Live Plants For Your Freshwater Aquarium

The freshwater aquarium plants that you decorate with should be those 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.
For your freshwater aquarium there are five basic types of plants that you can use.

Firstly there are those plants which are grown from bulbs. Generally speaking these are only suitable for very large freshwater aquariums because they produce rather large plants. Water lilies and aponogeton are amongst these plants and they are probably better suited to outside ponds perhaps inhabited by koi.

Depending on the types of fish you select, you might consider plants that are floating. They are excellent for protecting young fry from predators. Some examples of floating plants are Fairy Moss and Riccia.

You also may want to consider a type of live plants known as Rhizomes. This plant has a thick, horizontal stem with leaves sprouting on the top. This plant has roots growing down at the bottom of the stem. The rhizome is used as a “runner” over the surface of the substrate. As it grows, new roots and leaves are produced.  Two common variation of Rhizomes are the Anubias and the African Fern. It’s easy enough to plant these. Simply attach them to the ornaments that 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 grow by sending out runners through the water and develpoping new plants along the way. These plants of which Saggitaria and the Amazon Sword are counted amongst them, very often produce colourful flowers.

A plant with leaves growing from the nodes of a single stem is called a stem! 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 Jave Moss it grows quickly and will also keep down algae growth. But be careful, it has the ability to use up many of the nutrients from the water.

Another rugged plant is 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 fish don’t seem to like eating it. Attach the Anubia Nana to a stone or tree root if you want it to do really well.

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

If you are feeling ambitious you could have a go at 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.

The Echinodorus Bleheri should also be on your list, it is better known as the Amazon Sword plant. This is, without a doubt, the most popular of all aquarium plants of all time. It is a forgiving plant and so ideal for beginners. It grows fast and it’s great because it helps to control the algae content of your tank as well.

Your freshwater aquarium will be greatly enhanced by live plants. The extra time and care that they need is invariably worth it. The best approach is to start slowly with a few freshwater aquarium plants and then gradually increase the number of varieties as you gain in experience. Both you and your fish will enjoy having a well planted aquarium!