18 Best Live Aquarium Plants That Fishes Love
Live aquarium plants bring life, balance, and beauty to your fish tank while keeping fish healthy. These plants naturally filter waste, add oxygen, and create hiding spots that mimic a fish s natural habitat.
By growing them, you not only improve water quality but also make your aquarium look vibrant and lively. Many of these plants adapt well to both small aquariums and larger tanks with minimal care.
With the right choices, you can create a thriving underwater garden that your fish will enjoy every day.
#1 Marimo Moss Balls
Marimo Moss Balls are simple yet fascinating additions to aquariums. These velvety green spheres are actually algae that roll gently in the current. They help absorb nitrates and keep the water cleaner.
Place them at the bottom of your tank or let them float freely. Rinse them gently every few weeks and squeeze out excess water to refresh growth. Fish often nudge them around, making them both useful and entertaining.
#2 Umbrella Hair Grass
Umbrella Hair Grass creates a lush, grassy look along the bottom of the aquarium. Its thin stalks grow quickly in nutrient-rich water and strong light. You can plant clumps directly into the substrate for a dense carpet.
Trim them back regularly to keep the look neat and tidy. Fish love weaving through the blades, using them as cover. This plant is perfect for aquascapes that need texture and movement.
#3 Carolina Fanwort
Carolina Fanwort has delicate, fan-shaped leaves that give aquariums a soft, flowing look. It thrives in still or slow-moving water with bright light. Plant it in the substrate and allow stems to spread upward.
You may need to trim back regularly since it grows quickly. Its fine leaves provide shelter for fry and small fish. With the right care, Fanwort can transform your tank into a green underwater forest.
#4 Hydrocotyle Japan
Hydrocotyle japonica is a low-growing plant with round, clover-like leaves. It thrives in moderate light and creates a lush foreground carpet. You can plant it directly in substrate or let it float near the surface.
Trim runners to shape it and encourage fuller growth. Fish enjoy swimming through its small clusters, and shrimp often rest beneath the leaves. Its bright green color adds charm to any aquarium.
#5 Parrot’s Feather
Parrot s Feather produces delicate, feathery fronds that look beautiful both above and below water. It needs plenty of light to stay healthy and vibrant. Plant it in groups for a bushy appearance and prune as it spreads.
This plant is also great for small ponds or water bowls. Fish often hide among the fronds, using them as shelter. Its unique texture makes it a standout in any aquatic setup.
#6 Hygrophila
Hygrophila is a fast grower that quickly fills space in aquariums. It thrives in nutrient-rich water but can also tolerate lower light conditions. Plant stems in the substrate and allow them to spread.
Trim back often to prevent overcrowding and replant cuttings to grow new clusters. Some fish nibble on its leaves, so keep an eye on compatibility. This plant is excellent for beginners who want quick greenery.
#7 Amazon Sword
Amazon Sword is one of the most popular aquarium plants for its large, sword-like leaves. It is a heavy root feeder, so use nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Place it in the background of the tank since it grows tall and wide.
Provide medium to bright light for best results. Trim damaged leaves to encourage fresh growth. Fish love hiding beneath its broad leaves, making it both decorative and practical.
#8 Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo grows happily in aquariums, either fully submerged or with tops above water. It prefers filtered light and clean water. Place stems in gravel or rocks to anchor them securely. Rinse leaves occasionally to prevent algae buildup.
Many aquarists use Lucky Bamboo for a natural, zen-like look. Fish swim around its tall stalks, creating a calm, balanced tank environment.
#9 Moneywort
Moneywort is a bright green stem plant that grows quickly in aquariums. Its leaves climb upward, making it a great choice for taller tanks. You can replant trimmings into the substrate to create new plants.
Provide medium to high light for lush growth. Fish enjoy darting between its stems, and it adds vertical interest to aquascapes. With regular trimming, it stays full and vibrant.
#10 Spongeplant
Spongeplant floats on the water surface, forming thick mats of green leaves. It creates natural shade and helps reduce algae by blocking excess light. Simply let it float freely, and remove pieces if it spreads too much.
Fish benefit from the shaded areas, and fry use them as cover. It also absorbs nutrients from the water, improving overall quality. This plant is a low-effort way to create balance in your aquarium.
#11 Water Hawthorn
Water Hawthorn is a bulb plant with floating leaves that spread across the surface. Its flowers give off a pleasant scent, adding extra charm. It thrives in cooler water, making it ideal for larger tanks or ponds.
Plant bulbs in soil or gravel at the bottom. As it grows, the leaves provide shade and cover for fish. Regular feeding with aquatic fertilizer will keep it thriving.
#12 Water Trumpet
Water Trumpet grows slowly but steadily, preferring stable conditions. It tolerates low light, making it perfect for shaded aquariums. Plant it in fine gravel or sand and avoid moving it once established.
Provide steady water parameters since it dislikes sudden changes. Its compact size makes it great for small aquariums. Over time, it creates clusters of lush green leaves where fish can rest.
#13 Vallisneria
Vallisneria produces long, ribbon-like leaves that sway beautifully in the water. It grows quickly and forms dense backgrounds in aquariums. Plant roots directly in the substrate and give it plenty of space to spread.
Trim back leaves if they grow too tall for your tank. Fish love hiding among the tall leaves, and it improves oxygen levels in the water. Vallisneria is a hardy option for both beginners and experts.
#14 Dwarf Anubias
Dwarf Anubias is a hardy plant with thick, dark green leaves. It grows slowly and can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or placed in substrate. It prefers low to medium light, so it suits shaded aquariums.
Avoid burying its rhizome in soil to prevent rot. Fish and shrimp often rest on its broad leaves. Its compact size makes it ideal for small aquariums or decorative arrangements.
#15 Hornwort
Hornwort has fine, fluffy fronds that form a soft, bushy mass in water. It grows quickly and provides excellent shelter for fry. Plant stems in gravel or let them float freely.
Prune regularly since it spreads fast and can take over tanks. Fish enjoy weaving through its branches, using it as cover. Hornwort also absorbs excess nutrients, reducing algae growth.
#16 Brazilian Waterweed
Brazilian Waterweed is a vigorous grower that thrives in nutrient-rich water and bright light. Its stems can be planted in substrate or left floating. Trim frequently to manage its rapid spread and replant cuttings to multiply.
Fish enjoy darting among the stems, and it produces oxygen efficiently. Keep in mind it may need more pruning than other plants. Its fresh green color brightens any aquarium.
#17 American Waterweed
American Waterweed adapts to many conditions and spreads easily. It starts by rooting in the substrate, but can also float freely. Plant it in clusters for a fuller look.
Provide moderate light for consistent growth. This plant is especially good at filtering water and boosting oxygen levels. Fish thrive around it, using its stems for hiding and play.
#18 Java Fern
Java Fern is one of the easiest live aquarium plants to care for. It grows well attached to driftwood or rocks instead of being buried in soil.
Provide low to medium light and steady water conditions. Trim old leaves to encourage new growth. Fish appreciate its wide leaves as resting spots. For beginners, Java Fern is almost impossible to fail.