Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with care guides, traits, and aquascaping tips.
Showing 6 of 67 species
Amazon Sword
A representative aquatic plant with large sword-shaped leaves. Gives strong presence as background centerpiece.
© kajuko / CC BY-SA 3.0Ambulia
Limnophila sessiliflora
A beautiful stem plant with delicate needle-like leaves. Grows without CO2, beginner-friendly background plant.
Echinodorus (Amazon Sword)
Representative large aquatic plant also called Amazon Sword. Ideal for mid to background. Propagates by runners, easy for beginners.
Green Rotala
Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'
A green variety of Rotala rotundifolia. Dense bright green leaves create lush background bushes. Easier than red varieties. Replant trimmings to increase density.
Rotala
Rotala spp.
Essential background stem plant genus. Many species including R. rotundifolia and R. indica. Beautiful red coloration and dense bushes achievable through trimming.
Vallisneria spiralis
Vallisneria spiralis
A background plant with long ribbon-like leaves that wave in water current. Propagates abundantly by runners, creating a natural river scene. Hardy in low light without CO2. Often used in goldfish tanks.
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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.