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Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia

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

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Showing 4 of 67 species

Anubias Nana© Carlosar / CC BY-SA 3.0

Anubias Nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

Beginner

Hardy shade plant from Africa. Typically attached to driftwood or rocks. Thrives without CO2 in low light — ideal for beginners. Very slow growth keeps layouts stable.

Beginner-friendlyShade plantAttached
New Large Pearl Grass

New Large Pearl Grass

Micranthemum sp. 'Monte Carlo'

Beginner

A foreground plant with larger leaves than Pearl Grass. Spreads carpet-like, naturally forming dome shapes. Beginner-popular as it grows without CO2. The fluffy texture is charming.

New Large PearlForegroundCarpet
Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens

Beginner

South American low-growing plant for foreground to midground. Hardy and easy to grow, even without CO2. Forms beautiful green bushes when densely planted. Tolerates trimming well.

Beginner-friendlyForegroundHardy
Vallisneria spiralis

Vallisneria spiralis

Vallisneria spiralis

Beginner

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.

VallisneriaBackgroundRunners
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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.