Common Aquatic PlantsAdding live plants to your aquarium helps
establish a natural environment for your fish. Amazon Sword Echinodorus amazonicus, is a Rosette plant that is very popular with aquarium hobbyists. They are capable of reaching approximately 20 inches in height under proper water conditions. The Amazon Sword Plant requires at least 2 watts per gallon of full spectrum lighting (5000-7000K). The aquarium temperature should be from 72°-82°F
Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa. They primarily grow in rivers and streams, but can also be found in marshes. They are characterized by broad, thick, dark leaves that come in many different forms.
Bacopa is a genus of 70 - 100 aquatic plants belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Waterhyssop (or Water Hyssop, though this is more misleading as Bacopa is not very closely related to hyssop but simply has a somewhat similar appearance).
Dwarf Baby Tears Hemianthus callitrichoides is very popular as a foreground plant in the aquarium trade. Hemianthus callitrichoides has very small leaves and grows in a spreading fashion making it one of the shortest options for a foreground plant. For optimal growth from Dwarf Baby Tears, as it is sometimes referred to, use high lighting and CO2 injections.
Java Fern Microsorum pteropus is a beautiful addition to the freshwater, planted aquarium. Growing around 8 inches tall, with creeping, green rhizomes.Java Ferns will do well if planted in moderate light as well as in a shaded area. It is amphibious, meaning that it will grow either partially or fully submersed.
Myriophyllum Tuberculatum Myriophyllum tuberculatum: A great aquarium plant that is similar in appearance to Myriophyllum heterophyllum (red myrio). In ideal conditions this variety is much more striking in apperance because it's leaves display colors of bright orange and red. This plant is a great addition to any aquarium, especially those who are looking for something different and exciting.
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Meet George, he is an expert when it comes to exotic plants and aquascaping techniques and has been my go-to resource when learning about aquatic plants. You can ask George about any plant questions you might have here.
[email protected] Ask him in person at The Aquarium Connection Pearlweed - Hemainthus Glomeratus, Micranthemum Micranthemoides, Hemianthus Micranthemoides
A lovely mid-ground plant that provides a good cushion or carpet for planted aquariums. Pearlweed fills out quickly and can be trimmed with scissors. Rotala Macrandra or Giant Red Rotala is a perfect mid to background plant. This is an advanced aquarium hobbyist type plant due to it's demanding lighting and iron fertilization requirements. Water requirements include a soft and slightly acidic water. Ph must be between 6.0 and 7.0, Dh will be inferior to 15. Temperature should between 70-82F.
Java Fern - Microsorum pteropus is a beautiful freshwater aquarium plant and will grow around 8" tall. A perfect aquarium plant for cichlid and other large South American fish. This is a mid ground plant and needs low to moderate lighting. They will propagate by adventitious plants on leaves & roots, and rhizome division may also be seen.
Cyperus Helferi - An excellent aquarium plant to add a grass like look in the aquarium. The long leaves of Cyperus helferi wave in the current and are very pleasing to the eye. Plant Cyperus helferi in multiple pieces to help create a full backdrop or plant near moving water in the aquarium to see it move in the current. Requires medium to high lighting conditions.
Cryptocoryne, parva (Araceae) - Cryptocoryne parva is one of the smallest Cryptocorynes in the aquarium trade. Cryptocoryne might be one of the best foreground plants, because of its ability to tolerate varying conditions from light intensity to water quality. Cryptocoryne parva is definitely a great choice for beginners to use in the foreground areas of their aquariums. It can also be used as under planting in the midground areas of the aquarium.
Narrow Leaf Chain Sword - Echinorodus tenellus - Features deep green, narrow leaves that are slightly curved. Does well even in poorly illuminated aquariums, as it grows towards the light. It is a hardy and easy solitary plant for both beginners and the more experienced with quite large aquariums.
Glossostigma - Glossostigma elatinoides - This is not a plant for beginners. Bright light. C02 helpful. Beautiful foreground/ground cover plant. Copper sensitive. Make sure it's not shaded by other plants. Commonly used as a foreground plant in aquariums. Plant several pots of Glossostigma in the desired areas and then watch them expand to form a dense carpet.
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