Before deciding to have a home aquarium, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is not just a decoration. The interior waters of an aquarium will be the home of your fish. Therefore, it is important to create a positive environment that recreates, as much as possible, the natural habitat of these animals.
Today, we can find various resources to enrich the environment of fish in specialized stores and also on the Internet. But one of the best alternatives is still natural plants for aquariums. In addition to providing beauty, plants help to form a mini-ecosystem within the aquarium and can be combined with rocks, small logs, gravel, etc. To achieve this, you need some knowledge to choose the aquarium plants that best suit the needs and behavior of the fish species that will live in it. In this article on our site we present 10 freshwater aquarium plants that will help you beautify it and enrich the environment of your fish.
Types of plants for freshwater aquariums
Much of our planet is covered in water and it is not surprising that aquatic vegetation is extremely rich and diverse, shaping different ecosystems. In both s altwater and freshwater, we can find several plants that perform essential functions for the balance of aquatic life. However, not all of these species can adequately survive in compact, artificial environments such as an aquarium. In general, the types of plants for freshwater aquariums are divided into 7 large groups:
- Bulbos: they are characterized by stems that grow from underground bulbs, in which they store nutrients that they collect from the soil through their roots. They are generally best suited to temperatures of 19°C to 28°C, require simple care, and can be a good choice for beginners. However, some species grow quite large over time and require a medium or large sized aquarium.
- Floating plants: as its name suggests, the characteristic feature of this type of floating freshwater plants is that they remain in the water surface. In many parts of the world, the water lily or water hyacinth is probably the most famous floating plant, being a symbol of Amazonian aquatic vegetation. In addition to their surprising beauty, floating plants are very functional in aquariums, since they absorb a large part of the organic matter available in the water, avoiding imbalances that can favor the multiplication of algae and microorganisms that can harm the he alth of fish.
- Ground Plants: This type of aquatic plant is famous for providing that natural grass mat look at the bottom of the aquarium with very intense green colors. Although they require simple care, they should have a good substrate and care should be taken when cleaning the aquarium to avoid the accumulation of organic debris on the floor.
- Mosgos: they are the most loved by aquarium lovers. Easy to care for and maintain, hardy and able to survive in low sunlight availability. In addition, their growth is moderate and they do not need to receive additional CO2 to survive.
- Rhizomes or rosettes: Also called common aquarium plants, these are small to medium sized species with moderate growth and easy maintenance. One of the advantages of rhizomes is that they offer a good diversity of colors and shapes, which helps to create a natural, beautiful and cheerful environment at affordable prices.
- Stem plants: these are aquarium plants that are characterized by having thin stems from which small leaves are born that can have several shapes. The most famous and common species in aquariums belong to the Rotalia genus, which is striking for the pink and orange tones that color its stems and leaves. Because they are so hardy and easy to maintain, they are highly recommended for aquarium beginners.
- Ferns: These are easy-to-maintain, branching plants that can be planted with logs and rocks to improve environmental enrichment for fish and, in turn, offer a really nice environment. In general, these species of plants for freshwater aquariums do not need large doses of sunlight, a fact that is also an advantage.
Easy-care Freshwater Aquarium Plants
While they offer many benefits for aquarium enrichment, live plants require work, dedication and investment. Each species needs certain environmental conditions to grow properly. In addition to the fertile substrate, it is important to take into account the temperature of the water, the amount of oxygen and CO2, the availability of light (solar or artificial), etc.
Depending on the characteristics and needs of each aquatic plant, its maintenance will require more or less time, effort and money on the part of the aquarium owner. If you are new to the art of aquarium care, or do not have the time and patience for regular delicate care, you should prefer simple and easy to maintain plants. With this in mind, we have selected the best plants for freshwater aquariums, hot and cold, with their basic characteristics.
Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana)
This freshwater aquarium plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically from the Island of Java. Because it adapts very well to aquariums, even in low light, it has become popular throughout the world. In general, it shows a great fixation on any type of fertile substrate and shows a moderate growth, reaching approximately 8 centimeters in height. Therefore, if you are looking for slow-growing aquarium plants, this is an excellent option. As they grow, they form thick clumps.
Java moss is an aquarium plant that coexists in a balanced way with almost all freshwater aquarium fish. It also often plays a key role in the reproduction of these species, serving as a spawning ground and refuge for small aquarium fish or shrimp.
Slow-growing aquarium plants: anubias
Plants of the Anubia genus are primarily associated with the African continent. Like the Java moss, some species have become very famous for their adaptability to freshwater aquariums. For beginners, it is recommended to start by growing Anubias nana, both for their compact size and easy care. Another advantage is that fish do not usually eat this plant.
Anubias nana is a rhizome-type plant that reaches 5 to 10 cm in height in aquariums. Its growth is slow and constant, developing optimally at temperatures between 22 ºC and 25 ºC. This type of plant should preferably be grown on rocks to prevent the rhizome from becoming completely covered and rotting.
Melon Sword (Echinodorus Osiris)
Native to Brazil, sword melon is one of the easiest freshwater aquarium plants to care for. It usually reaches a maximum height of 50 cm and has an interesting color change during growth. Young leaves show very beautiful reddish tones, while mature leaves are predominantly green.
Despite being very hardy, does not adapt well to excessively warm waters, as it grows abundantly in southern Brazil. The ideal temperatures for its growth are 24 ºC and should not exceed 27 ºC. In addition, it is a solitary plant that does not grow in colonies.
Plants of the genus Hydrocotyle
The nearly 100 species native to South America that make up the botanical genus Hydrocotyle are perfect for beginners because of their easy care. Among them, Hydrocotyle leucocephala is very popular in freshwater aquariums for its attractive shape and shiny dark green leaves, just like Hydrocotyle verticillata and the tripartite Hydrocotyle.
Unlike other lush plants, Hydrocotyle are freshwater aquarium plants easy to care for that are well suited even to brand new aquariums. They are also very versatile and can be grown directly in the substrate or as a floating aquarium plant. They adapt perfectly to temperate or warm waters at temperatures of 20 to 30 °C. Under these optimal conditions, its growth is fast, but the plant hardly exceeds 40 cm in height.
Water grass (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)
As its name suggests, aquatic grass is ideal for making those natural mats at the bottom or front of the aquarium. Native to South America and with a strong presence in Brazil, this plant grows rapidly when it has a thin and fertile substrate As its leaves can have different shades of green, from light green to flag, we enjoy an interesting contrast.
Maintenance is also relatively simple, although care is important to avoid excessive concentration of fish feed residue on the floor. It also requires intense light and the water inside the aquarium should remain at moderate temperatures between 15ºC and 24ºC.
Duckweed (Lemna minor)
This is one of the only aquatic floating freshwater plants, which is conspicuous by its particularly small size. Even under optimal conditions, this species barely exceeds 4 mm in length and has a single root.
Its maintenance is very simple and it contributes to the equilibrium of the aquarium's impermeability, since it consumes some dangerous waste, such as ammonia. For this reason, it is considered an oxygenating aquarium plant. One thing to consider before growing duckweed is that many species of fish and snails like to consume them However, as this plant reproduces quickly, it is generally not Imbalances occur between populations.
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Here we find another exclusively aquatic and floating plant, with an interesting shape similar to lettuce and a velvety texture. It is a cosmopolitan, rustic and resistant species, capable of surviving in different ecosystems. Therefore, it can be ideal for beginners in the art of growing natural plants for freshwater aquariums.
Although it does not require substrate, it is essential to grow it with intense light and in water free of chlorine or other chemical products. A possible disadvantage of growing water lettuce is that it tends to reproduce easily, especially in waters rich in macro and micronutrients. For this reason, it is important to take into account the organic matter available in the aquarium to prevent it from becoming a pest.
Amazonia (Echinodorus bleheri)
Native to South America and mainly to the Amazon, this species is ideal for those seeking practicality. Amazons are undemanding, grow very well on simple substrates, and adapt well to moderate light availability. However, they grow faster and more lush when they have more abundant light.
To keep this plant he althy, it is essential to monitor the multiplication of algae inside the aquarium. An interesting strategy is to combine it with animals that help keep the aquarium clean, such as the Chinese algae-eating fish. In addition to this detail, the development of the Amazon is slow but constant, and requires periodic pruning to control the height.
Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
Native to India and Southeast Asia, aquatic wisteria could also be on a list of favorite freshwater aquarium plants for beginners. This plant is characterized by having well erect stems that grow as opposite pairs and from which leaves with light green rounded lobes are born.
Because they capture nutrients through leaves and roots that float on the water, they can be grown in simple substrates. However, need medium to high lighting, and it is recommended to add a CO2 input to the water to facilitate their development. Optimal growth temperatures vary from 24ºC to 28ºC, always with a pH close to neutral (from 6.2 to 7.2).
Red amania (Ammannia gracilis)
Few aquarium plants are as eye-catching as red amania, which originates from the African continent. The reddish-orange or slightly pinkish hue of its leaves and stems creates a fabulous contrast and adds a noble air to the aquarium. However, you should know that this species needs strong light to achieve these coveted shades.
Red amanias also need a fertile substrate and temperatures between 20 and 27 ºC to develop properly. In addition, an additional supply of CO2 to the water will also facilitate its growth. Although they require a bit more care and attention than the other freshwater aquarium plants shared on this list, they will be worth growing!
Other recommendations for aquarium environmental enrichment
Freshwater aquarium plants are important for maintaining the ecosystem in perfect condition and simulating the natural habitat of the fish that will live in it. However, they are not the only element that you should take into account when setting up the aquarium. Keep in mind that fish also need rocks and logs to carry out their natural behavior, so be well informed about each of the fish species you are going to incorporate into the aquarium and offer them everything they need to be happy.
When choosing the fish, you should also opt for species that can coexist without problems. If you are a beginner, opt for fish that are easier to care for and let yourself be advised Remember that there are also animals that clean the aquarium and help you maintain proper hygiene.
