Curated top 10

Top 10 Beginner Aquarium Plants

The 10 hardiest, most beginner-friendly aquarium plants.

The list

1

Anubias nana

Almost impossible to kill. Tie to wood/rock. Does not need substrate. Low light OK.

2

Java fern

Same as anubias - tie to hardscape. Slow but hardy. Multiple varieties.

3

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Stays under 6", tolerates a range of conditions. Multiple color morphs. Will "melt" briefly when transplanted.

4

Vallisneria

Ribbon-like background plant. Spreads via runners. Tall.

5

Amazon sword

Large statement plant for 30g+. Heavy root feeder; needs root tabs.

6

Bacopa monnieri

Stem plant, beginner-friendly. Trim and replant tops to propagate.

7

Hornwort

Floats or anchored. Removes nitrate fast. Sheds needles.

8

Java moss

Hardy moss. Tie to anything. Provides shelter for shrimp + fry.

9

Dwarf sagittaria

Foreground plant. Spreads via runners. Forms a small lawn.

10

Marimo moss balls

Living algae balls. Easy. Decoration + nitrate sponge.

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