15 Easy to Maintain Aquarium Plants You Should Have

Creating a vibrant and healthy aquarium involves more than just selecting the right fish—it’s about cultivating a thriving ecosystem with the best aquarium plants. These plants not only beautify your tank but also contribute to water quality, oxygenation, and the overall well-being of your aquatic pets.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, choosing the right aquarium plants can elevate your tank’s aesthetic appeal and create a natural habitat for your fish.

Just like the best indoor plants, we have brought 15 aquarium plants that can contribute to the beauty and upkeep of your aquarium.

Aquarium Plants That Can Grow Without Soil:

Java Moss

Java Moss is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly aquarium plants. This hardy plant thrives in low light making it easy to maintain. Java Moss can be attached to various surfaces like rocks or driftwood, creating a natural and lush appearance in your aquarium. This Aquarium plant can grow without soil

Its dense, green foliage provides excellent hiding spots for small fish and shrimp, making them feel secure. Java Moss also helps in water filtration by trapping debris and providing a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow.

Anubias Nana

Anubias Nana is known for its broad, dark green leaves and slow growth. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance aquariums. Anubias Nana can be attached to rocks or driftwood and is perfect for shaded areas of your tank and this aquarium plant sustains without soil. Its thick, hardy leaves are resistant to herbivorous fish. Additionally, Anubias Nana helps prevent algae growth by shading the substrate and utilizing nutrients in the water.

Christmas Moss

Another member of the without soil aquatic plant list is Christmas Moss. it is named for its resemblance to fir tree branches. It grows slowly and can be attached to rocks and driftwood, providing a dense, textured look that’s perfect for aquascaping. Christmas Moss is great for creating a natural, forest-like scene in your tank.

Java Fern

Java Fern is another easy-to-care-for plant that attaches to rocks and driftwood. It has broad, dark green leaves that add depth and texture to the tank. Java Fern grows slowly and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginners. If you are considering an aquarium plant that can grow without soil. Java fern should be in your list then

Bucephalandra

Bucephalandra species are relatively new to the aquarium hobby but have quickly gained popularity due to their unique appearance and ease of care. These small, slow-growing plants come in various leaf shapes and colors, making them a versatile choice for any aquarium.

Bucephalandra plants boast striking, often metallic-colored leaves and unique textures, which add visual interest to any aquascape. Typically, aquarists attach them to rocks or driftwood, where they slowly grow and spread, creating intricate patterns and focal points in the tank.

Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo Moss Balls add a whimsical touch to any aquarium. These spherical, fuzzy green plants are a type of algae and are incredibly low-maintenance. You can place them on the substrate or let them float, providing a unique visual element. Their slow growth and unique shape make them a charming addition to any tank. Marimo Moss Balls also help in water purification by absorbing nitrates and other pollutants.

Aquarium Plants That Typically Require a Substrate (Soil):

Cryptocoryne Parva

Cryptocoryne Parva is ideal for small tanks due to its compact size. It is one of the smallest Cryptocoryne species and forms a dense carpet over time, although it requires more light and nutrients compared to other beginner plants. Its bright green leaves can create a striking contrast with darker plants and substrates. This plant is perfect for creating a lush, green foreground in your aquarium.

Dwarf Hairgrass

Dwarf Hairgrass is perfect for creating a grassy, natural look. This plant forms a lush green carpet and needs moderate to high light along with CO2 supplementation for optimal growth. Its thin, hair-like leaves sway gently in the water, adding movement and a natural feel to the tank. Dwarf Hairgrass also provides excellent coverage for small fish and invertebrates, offering them places to hide and forage.

Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword is a popular choice for its large, broad leaves that create a striking centerpiece. It thrives in a variety of conditions and provides excellent coverage for fish to hide. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it from overshadowing smaller plants. The Amazon Sword is ideal for the background or midground of your tank, where it can grow tall and create a lush, green backdrop.

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii is favored for its hardiness and the variety of leaf colors and textures it offers. It can thrive in low to moderate light and adapts well to different water conditions, making it a versatile option for any tank. You can use this plant to create a natural, forest-like appearance in the aquarium.

Aponogeton Crispus

Aponogeton Crispus features wavy, translucent leaves that add a dynamic element to your aquarium. This plant grows quickly and can become a focal point with its elegant, flowing foliage. Aponogeton Crispus is well-suited for the background or as a midground plant.

Bacopa Caroliniansx

Bacopa caroliniana is known for its bright green, oval leaves that grow along a stem. It’s ideal for background planting and provides a beautiful contrast against darker plants and decorations. Bacopa Caroliniana can also flower under the right conditions, adding a unique touch to your tank.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria has long, ribbon-like leaves that sway gently in the water, creating a natural, flowing effect. It’s a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, although it prefers moderate to high light and a nutrient-rich substrate. Vallisneria is perfect for background planting and can grow very tall.

Cryptocoryne Lutea

Cryptocoryne Lutea is a reliable plant with bright green leaves that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It’s perfect for adding a splash of green to shaded areas of your tank. This plant can adapt well to various water parameters and is relatively low-maintenance.

Dwarf Sagittaria

Dwarf Sagittaria has grass-like leaves and forms dense mats, creating a lawn effect. It grows best in moderate to high light conditions and benefits from nutrient-rich substrates. Dwarf Sagittaria is ideal for foreground planting and provides excellent coverage for small fish and shrimp.

Wrap up

By carefully selecting and considering these underwater live plants for aquariums, you can create a dynamic and healthy environment for your aquatic pets fish, and turtles. Each plant brings its unique beauty and benefits, which create a balanced and visually appealing aquarium.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of aquarium plants without soil like Java Moss and Marimo Moss Balls, or the lush, grassy look of Dwarf Hairgrass and Vallisneria, there’s a plant to suit every tank setup. Happy aquascaping!