Top 10 Aquarium Plants that are easy to maintain

Are you searching for low-maintenance and beautiful best live aquarium plants? Are you a beginner who can't figure out how to take care of them properly?

Don't worry! We are on board to help you sort it out!

Fishes are beautiful and serene creatures that bring a sense of calm every time one looks at them moving aimlessly in their home, that is their aquarium. Adding some aquarium plants will only make the aquarium more soothing to see.

Most of the time, when people set up aquariums, they tend to prefer fake plastic plants over live aquarium plants. Since people believe it is difficult to maintain live aquarium plants, however, it is not the case for all types of aquarium plants.

Benefits of having live plants in the aquarium

1. It helps in removing the toxic waste that helps in maintaining the water quality.

2. It releases oxygen into the water and prevent the overgrowth of unwanted algae species.

3. Live plants add beauty to the aquarium and promote a healthier environment for fish.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of easy to maintain aquarium plants. With just a little care, they will flourish in your aquarium and brighten it!

Here are the best live aquarium plants for beginners

1. Amazon Sword
2. Java Fern
3. Marimo Mass Ball
4. African Water Fern
5. Water Wisteria
6. Pygmy Chain Sword
7. Dwarf Saggitaria
8. Anubias nana
9. Pogostemon helferi
10. Anacharis Plant

1. Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword is the most commonly found aquarium plant in stores. They are popular because they are easy to maintain, and they grow fast and lusciously.

These plants can thrive in a broad spectrum of water parameters and simplify maintenance. It provides cover to fish that prefer gentle illumination and is beneficial in reducing algae growth.

Amazon Sword needs to get fed adequately, and other than that it does not need all that much light. They have large sword-like leaves that grow beautifully underwater.

Amazon Sword plants grow very big; hence it is essential to place them in an appropriately big aquarium. The leaves can grow large enough to become a mother plant that creates baby Amazon Sword plants that you can plant in other aquariums.

2. Java Fern

Java Fern is a popular aquarium plant that is easy to care for. If you have struggled to keep aquarium plants alive before, go for this one since it is a very adaptive plant and cannot die easily.

It is the ideal choice for beginners because of low-maintenance and doesn't demand high nutrient-rich substrates. Java Fern helps in controlling the algae and natural beauty of the aquarium.

You might find that it takes grows slowly in the aquarium. It needs time to adjust to the tank's conditions and establish its rhizomes.

Also, Java Fern needs to be kept wet all the time. When you are cleaning the aquarium tank or doing any maintenance work, either keep the plant submerged in a different container or use a spray bottle to keep the leaves moist.

3. Marimo Moss Ball

Marimo Moss Ball is one of the most popular aquarium "plant." It is actually a velvety orb that is a naturally occurring green sphere of algae.

It doesn't require extensive care procedures and can thrive in diverse water parameters. It absorbs the pollutants in the water, which in turn makes the aquatic environment healthy.

They are one of the cheapest aquarium plants and the easiest ones to maintain. All the care it demands is to gently roll the Marimo Ball in your hands every time you change the water so that it preserves its round shape. Also, make sure all parts of the algae receive light.

You can even unfurl the Marimo Balls and wind them around driftwoods to build a miniature tree. This will make your aquarium look elegant.

4. African Water Fern

African Water Fern is one of the most beautiful aquarium plants. These are relatively easy to maintain as long as the water is good.

The finely divided leaves provide a visual charm to the aquarium and contribute to improved water quality. It doesn't require thorough care routine and provide cover to the fish that prefer dimmer condition.

It has delicately formed dark green leaves, and it grows extremely slowly, with a single leaf growing in about two months. Being a large plant, the African Water Fern is not suitable for small fish bowls or tanks. However, it will make an excellent foreground plant in medium-sized tanks or a delightful accent in large ones.

This plant requires minimal care and moderate light, and this an easy to grow species. It will decorate your tanks and make them look natural for years to come.

5. Water Wisteria

Water Wisteria is easy to care for species. It's undemanding and robust. Hence it can withstand varying conditions of temperature and carbon dioxide level. It requires only a small amount of subsistence, so much of your time will not go into taking care of it.

These plants' vibrant green color adds a natural element to the aquarium, making it alluring. It grows rapidly and doesn't require high-intensity lighting.

This plant can be grown as a carpet for your tank, and its bright green color will accentuate the aquarium. This plant is also easy to propagate, helping you multiple its population with a relatively small supply.

When you plant Water Wisteria make sure to plant it upright so that it can support its own weight, and never let it droop.

6. Pygmy Chain Sword

Pygmy Chain Sword is a tough plant, and it grows well as well. This aquarium plant is one of the best plants for a novice aquarist. You can obtain gratifying results and have something that can be cultivated easily and beautifully.

Numerous variants of this plant are available cheaply. You can use it generously to cover the floor of your tank. It practically grows itself most of the time.

Pygmy Chain Sword is useful for installation around hardscapes, and it looks stunning when adequately trimmed.

7. Dwarf Saggitaria

Dwarf Saggitaria or Sagittaria subulata is a commonly available, tough, and adaptable aquatic plant. This plant is absolutely perfect for beginners.

Growing Dwarf Saggitaria is comparatively easier than growing most other aquatic plants. This is also a rare plant that can tolerate a very high pH level and challenging water conditions.

This plant requires moderate lighting. However, it will proliferate more in high lighting conditions. Dwarf Saggitaria may send small beautiful white flowers to the water surface occasionally.

8. Anubias nana

Anubias nana is a very popular plant to place in aquariums. Although it requires more care than most of the other plants mentioned here, it is still easy to care once you figure out certain things.

This is a short plant with broad dark green leaves. Its dark green colors make it an attractive plant, and it will help keep your tank water clean and oxygenated.

Anubias nana is a slow propagating plant. Hence you do not have to bother trimming it often.

9. Pogostemon helferi

Pogostemon helferi plant is a rather unusual one. However, it is one of the most beautiful of all the aquarium plants.

It can survive in both underwater conditions and semi-submerged conditions. In bright light conditions, Pogostemon helferi grows low and compact, and it will thrive in low light conditions.

Also, Pogostemon helferi is pretty tolerant to change in the tank's water pH levels and temperature.

10. Anacharis Plant

Anacharis is one of the best options in aquarium plants for beginners since it is a low-maintenance plant that is almost impossible to kill. It is also known by many other names. Some of them are Brazilian Waterweed, Brazilian Elodea, and Egeria.

It has a vibrant dark green color that gives a pleasing appearance to your aquarium. Depending on the temperature at the time of day and lighting conditions, the plant falls and rises.

Also, in the summer season, Anacharis produces a faint white flower that has three petals. The flower rises just above the surface of the water.

11. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a low-maintenance but highly beneficial aquarium plant. This low-maintenance plant prefers low to moderate lighting, making it ideal for beginners. Hornwort acts as a natural water purifier, absorbing excess nutrients that would otherwise cause algae problems. Its dense, feathery foliage provides a safe haven for fish fry and shy inhabitants, while also adding a touch of lush greenery to your underwater environment. You can plant it traditionally or let it float freely, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits to your thriving aquarium.

12. Red Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea lotus)

The Red Tiger Lotus, scientifically known as Nymphaea lotus, stands out as a captivating focal point in aquariums. Its vibrant red leaves, adorned with intricate green veins, create a captivating visual spectacle. This aquatic beauty flourishes in moderate to high lighting conditions and requires plenty of space to spread its vibrant foliage, adding depth and drama to underwater landscapes with its exquisite presence.

13. Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana)

Java Moss is the overlooked hero of the aquarium plant world. This adaptable moss thrives in low to moderate lighting and a wide range of water conditions. It's feathery fronds form a lush green haven, ideal for concealing timid fish fry or adding visual interest. Simply attach it to driftwood or rocks, or let it float freely; Java Moss will thrive with little effort, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers. Also Java Moss is the ideal vastu plant for home!

14. Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)

Dwarf Hairgrass, scientifically known as Eleocharis acicularis, transforms aquarium floors into verdant carpets that evoke the allure of lush, natural environments. This diminutive plant thrives in moderate to high light conditions and benefits from CO2 injection, resulting in robust growth and vibrant greenery. Dwarf Hairgrass adds depth and visual interest to aquatic environments by creating a picturesque foreground, and its botanical charm attracts enthusiasts.

15. Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)

Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) will add a festive cheer to your aquarium! This low maintenance plant prefers low to moderate lighting, making it ideal for beginners. Unlike its namesake, Christmas Moss is not demanding. It easily attaches to the hardscape, resulting in a lush green carpet that fills gaps and adds visual interest. With little maintenance, it will transform your aquarium into a lush paradise for your fish.

Did you know that these plants are good for home? Check it out!

Try one of these fantastic aquarium plant suggestions and start aquascaping right now!

With just a little bit of care and love, they will thrive in your beautiful aquarium. And, brighten your day!

Let your favorite fish have a home as close to nature as possible with these lovely aquarium plants.