What are the best beginner-friendly aquarium plants?
Written by
Kailani Okoro
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.When selecting beginner aquarium plants, opt for hardy options that thrive in a wide range of conditions. Aquatic plants resistant to algae growth are a good start, with Anubias being an excellent choice. In addition to not needing much light, Anubias and similar easy aquatic plants require minimal care and quickly flourish, lending you a helping hand in establishing your aquarium confidence while providing cleaner water for your fish.
Anubias
- Thrives in low light below 1.5 watts per gallon
- Attach to rocks or driftwood without substrate
- Propagate through rhizome division every 4 months
Java Fern
- Grows well in low to medium light conditions
- Develops plantlets for easy propagation
- Absorbs nitrates improving water quality
Floating Plants
- Salvinia reduces algae by filtering light
- Requires weekly thinning for optimal growth
- Absorbs excess nutrients directly from water
Plant success depends on proper arrangement. Use gravel or other inert substrates to hold the roots firm. Then place plants according to light requirements: lowlight plants are placed in shadowy nurseries, mediumlight plants in the illuminated places, and floating plants soon spread of themselves over the surface.
Keep your aquatic plants relatively simple in approach. Fertilize each, on a monthly basis, with organic root tabs if you're keeping heavy feeders. A bit of thinning here and there encourages a bushier plant. Test your water weekly; watch out for nitrates. Less light helps control algae: give it a maximum of eight hours a day. Healthy plants help grow healthy fish.
Start with two to three easy species. First, observe how they grow. As you become more familiar with it and develop your skills, start adding more. These tough species will provide us with some fundamental care methods. Your busy tank is a living classroom.
Read the full article: 15 Essential Aquarium Plant Types for Beginners
