Most Common Aquarium Plants

Aquarium plants do more than just make an aquarium more attractive and give fish a place to hide. They also help to clean, oxygenate and maintain the pH of the water. Some aquatic plants are easy to keep---plant them and forget them. Others are more challenging and require special care and lighting to stay healthy. Some of the most common aquarium plants fall into the first category and are ideal for beginners and most aquarium enthusiasts.

  1. Amazon Sword

    • This plant is extremely common because of its adaptability to a wide range of conditions. Both main varieties have large pronounced leaves. It thrives in just about any light condition, in pH that ranges from lightly acidic to heavily alkaline, in a full range of water hardness and in temperatures from 67 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows quickly without a great deal of effort or attention.

    Anacharis / Elodea

    • This plant grows rapidly and is highly effective in preventing algae by absorbing excess nutrients that promote algae growth. It also releases substances that prevent blue-green algae. The leaves of anacharis are tall and very thin. It grows in a wide range of water hardness and pH, but prefers cooler temperatures of 50 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and medium to very high light.

    Cryptocoryne Beckettii

    • This plant is amphibious, growing both on land and submerged in water. It is a root feeder, so it needs to be planted or attached to a root tab. Its coloring adapts to its conditions, so the color it has when purchased may change in time. It tolerates a wide range of water hardness and light, but likes acidic water. Preferred temperature range is between 68 and 78 degrees.

    Java Fern

    • This is one of the sturdiest aquarium plants and is very difficult to kill. There are several varieties, the smallest reaching about 6 inches in height and the largest variety up to 18 inches, with leaves of about a half inch thick. This plant will spread into a large mass and overwhelm a tank if it is not thinned out occasionally, which can be done by running your fingers through it to separate individual plants. It does well in a wide range of light quantities, but does best in bright light. Java fern prefers hard water that is neutral in pH and warmer temperatures of 70 to 86 degrees.

    Java Moss

    • This popular plant can be left to float free or can be attached to a rock, driftwood or aquarium decoration. It is a slow grower that only grows to about a quarter inch in height, but makes an ideal place for fish to lay their eggs. It will adapt and grow in nearly any environment that supports tropical fish, much like the Java fern.

    Vallisneria Spiralis

    • The leaves on this dramatic plant have darker bands that give it visual appeal in a tank with mixed plants. It is hardy and forgiving concerning light and water hardness, but likes acidic water. It does well in wide range of temperatures, from 60 to 86 degrees, so it can pair with a number of acid-loving plant species for an impressive display.

    Water Sprite

    • This plant's broad bright green leaves are a favorite food for fish and a desirable hiding place. Since it takes most of its nutrients from its leaves, the water sprite excels at keeping a tank clean. It can be anchored to the bottom of a tank or can be left to free float, which results in larger leaves. It prefers neutral to alkaline water and adapts well to varying light conditions and water hardness. It prefers warmer water temperatures of 68 to 82 degrees.