The Easiest Aquarium Plants to Take Care Of

Aquarium plants can be a great addition to your fish tanks. They provide numerous benefits to the fishes in the tank. They oxygenate water via the photosynthesis process and may also remove harmful nitrites and ammonia. Aquarium plants also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the fish tank. There are different species of aquarium plants available. Some of them require frequent care and attention, while others are easy to grow and maintain. If you are looking for easy aquarium plants, then here are a few options for you.

Java Moss

Ask any hobbyist about easy aquarium plants, and Java Moss is the first name you will hear. It is one of the easiest plants to maintain and trim. All it requires is moderate lighting and proper water circulation. Java Moss grows fast and is suitable for populating new aquariums. It can attach to different surfaces that include gravel, rocks, and sculptures inside the tank. The plant needs a normal temperature (72-85°F) and neutral pH levels. It is suitable for almost all fish species.

Water Wisteria

Water wisteria is one of the easy aquarium plants that requires minimum care. It is suitable for 10-gallon or larger aquariums. The plant is quite resilient and can grow in low light conditions although they thrive the best in high amounts of light. It requires normal temperatures and neutral pH range. Water Wisteria can either be rooted or allowed to float. It is more suitable for small fishes than large fishes. It shouldn’t be used in tanks with goldfishes as they will eat the plant.

Java Fern

Java Fern is a suitable choice for beginners who are searching for easy aquarium plants. The plant grows in waters with 6.0-8.0 pH and temperatures ranging from low 70s to mid 80s in Fahrenheit. It requires a moderate amount of lighting and minimum care. Java Fern comes in different varieties that may have narrow, needle, or trident-shaped leaves. You may attach it to rocks or driftwood as well as leave it afloat. It should ideally be placed at the middle or rear of the tank. Java Fern is a tough plant and can house herbivorous fishes as well.

Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword is a large-leafed option when it comes to easy aquarium plants. It has large and broad leaves, making it suitable for planting in the middle or rear of an aquarium. The plant has moderate light requirements with a temperature range of 70-85°F and a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. Amazon Sword has a medium to high growth rate. It can do well in different types of substrates, especially loose gravel. You may have to trim it every now and then. It is ideal for community fish species.

Anubias Nana

If you want a tough plant that grows at a moderate rate, then Anubias Nana is the perfect fit for you out of all the easy aquarium plants. It is a short plant that doesn’t require as much care or maintenance. It will survive in tough conditions with low to moderate lighting. You can submerge it partially or fully. It is suitable for fishes that stay closer to the substrate. Anubias Nana needs a temperature of around 72-80°F and with water pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant will occasionally flower as well.

Pygmy/Narrow Leaf Chain Sword

Pygmy Chain Sword is one of the easy aquarium plants known for its hardiness. It is a small plant that grows dense like grass and has narrow, elongated leaves. Hence, it is suitable for planting in the foreground of the tank. The plant requires a sandy bed and moderate to high amounts of lighting to grow. It can withstand temperatures between 68 to 85°F and a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It doesn’t require as much attention and grows fast. You can use the plant to create a green bed in your aquarium.

Hornwort/Ceratophyllum

Hornwort is one of the toughest freshwater options among easy aquarium plants. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 59 to 85ۜ°F and with a ph level between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires minimum care, grows really fast, and is easy to propagate. Hornwort is a tall plant with multiple stems that sway with the water current and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. It may grow up to the water surface and has short, needle leaves. It can be used in cold and tropical aquariums.