Best Freshwater Aquarium Plants

If you have a fish tank, freshwater aquarium plants are something that you won’t want to skip. They are necessary to maintain the balance of carbon dioxide and ensure the breathability of your aquatic animals. The aquatic plants also reduce the chemical waste inside the tank. And then there is the beauty factor of the tank.

So, this post will introduce you to 7 most preferred freshwater aquarium plants that you can choose for your fish tank.  

Freshwater Aquarium Plant Options

Java Moss

If you are looking for low maintenance and easy to grow aquarium plants, then Java moss is the best option for you. The plants originate from Southeast Asia and widely preferred due to its high tolerance limit. It can easily survive in a temperature range of 58-86 degrees Fahrenheit and a water pH level of 5 to 8.

The best part of Java moss is its hardy nature that enables it to grow on almost every type of surface. You can grow it on rocks, tank walls, or floor without any problem. Its low light requirement is also an advantage.

The only drawback of the plant is its growth rate. It grows really fast, especially when exposed to moderate light, which makes it prone to algae deposits. You have to trim it or at least remove the algae regularly. 

Amazon Sword

Amazon swords are the first choice for beginners as they are easy to grow and relatively cheap. It is also the most easily available plants that you will find in most aquarium stores.

The plant basically originates in the central and southern parts of America, but today they are mostly sourced from North America. The simplest reason for this change is its climatic compatibility. Amazon Sword can survive in a temperature range of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit without any problem.

The plants also need a minimal amount of nutrients and light for their survival. So, it won’t need much attention.

The only limitation, in this case, is the tank size. Amazon sword can grow up to 20 inches tall, which means you will need a decent size fish tank to grow this freshwater aquarium plant. 

Anubias  – Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Anubias is a semi-aquatic flower plant that is a part of the Araceae family. This family of freshwater aquarium plants is a native of tropical Central and Western Africa and usually grows near rivers and streams. The plant has thick, broad, and dark texture leaves that are available in various forms. 

The plant is perfect for aquariums as it doesn’t need much care or lighting. It is also a choice because its roots can attach with both rocks and the bogwood available in the tank. Moreover, Anubias is one of the very few aquatic plant species that can grow underwater flowers. 

Another good thing about the plant is its slow growth rate. It grows very slowly than most species, which makes it ideal for micro tanks. 

However, the plant is not that common, and you may have to pay a decent amount of it. You also need to pay attention to its placement as high light makes it prone to algae and other damages.

Water Lettuce

Water lettuce, also popular as the water cabbage, is a floating plant that usually stays at the top water layer of the fish tank. The plant is named after it’s thick and soft leaves that offer an open cabbage-like look. It can work well as a freshwater aquarium plant.

Water lettuce belongs to the arum family and is considered an invasive aquatic plant. It was first found along the river Nile near Lake Victoria but currently grows in South America, Africa, and some parts of Southeast Asia. The fact that makes it a good fish tank plant is its low caretaking. It can easily survive in tropical freshwater and has a tendency to spread in the whole tank within no time.

All you need to do is to ensure that it has access to adequate nutrients and light. There are several fertilizers in the market that you can use for this minor task. 

Another fact to consider is that due to the leave structure, this plant is a breeding place for mosquitoes. You might want to use insect repellent and replace the water to prevent it.

Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia Repens is a flowering aquatic plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. The plant is a native of South America but can grow in multiple regions without any problem. It can survive a temperature range of 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit with a water pH level of 5 to 8. It is also known to provide excellent tolerance for different climatic conditions. 

Ludwigia mostly remains at the bottom of the tank and roots in the rocks and other surfaces, but in the blooming season, it grows surface flowers. It can grow 30 cm in length during this time. A good option as a freshwater aquarium plant.

Apart from the flowers, Ludwigia is also known for its beautiful and colorful leaves. Its color tones can go anywhere from dark green to red. The plant is trendy in Dutch aquascaping due to this coloration property.   

Cryptocoryne

Cryptocoryne is a genus of freshwater aquarium plants that belong to the Araceae family. It mostly grows in tropical areas and is spread across several parts of India, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. The plants come in various varieties of colors, sizes, and shapes. It is also popular amongst skimps and some other fish.

As for the growing part, the plant takes some time to adjust to new environmental conditions and can collapse with significant changes. It can also melt after you place in the tank for the first time, but it will eventually come around and adjust with the environment. It can easily survive in a temperature range of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate light.

However, it will need a bit of care and planning to ensure its hold in your tank. You have to cover them with at least 2 inches of rocks at the depth.

Dwarf Lilies

Dwarf lilies are appealing little freshwater aquarium plants that add a very colorful and dramatic look to any fish tanks. They have a very distinct looking little pointed head and tiny stems that look mesmerizing. These plants are also personal favorites of skimps. Their slow-growing rates also add to its benefits.

However, they are highly delicate and will need a very decent amount of care. Even a tiny bit of pressure or force can break its stems. So, if you want to grow it, considering getting a grown-up version of it. The older version has much stronger stems, and it cannot spread in the tank due to its lack of reproductive qualities. 

Freshwater Aquarium Plants – Conclusion

Hopefully, now that you know of some of the best freshwater aquarium plants, you won’t have much problem in deciding the best one for your tank.

Depending on how much light you need, there area number of great aquarium lights on the market today. We’ve profiled the best 72 inch aquarium light for 125+ gallon tanks, 48 inch aquarium light for 55 gallon tanks, our favorite 36 inch lights for 30 gallon tanks, the best 30 inch lights for 29 gallon tanks, our favorite 24 inch aquarium lights for 20 gallon tanks and even the best 20 inch light for 10 gallon tanks.