Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with care guides, traits, and aquascaping tips.
Showing 16 of 67 species
© No machine-readable author provided. Rchampagne assumed (based on copyright claims). / Public domainAlternanthera Reineckii
Alternanthera reineckii
A stem plant coloring deep red to pink. Creates vivid accent color among green aquatic plants.
Didiplis diandra
Didiplis diandra
Small North American stem plant. Tiny opposite leaves grow densely, turning red-orange under high light. Somewhat slow growth, ideal for midground. Hardy despite delicate appearance.
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.
© Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 4.0Hygrophila
Hygrophila
Representative fast-growing hardy stem plant. Polysperma is most common. Easily propagated by trimming.
Hygrophila Pinnatifida
Hygrophila pinnatifida
A stem plant with deeply cut unique leaves. Has unusual ability to attach to rocks and driftwood.
Limnophila Hippuridoides
Limnophila hippuridoides
A beautiful stem plant from Southeast Asia with purple-tinted leaves. CO2 enhances vivid purple coloration.
© Barnes, Dr. Thomas G. / Public domainLobelia Cardinalis
Lobelia cardinalis
A stem plant with bright green underwater and red flowers above. Interesting difference between submersed and emersed forms.
© Jim Conrad / Public domainLudwigia
Ludwigia
Entry-level red aquatic plant. Red coloring depends on light and CO2. Repens and Super Red are popular varieties.
Ludwigia arcuata
Ludwigia arcuata
North American stem plant with distinctive narrow needle-like leaves. Turns vivid orange to red under high light. Delicate appearance but surprisingly hardy.
Mermaid Weed
Proserpinaca palustris
North American stem plant with unique serrated leaves. Turns golden to copper-red under strong light. Slow grower but adds unique texture to aquascapes.
Pearl Grass
Micranthemum umbrosum
A stem plant with small round leaves strung like pearls. Used in mid to background planting. Produces beautiful bubbles in water. CO2 injection encourages lush growth.
Pogostemon Erectus
Pogostemon erectus
Stem plant with a unique conifer-like silhouette. Beautiful lime-green foliage makes it a popular layout accent. Somewhat slow-growing but hardy.
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.
© Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 3.0Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala rotundifolia
A popular stem plant that colors red to orange. Beautiful gradation with strong light and CO2.
Tonina fluviatilis
Tonina fluviatilis
Beautiful star-shaped whorled leaves from Brazil. Requires soft, acidic water — challenging conditions. Stunning star rosettes when conditions are met. A challenge for experts.
True Rotala indica
Rotala indica
Compact and delicate Rotala species. Submersed leaves are narrow and turn red to pink. Beautiful red under strong light and CO2. Perfect midground to background accent.
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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.