10 Easy-to-Grow Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Aquarium keeping can be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby, but for beginners, diving into the world of live plants can feel like navigating a dense forest. Not all plants are created equal when it comes to ease of care, and beginning enthusiasts often struggle to find the right balance. If you’re new to this hobby and aiming to create a thriving aquatic environment, knowing which plants are hearty and beginner-friendly can be your lifeline.

Imagine your aquarium as an underwater forest. The swaying plants provide sanctuary for fish, improve water quality, and add a lush aesthetic that plastic plants simply can’t replicate. Live plants can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, reduce algae growth, and serve as a natural filter by consuming harmful nitrates. Despite these benefits, many beginners face obstacles like choosing the right plants that can survive common beginner mistakes such as inconsistent lighting, poor water quality, and a limited understanding of plant care.

The focus of this article is to guide you through the maze and introduce you to the top 10 easy aquarium plants for beginners. These plants are hardy, resilient, and perfect for those just getting their feet wet.

Java Moss

Description of Java Moss

Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is perhaps one of the most versatile and hardy plants available in the aquarium trade. This moss has a delicate, bright green appearance and can adapt to a variety of conditions, making it perfect for beginners.

Care Requirements

Java Moss can thrive in almost any lighting condition, from low to high. It prefers a temperature between 59-86°F (15-30°C) and a pH range of 6.0-7.5. As a slow grower, it doesn’t require a high level of nutrients or frequent fertilization, although it will appreciate occasional doses of liquid fertilizers.

Benefits for Beginners

• Easy to Grow: Java Moss is incredibly forgiving and can survive in less-than-ideal conditions.
• Low Maintenance: It doesn’t need frequent trimming or specialized care.
• Versatile: It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or even allowed to float freely, adapting to various aquascaping styles.

Additional Information

Java Moss is often used in breeding tanks as it provides ample hiding spots for fry. It can also be employed to create a moss wall or a lush carpet by attaching it to a mesh panel, adding a natural and sophisticated look to the aquarium.

Marimo Moss Balls

Description of Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei) are unique, spherical algae formations that are native to lakes in Japan and Iceland. They have a velvety texture and can grow up to 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Care Requirements

These moss balls are extremely low maintenance. They thrive in low to medium lighting and prefer cool water temperatures between 64-74°F (18-23°C). They can be placed in almost any type of freshwater tank and require minimal fertilization, if any.

Benefits for Beginners

• Extremely Low Maintenance: They only need occasional rotations and water changes to maintain their shape and health.
• Unique Appearance: Their spherical form adds a quirky, eye-catching element to any aquarium.
• Longevity: Marimo Moss Balls grow very slowly and can live for several years, making them a lasting addition.

Additional Information

Apart from being a novel decor, Marimo Moss Balls assist in oxygenating the water and can help improve water clarity by absorbing nitrates and other pollutants. They have also been featured in various scientific studies highlighting their unique growth patterns and potential water-purifying benefits.

Amazon Sword

Description of Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) is a robust and broad-leaved plant that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. This tall, lush plant is ideal for midground or background placement in larger tanks, creating a natural and dramatic element to your aquarium setup.

Care Requirements

Amazon Swords thrive in moderate to high lighting conditions and prefer water temperatures around 72-82°F (22-28°C). They do best in a nutrient-rich substrate and will benefit from root tabs and occasional liquid fertilizers.

Benefits for Beginners

• Hardy: Amazon Swords are very resilient and can tolerate a variety of conditions.
• Fast-Growing: Their rapid growth rate helps outcompete algae, making maintenance easier.
• Striking Presence: The plant’s broad leaves create a lush, jungle-like atmosphere, providing cover for fish.

Additional Information

These plants often require root tabs to reach their full growth potential, as they are heavy root feeders. This makes them excellent for aquariums with a nutrient-rich substrate. Amazon Swords are perfect for those who want to create a natural-looking landscape and enjoy watching a plant that grows well beyond its initial size.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Description of Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne Wendtii, commonly known as Crypt, is a beautiful, medium-sized plant with broad leaves that come in various shades from green to reddish-brown. Its compact size makes it suitable for both small and large aquariums.

Care Requirements

Crypt Wendtii can adapt to a wide range of lighting, from low to moderate, and thrives in water temperatures between 68-82°F (20-28°C). It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH and can benefit from root tabs and occasional liquid fertilizers, though it’s relatively low-maintenance compared to other plants.

Benefits for Beginners

• Low-Maintenance: This plant is exceptionally forgiving and can adapt to many water conditions.
• Beautiful Foliage: The variety in leaf color adds a splash of color to your tank.
• Adaptable: Crypts can endure less-than-ideal conditions, making them perfect for beginners who may not have perfected their aquarium setup.

Additional Information

One thing to note about Crypt Wendtii is that it can “melt” when first introduced to a new environment. This is a temporary phase; new, stronger leaves will eventually grow back. Understanding this makes it easier for beginners to not panic and ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Anubias Nana

Description of Anubias Nana

Anubias Nana is a small, hardy plant with dark green, oval leaves. It ranges in size from 3-5 inches (7-12 cm) tall and is often used for the foreground in smaller aquariums or as a midground plant in larger tanks.

Care Requirements

Anubias Nana is incredibly undemanding. It thrives in low to moderate lighting and prefers water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C). This plant doesn’t require CO2 injection or high fertilization, making it easy to care for.

Benefits for Beginners

• Slow-Growing: This plant grows slowly, meaning it requires less frequent trimming and less maintenance.
• Easy Propagation: Anubias Nana can be easily propagated by cutting the rhizome.
• Decorative Value: It can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other decorations, adding versatility to your aquascaping options.

Additional Information

Anubias Nana is a popular choice for nano tanks and shrimp tanks due to its size and resilience. It is also useful for creating natural-looking underwater landscapes, giving your tank a sense of depth and dimension.

Vallisneria

Description of Vallisneria

Vallisneria, also known as Eelgrass or Tape Grass, is a popular background plant that produces long, ribbon-like leaves. These leaves can grow very tall and provide an essential vertical element to your aquarium.

Care Requirements

This plant prefers moderate to high lighting and can tolerate a broad range of water parameters, with a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). It also benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs to enhance its growth.

Benefits for Beginners

• Fast-Growing: Vallisneria quickly spreads through runners, making it excellent for filling up your tank.
• Creates Natural Habitats: The long leaves provide an excellent hiding spot for fish and fry.
• Versatile: Works well in various tank setups, from biotope to community tanks.

Additional Information

Vallisneria is often used to create a “jungle” look in aquariums. The plant’s rapid growth can help absorb excess nutrients, reducing algae growth and helping maintain water quality. Root tabs can promote vigorous growth, allowing it to reach its full potential.

Java Fern

Description of Java Fern

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is known for its tall, narrow leaves with a rough texture. This hardy plant can grow up to 13.5 inches (35 cm) and is particularly popular in medium to large-sized aquariums.

Care Requirements

Java Fern requires low to moderate lighting and does well in temperatures ranging from 68-82°F (20-28°C). It thrives best when attached to driftwood or rocks rather than planted directly in the substrate, as burying its rhizome can cause it to rot.

Benefits for Beginners

• Low Maintenance: Java Fern needs minimal care and is very resilient.
• Versatile Placement: Can be attached to various decorations, allowing for diverse aquascaping options.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a natural, wild look to the aquarium with minimal effort.

Additional Information

Java Fern comes in several varieties, including the narrow-leaf, lace, and trident forms. These varieties add textural diversity to your aquarium, making it feel more dynamic and vibrant. Its slow-growing nature also means it will not require constant trimming, a bonus for beginners.

Water Wisteria

Description of Water Wisteria

Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is a versatile plant known for its delicate, lacy leaves. This fast-growing species can reach heights of up to 20 inches (50 cm), perfect for adding a lush, green backdrop to your aquarium.

Care Requirements

Water Wisteria thrives in moderate to high lighting and prefers water temperatures between 70-82°F (21-28°C). It can benefit from liquid fertilizers and CO2 injection for optimal growth but is generally undemanding.

Benefits for Beginners

• Fast-Growing: Its rapid growth helps with tank cycling and outcompeting algae.
• Aesthetic Variety: The plant’s lacy leaves add a unique texture and appearance.
• Easy to Plant: Can be grown as a stem or as a carpet, offering versatility.

Additional Information

Water Wisteria can be used to create a natural look, serving as both a background plant and a carpeting plant if trimmed appropriately. Its fast growth rate makes it ideal for new tanks needing to establish quickly.

Bacopa Caroliniana

Description of Bacopa Caroliniana

Bacopa Caroliniana is a pretty, stem plant with small, rounded, and slightly succulent leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem. Known for its ability to change leaf color from green to a reddish hue under high lighting, it adds a vibrant touch to any aquarium.

Care Requirements

This plant prefers moderate to high lighting and thrives in water temperatures of 64-82°F (18-28°C). It is relatively undemanding, requiring only basic fertilization and CO2 is optional.

Benefits for Beginners

• Easy to Grow: Bacopa Caroliniana is very tolerant of less-than-optimal conditions.
• Color Variety: High lighting can bring out beautiful, reddish colors.
• Vertical Growth: Adds a nice vertical element to your tank, creating a structured look.

Additional Information

Bacopa Caroliniana can be easily propagated by cutting and replanting the stems, allowing for simple expansion of your planted aquascape. It’s perfect for aquarists looking for a plant that offers both beauty and ease of care.

Hornwort

Description of Hornwort

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a submerged aquatic plant with needle-like, whorled leaves. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in the wild, making it suitable for larger tanks, but can be pruned to fit smaller aquariums as well.

Care Requirements

Hornwort is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. It prefers a temperature between 59-86°F (15-30°C) and is undemanding in terms of lighting, ranging from low to high. Fertilization is optional but can promote lush growth.

Benefits for Beginners

• Fast-Growing: Its rapid growth can help absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality.
• Versatile: Can be anchored in the substrate or left to float, making it adaptable to different tank setups.
• Fish Cover: Provides excellent cover for fish, especially fry and shy species.

Additional Information

Hornwort can easily become a floating plant, adding vertical interest and providing hiding spots for fish. Its fast growth can be beneficial for new tanks, helping to stabilize water conditions quickly.

Conclusion

Choosing easy-to-care-for plants can significantly reduce the challenges faced by beginners. Opting for hardy, resilient species allows new aquarists to enjoy the beauty and benefits of a planted tank without the steep learning curve. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic of your aquarium but also contribute to a healthier aquatic environment.

By starting with these top 10 easy aquarium plants, beginners can gain confidence and experience before moving on to more demanding species. The world of aquarium plants is vast and exciting, and taking the first step with these beginner-friendly options is an excellent way to begin.