Starting an aquarium can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and adding plants can bring a sense of life and vibrancy to your tank. However, if you’re new to the world of aquariums, you may be hesitant to add plants, fearing that they will require a lot of maintenance and care.
Fear not! There are plenty of beginner aquarium plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are five options to consider.
Anubias
Anubias is a popular aquatic plant that is known for its hardiness and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. It is a slow-growing plant, so it won’t require frequent trimming, and it can be left floating or attached to rocks or driftwood. Anubias is native to Africa and is commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant water.
In terms of care, Anubias is relatively low-maintenance. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions, making it a good choice for beginners. It is also a low-light plant, so it can thrive in tanks with minimal lighting. However, it is important to provide Anubias with adequate nutrients, as it will not do well in tanks with low levels of fertilizers. Anubias can be fertilized using a liquid or tablet fertilization product, or by adding a substrate rich in nutrients.
Java Fern
Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is an aquatic plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular choice for aquarists because it is easy to care for and adds a natural, lush look to the aquarium.
Java fern has long, slender leaves that grow out from a central rhizome (underground stem). It can be grown attached to driftwood, rocks, or other hard surfaces, or left to float freely in the water. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and is generally very hardy, making it a good choice for beginner aquarists.
To care for Java fern, it is important to provide it with moderate lighting and a steady supply of nutrients. It can be fertilized with liquid plant fertilizers or by adding a slow-release fertilization tablet to the substrate. It is also important to keep the plant trimmed to prevent it from overgrowing and crowding out other plants. Java fern is sensitive to copper, so it is important to use a water conditioner that removes copper from the water before adding it to the aquarium.
Java Moss
Java moss is a small, slow-growing plant that has delicate, thread-like branches. It has a dense, carpet-like appearance and can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorative elements in the aquarium. It can also be grown free-floating in the water.
To care for java moss, it is important to provide it with a sufficient amount of light. It can tolerate low to moderate lighting levels, but it may grow slower in low light conditions. It is also important to maintain a consistent temperature in the aquarium, as java moss is sensitive to fluctuations.
Java moss is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of aquarium setups, including freshwater and brackish water tanks. It is a great choice for beginner aquarists and can be easily propagated by dividing the plant into smaller pieces and attaching them to new surfaces. It is also a good plant for aquariums with high levels of nitrates, as it is capable of removing excess nutrients from the water.
Water Wisteria
Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is an aquatic plant native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a popular choice for aquascaping in freshwater aquariums due to its attractive, feathery leaves and fast growth rate. Water wisteria is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of water conditions and is relatively easy to care for.
To care for water wisteria, provide it with a well-lit area in the aquarium, as it requires moderate to high lighting to thrive. Water wisteria also prefers a neutral pH and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures (between 68-86°F). It is important to trim the plant regularly to prevent it from taking over the aquarium and to promote healthy growth. Water wisteria can be propagated through stem or root cuttings, which can be placed in the substrate or attached to driftwood or other decorations in the tank.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria, also known as eelgrass or tape grass, is a genus of aquatic plants that are native to temperate and tropical regions around the world. They are commonly found in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams, and are often used as ornamental plants in aquariums.
Vallisneria plants have long, narrow leaves that grow vertically from the base of the plant and can reach up to several feet in length. They have small flowers that are typically green or brown and are inconspicuous compared to the foliage.
Basic care for Vallisneria involves providing the plants with the proper lighting and water conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures. However, they do best in waters with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Vallisneria also requires a substrate, such as gravel or sand, to anchor their roots and should be fertilized with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
It is important to maintain proper care for Vallisneria plants to prevent them from becoming overgrown or diseased. This can involve trimming the leaves to remove dead or damaged growth and monitoring the water quality to ensure that it is suitable for the plants. Overall, Vallisneria is a hardy and low-maintenance aquatic plant that is well-suited for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
General Tips
In addition to these easy-to-care-for plants, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when adding plants to your aquarium. First, be sure to acclimate the plants to your tank slowly by gradually increasing their exposure to the water. It’s also a good idea to fertilize your plants regularly, using a liquid or tablet fertilization product.
Overall, starting an aquarium with beginner plants is a great way to add life and vibrancy to your tank without the added stress of high maintenance plants. By choosing hardy, low-maintenance options like Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss, Water Wisteria, or Vallisneria, you can enjoy the beauty of live plants without the added hassle.
