What Kinds of Plants Can Be Put In With Bettas?

With low space requirements and the ability to breathe air at the surface of the water, betta fish make ideal pets. Just having a betta fish in a plain, empty tank bores most people. To liven up your betta's new home, consider adding some freshwater plants. Not only will they make the tank look better, some plants can even improve your tank's water quality.

  1. Fake Plants

    • While they don't add oxygen to the water, fake plants provide a nice decorative touch. Fake plants need to be cleaned regularly, but otherwise require no special care and come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Fake plants can be ordered online, at pet stores or at aquarium supply stores. Pick plants that will fit in your tank, avoiding any with sharp edges on which your pet betta fish might hurt itself.

    Real Plants

    • Visiting a pet store or aquatic supply store provides your best chance to check out suitable freshwater plants. Philodendrons, water lilies and java ferns are all good choices, among a huge number of other aquatic plants. Ancharis and hornwort are decent choices for a low-light setting as well. Take good care of your plants, trimming back and wilted or brown-looking leaves. If a plant dies, remove it as soon as possible.

    Danerous Plants

    • Certain plants should be entirely avoided in your pet betta's aquarium. Use only aquatic species of plants that actually grow with their roots submerged, and avoid random houseplants or vegetables entirely. Dead and dying plants, or plants with rot, can poison your aquarium's water. Keep a close eye on plants and prune or remove them as needed. If you're unsure whether or not a particular plant is safe, call your local aquarium supply store to ask an expert.

    Fertilizer

    • A betta fish's natural waste will provide a mild level of fertilization for plants, but often more is necessary. Fertilizer can be added in several different ways. Fertilized substrate, specially made for plants, is one long-term method. Liquid fertilizer can be added to the water, as well as tablets of fertilizer that will dissolve when dropped into the tank. These will provide the plants with necessary nutrients and help them grow in your betta's tank.