Introduction: Why Choose the Right Plants?

Plants do more than make your tank look beautiful — they improve water quality, provide hiding spots, and reduce algae. But not all plants thrive in all setups. This library helps you pick the perfect plant for your tank’s conditions and your experience level.

🌿 Beginner-Friendly Aquarium Plants

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

• Lighting: Low
• CO2: Not required
• Notes: Attach to driftwood or rock; great for low-tech tanks.

Anubias Nana

• Lighting: Low to medium
• CO2: Not required
• Notes: Hardy and slow-growing; won’t need trimming often.

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)

• Lighting: Medium
• CO2: Optional
• Notes: Root feeder; requires substrate nutrients.

Vallisneria

• Lighting: Medium
• CO2: Not required
• Notes: Grass-like background plant that grows fast.

💡 Plants for Low-Light Tanks

See our full guide: Low Light Aquarium Plants

• Java Moss
• Cryptocoryne wendtii
• Hornwort
• Water Sprite

🌱 Plants for Aquascaping & High-Light Tanks

Rotala rotundifolia

• Lighting: High
• CO2: Recommended
• Notes: Adds color and texture contrast.

Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei)

• Lighting: High
• CO2: Strongly recommended
• Notes: Carpet plant used in Iwagumi layouts.

Dwarf Hairgrass

• Lighting: Medium to high
• CO2: Helps with carpeting effect
• Notes: Great for foreground texture.

💧 Floating Plants for Shade and Nitrate Control

• Duckweed (Lemna minor)
• Salvinia
• Frogbit
• Red Root Floater

🌿 Tips for Plant Success

• Use root tabs for root feeders like swords and crypts.
• Trim dead leaves to prevent melt.
• Avoid burying rhizomes on ferns and Anubias.
• Start with easy species, then upgrade as you learn.

Final Thoughts

This plant library is your cheat sheet to creating a thriving planted aquarium. Match the plant to your setup — not just your aesthetic — and your tank will stay healthy, oxygenated, and algae-free.

Start simple, grow your knowledge, and build the aquascape of your dreams.