Live Plants for your Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater aquarium plants & more!

The plants that you decorate with should be ones native to the fish’s original habitat. This is true even though your individual probably has never “seen” or experienced his native habitat first hand.

In general, five types of plants can be used in your fresh water aquarium.

The first type of plant is grown by bulbs. These for the most part produce rather large plants, most of which are far too large to use in a normal sized fresh water aquarium. These plants, such as the water lily and the aponogeton, are much better suited to outdoor settings, especially koi ponds.

Depending on the species of fish you choose, you may want to include plants that float. Floating plants make a great place for the young fry who need to shield themselves for protective purposes. Some examples of floating plants are Fairy Moss an driccia.

You may also want to use a classification of live plants called Rhizomes. This plant has a thick, horizontal stem with leaves sprouting on the top. The roots to this plnat are located on the bottom. The rhizome is used as a “runner” over the surface of the substrate. As it spreads, it grows new sections of leaf and root.

The anubias and African Fern are two variations of rhizomes. It’s easy enough to plant these. You simply tie these to the driftwood you already have in your aquarium.

You’ve probably seen the type of plant that looks like a crown with roots growing beneath it and leaves growing above. This is called a rosette. They cover the water by sending out runners and growing new plants as they go. Many times these plants, which include the Amazon Sword and the Sagittaria, also produce beautiful flowers.

A stem is the plant you find in aquariums with leaves growing from the nodes of a single stem (get where the name comes from now?). The end of the plant is firmly rooted in the substrate. The leaves come in several varieties, including single, paired or even multiple.

One of the most common of aquatic plants is the Java Moss. Also called the java fern, this particular species is a great starter plant. It’s a hearty plant that can thrive in a range of different types of water and pH levels.

Another plant that’s perfect for your first aquarium is the water wisteria. Like the Java Fern, this plant grows quickly. It’ll also help to keep the algae content in the tank low. But be careful. It has the ability to use many of the same nutrients from the water.

You’ll want to check out another hearty plant, the anubias nana. This remarkable plant has the uncanny ability to thrive in just about any condition you place it in. It’s a very pretty plant, too. It flowers underwater. And any of your fish that are herbivore won’t eat it. For the anubia nana to truly do well, though, you’ll want to attach this plant to a tree root or a stone.

The grass-like lillaeopsis is another good choice for your tank, especially if it’s exposed to strong sunlight.

If you’re truly ambitious at trying your hand at plants, consider purchasing the cryptocoryne beckettii. This is an amphibious plant - meaning it grows both underwater and on land. It does remarkably well underwater and it has the added advantage of being available in a variety of gorgeous colors.

Then there’s the Amazon sword - technical name is the echinodorus bleheri, if you’re interested. This is, without a doubt, the most popular of all aquarium plants of all time. It’s an easy plant to care for, even if you’re only beginning your journey in aquarium keeping. It grows fast. And it’s great because it helps to control the algae content of your tank as well.

Live plants can add another, more enjoyable dimension to your fresh water aquarium. They may require a little more care but the rewards are definitely worth it. You can start out slowly. And as you gain experience, you can expand the types of plants you use. Not only will you enjoy the experience, you’ll be making sure your fish feel right at home!

Gene Sower is a freshwater aquarium plant expert. For great information on freshwater aquarium plants, visit aquarium-keepers.com.