Aquarium Plants Starter Guide

Did you ever consider that right there within your living room aquarium is a miniature garden ? Planning the right aquarium plants is something akin to planning a small garden. You have to care for them, you have to think about what they’re going to look like, but first, you have to pick the best plants to “plant.” Many aquarium owners prefer low growing plants, so here are some to consider.

The Dwarf Amazon Swordplant

This aquarium plant generally grows up to around 20 centimeters. If you buy it young, you’ll have an attractive plant, perfect for the foreground of the aquarium, and it’s a slow grower, so you won’t need to replace it soon. As with most sword plants, the Dwarf Amazon has broad leaves and is quite attractive.

The Dwarf Japanese Rush

This exotic beauty comes from Eastern Asia. It’s height reaches to about 10 centimeters which like the swordplant gives makes a great foreground plant for your aquarium. The Dwarf Japanese Rush does quite well in cold water, making it ideal for all sorts of aquariums. In terms of looks it’s something like broad blade grass, and is a perfect spot for the small fish in your aquarium to hide from the bigger guys.

Needlegrass

This is also known as hairgrass, and grows up to about 20 centimeters, and as its name implies its leaves are narrow - kind of hair like. As it matures, the needlegrass develops dark, small bud clusters which add to it’s appearance as an aquarium plant, but do keep in mind that this plant needs high lighting.

Java Moss

This is a favorite of many aquarium owners. The Java Moss has numerous branches, each with lots of small leaves on them, but what makes the Java Moss so popular is its habit of clinging to driftwood, rocks, and tank decorations. This can really give your aquarium an exotic touch, just remember that like the needlegrass it needs good lighting, and you’ll also have to take care to protect it from algae.

These four plants will make your fish feel at home, but most of all, will make your aquarium all the more attractive for fish gazers.