Tropical Fish Tank Plants

Live aquatic plants add natural foliage and authenticity to tropical aquariums. Aquarium dealers sell hundreds of varieties of tropical aquatic species, from easy-to-grow cuttings to specialized hybrids of rare flora. Most plants require only basic nutrient-rich substrate, sufficient lighting and soft to medium-hard water for optimum growth. Tropical species also thrive in water that is kept at a constant 70 to 75 degrees F.

  1. Cabomba aquatica

    • Known as Cabomba or Fanwort, this delicate plant is difficult to grow, but its feathery dark green leaves and space-filling ability make the extra effort worthwhile. Fanwort requires vigorous filtration and soft water with good lighting. Aquarists can propagate this plant by cuttings.

    Cryptocoryne blassii

    • With its low profile and crinkly reddish leaves, Water Trumpet works best as a foreground plant. Cryptocoryne species grow slowly and appreciate low to moderate light with a nutrient-rich substrate. Try planting Water Trumpet in the shade of taller plants with leaves that trail along the water's surface.

    Echinodorus amazonicus

    • Amazon Swordplant is a familiar species in many tropical aquariums. Its broad, bright green leaves are sword-shaped and grow from a central root system. If grown in nutrient-rich substrate and medium-hard water with good lighting, the plant can grow robust and overwhelm small tanks.

    Hygrophila polysperma

    • Known as Water Star or Indian Swampweed (especially in Florida, where it is an invasive plant), this species features square stems and slender, oval leaves. This fast-growing aquatic specimen grows best in bright light and soft water. Water Star is an attractive background plant and space filler for tropical aquariums

    Hygrophila difformis

    • Water wisteria is a tall, hardy plant with ragged, graceful leaves. The light green fronds flash silvery-white when they wave in the current of an aquarium's filter. This plant prefers moderate light and makes a good backdrop for tropical aquascapes.

    Microsorium pteropus

    • Rather than growing from the aquarium's substrate, Java Fern attaches itself to rocks or driftwood by its hairlike roots. A slow grower, Java Fern's dark green leaves are narrow and sword-shaped. This plant prefers moderate lighting.