Freshwater aquariums represent the fusion of natural beauty with tranquillity, presenting the spectacle of a living underwater garden right before you. No wonder the choice of the right easy plants for freshwater aquariums is crucial, especially for beginners switching from reef tanks or those stepping into their aquatic journey.
Aquarium plants are not just meant to decorate — they’re the basis of a robust aquatic ecosystem. However, many beginners find it challenging to keep their green foliage from turning brown and spoiling the aura of a planted aquarium.
We have handpicked the 15 best freshwater aquarium plants that are hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for anyone starting their own aquarium.
Why Add Plants to Your Freshwater Aquarium?
Before getting to the list of best plants for a freshwater aquarium, it’s essential to understand the function of these plants within the reef aquarium ecosystem. To begin with, adding sustainable and easy freshwater aquarium plants is a great way to improve your tank’s outward appearance as well as the biological balance sustaining natural life within it.
Key benefits include:
- Natural filtration: Plants act to filter excess nitrates and toxins, keeping water clean.
- Oxygenation: They release oxygen essential for the photosynthetic process, which manufactures food for the tank residents.
- Algae control: Healthy plants outcompete algae for nutrients.
- Aesthetic appeal: The presence of greenery in the background enhances your aquascape’s natural look.
In order to make the most of these benefits, it’s advisable to choose the best substrate for freshwater aquarium plants. Ideally, a base filled with essential plant nutrients, such as aqua soil or gravel, supports root development and promotes lush growth.
Top 15 Easy Freshwater Aquarium Plants for Beginner Reef Aquarium Enthusiasts
Here we have put together some of the best freshwater aquarium plants for those who are eager to set up an attractive and stable freshwater setup.
1. Anubias Nana
A top favourite freshwater plant among the most friendly and easy freshwater plants. Anubias Nana is well known for its durability and slow growth rate. As a rhizome feeder, it derives its nutrients mainly from the water column. And requires only minimal light and no external CO2. It simply has to be attached to driftwood or rocks using fishing line or glue without burying its roots directly in the substrate to avoid rotting.
2. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Like Anubias, its rhizome must not be buried and instead be tied or glued to the hardscape. Well-suited for minimalist aquascapes, it tolerates low light but grows faster under moderate lighting, absorbing nutrients directly from the water column. Small brown/black dots may appear on older leaves, but these are not signs of disease but normal reproductive structures.
3. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)
Distinctive for its long, sword-like leaves, the Amazon Sword is one of the best freshwater aquarium plants as far as visual impact is concerned. It’s reputedly a heavy root feeder, meaning it requires the best substrate for freshwater aquarium plants or regular root tabs pushed into the gravel/sand near its base.
It prefers moderate to high lighting to develop large, healthy leaves. While the roots can be planted, the crown portion, or the meeting point of roots and leaves, must be held above the substrate.
4. Java Moss Freshwater Plant
This adaptable moss can be simply dropped in the tank, tied to a surface, or spread on mesh for a wall. It needs no special care beyond a quick trim when it gets too dense to prevent detritus buildup. It is a perfect sanctuary for hiding baby shrimp and fish fry.
5. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
A true fast-growing plant, it can be planted as a stem plant in the substrate or allowed to float. Its primary role is nutrient absorption, actively consuming nitrates, which starve algae and lead to clearer water surface. Regular trimming promotes a bushier look.
6. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Classified as the easiest freshwater aquarium plants for beginners, this needle-leaved plant is known for its rapid growth and oxygenating ability. It can be anchored by placing the stem end in the gravel. It naturally absorbs large amounts of tank nutrients and can tolerate a wide temperature range.
7. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
A root feeder, it needs a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, but handles low light well. It is prone to “Crypt Melt” or sudden loss of leaves when introduced to a new tank or when water parameters change quickly. You don’t have to panic, as the roots often survive, and the plant will eventually regrow, albeit slowly.
8. Vallisneria (Eelgrass)
Vallisneria is perfect if you want a natural, grass-like look. It spreads quickly through runners and is one of the easiest freshwater aquarium plants for creating lush backgrounds.
9. Dwarf Sagittaria
This is one of the easiest small plants to form a low-growing carpet or foreground accent. It spreads quickly through runners and performs best under moderate lighting and when provided with some root nutrition via tabs.
10. Bacopa Caroliniana
Thanks to its high resilience, this stem plant can bear neglected conditions and is very slow to melt compared to other stems. A liquid fertilizer can be used to activate its growth, while it can be propagated simply by cutting the stem and replanting the top portion in the substrate.
11. Marimo Moss Balls
Belonging to the algae family, Marimo Moss Balls are adored for their unique, velvety texture and ball-like appearance. They prefer cooler water and naturally absorb a small amount of nitrates.
12. Ludwigia Repens
If you are desirous of achieving the vibrant red and orange coloration, you must provide moderate to high lighting and ensure good iron and nitrate levels in the water. Like other stem plants, they can be easily pruned and replanted with the tops to increase your stock.
13. Hygrophila Polysperma
Known for its incredibly fast growth, this stem plant is a powerful algae competitor due to its high nutrient uptake. It’s so easy that it’s often considered a “weed” in the hobby, since it requires only basic care and regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.
14. Pothos (Emergent Plant)
Though not fully aquatic, Pothos roots can grow underwater while its leaves remain above the surface. It is an extraordinary nitrate sponge that aggressively removes fish waste compounds from the water before they can cause issues.
15. Dwarf Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
This floating plant offers natural shade and reduces light penetration, helping to control algae. Its long roots create a serene, pond-like appearance.
Not just plants, the right choice of fish plays a vital role in achieving a harmonious tank. Our in-depth post on 10 Best Fish for Your Reef Tank can help you pick peaceful, reef-safe options.
Aquascaping Tips for Beginner Reef Tank Hobbyists
In order to create a stunning planted aquarium, you need to strike the right balance between aesthetics, biology, and practicality. While you can use ornaments to elevate your tank’s visual appeal, there are certain aquascaping mistakes when using ornaments.
- Lighting: Initially, around 6–8 hours of moderate light daily would be sufficient.
- CO₂ (optional): Most easy plants for freshwater aquariums don’t need to be injected with CO2 externally, but it is beneficial for both color and growth.
- Water Changes: Around 20–25% of the water needs to be changed weekly to help maintain nutrient levels.
- Pruning: Trimming plants regularly encourages new growth and keeps overcrowding in check.
Staying consistent is far more important than striving for perfection. The best plants for freshwater aquariums require time and care, and eventually, even beginner aquarists can grow thriving planted tanks.
If you’re inspired to explore the saltwater side of aquarium keeping, our Saltwater Fish Tank Setup Guide walks you through everything from cycling your tank to maintaining coral health.
Best Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium Plants
The healthy growth of easy freshwater aquarium plants depends on whether your roots have a proper foundation, and this is tied to the substrate type. When selecting the best substrate for freshwater aquarium plants, consider factors like nutrient density, the granule size of soil particles, and long-term stability.
Here are the top substrate options:
- Aqua Soil (ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum): This soil is high in nutrients and particularly well-suited for heavy root feeders like Amazon Swords.
- Fine Gravel or Sand: A great choice for rooted plants when combined with root tabs.
- Eco-Complete: Contains natural minerals and buffers pH balance naturally.
One useful tip is to mix root tabs or nutrient capsules into your substrate to adequately feed heavy root feeders without disturbing the aquascape.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Plants Healthy
Maintaining a planted aquarium fish tank differs from maintaining a reef tank. Including the following steps in your routine can make it easier for you.
- Monitor water parameters weekly. For instance, the recommended pH range for easy freshwater plants is 6.5–7.5, while the optimum temperature is between 72–80°F.
- Use a liquid or plant-based root to fertilize once a week.
- Wipe the glass surface and remove decaying leaves as you change water.
- Avoid overstocking fish, as excess waste can aggravate algae blooms.
Adopting these practices will enable you to maintain stable internal conditions, hence allowing both fish and plants to flourish in harmony.
Check out Aquarium Co-Op’s guide on how to care for beginner-friendly plants and key tips for growing easy aquarium plants.
Conclusion
Setting up a planted freshwater aquarium is like creating a living work of art, which depends to a great extent. On picking the best plants for a freshwater aquarium. The exciting part is that you can choose from the best freshwater aquarium plants, from Anubias to Amazon Swords, which makes your tank more beautiful while fostering a natural, balanced ecosystem.
At Reef KG, we are committed to making aquascaping accessible and rewarding for every enthusiast, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist.
Already mastered planted aquariums? If you are a nano reef enthusiast, dive deeper into reefing with our 10 Best Corals for Nano Tanks: Colorful & Hardy Picks to discover small yet stunning coral species to make your reef tank all the more attractive.
FAQs: Freshwater Aquarium Plant Basics
Q1: What Are The Best Plants For Freshwater Aquariums?
The top options for freshwater aquariums include plant varieties like Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Cryptocoryne due to their resilient and beginner-friendly traits.
Q2: Do Freshwater Plants Need Co₂?
The majority of easy freshwater aquarium plants can thrive in the absence of carbon dioxide. Although adding it can enhance growth and colour.
Q3: What Is The Best Substrate For Freshwater Aquarium Plants?
Aqua soil or gravel with root tabs is the best substrate as it provides essential nutrients to promote healthy plant roots.
Q4: How Often Should I Fertilize Freshwater Plants?
Easy freshwater plants need to be fertilized with liquid fertilizers once a week, while it’s best to fertilize root tabs every 2–3 months
Q5: Can I Grow Freshwater Aquarium Plants In Low Light?
Yes! The best and easiest plants for freshwater aquariums, like Java Fern, Anubias, and Crypts, grow well in low-light setups.