Hearty Plants for a Live Aquarium

Live plants can add a whole new dimension to any aquarium. Because of the degree of care often required, many people opt to use silk or plastic plants in their fish tanks, instead. However, there are several varieties of aquarium plants that are very hardy and easy to care for, requiring little effort.

  1. Amazon Swords

    • Amazon swords, Echinodorus amazonicus, have long, thin leaves that grow from a single point near the bottom. They originate, as their name suggests, from the Amazon rain forest of South America. They reach up to 20 inches in length and demand a relatively wide pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Argentine Sword

    • The Argentine Sword plant, Echinodorus argentinensis, looks very similar to the Amazon Sword, but it is shorter, topping out around 18 inches in length. It also originates from South America. Argentine swords require a pH between 6.8 and 7.5 and a temperature range between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Hygrophilia polysperma

    • Hygrophilia polysperma are leafy aquatic plants that can grow up to 24 inches long. They originate from Southeast Asia and can tolerate very wide ranges in temperature and pH; they can handle temperatures between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH between 6.5 and 8.

    Java Ferns

    • Java fern, or Microsorium pteropus, is similar in shape to Amazon or Argentine swords, except the leaves are wider and ruffled. They reach lengths of around 8 inches and are tolerant of a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. They can also handle a wide temperature range, between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Vallisneria Spiralis

    • Vallisneria spiralis are grassy plants from South America that can grow up to 24 inches in length. They require a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. They have an extremely wide tolerable temperature range, with temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit typically being adequate.