Aquarium Plant Database

Discover beginner-friendly aquatic plants for your aquascape. Each entry includes care requirements and compatibility info.

Monte Carlo - View 1
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Monte Carlo

Micranthemum tweediei

Medium

A stunning carpet plant that creates lush green lawns in Iwagumi aquascapes. Thrives with CO2 injection and good lighting. Propagates by runners to form dense mats within 2-3 months.

Medium-High
Recommended
Carpet
Java Fern - View 1
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Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

Easy

The ultimate beginner plant - nearly indestructible. Attach rhizome to rocks or driftwood with superglue. Never bury roots in substrate. Propagates via adventitious plantlets on leaves.

Low-Medium
Not Required
Slow
Anubias Nana - View 1
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Anubias Nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

Easy

Perfect for low-tech tanks and shaded areas under driftwood. Extremely hardy - survives neglect and low light. Attach to hardscape; burying rhizome causes rot. New leaves emerge every 2-3 weeks.

Low
Not Required
Slow
Amazon Sword - View 1
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Amazon Sword

Echinodorus bleheri

Easy

Classic centerpiece plant growing 12-20 inches tall. Heavy root feeder - use root tabs monthly. Perfect background for 20+ gallon tanks. Sends out runners to propagate new plants.

Medium
Optional
Fast
Dwarf Hairgrass - View 1
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Dwarf Hairgrass

Eleocharis parvula

Medium

Creates beautiful lawn-like carpets in Iwagumi and nature-style tanks. Requires CO2 and nutrient-rich substrate for best results. Trim regularly to encourage horizontal spreading.

Medium-High
Recommended
Carpet
Java Moss - View 1
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Java Moss

Taxiphyllum barbieri

Easy

Incredibly versatile moss for any setup. Attach to driftwood, rocks, or mesh for walls. Provides perfect hiding spots for shrimp fry. Trim regularly to maintain dense, healthy growth.

Low
Not Required
Medium
Rotala Rotundifolia - View 1
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Rotala Rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia

Easy

Versatile stem plant that transforms from green to stunning red/pink under high light. Perfect for Dutch-style backgrounds. Prune tops and replant to create bushy growth.

Medium-High
Optional
Fast
Cryptocoryne Wendtii - View 1
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Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Easy

Hardy rosette plant with beautiful bronze-green leaves. May experience "crypt melt" when transplanted but recovers fully. Thrives in established tanks with stable parameters.

Low-Medium
Not Required
Medium
Water Wisteria - View 1
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Water Wisteria

Hygrophila difformis

Easy

Fast-growing nutrient sponge - perfect for new tanks battling algae. Feathery leaves add beautiful texture. Simply cut and replant stems for easy propagation.

Medium
Optional
Fast
Bucephalandra - View 1
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Bucephalandra

Bucephalandra sp.

Easy

Exotic rhizome plant from Borneo with iridescent leaves in blue, green, or red. Attach to rocks like Anubias. Produces small white flowers underwater - a rare aquarium treat!

Low-Medium
Optional
Slow
Vallisneria - View 1
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Vallisneria

Vallisneria spiralis

Easy

Grass-like plant creating flowing curtains in backgrounds. Spreads rapidly via runners - can fill a tank in months. Long ribbon leaves sway beautifully in water flow.

Medium
Not Required
Fast
Red Tiger Lotus - View 1
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Red Tiger Lotus

Nymphaea zenkeri

Medium

Stunning focal point with dramatic red-spotted lily leaves. Heavy root feeder from bulb. Trim floating leaves weekly to maintain vibrant submerged growth pattern.

Medium-High
Optional
Fast

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