These 7 aquatic plants will steal the spotlight in your aquarium 

Best aquarium plants: Selecting the right aquatic plants can make your aquarium look stunning (Image: Canva)

• Anubias, Amazon Sword, Java Ferns: hardy, low-maintenance plants
• Water Wisteria and Java Moss add beauty and shelter for fish
• Hornwort and Utricularia Graminifolia are lush, adaptable plants.

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Plants in or around your house create a natural aesthetic that’s hard to beat. The same goes for aquariums, where incorporating real plants and natural elements has become popular. Besides adding beauty, aquatic plants help keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.

Selecting the right ones can make your aquarium look stunning. Take a look at these key plants.

Anubias

Anubias is a good choice as it is a hardy, low-maintenance plant. It does not need to be rooted in soil or sand and is tolerant of varied water conditions, even low light. For this reason, it is not expensive to buy. These versatile plants can thrive either fully underwater or partially submerged. What makes them even more suitable? They are not eaten by herbivorous fish and do not require frequent trimming.

Also read | 10 Most Beautiful and Smart Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword is yet another plant that has a striking lush appearance. Besides adding beauty, it also enhances oxygen levels in the water, absorbs surplus nutrients, and provides shelter for fish. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrate and moderate to high light. This one’s meant to steal the spotlight in aquariums.

Java Ferns

These are easy-to-maintain, hardy plants for beginners. They thrive in low to moderate light conditions and grow slowly. These plants also tolerate a variety of water conditions and may even reduce the frequency of water changes in the aquarium, as fish waste works as a natural fertiliser.

Water Wisteria

This one enjoys popularity due to its vivid hues and shape. It is preferred by beginners as it doesn’t require high-maintenance. It can be rooted in the substrate or left to float, and adds beauty, flow and texture to the aquarium’s look. It’s fast growing and needs to be pruned regularly for healthy roots.

Also read | Internet falls for dwarf shrimps enjoying a cucumber feast in aquarium tank

Java Moss

Java Moss is perfect for beginners. With its soft greenery, it transforms your aquarium into a haven. It thrives on the surface of  aquarium decor and prefers low-light environments. What’s more? It filters the water and offers safe shelter for fish and shrimp.

Hornwort

This plant looks stunning in an aquarium with its beautiful greens. It's a fast-growing plant that needs regular pruning. Hornwort is a great addition to tanks, as its density helps offer shelter to fish and shrimp. It is best when left afloat, but can also be planted in the substrate. It is highly adaptable and requires minimal care

Utricularia Graminifolia

While it may not be considered best for beginners due to its growing requirements, it looks lush and gorgeous in well-established aquariums. This low-growing plant spreads across the bottom of the tank and grows well in slightly acidic water that does not have many nutrients.