The 8 Best Aquarium Plants of 2022
Aquarium Plant – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
There are many types of existing aquarium plants with different sizes, colors and shapes. Similarly, there are synthetic-type plants, which are easier to care for compared to natural ones. In any case, the selection must be carried out carefully, so that you acquire a product that really adapts to the style of your fish tank. For example, Woopower TheBigThumb is a plant for those starting out in the world of aquariums, since it does not require substrates or specific lighting because it is synthetic. On the other hand, those who want to experience the germination process should purchase Zetiling #3, which are easy-to-grow plant seeds.
The 8 Best Aquarium Plants – Opinions 2022
If you are looking for some aquatic plants, but you have not yet decided on a specific range, you will be interested in reviewing the following selection that we have made for you. These are eight aquarium plants positioned among the first places of the specialized purchase lists of this year.
aquarium plants for beginners
1. Woopower 1pcs Plastic Artificial Plants Landscaping Water Grass
Positioned as the best value for money aquarium plant, you can purchase this Woopower model, which is a highly positioned brand whose products offer a high level of quality and visual appeal.
Regarding this model of aquarium plants for beginners, we have to highlight its manufacture in flexible, light and highly resistant polymer. In the same way, it is necessary to highlight the ease of cleaning the material with detergent or some homemade mixture to disinfect. In addition, you will be interested to know that said polymer has a composition free of toxic agents that can be released and contaminate the water and, therefore, put the life of the species at risk.
Also, we must comment that this synthetic plant has a quite colorful decorative type design, an approximate length of 19 centimeters and a small base that creates the necessary counterweight to keep it stable inside the fish tank or aquarium.
Among the cheapest aquarium plants is this model, whose details you will be able to know below.
Pros
Non-toxic: The polymer used for this plant is free of toxic agents, making it safe for fish.
Cleaning: You can wash this plant with any mild disinfectant because it is synthetic.
Use: This is a decorative type plant that you can use in fish tanks or aquariums.
Base: The plant incorporates a small base that provides stability so as not to be overturned.
Cons
Format: It is possible that there is a small margin of error in the size of the product, but it is only a few millimeters.
2. Aqua Essentials Little Fairy Fern
Aqua Essentials presents us in this opportunity a range of floating ferns, which will provide a great attraction to the aquarium. Similarly, by incorporating this type of vegetation, you can offer a high level of shade to the fish and other species you own.
These plants are cheap and will gradually develop and reproduce until they create a mesh capable of covering the entire surface of the aquarium. Thus, the entry of light into the interior will be considerably reduced, which is convenient for some species that are characterized by being more sensitive to intense lighting.
This fern has a robust leaf with a vibrant green, its shape is small but with a long and textured format. In addition, you will be interested to know that these aquarium plants for beginners reproduce quickly and, because they do not require substrates, they absorb the nutrients dissolved in the water through their delicate roots.
Next, you will be able to know the good and the bad of these floating aquarium plants.
Pros
Placement: Because they are floating plants, you will only have to place them on the water and wait for them to reproduce.
Leaf: Its green, elongated and textured leaves are visually attractive for the surface of the aquarium.
Function: With this plant you will reduce the entrance of external light to the aquarium, providing shade for the fish.
Safe: By incorporating this plant into the aquarium, you will not have to worry about contaminating the water, since it has not been exposed to pesticides.
Cons
Appearance: Plants may look tired initially, but upon contact with their new habitat they will improve significantly.
Aquarium plants without substrate
3. Zetiling Mini Leaf Grass Aquarium Plant Seeds
Many people have given themselves the task of valuing this range of Acacia Tree Seed as the best aquarium plant, since it has a rapid germination process that can be carried out without water at an average temperature of 28 °C or in water, without the use of substrates, intense lighting or excess carbon dioxide.
These substrateless aquarium plants, once developed, will take a few days to take on a bushier appearance, but are ideal for creating wooded landscapes within the fish tank or aquarium. In addition, its flexible stems and small leaves are convenient for fish to move between them and even hide, getting the desired shade.
About the presentation of 10 grams of the product, we have that said amount of seeds has been incorporated into a hermetically sealed plastic bag. In this way, it is kept in good condition.
For many, this is the best aquarium plant of the moment, but be the judge for yourself by reviewing its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Germination: you can choose the right moment to germinate the seeds, in their entirety or keep some for later occasions.
Dense landscape: You can enjoy a dense landscape in a period of 15 to 30 days, depending on germination.
Seeds: The 10-gram package is a profitable presentation, which will allow you to cover large spaces.
Appearance: The foliage of the plants gives the aquarium a woody appearance, which is very attractive.
Cons
Humidity: You must be careful when changing the water in the aquarium, because the variation in humidity could affect the state of the plants.
4. Tropica Marsilea Crenata 1 2 grow Tissue Culture in vitro
If you want to buy aquarium plants with a short stem, small leaves and easy to reproduce, you will be interested in this range of Marsilea crenata, which will give your pond a very attractive landscape thanks to its lime green tone.
These are aquarium plants without substrate, grown in the laboratory, so they are free of any type of pesticide that can contaminate the water or alter its pH. Similarly, this range of plants does not incorporate snails or high-density metals, which makes them a safe vegetation for the health of fish.
On the other hand, there is the issue of planting, which this time is a simple process for which you will only need the help of tweezers. In this way, you will be able to introduce the plants to the aquarium and place them on the substrate and, after 30 days, you will notice a growth of approximately 30 centimeters.
The pros and cons of this plant could be interesting for you to incorporate it into your aquarium.
Pros
Growth: Due to its rapid growth, it will not take long for you to notice its foliage.
Security: Being plants grown in the laboratory, you will not have to worry about the side effects of pesticides, since they do not have them.
Packaging: The plants were packaged in a plastic container with a lid, so that they are not exposed to external contamination.
Planting: You will be able to plant the vegetation in just a few minutes, since you will only need to place it on the substrate.
Cons
Size: The size of the plant could be small, but everything will depend on the taste of the person.
fast growing aquarium plants
5. Tropica Limnobium laevigatum Frogbit 1 2 Floating Growth Frog
This plant species from the Tropica house is for many one of the best aquarium plants of 2022, grown in the laboratory and free of pesticides or any type of substance capable of contaminating the water. In addition, this is a plant that does not have snails or metals in high concentration, which means that it is completely safe for the life of any type of fish or aquatic species.
On the other hand, it is important to comment that these are fast-growing aquarium plants, which only require the periodic application of fertilizer to increase their nutrients, as well as carbon dioxide, so that they grow healthy and reproduce easily..
In addition, you will like to know that, when you purchase the plants, they are delivered in a BPA-free polymer container and with a secure closing lid, so you will not have to worry about said vegetation having been contaminated by external agents.
Below you can see more details of a plant species, Limnobium laevigatum, from Tropica, recommended as the possible best brand of aquarium plants.
Pros
Packaging: The plant was stored in a plastic container free of toxic agents, so it does not have contaminants.
Care: This plant does not require special care, since it will be enough to apply fertilizer for it to reproduce quickly.
Placement: Its placement in the aquarium is a simple process in which you only have to place it on the substrate.
Harmless: This plant is safe for any type of fish because it was grown in the laboratory.
Cons
Appearance: The plant may be a bit weak initially, but with the right substrate it will quickly improve.
ground aquarium plants
6. Delaman Aquatic Plant Seeds Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Among the cheap aquarium plants we can mention these Hemianthus callitrichoides seeds, which, after germination, will allow you to cover the floor of the pond to beautify it and at the same time provide a pleasant habitat for your species.
It is about ground floor aquarium plant seeds that do not require special conditions to be successfully germinated. You just have to introduce them into the pond and make sure that the water temperature maintains a temperature between 20 and 30 ° C.
Similarly, you can place them on moist soil and wait for them to grow to transplant them into the aquarium, which is much more convenient, since a slight viscosity is released from the seeds that could change the pH balance of the water.
It is also important to mention that these small but leafy aquatic plants do not require intense lighting to reproduce and stay alive, so they are considered a type of vegetation that is easily adapted.
To make a successful purchase, you should review the advantages and disadvantages of this product.
Pros
Germination: The germination of the seeds requires about a week, so it is quite fast.
Temperature: For the conservation of the plant you only need to keep the water at a temperature of 20 to 30 °C.
Appearance: The leafy appearance of the plant after growth gives a nice appearance to the aquarium.
Seeds: With these seeds you have the option of planting them in moist soil or placing them directly in the aquarium.
Cons
Viscosity: When submerging the seeds, a slight viscosity is released that you must clean, to avoid altering the pH of the water.
freshwater aquarium plants
7. Aquarium Plants Mesh 15X10 Micranthemum Montecarlo
This product could well be the answer to which is the best aquarium plant, since its small rounded leaves have a very attractive green color, while its long and flexible stems allow the fish to move between them with ease.
With these plants for freshwater aquariums, known among aquarists as Micranthemum “Montecarlo”, you can cover the floor of the fish tank and create a pleasant landscape. Likewise, thanks to the fact that these plants have been cultivated without the presence of pesticides, they are completely safe to form part of the habitat of your species.
In addition, you must take into consideration that this species of aquatic plants requires certain conditions so that they do not die and reproduce successfully. Such is the case of the water temperature, which must be maintained in a range of 18 to 26 °C, as well as the plants will need good lighting.
If you still do not know which aquarium plant to buy, do not hesitate to review the details of this product.
Pros
Use: The plant is suitable for covering entire areas, improving the landscape of the aquarium or fish tank.
Stem: Its long and flexible stem allows the fish to move between them without hurting themselves.
Growth: This is a plant that, if it is in the right conditions, grows rapidly, offering a bushy and attractive appearance.
Safe: As it does not have pesticides, this plant is safe in direct contact with your aquatic species.
Cons
Appearance: The intensity of the green hue of the plant may vary slightly depending on the season of the year.
cold water aquarium plants
8. Aqua Plants 6 Live Floating Aquarium Plants
If your aquatic species are those that require shade to reproduce, as is the case with labyrinths and killifish, you should choose to incorporate Limnobium laevigatum, better known as water clover, into your aquarium, which is a floating plant with thick roots and suitable for for any tank that has an intermediate level of light.
In this sense, this presentation of six plants for cold water aquariums marketed by Aqua Plants could be the best alternative, since, under the right conditions, they reproduce quickly. You will only need to maintain the temperature of the water in a range of 4 to 32 ° C and medium lighting.
Thus, after about a couple of weeks, the surface of the tank will be practically covered by the plant. In addition, this UK-grown water clover has not been exposed to any type of pesticides, so it is completely safe in contact with your species.
Here, the details of a floating plant suitable for any type of aquarium or fish tank.
Pros
Safe: These plants have not been exposed to pesticides, so they are completely safe for your species.
Benefits: Being a floating plant, it creates shade in the aquarium, which is convenient for the reproduction of some species such as labyrinths and killifish.
Reproduction: The plant reproduces quickly under good lighting, allowing you to cover the surface in a couple of weeks.
Flower: If you take care of the plant properly, they will bloom in the estimated time, providing greater attractiveness to the aquarium.
Cons
Size: The size of the plant may initially be small, but remember that it reproduces quickly.
aquarium plant accessories
fertilizer for aquarium plants
Tetra PlantaMin Universal Fertilizer
The fertilizer for aquarium plants is essential for the correct growth of said vegetation, since this type of product has a significant load of nutrients that penetrate the leaves and fortify them.
This product marketed by the well-known Tetra house meets this requirement, since its 100-milliliter presentation has an active formula enriched with trace elements, manganese, iron and potassium.
In this way, it enhances the healthy growth of aquatic plants.
Regarding the container, it has an easy-open screw cap, while the body of the bottle provides a secure grip when pouring the product.
Shopping guide
Selecting the right vegetation for our aquarium is a task that requires time and patience, since we must take into consideration a series of aspects that will allow the correct compatibility when incorporating it into the fish habitat. In this way, there will be no inconveniences regarding the lighting and temperature needs that both species generally have. Here is a guide to buying the best aquarium plant
Germination
An aspect that cannot be missing in any comparison of aquarium plants is the issue of germination, since many people buy seeds to plant them directly and thus monitor the growth of vegetation.
If we review the seeds offered by the market, we will find a great variety and each one of them has different germination times, which can be between one and up to two weeks. Keep in mind, however, that not all seeds will sprout and some may not live very long if you’re not careful enough with the temperature and pH requirements of the water. Also, remember to check the manufacturer’s information, since some sprouts only occur if you have previously planted them in land and then transplant them into water.
temperature and lighting
Regardless of how much the aquarium plant you are going to purchase costs, you should keep in mind that this vegetation requires certain care, mainly with regard to water temperature and lighting intensity, for the correct development of its roots, stems and leaves..
In this sense, you will have to be quite careful and not buy the plant simply for its aesthetic appeal. It is important to remember that your fish and other species also have lighting and temperature needs, so if these are not compatible with those of plants, you could end up harming animal or plant species. Thus, the correct thing will be to acquire the plants according to the requirements of your fish, to avoid any type of mishap.
Maintenance
Aquarium plants require periodic maintenance to keep them in good condition, which means that you must disinfect, prune and fertilize them, so that they grow and reproduce satisfactorily. For this reason, it is necessary to document the type of care required by the plants that we plan to acquire, trying, as far as possible, to make it as intuitive as possible.
In general, the most popular aquarium plants on the market, such as mosses, ferns, floating vegetation, among others, tend to offer completely simple maintenance, being only necessary to extract the plants and submerge them in a homemade mixture of alcohol or vinegar with Water. Then, you must remove the excesses with water and place them back in the aquarium. Likewise, there are special products to carry out this task.
Regarding the pruning of plants, you have to know the type of cut required by the stem or the leaves, since, if you make the incision in the wrong node, you could stop its growth. However, moss and clover are the easiest to prune, as they don’t require any precision.
Finally, fertilization is an obligatory step after the completion of disinfection or pruning, because it helps them recover the nutrients lost by these processes.
Security
When we have an aquarium, the safety of our fish and other species is essential, so we must be careful of the objects and plants that we introduce into it.
In the case of an aquarium plant, it does not matter how good and cheap it is, since if it releases contaminating particles into the water, it will end up affecting the health of our pets. Therefore, it is important that we carefully review the specifications of the vegetation purchased.
For example, there are some fast germinating seeds that, on contact with water, give off a slight viscosity, which not only causes an unhygienic appearance in the pond, but can also cause an alteration in the pH of the water.
In this case, we must plant the seeds in soil with enough moisture and, after their growth, transplant them. In the same way, you should be aware of the presence of pesticides in the acquired plants, because this is another cause of damage to the environment of your aquarium.
On the other hand, there are the synthetic type plants, whose manufacture must involve high quality polymers, previously certified and, therefore, free of BPA or any toxic agent.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to plant plants in an aquarium?
The planting inside the aquarium will depend on the type of vegetation you plan to place to beautify it. In this sense, if you acquire seeds, you must place them inside the pond, since, in contact with water and light, they will germinate by themselves after a few days. Similarly, you can plant them in moist soil until they germinate and transplant them when the time is right. It all depends on the type of plant you are growing.
You can also opt for submersible or floating plant meshes, which only need to be placed directly in the aquarium and cared for at a certain temperature and lighting, so that they reproduce and do not die.
Q2: What are the aquarium plants that need low light?
Not all plants require the same intensity of light to fully develop. For example, exposing the plant to intense radiation would cause its greenish hue to disappear, while lack of light would completely weaken it, even causing its death.
In the case of aquarium plants, it is important to know the lighting needs of each plant species. In this way, you can help it to achieve its growth, reproduction and flowering, as the case may be.
In any case, what you should always keep in mind is that there is a wide variety of aquarium plants that require little light, such as Vallisneria spiralis, foxtail, fern and Java moss, among others.
Q3: When to put plants in a new aquarium?
If you plan to put plants in your new aquarium, the recommendation is to carry out this task before filling it completely. In other words, you can fill the interior of the pond with decorative or natural plants and even place the seeds to germinate with little water. In this way, you will be able to more easily eliminate the residues that some types of seeds usually leave. In the case of floating plants, you will have to place them on the surface after filling the aquarium.
Q4: How to disinfect aquarium plants?
To carry out the process of disinfecting the plants, you only need to pour approximately five liters of water into a container and mix them with at least 15 cubic centimeters of vinegar. Then, integrate both ingredients well and proceed to immerse the plants in said solution, leaving them exposed for no less than 15 minutes.
To finish, you will have to remove the excesses of the applied product with plenty of fresh water, but remember to be careful when handling the plants so as not to damage their leaves or roots.
Q5: How to breed aquarium plants?
There are several reproduction methods for aquarium plants that you can apply, starting with the best known of them, which is that of stolons. It is about waiting for the plants to produce a root by themselves inside the aquarium, from which small plants will begin to grow.
Likewise, there is reproduction through the germination of seeds, for which you will only need to place them inside the aquarium and try as much as possible to ensure that the temperature of the water and the intensity of the light are adequate for their correct growth. In this sense, you should previously investigate the necessary special care, depending on the type of plant.
Q6: How to prune aquarium plants?
Pruning aquarium plants is a fairly simple task, but it does require some documentation about the type of leaf and stem. Remember that cutting a floating plant is not the same as cutting a rosette, bulb or moss, since each of them requires different cutting angles. In any case, you will have to prune some leaves and avoid mistreating the roots.
In addition, it is important that you keep in mind that, after the pruning process is finished, the plants will consume a lower percentage of nutrients for a while, so you will need to pay them to prevent them from dying.
Q7: How do aquarium plants that don’t need substrate survive?
Plants that do not require substrates for their survival feed through a filtration process, which takes place when water passes through their leaves, stem or roots. In this way, it is how they manage to take advantage of all the nutrients that have been dissolved in the water.
This process is carried out only by those floating type plants, which are placed in the upper part of the aquarium and whose roots are not fixed to any trunk or substrate source. Thus, not only do they feed and take advantage of the outside light for their photosynthetic process, but they also create a kind of mesh, capable of providing shade inside the pond.
