25 Best Live Aquarium Plants For Beginners

Maintaining a healthy aquarium is like driving a car – it requires skill, knowledge, and attention. For beginner aquarists, selecting the right live plants can be daunting. Luckily, we have compiled 25 of the best live aquarium plants that are perfect for beginners – ranging from Marimo Moss Balls to Buce Plants – to help you create a safe and thriving aquatic environment.

25 Best Live Aquarium Plants For Beginners

Marimo Moss Ball

The Marimo Moss Ball is a great choice for beginner aquarists! This plant is an easy-to-care-for and hardy species that can thrive in a variety of water conditions. It is a slow grower, so it won’t take up too much space. Plus, it doesn’t need any special lighting or fertilizer to stay healthy. With its bright green coloration and spherical shape, the Marimo Moss Ball makes a wonderful decorative addition to your aquarium. Its delicate nature also ensures that your fish will be safe from harm.

Dwarf Hairgrass

Dwarf Hairgrass is an easy-to-care-for plant that’s great for new hobbyists. It’s a low-growing aquatic grass, often used as a foreground species in aquariums. This sturdy plant is tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and it thrives in medium to high light levels. To ensure optimal growth, be sure to use nutrient-rich substrate and provide regular fertilization. Dwarf Hairgrass is safe for all aquarium inhabitants and it won’t harm fish or other animals if ingested. With proper care, you can enjoy this beautiful live addition to your tank!

Amazon Sword

You’ll love the Amazon Sword plant, a popular choice for freshwater tanks. It’s an undemanding and hardy species that will bring life to your tank. Easy to care for, it can adapt to a variety of temperatures and pH levels. Its long-lasting leaves come in varieties of green, making it an eye-catching addition to any aquarium. The Amazon Sword is safe for all fish, invertebrates, and amphibians alike. Plus, it’s quite easy to propagate! With its low maintenance requirements and striking appearance, you’re sure to be pleased with this beautiful aquatic plant.

Java Moss

Java Moss is a great choice for any aquarist, as it’s easy to care for and adds visual interest to your tank. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations with a cotton thread or fishing line. To thrive, Java Moss requires moderate lighting and soft water conditions. When grown in ideal conditions this moss will propagate quickly into lush green carpets in your aquarium. Java Moss also provides shelter and spawning sites for fish, helping them feel more secure and comfortable in their environment. For an added bonus it can help reduce algae growth by competing for nutrients in the water column.

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii, commonly called Wendt’s Crypt, is an attractive and hardy aquatic plant that’s sure to add color and character to any tank. It has a low-maintenance care routine, making it ideal for beginners. Its thick leaves can withstand high levels of light and strong currents. With the right conditions of water temperature, pH level, and nutrient-rich substrate, Wendt’s Crypt will thrive in your aquarium. Its ability to adapt to many environments makes it a safe choice for those looking for an easy-care live plant.

Brazilian Pennywort

You can add a splash of color to your tank with Brazilian Pennywort! This plant is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a range of temperatures and pH levels, making it great for even inexperienced aquarists. It grows quickly, so be sure to prune as needed in order to maintain its shape and size. When introducing this plant into an aquarium, make sure the water parameters are stable before planting it in the substrate or attaching it to driftwood. The Brazilian Pennywort is an attractive addition that can help create a safe and healthy environment for your fish.

Aponogeton crispus

Aponogeton crispus, often called ‘curly leaf’, is a low-maintenance aquatic plant that can add a unique texture to tanks. It’s ideal for aquarists with limited experience, as it requires minimal care and is very hardy. It grows best in subtropical climates or aquariums heated between 68-77°F (20-25°C). This plant produces thick leaves with crinkled edges which offer refuge for fish and other tank inhabitants. For safety, it should be kept away from aggressive species and larger fish that may consume it. With proper care, Aponogeton crispus will bring any beginner aquarist’s tank to life!

Spatterdock

Spatterdock, also known as Nuphar Luteum, is a hardy aquatic plant with bright yellow flowers that add an eye-catching pop of color to any tank. Its thick leaves are perfect for providing shelter and hiding spots for fish. It is a low-maintenance species and can handle varying levels of water hardness without issue. While it grows best in full sunlight, it will still thrive in low-light environments. This makes it an ideal choice for beginning aquarists looking for an easy-care but beautiful live aquarium plant. Spatterdock is also very safe around most fish species, making it both an attractive and secure option. All in all, this plant serves as a great introduction to the world of live aquarium plants!

Bacopa caroliniana

Bacopa caroliniana is a great next step for those looking to add more color and texture to their tank. This fast-growing species is an easy choice for beginners due to its hardiness and relatively low maintenance needs. It will thrive in most freshwater aquariums, provided it has sufficient light and regular fertilizing. Additionally, Bacopa caroliniana helps keep the water clean by consuming nitrates and other pollutants, making it an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful tank without sacrificing safety.

Aponogeton ulvaceus

The next live aquarium plant you should consider as a beginner is Aponogeton ulvaceus, or the Ulva Sea Lettuce. It’s an easy-to-keep plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures, making it ideal for novice aquarists. Its delicate leaves are safe to touch and will not harm other fish or invertebrates in your aquarium. With proper care, it will grow rapidly and provide plenty of oxygen to the water. Plus, its beautiful emerald green color adds an attractive element to any tank!

Christmas Moss

Another great option for aquarists is Christmas Moss, which can provide a lush green backdrop in the tank. It’s known for being easy to care for and is safe for all types of fish. This moss grows best in moderate light and should be kept slightly damp to ensure healthy growth. It should also be trimmed regularly so it won’t overtake other plants. The Christmas Moss is an excellent choice for beginner aquarists looking to create a beautiful aquarium environment with minimal effort.

Echinodorus tenellus

Similar to Christmas Moss, Echinodorus tenellus is a great aquatic plant for beginners. This compact and attractive “dwarf chain sword” forms an impressive carpet of small lance-shaped leaves, adding a pop of color to your tank. It’s easy to care for and safe for fish–not requiring special lighting or fertilizers–making it an ideal choice if you’re just starting out. Plus, its delicate size allows it to fit in any size aquarium.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria, also known as ‘eelgrass’ or ‘tape grass’, is a fast-growing and hardy aquatic plant that can provide great cover for fish. This plant is easy to take care of, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It’s important to keep its leaves trimmed so that the plant won’t overtake the tank, but with regular maintenance, it will make a valuable addition to any aquarium. Vallisneria grows best in medium light and neutral pH levels, providing natural beauty and safety for your fish with its long green blades.

Green Cabomba

Green Cabomba is another fast-growing aquatic plant that can provide cover and beauty for your fish tank. It’s a great choice for beginner aquarists looking to quickly establish a lush underwater landscape, as it grows rapidly and requires minimal maintenance. With its long, bright green leaves and feathery texture, Green Cabomba adds a beautiful splash of color to the aquarium. The plant needs ample lighting and should be kept in an area with moderate water flow to thrive. When handled properly, this species is safe for both humans and fish.

Java Fern

Java Fern is an easy-care, low-maintenance plant that adds a decorative touch to any tank. Its long, bright green leaves are striking against darker backgrounds and can be attached to wood or stone for the perfect aquarium look. It’s safe for all types of fish and does not require specialized nutrients or a high light intensity. Care should be taken when handling Java Fern as it’s delicate and may rot if its leaves are kept in water too long. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners who want to create a beautiful live aquarium without hassle. Moving on, baby tears (bacopa monnieri) is another great option…

Baby Tears (Bacopa monnieri)

Baby Tears (Bacopa monnieri) is an easy-care plant that’s great for adding a touch of greenery to your tank. It grows quickly in medium-low light and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making it an ideal choice for beginner aquarists. Plus, it doesn’t require any special fertilizer or substrate additives. Baby Tears are non-toxic to fish and shrimp, so you can rest assured that your pet inhabitants are safe. With its lush vegetation and trailing stems, this beautiful aquatic plant makes a wonderful addition to any aquarium setup!

Cryptocoryne lutea

Cryptocoryne lutea, or ‘Lutea,’ is a hardy aquatic plant that’s great for adding a touch of color to your tank. It’s an easy-to-maintain species popular among beginners because it can tolerate wide ranges of water parameters and lighting conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to add live plants for the first time. Lutea grows slowly but steadily and adds a nice contrast to green foliage in aquariums. Its leaves are also pleasingly textured and its stem is strong enough to keep it upright. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any toxins it may release into the environment since this plant is non-toxic!

Hygrophila polysperma

The next great beginner live aquarium plant is Hygrophila polysperma. It’s an easy-care plant that doesn’t require much light or fertilizer, and it grows quickly. This makes it a great choice for those who are just starting out with live plants. It also adds nice color to any aquarium, with its bright green foliage and pale yellow flowers. It’s important to keep the water clean when keeping this plant, as it may be affected by poor water quality.

Dwarf Sagittaria

If you’re looking for an easy-care plant to add some color to your tank, Dwarf Sagittaria is a great option. It’s hardy and grows quickly, making it perfect for beginners. It has narrow, grass-like leaves that come in shades of green and red. With the right light and nutrients, this plant can reach heights of up to 10 inches. Plus, its root system is strong enough to help keep the substrate in place. As long as you maintain a moderate water temperature between 68°F and 82°F with regular fertilization, your Dwarf Sagittaria will thrive!

Lilaeopsis

Lilaeopsis is an attractive, low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of greenery to any tank. It’s easy for beginners to care for and can thrive in both warm and cold water aquariums. Its delicate leaves are light green and often grow no taller than two inches with small white flowers appearing during the summer months. This plant prefers plenty of light and nutrient-rich substrate, but it can also adapt to moderate lighting conditions. Take extra care when planting Lilaeopsis as its root system is easily damaged. To ensure safety, be sure to wear gloves when handling this plant or use forceps instead of your fingers.

Anubias

Anubias is a great aquatic plant for those looking to add some low-maintenance greenery to their tank. It is a hardy species, so it’s perfect for beginners who may not be as experienced in caring for live plants. This means you don’t have to worry about it wilting or dying easily due to mistakes you make. Anubias also adds beauty and texture to your aquarium without taking up too much space. It’s easy to clean and can thrive in almost any water condition, making it an ideal choice for any beginner aquarist!

Water Wisteria

Anubias is a great option for new aquarists, but Water Wisteria may be even better! It’s easy to care for and provides lots of lush foliage. This plant adds a soft, natural-looking background that’s safe for all tank inhabitants. Plus, its leaves filter out nitrates and phosphate – a win-win! It’ll thrive in most water conditions and can grow quite quickly if given the right light and nutrients. There’s no need to worry about it taking over your aquarium either; just trim as needed!

Ludwigia

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance aquatic plant, Ludwigia is a great choice! It’s an easy option for beginners as it does not require much to thrive. This hardy species can survive in a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, making it perfect for many home aquariums. Its broad, oval-shaped leaves have reddish veins that provide an attractive contrast against the bright green foliage. Ludwigia also helps keep the water clean by absorbing excess nutrients from the substrate and helping maintain water clarity. Best of all, this plant is safe for fish and other aquatic creatures – no risk of poisoning or harm!

African Water Fern

African Water Fern is an ideal choice for aquarists looking for a low-maintenance plant; it’s tough and doesn’t need much to survive. It can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, from around 64°F (18°C) up to 86°F (30°C). It prefers soft acidic water, but can also tolerate alkaline conditions. Its fronds are long and thin with small leaflets that give the fern texture, making it an attractive addition to any aquarium. African Water Fern is safe for all fish and other aquatic animals, so it’s perfect for beginners!

Buce Plants (Bucephalandra sp.)

If you’re looking for a great live aquarium plant to add some color and life to your tank, consider buce plants. Bucephalandra sp., commonly known as buce plants, are versatile, hardy aquarium plants that come in a variety of shapes and colors. They require minimal maintenance and can thrive in low-light environments. Plus, they don’t require fertilizers or other chemicals – making them an ideal choice for beginners! Buce plants provide oxygen to the water, creating a healthy environment for your fish and other aquatic creatures. So don’t hesitate – give buce plants a try!

Conclusion

To conclude, live aquarium plants are an essential part of any healthy tank. With the right research and knowledge, you can easily find the perfect plant for your tank. From the Marimo Moss Ball to Buce Plants (Bucephalandra sp.), these 25 best live aquarium plants for beginners have everything you need – and more – to create a stunning underwater paradise that will leave your friends in awe! They’re so easy to care for, it’s like having a second job… only way better!