Best Plants for Betta Fish

Betta fish have been the first choices for a lot of aquarium keepers. They are easily available, hassle-free to pet, and very beautiful in appearance. But what are the best plants for Betta fish?

Betta fish are known to be aggressive and don’t respond well to new environments. So, if you plan on buying one or have, it’s ideal that you try to immediate their natural habitat. You will need a lot of aquarium plants for this purpose. Here’s a list of some that we would suggest.

Best Plants for Betta Fish – Reviews

Java fern

Java fern, also known by their scientific name, Microsorum Pteropus, is a delicate looking species of fern. The species is native of Southeast Asia, but is available in aquarium stores all over the world. They are the most preferred plants for Betta fish for several reasons, including their growth factor and tolerance.

The plant is slow-growing, but it can easily reach up to 13 inches in length and 6 to 8 inches in width. As for its hardiness, the plants can easily survive a pH level of 6-7 without any damages. It can also sustain a temperature of 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty good.

The plant is also known to grow in low light, which makes it ideal for Betta as the low-light conditions make it easy for them to hide. Another good thing is that the plant can attach its roots into any decoration. In fact, if you leave some of it leaves in water, chances are that they will sprout and turn to plants.

Amazon Frogbit

Amazon Frogbit is a floating type plant of the Hydrocharitaceae family that is popular for its ornamental properties. The species is a native of South and Central America but has invaded the North American market in recent years. You will find them in multiple lakes as well as aquarium in these regions.

They are compatible with a temperature of 64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for both natural and artificial water bodies. The ease of growing and tolerance of 6 to 7.5 pH, further add to its advantages.

Coming to its growth side, the plants can grow up to 20 inches in standard conditions. It has large and flat leaves that float, much like the lily pad. While they do look beautiful, you might want to cut or regulate them regularly.

Betta has a gland that absorbs oxygen from air, and too much of Frogbit leaves can become a barrier between the fish and air. Another thing to consider is its plantation location. The plant attracts snails, so try to keep it surrounded by water.

Anubias

Anubias is a type of semi-aquatic plant for betta fish that belong to the Araceae family of the plant kingdom. The plant has dark, thick, and broad leaves that offer a decent shade upon the area under it. The plant is very different from the two variants you read above. It grows nearly 2 to 6 inches, out of which a considerable part stays inside the water while the rest stays out of it.

Aquascaper usually plants it at the bottom of the tank as a background plant. This placement doesn’t just make it look good, but also ensure hiding spots for Betta fish. An option for one of the best plants for Betta fish.

Another specialty of this Africa originated plant is its tolerance. The plant can sustain temperature and pH of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and 6 to 7.5 pH, respectively. It also offers you flexibility for different lightening conditions. You can grow it in both medium and intense light conditions. There will be a minor difference in its growing time, but other than that, everything will remain the same.

Duckweed – Best plant for Betta fish?

If you like to have a swampy looking fish tank, that duckweed is just the plant for you. It’s a floating type plant that comes from Araceae family and can occupy any size of the day within a short span of time.

It is the most preferred plant for the Betta fish tank due to its filtration. It can also suck up the excessive nutrients and impurities that can harm your Betta fish. Growth rates and ease of growth are also a reason for choosing this plant. They don’t need much light, care, and reproduce at a rapid scale. Even if you plant one of them, the tank will be full of them within days.

While this growth is beneficial, it can actually harm your tank. It can block sunlight and air that your fish need. Therefore, make sure to manage and remove some of them regularly. Other than that, you may also have a hard time while eradicating them. You have to remove every part of the plant, or it will grow back.

Anacharis

And what about other plants for Betta fish? Anacharis is a beautiful green stemmed aquatic plant that comes from the Elodea genus. The plant, also known as the waterweed, has gained significant fame due to its unique and hardy nature. It is a native of South America, but can you will find it all over America without any difference in quality.

Its hardiness also enables it to sustain a huge difference in temperature level. The optimal temperature for it is 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can easily use it for a temperature range of 60 to 82 degrees without any damage.

Other than hardiness, aquascapers also prefer this plant for its cleansing effect. It can help you to regulate water toxin levels as well as curb algae by soaking extra nutrients. The dense forest-like structure they create in the tank is also an advantage. It offers optimal hiding space for Betta fish and a slight touch of their natural habitat.

The only limitation with this plant is its lights and pH level requirements. For its optimal growth, you have to ensure that the pH level stays neutral or at least close to it. It will also require a moderate to high-level of light to grow. You might also need to deploy some measures to protect it from snails.

Best Plants for Betta Fish – Conclusion

These five species are the most preferred plants for Betta fish owners. There are more options likes Betta balls and java moss, but they are a bit tricky to grow than these five. So, don’t overthink, just choose the one you find interesting and get it. Once you have settled on your desired plants you can then look to decide on the your Betta fish tank and provide the optimal temperature for your Betta fish.