow indefinitely through propagation.

Q: Can live plants replace a filter?
Noโ€”but they help improve water quality by absorbing waste and providing oxygen.