Aquarium Plants
There are many plants suitable for use in an aquarium or pond, and they can be divided into three groups; Rooted plants, Floating plants and Cuttings. Rooted plants are rooted into the substrate, although they get most of their nourishment through their leaves, as do most true aquatic plants. The roots are used for anchorage. These plants reproduce by sending out long 'runners' from the main stem, which re-root to form new plants. Floating plants can grow very rapidly, and you will need to keep them in check, otherwise they will block out the light to the tank. These plants provide great protection for nest-builders and fry, but are liable to scorching from the lights. Cuttings are grouped by hand, and grow very quickly, so they are a great addition to an empty tank. Pinching off the tops of the plants and replanting them will help to spread the cuttings throughout your tank.
The plants are listed alphabetically Latin name.
Common Name: Japanese Dwarf Rush
Latin Name: Acorus grameneus
Care: Slow grower, best suited to cooler environment
Suitable For: Coldwater and tropical freshwater
Common Name: Madagascar Lace Plant
Latin Name: Aponegeton madagascariensis
Care: Special care - regular water changes and little algae
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name:Baby's Tears
Latin Name: Bacopa monnieria
Care: Easy, but needs strong lighting
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Fanwort
Latin Name: Cabomba aquatica
Care: Needs good conditions, little algae. Good space filler.
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Hornwort
Latin Name: Ceratophyllum demersum
Care: Hardy, but food for fish. Spread by cuttings
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Trumpet
Latin Name: Crytocoryne blassii
Care: Prefers low lighting. Best used in deeper tanks
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Amazon Sword Plant
Latin Name: Echinodorus grandiflorus
Care: Likes good lighting and soft or medium hard water
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Waterweed
Latin Name: Egeria densa
Care: Fast and densely growing, requires regular pruning
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Hairgrass
Latin Name: Eleocharis acicularis
Care: Needs good lighting
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Thyme, Canadian Pondweed
Latin Name: Elodea canadensis
Care: Hardy, tends to grow thicker in colder water
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Willow Moss
Latin Name: Fontinalis antipyretica
Care: Hardy, excellent for spawning coldwater fishes
Suitable For: Coldwater
Common Name: N/A
Latin Name: Hydrilla verticillata
Care: Hardy, fast grower, so may need pruning
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Star
Latin Name: Hygrophila polysperma
Care: Hardy. Prefers strong light and soft water
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Wisteria
Latin Name: Hygrophila difformis
Care: Hardy
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: N/A
Latin Name: Lagarosiphon madagasericuse
Care: Likes medium-hard water and bright lighting
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name:Duckweed
Latin Name: Lemna minor
Care: Hardy, fast grower. Fish will eat the leaves (esp Goldfish)
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Ambulia
Latin Name: Limnophila aquatica
Care: Easy to grow, producing lilac blooms. Delicate stems
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Ludwegia
Latin Name: Ludwegia repens
Care: Flourishes in good lighting, prefers cool water
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Java Fern
Latin Name: Microsorium pteropus
Care: Rooted, needs only moderate lighting, and grows slowly.
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Milfoil
Latin Name: Myriophyllum aquaticum
Care: Hardy, needs good filtration
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: N/A
Latin Name: Najas guadelupensis
Care: Looks delicate but is hardy. May root or suspend in water
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Giant Indian Water Star
Latin Name: Nomaphila stricta
Care: Prefers hard water. Flowers
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Water Lettuce
Latin Name: Pistia stratiotes
Care: Floating plant, no special requirements. Good to shelter fry.
Suitable For: Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: European Curly Pondweed
Latin Name: Potamogeton crispus
Care: Requires strong lighting, fast grower
Suitable For: Coldwater Freshwater
Common Name: Arrowhead
Latin Name: Sagittaria graminea
Care: For best growth prefers slightly alkaline water. Hardy
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Giant Eel Grass
Latin Name: Vallisneria gigantea
Care: Easy to grow. likes bright lighting. Rooting plant
Suitable For: Coldwater and Tropical Freshwater
Common Name: Java Moss
Latin Name: Vesicularia dubyana
Care: Likes good water quality, little algae. Good for spawning fish.
Suitable For: Coldwater
