Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with care guides, traits, and aquascaping tips.
Showing 6 of 127 species
Anubias barteri var. barteri
Anubias barteri var. barteri
The type variety of Anubias barteri, with broad, thick, leathery leaves. It grows larger than var. nana and even young plants can be told apart by their longer petioles. Tough enough to survive herbivorous fish and dim tanks.
© Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh / CC BY-SA 3.0Brazilian waterweed
Egeria densa
The classic goldfish weed (Japanese name Ōkanadamo), with narrow leaves in whorls of three to six at each node. It tolerates cold and poor water and grows even floating loose. Naturalised in rivers and lakes across Japan and listed as a Priority Control Alien Species.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne
Root-dwelling plant from Southeast Asia. Many varieties with subtle beauty. May melt with environmental changes but recovers.
Flame moss
Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame'
An aquatic moss whose sparsely branched shoots twist upward like rising flames. It spreads little sideways, so it is attached to the tops of wood or stones to add height.
© Tsunamicarlos at English Wikipedia / Public domainJava Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
A fern aquatic plant from Southeast Asia. Attaches to driftwood and rocks, popular for its unique leaf shape.
South American moss
Vesicularia sp. (South America)
A full, fairly bright green aquatic moss whose branches spread in neat triangles. Despite the name there is no evidence it comes from South America. It grows in low light without CO2 and is tied onto wood or stone.
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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.