Plants for a Tropical Fish Aquarium

When you are selecting plants for a tropical fish aquarium, make your selection based on the level of care you are willing to provide, the size of your aquarium and the types of fish that will be living in your aquarium. Tropical fish aquariums and their plants tend to be best for the experienced aqua-hobbyist since both fish and foliage can be a bit touchy and difficult to maintain. Pick out a good selection of plants that will complement each other, but do not overdo it at first--you can always add more.

  1. Carpet Aquarium Plants

    • Carpet aquarium plants will cover the floor of your aquarium. They range in height from 1 to 10 cm. They have to be trimmed periodically so that they do not overgrow.

      Pygmy chain swords are a carpet plant that has a spidery look and long, thin leaves, while crystalwort grows more thickly and holds tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide at the ends of its leaves, giving it a delicate, jewel-like appearance. Mature Crystalwort tends to float if it is not tied down.

      Willow moss grows very slowly and likes to live on wood, so it is a good tropical carpet plant if you do not want a lot of maintenance and want to keep your plants confined to certain areas.

    Small Aquarium Plants

    • Small tropical aquarium plants may grow up to 20 cm in height. They do not tend to overtake an aquarium, but they may need to be trimmed occasionally if they get taller than your tank.

      Dwarf anubias plants are ideal for the low-maintenance hobbyist because they grow very slowly and can survive just about anything--including being removed from the water.

      Pearl grass has a number of small leaves and makes a great background plant, but if it is getting enough light it will send off a lot of shoots that will require maintenance.

      Baby tears has round, green and white leaves, but it needs a tank larger than 40 gallons since it grows very quickly in bright light and must be pruned on a regular basis.

    Medium Aquarium Plants

    • Medium tropical aquarium plants may grow up, out or both to a width or height of 30 cm. These plants need plenty of space or they will quickly dominate your tank.

      African water fern has thick, divided leaves and beautiful green foliage that can accent the upper areas of your tank. It is also easy to spread around your tank by simply cutting shoots and anchoring them in place with gravel until the roots take hold.

      Lobelia will grow outward or upward, depending on tank size, and is great for newborn fish and shrimp. Mollies also like to eat it.

      Dwarf saggitaria looks like grass and will fill in empty spots in your tank with tall, waving blades; part of the growth process involves the plant turning brown and appearing completely dead shortly after its immersion in the tank.

    Tall Aquarium Plants

    • Tall aquarium plants are more than 30 cm and tend to be thin, reedy structures. The macaya, for example, has long, thin, green stalks with feathery white and lavender fronds. It sends off many side shoots, so you will have to control it unless you want a weed bed in your tank.

      The giant red rotala needs a lot of light for its bright red and purple leaves, but needs a tank at least 75 cm deep.

      Dwarf ambulia grows very quickly and will fill a tank fast. Fish like to hide in it, but you can still see your aquarium occupants through the thin, spidery leaves.