Skip to main content

Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with care guides, traits, and aquascaping tips.

Showing 4 of 127 species

Red cabomba

Cabomba furcata

Advanced

A cabomba with finely divided, fan-shaped leaves in threes, coloured red-brown to wine red. It is a different species from green Cabomba caroliniana and is told apart by its whorled leaves. Strong light and soft water are essential, so it suits experienced keepers.

Stem plantRed plantAdvanced
Red myriophyllum

Red myriophyllum

Myriophyllum tuberculatum

Advanced

An Asian water-milfoil whose finely feathered leaves grow in whorls and turn rusty red in good conditions. For years it was sold under the wrong name Myriophyllum mattogrossense. Strong light, CO2 and trace elements are essential.

Stem plantRed plantAdvanced

Star rotala

Pogostemon stellatus

Advanced

A stem plant of the mint family with long narrow leaves in dense whorls, stacked like stars. Leaner nutrients bring out purple to orange colours. It needs strong light and CO2 and can stall suddenly even in good conditions, so it suits experienced keepers.

Stem plantAdvancedCO2 required
Tonina fluviatilis

Tonina fluviatilis

Tonina fluviatilis

Advanced

Beautiful star-shaped whorled leaves from Brazil. Requires soft, acidic water — challenging conditions. Stunning star rosettes when conditions are met. A challenge for experts.

AdvancedStem plantSoft water required

Aquatic Plant FAQ

How much do aquatic plants cost?
Common Rotala and Anubias cost 300-1,000 yen, Bucephalandra 1,000-5,000 yen, and rare wild-collected specimens 5,000-20,000+ yen depending on species.
Can beginners grow aquatic plants?
Anubias Nana and Java Moss require no CO2 injection and grow in low light, making them ideal for beginners. Start with hardy shade-loving plants.
What equipment is needed for aquatic plants?
A tank, LED light, filter, and aqua soil are the basics. For advanced layouts, CO2 injection and high-performance lighting significantly improve growth and coloration.
What should I check when buying aquatic plants?
Ensure leaves are green and healthy, not melting or dying, and free of snails or pests. Tissue-cultured cups are pest-free and reliable.
Why do aquatic plants die?
Insufficient light, CO2, or nutrients are the main causes. Each species has different requirements, so matching the environment to your specific plants is essential.