Fish Aquarium Plants for Bettas

The Betta fish is a colorful, easy to care for pet that can make a welcome addition to any home or office. Taking care of a Betta is fairly straightforward, and making sure your aquatic companion has the most comfortable and natural aquarium environment is essential. Aquatic plants can be placed in your Betta's aquarium, and will add variety and color, as well as provide the fish with cleaner water with a higher oxygen content--but not just any plant will do. Knowing the types of plants you can use to add some green to your Betta's habitat is crucial to your companion's health and overall well-being.

  1. Chinese Evergreen

    • Otherwise known as the "Silver Queen," the Chinese Evergreen is an excellent plant option for your Betta's aquarium. This small houseplant thrives in the warmth, enjoying temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can live well at temperatures as low as 57 degrees.

      Easy to care for, the Chinese Evergreen simply needs to be kept out of direct sunlight--indirect lighting treats this plant well. According to Denver Plants, this Betta-friendly aquarium plant can live as long as a year in your fish tank.

    Peace Lillies

    • A very popular option for Betta habitats, the Peace Lily is a plant that loves water and can make an attractive addition to your aquarium. The Peace Lily doesn't require much light, and does well at standard indoor temperatures (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit).

      Your Betta companion will enjoy swimming among the root system of the hardy, long-lived Peace Lily. And your fish isn't the only one who will find rare delight in the Peace Lily--you will be treated to this plant's trademark white blossom and broad, dark green leaves which will brighten up both your home and your Betta's habitat.

    Philodendrons

    • A plant family that includes the Imperial Green, the Painted Princess and the Moon Light, philodendrons are also excellent choices for a Betta's watery home. Like the Peace Lily, philodendrons tend to be broad-leaved and tolerate a range of indoor temperatures.

      An advantage of philodendrons for your aquarium is that there exists a such a wide variety to choose from in this plant family. You can visit your local garden store and find a philodendron customized to both your interior decor and your Betta's aquarium style.

    Adding an Aquarium Plant

    • Before placing any of these aquarium plants in your Betta tank, be sure to clean the dirt from the roots and foliage to keep the water clear for your fish. Also, you will need to make sure plant roots do not grow to the bottom or turn brown--simply remove the plant and trim back the roots as it becomes necessary.

      Additionally, you will need to keep an eye out for increased algae growth--the green fog you may see clouding the water. Keeping your Betta aquarium away from direct sunlight will help prevent excessive algae growth, and will keep both your fish and your plants healthy.