Starting a planted aquarium can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! This beginner's guide focuses on the easiest aquarium plants, perfect for those new to the hobby. We'll explore low-maintenance options that thrive even under less-than-ideal conditions, ensuring a lush and vibrant underwater landscape without the fuss. These hardy plants are quick growers, easily propagated, and require minimal upkeep, making them ideal for busy schedules or those just starting their aquatic journey.Forget struggling with finicky plants – we've compiled a list of resilient greens guaranteed to flourish. From carpeting micro swords to the vibrant reds of Ludwigia, we'll cover diverse options to create a visually stunning and healthy aquarium environment. Whether you're looking to create a lush carpet, add vertical interest, or incorporate striking colors, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect low-maintenance plants to kickstart your underwater garden.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to grow; difficult to kill.
- Fast-growing and tall; can be trimmed and re-planted.
- Attractive; drapes over the tank edges.
- Very easy to keep; almost as easy as plastic plants.
- Can be attached to rocks or wood.
- Does well in low-light conditions.
- Easy to keep; almost as easy as plastic plants.
- Fast-growing and large; bold, bright green color.
- Produces blue flowers when growing above waterline.
- Number one selling plant according to the speaker.
- Can grow very large and out of control; requires trimming; best placed at the back of the tank.
- Similar to 'rubin' in color, growth, and care; adds red contrast.
- Smaller leaves and thinner stems than 'rubin'; creates a spiderweb look.
- Fast-growing; clippings can be re-planted.
- Grows tall; good for the back of the tank.
Read more: Best 3 Plastic Anubias Aquarium Plants
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): The Unkillable Weed
Java moss is incredibly easy to grow, thriving in almost any condition. It spreads rapidly, quickly covering surfaces. You'll need to trim it regularly to prevent it from taking over your tank.
Think of it as the aquarium equivalent of a tenacious weed—in a good way! Its rapid growth makes it ideal for beginners, and its natural look adds a touch of realism to your aquatic landscape.
Its prevalence in natural waterways, such as streams and ponds, is a testament to its hardiness and adaptability. Java moss is a great starting point for anyone wanting to add live plants to their tank.
Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis): The Aquarium Lawn
Micro sword is perfect for creating a lush, carpet-like effect on your aquarium floor. It spreads through runners, creating a dense, green lawn.
While a slow grower, the large amount in each pot ensures rapid coverage when properly spread. It's low-maintenance and doesn’t require intense lighting or CO2.
This plant is easier to plant than many other ground covers due to its larger individual pieces. Its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for creating a natural-looking base for your aquarium.
Crypt Parva (Cryptocoryne parva): The Reliable Choice
Unlike some crypts, Crypt Parva is known for its resistance to melting. This makes it a very reliable choice for beginners.
It grows tall with smaller leaves, offering a unique texture and visual appeal compared to bushier crypts. This makes it great for adding vertical interest.
Its ability to grow tall but not spread excessively wide makes it suitable for placement in the middle or even the front of the aquarium.
Rotala Rotundifolia: The Goldfish of Plants
Rotala rotundifolia is incredibly resilient and thrives even under less-than-ideal conditions. It's a fast-growing, tall plant that can be easily trimmed and propagated.
Its fast growth allows you to quickly fill your tank, and trimmings can be replanted to create even more plants. It adds a vibrant green color to any aquarium.
Both the speaker and a professional aquascaper recommend it. It can grow so tall it drapes beautifully over the top edges of the tank!
Crypt Wendtii 'Green': The Best-Selling Choice
Crypt Wendtii 'Green' is a top seller due to its vibrant green color and large, full leaves. It’s easily separated into multiple plants for propagation.
This crypt forms runners, allowing for easy propagation. You can easily create many new plants from a single pot.
Its fast growth and ability to create numerous offshoots makes it ideal for filling an entire tank quickly and inexpensively.
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact': The Bold Contrast
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact' adds a bold contrast with its large, bright green leaves. It's a slower grower than some options, but still easy to manage.
Its striking leaf structure creates a nice contrast to the more slender plants, adding visual interest. It doesn’t become unmanageable in size.
Planting several smaller bunches allows for a visually appealing spread without overwhelming the tank.
Anubias: The Virtually Indestructible Plant
Anubias is incredibly low-maintenance, thriving even in low-light conditions. It’s a rhizome plant, attaching to rocks or wood rather than being planted in substrate.
Its hardiness makes it practically indestructible. You can attach it with glue or thread, and it will eventually attach itself to the surface.
It's perfect for adding texture to your tank, especially in shaded areas. This makes it ideal for beginners who are still learning the ropes of aquarium care.
Ludwigia Repens 'Rubin' & Ludwigia 'Super Red': The Red Contrast
Ludwigia Repens 'Rubin' and Ludwigia 'Super Red' add vibrant red tones to your aquarium. Both are fast growers, easily trimmed and propagated.
Their fast growth allows for rapid filling of your aquarium, and trimmings can be replanted. They provide a striking contrast against the green plants.
These tall plants are best placed toward the back of the tank. Their rapid growth and easy propagation make them a great addition for beginner aquarists.
Bacopa Caroliniana: The Easiest Plant of All
Bacopa Caroliniana is exceptionally easy to grow, thriving with minimal care. It grows rapidly and produces vibrant green foliage.
This fast-growing plant can quickly fill your tank. Its growth and vibrant color will make your aquarium look full and lush.
It's a top seller due to its ease of care and stunning appearance. Even if it grows out of the tank, it may produce beautiful little blue flowers.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Plants for Your Needs
The easiest aquarium plants are those that require minimal care, grow quickly, and can easily be propagated. Java moss, Micro Sword, Crypt Parva, Rotala Rotundifolia, Crypt Wendtii 'Green', Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact', Anubias, and Bacopa Caroliniana are all excellent options for beginners.
Consider the visual impact you want to create. Use a combination of green and red plants for a balanced and visually appealing effect.
Remember that even the easiest plants can thrive with extra care (CO2 and stronger lighting), but they will still do well without high-maintenance requirements. Happy planting!