UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!!
Easy Care Plant Guide... v 2.0 !
Courtesy: Aquahobby.com
Oh, plants. Next to cycling and diseases, live plants are a large
anxiety and mystery to new aquarists. Sometimes, aquarium plants can be
very tough to take care of and very expensive. Alas, never fear! There
are plants out there that are easy to care for. Yes, I said it. Easy!
Level of Maintenance
The best thing you can do when considering live plants is acknowledging
your tank’s level of maintenance. No, not water changes, though these
are important, I’m talking about how much care can be given to them. For
instance, do you have a cO2 system? Fertilizer? Proper lighting? Proper
substrate?
“Low” maintenance tanks include:
"Medium" maintenance tanks include:
“Low” maintenance tanks include:
- Tanks without fluorescent lighting (but has low-light LED or incandescent)
- Tanks with no or little substrate, or substrate like gems, rocks, and marbles
- Tanks that require frequent 100% water changes (which would require plants to be taken out)
- Tanks without fertilization
- Tanks without supplemental minerals
"Medium" maintenance tanks include:
- Tanks with proper lighting (5500k-6500k is ideal)
- Tanks with gravel or sand
- Tanks that are cycled or filtered/ do not need constant uprooting, etc.
- Tanks that get some/moderate/complete fertilization
- Tanks that may have c02, though not needed for any below plants to survive.
(Plants that thrive in LM tanks are generally low-light plants and plants that require no additional fertilization. MM tanks are low-medium-moderate light lovers that enjoy or do best with fertilization or require specific/ special care.)
Both of these types are easily achieved. The biggest difference between them is expense.
While not too pricey, buying correct lighting and fertilizers/ supplements can become a bit costly. Sometimes, these products can be hard to come by, especially for those with stores that carry very limited supplies. Both tanks are rewarding and an endeavor you should seriously consider!
*Keep these things in mind when researching plants, knowing your kind of tank is helpful!
Here are some of the easiest to care for and most common plants new aquarists like to use with great results. There are, of course, many more plants that fit into the LM and MM tank parameters, but these are usually some of the easiest and least expensive!
While not too pricey, buying correct lighting and fertilizers/ supplements can become a bit costly. Sometimes, these products can be hard to come by, especially for those with stores that carry very limited supplies. Both tanks are rewarding and an endeavor you should seriously consider!
*Keep these things in mind when researching plants, knowing your kind of tank is helpful!
Here are some of the easiest to care for and most common plants new aquarists like to use with great results. There are, of course, many more plants that fit into the LM and MM tank parameters, but these are usually some of the easiest and least expensive!
Anubias:
Courtesy: Aquadigital.net
Bio: Anubias is a gorgeous plant that looks wonderful in any
tank. It is widely available and comes in a variety of species. It has
lush, dark green leaves. It likes a clean tank (which your fish should
have anyway!) and subdued light. The more light this plant gets, the
lighter green the leaves.
Ideal Temp: 71-81’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Do not bury rhizome or will rot , float or tether to grow onto an object, best results in driftwood or some rock.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Anywhere, some species are short, others tall. Does not like direct light!
Fertilization: Not needed, but helpful. Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: Grows slowly, can float and create a great resting spot for bettas, cannot be buried, can be rooted to things by tethering it down with string or fishing line, does not like direct light/too much light. Will get clear leaves or holes if too much light and can disintegrate if the tank is dirty. If brown algae develops on leaves, gently rub leaves with a damp cloth while out of water.
Propagation: Anubias can easily be propagated. Take a VERY sharp razor blade (yes, razor is important), like a new box cutter, x-acto knife, etc and either slash the rhizome a few times while underwater (which encourages new leaf growth) or cut the rhizome. Allow at least a decent sized chunk of rhizome for each cluster of leaves. Do this underwater to avoid damage.
Ideal Temp: 71-81’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Do not bury rhizome or will rot , float or tether to grow onto an object, best results in driftwood or some rock.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Anywhere, some species are short, others tall. Does not like direct light!
Fertilization: Not needed, but helpful. Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: Grows slowly, can float and create a great resting spot for bettas, cannot be buried, can be rooted to things by tethering it down with string or fishing line, does not like direct light/too much light. Will get clear leaves or holes if too much light and can disintegrate if the tank is dirty. If brown algae develops on leaves, gently rub leaves with a damp cloth while out of water.
Propagation: Anubias can easily be propagated. Take a VERY sharp razor blade (yes, razor is important), like a new box cutter, x-acto knife, etc and either slash the rhizome a few times while underwater (which encourages new leaf growth) or cut the rhizome. Allow at least a decent sized chunk of rhizome for each cluster of leaves. Do this underwater to avoid damage.
Amazon Sword:
Courtesy: directtropicalfish.co.uk
Bio: Amazon Sword plants are a handsome plant in any tank; they
have long stems with long leaves that can be broad or narrow. When
grown well, they can get quite large and look gorgeous and make the tank
look extremely natural. Sometimes, amazon swords are “tank busters”
and grow too large for smaller (10g or less) tanks.
Ideal Temp: 75-82’
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant needs to be buried into the substrate. A deep substrate is required for this plant, since the roots grow out long and many. Three to four inches of substrate is ideal. Do not bury the "crown" of this plant, which is just above the roots, or it will suffocate.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: mid-to background, needs moderate lighting, likes diffused lighting best.
Fertilization: This plant requires supplementation either in the form of nutrient rich substrates or (easier) root tabs. Use: Iron, usually in root tab form. Try: API Root Tabs, 10 tabs for $9.
Special: This plant is slightly more demanding than others. It likes a deep substrate and needs some fertilization to grow at its best. If this plant has leaves that are beginning to brown or wither, pinch them off immediately with your nails. Dead leaves cannot heal and will only continue to die. Prune them to encourage new growth.
Ideal Temp: 75-82’
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant needs to be buried into the substrate. A deep substrate is required for this plant, since the roots grow out long and many. Three to four inches of substrate is ideal. Do not bury the "crown" of this plant, which is just above the roots, or it will suffocate.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: mid-to background, needs moderate lighting, likes diffused lighting best.
Fertilization: This plant requires supplementation either in the form of nutrient rich substrates or (easier) root tabs. Use: Iron, usually in root tab form. Try: API Root Tabs, 10 tabs for $9.
Special: This plant is slightly more demanding than others. It likes a deep substrate and needs some fertilization to grow at its best. If this plant has leaves that are beginning to brown or wither, pinch them off immediately with your nails. Dead leaves cannot heal and will only continue to die. Prune them to encourage new growth.
Anacharis
Courtesy: aquariumdomain.com
Bio: Anacharis is perhaps the easiest plant to care for, and it
sucks up ammonia like a fiend. Usually inexpensive and in large
amounts, this plant is highly recommended for beginners. While floating,
it provides great cover for fry and fish alike.
Ideal Temp: 40-50-77’ (Though from my experience does alright from 78-82’)
Substrate/Rooting?: Many leave this plant to float, and when it does, it will shoot out thick, long root-like stems. To bury these, strip the bottom leaves from the base of the plant and bury deeply enough to not be knocked out. In time, a root cluster will develop.
Ideal spot in tank/light: Left floating or buried is fine, grows off chutes and can grow very tall, so keep that in mind. Trim when needed, and keep the trimmings and replant. Likes light, but too high can cause the leaves to wither, can be kept in low light.
Fertilizer: Not needed, though without it the leaves will stay short, less vibrant and will not grow as long. Use: Liquid fertilizers, try Aqueon Plant Food- $7 AVOID: Seachem Excel
Special: A great plant that propagates constantly. From one chute there can be multiple babies, which grow when picked off, allowing you to keep growing and growing this plant. When it dies, should be removed, because it gets messy. This plant may have a poor adjustment period when in a new tank, the tips of leaves may melt away. If so, watch for new growth. If it’s still growing, it is healthy and just adjusting. Does not do well with the fertilizer Seachem Excel—will melt.
Ideal Temp: 40-50-77’ (Though from my experience does alright from 78-82’)
Substrate/Rooting?: Many leave this plant to float, and when it does, it will shoot out thick, long root-like stems. To bury these, strip the bottom leaves from the base of the plant and bury deeply enough to not be knocked out. In time, a root cluster will develop.
Ideal spot in tank/light: Left floating or buried is fine, grows off chutes and can grow very tall, so keep that in mind. Trim when needed, and keep the trimmings and replant. Likes light, but too high can cause the leaves to wither, can be kept in low light.
Fertilizer: Not needed, though without it the leaves will stay short, less vibrant and will not grow as long. Use: Liquid fertilizers, try Aqueon Plant Food- $7 AVOID: Seachem Excel
Special: A great plant that propagates constantly. From one chute there can be multiple babies, which grow when picked off, allowing you to keep growing and growing this plant. When it dies, should be removed, because it gets messy. This plant may have a poor adjustment period when in a new tank, the tips of leaves may melt away. If so, watch for new growth. If it’s still growing, it is healthy and just adjusting. Does not do well with the fertilizer Seachem Excel—will melt.
Banana Plant/ Banana Lillies:
Bio: Banana Lilies, often called “nana plants” , are
a wonderful and fun addition to any tank. True to the name, banana
plants have tubers on the bottom that look like bananas. This plant
shoots up lily pads and can blossom, if conditions are met. This plant
is recommended for tanks that have soft water.
Ideal Temp: 68-82’F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant will not float (usually). The tubers should be pushed into the gravel, but only enough to keep the plant from moving around. Do not bury the tubers fully or too much.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: When this plant has small lily pads, the front is a good idea. When they become longer, the sides or back of the tank are a better option. This plant appreciates a spot in the tank that has little current. Banana plants enjoy moderate light in order to grow best, but can live in less light. This is NOT a low-light plant.
Fertilization: Will benefit. Uncertain if necessary.
Special: This plant should be kept in a tank with softer water, where it fares best. Less-than great results have been found in harder water, but it is worth a try. Do not bury this plant more than ¼ into the substrate. If tubers begin to turn muggy brown, become soft or begin to have a white/milky substance on them, they are rotten. Remove immediately and watch that the rest of the plant doesn’t develop the same. If it persists, the plant is dead and should be thrown out. If allowed to rot, this plant really will smell! Yuck!
Ideal Temp: 68-82’F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant will not float (usually). The tubers should be pushed into the gravel, but only enough to keep the plant from moving around. Do not bury the tubers fully or too much.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: When this plant has small lily pads, the front is a good idea. When they become longer, the sides or back of the tank are a better option. This plant appreciates a spot in the tank that has little current. Banana plants enjoy moderate light in order to grow best, but can live in less light. This is NOT a low-light plant.
Fertilization: Will benefit. Uncertain if necessary.
Special: This plant should be kept in a tank with softer water, where it fares best. Less-than great results have been found in harder water, but it is worth a try. Do not bury this plant more than ¼ into the substrate. If tubers begin to turn muggy brown, become soft or begin to have a white/milky substance on them, they are rotten. Remove immediately and watch that the rest of the plant doesn’t develop the same. If it persists, the plant is dead and should be thrown out. If allowed to rot, this plant really will smell! Yuck!
Duckweed:
Courtesy: Giantrobot.com
Bio: This plant tends to ride/hitchhike along with other plants
and is not overly common to buy. However, since it often tags along
with other purchased non-tubed plants, its worth covering.
Ideal Temp: 56-85’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Will only float, stays at surface.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Will grow in all light levels.
Fertilization: Will eventually suck out large amounts of nutrients, and if you want it to stay in the tank in large amounts, fertilization or supplementation is a good idea. Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: This plant can take over the top of your tank if you let it. Taking out moderate amounts is a good idea, as it grows quickly when healthy. If it comes in unexpectedly, taking out what you can and doing frequent water changes will serve well in getting rid of it. This plant, when in large amounts in a small tank, can block out light to the plants below—be careful. Sticks to hands.
~~See this image for a good idea of how annoying duckweed can be: Courtesy: Lakerestoration.com ~~
Ideal Temp: 56-85’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Will only float, stays at surface.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Will grow in all light levels.
Fertilization: Will eventually suck out large amounts of nutrients, and if you want it to stay in the tank in large amounts, fertilization or supplementation is a good idea. Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: This plant can take over the top of your tank if you let it. Taking out moderate amounts is a good idea, as it grows quickly when healthy. If it comes in unexpectedly, taking out what you can and doing frequent water changes will serve well in getting rid of it. This plant, when in large amounts in a small tank, can block out light to the plants below—be careful. Sticks to hands.
~~See this image for a good idea of how annoying duckweed can be: Courtesy: Lakerestoration.com ~~
Hornwort:
Bio: Hornwort is the notorious tank taker-over in aquaria. However, this plant is a great ammonia eater and worth having in a tank, especially for beginners. Watch out, though- it shed nettles like crazy.
Ideal Temp: 39-95’ (WOW!)
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant has no real roots and will not root to things. It can be buried, though the first few rows from the bottom of nettles should be removed as they will die off. Works well while it floats.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: The back or sides of the tank is the best. This plant grows like a weed and gets so high that it can even grow out of the tank. This plant is fickle and may be picky as to what kind of light it fares best in, though it can live in low to high light. Moderate light seems best.
Fertilization: Needed, because it sucks the nutrients out of the tank so effectively it will lose what it needs to survive. Use: Liquid Fertilizers
Special: * PLEASE NOTE that this plant should never be allowed to grow out of a contained area, such as introduced into lakes, ponds, streams, etc. It is VERY invasive and can live nearly anywhere. Do not ever release into the wild. * This plant’s nettles fall off easily, even when healthy, and frequent siphonings and/or full water changes are needed. If left to rot, it is hazardous to the tank. Do not let the plant grow too close/tall that it grows out of the water or too close to the light, as it will scorch and die.
Ideal Temp: 39-95’ (WOW!)
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant has no real roots and will not root to things. It can be buried, though the first few rows from the bottom of nettles should be removed as they will die off. Works well while it floats.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: The back or sides of the tank is the best. This plant grows like a weed and gets so high that it can even grow out of the tank. This plant is fickle and may be picky as to what kind of light it fares best in, though it can live in low to high light. Moderate light seems best.
Fertilization: Needed, because it sucks the nutrients out of the tank so effectively it will lose what it needs to survive. Use: Liquid Fertilizers
Special: * PLEASE NOTE that this plant should never be allowed to grow out of a contained area, such as introduced into lakes, ponds, streams, etc. It is VERY invasive and can live nearly anywhere. Do not ever release into the wild. * This plant’s nettles fall off easily, even when healthy, and frequent siphonings and/or full water changes are needed. If left to rot, it is hazardous to the tank. Do not let the plant grow too close/tall that it grows out of the water or too close to the light, as it will scorch and die.
Java Fern:
Bio: Java fern is a lovely and very earthy looking addition to any tank. It makes a tank look very natural with its sometimes rough, crinkled leaves that look like a fern, hence the name. It is an undemanding plant that requires no special treatment or lighting. It can be found nearly anywhere that sells plants.
Ideal Temp: 65-82'F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant should not have its rhizome buried, as it will rot. Instead, opt to attach it to something such as driftwood or rocks. The root bunch (hair like on the bottom) makes it easy to do. Tie to what you want it to root to with string or fishing line.
Ideal Spot in Tank/ light: Anywhere it wont get too much light. If too much, leaves will become transparent and whither. Can get large, good at all places in tank, enjoys the canopy cover of taller plants.
Fertilization: This plant requires nothing special, though it helps.
Special: Not much though can have some blackish bumps on the bottom of leaves, which is normal. Also creates “babies” (advantageous plants) from its tips, which can be removed or left to release into the tank to grow new ones.
Ideal Temp: 65-82'F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant should not have its rhizome buried, as it will rot. Instead, opt to attach it to something such as driftwood or rocks. The root bunch (hair like on the bottom) makes it easy to do. Tie to what you want it to root to with string or fishing line.
Ideal Spot in Tank/ light: Anywhere it wont get too much light. If too much, leaves will become transparent and whither. Can get large, good at all places in tank, enjoys the canopy cover of taller plants.
Fertilization: This plant requires nothing special, though it helps.
Special: Not much though can have some blackish bumps on the bottom of leaves, which is normal. Also creates “babies” (advantageous plants) from its tips, which can be removed or left to release into the tank to grow new ones.
Java Moss:
Bio: Java moss is a fern-like moss that shoots out small branch-like sprouts. It’s a strange bugger but grows atop objects and décor to add a pleasing, natural look for your tank.
Ideal Temp: 65-85'F. Prefers lower.
Substrate/Rooting?: Can be left to float, though usually not. Usually attached to some sort of décor, rocks or wood.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: Anywhere where it can be attached to, REQUIRES low to moderate light for it to grow best. Not great for high-light tanks!
Fertilization: Not needed, though it couldn’t hurt.
Special: This plant does not do well in hard water and will grow more slowly when the water is warmer.
Ideal Temp: 65-85'F. Prefers lower.
Substrate/Rooting?: Can be left to float, though usually not. Usually attached to some sort of décor, rocks or wood.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: Anywhere where it can be attached to, REQUIRES low to moderate light for it to grow best. Not great for high-light tanks!
Fertilization: Not needed, though it couldn’t hurt.
Special: This plant does not do well in hard water and will grow more slowly when the water is warmer.
Onion Plant/ Dwarf Onion Plant
Courtesy: Plantedtank.net
Bio: Onion plants are interesting looking plants that really do
resemble onions at their base. Onion Plants grow long, almost
ribbon-like shoots from the base that provide great spots for bettas to
rest. Dwarf verities are less ribbon-like and resemble actual onion plants more.This plant can grow quite tall, especially the non-dwarf variety.
Ideal Temp: 64-78’F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant fares best while buried into the substrate. Bury the roots of this plant and leave 2/3 of the bulb (“onion”) out of the substrate. If fully buried, the plant may rot.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: The back of the tank is best for this plant, because it grows quite tall. If left on the sides of the tank, the long stalks will curve to the water and look interesting. This plant appreciates moderate lighting. Give this plant all the light you can. This is not a low light plant.
Fertilization: Will help, recommended. Liquid fertilizers will help, root tabs may also.
Special: This plant is very interesting and fun. Dwarf varieties are recommended for tanks smaller than 10 gallons, as they grow very tall even when dwarf. If your onion plant has grown too tall for the tank, trim it. Give this plant time to establish and adjust to the tank before trimming it, if possible.
Propagation: This plant reproduces by daughter bulbs coming from the original bulb. Gently remove the second bulb once it is mature and established, and replant the same as the mother plant into the substrate.
Ideal Temp: 64-78’F
Substrate/Rooting?: This plant fares best while buried into the substrate. Bury the roots of this plant and leave 2/3 of the bulb (“onion”) out of the substrate. If fully buried, the plant may rot.
Ideal Spot in Tank/Light: The back of the tank is best for this plant, because it grows quite tall. If left on the sides of the tank, the long stalks will curve to the water and look interesting. This plant appreciates moderate lighting. Give this plant all the light you can. This is not a low light plant.
Fertilization: Will help, recommended. Liquid fertilizers will help, root tabs may also.
Special: This plant is very interesting and fun. Dwarf varieties are recommended for tanks smaller than 10 gallons, as they grow very tall even when dwarf. If your onion plant has grown too tall for the tank, trim it. Give this plant time to establish and adjust to the tank before trimming it, if possible.
Propagation: This plant reproduces by daughter bulbs coming from the original bulb. Gently remove the second bulb once it is mature and established, and replant the same as the mother plant into the substrate.
Wisteria:
Bio: Wisteria is a light and airy plant. Its leaves and stem provide a unique addition to your planted tank. It can be found in many places that sell plants, though is less common than anubias or java fern.
Ideal Temp: 74-82’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Can be allowed to float, does well when rooted/buried.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Likes more moderate light, but can live in low-er light situations. Well placed in the background of a tank or on the sides of a tank.
Fertilization: Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: Grows quickly and propagation is easy, trimmings will grow when buried as long as there is a node, leaf shape determined by the temperature of the tank, should be pruned regularly. May melt in some tanks and not return if water parameters are not to its liking.
Ideal Temp: 74-82’F
Substrate/Rooting?: Can be allowed to float, does well when rooted/buried.
Ideal Spot in Tank/light: Likes more moderate light, but can live in low-er light situations. Well placed in the background of a tank or on the sides of a tank.
Fertilization: Use: Liquid fertilizers.
Special: Grows quickly and propagation is easy, trimmings will grow when buried as long as there is a node, leaf shape determined by the temperature of the tank, should be pruned regularly. May melt in some tanks and not return if water parameters are not to its liking.
