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Aquarium Plants Guide

Live plants enhance water quality and create a natural environment for your fish.

Easy Plants for Beginners

Java Fern

  • Low light requirements
  • Attaches to driftwood/rocks
  • Don’t bury rhizome in substrate
  • Hardy and undemanding

Anubias

  • Low to medium light
  • Slow growing
  • Attaches to hardscape
  • Very hardy

Java Moss

  • Low light
  • Grows almost anywhere
  • Great for fry hiding
  • Minimal care required

Amazon Sword

  • Medium light
  • Nutrient-rich substrate needed
  • Can grow large
  • Root feeder

Benefits of Live Plants

  • Absorb carbon dioxide
  • Release oxygen
  • Compete with algae for nutrients
  • Provide hiding places for fish
  • Natural aesthetic

Basic Plant Care

Lighting

  • 6-8 hours daily
  • LED plant lights recommended
  • Avoid direct sunlight

Fertilization

  • Liquid fertilizers for water column feeders
  • Root tabs for heavy root feeders
  • CO2 injection for demanding plants