Top 20 Best Freshwater Aquarium Plants for Beginners (2025)

In this article, we explore 20 ideal freshwater aquarium plants for beginners. These plants are easy to care for and adaptable, enhancing the aquarium’s beauty and providing benefits like filtration and oxygenation. They create a natural habitat for fish and are almost impossible to kill, thriving in various water conditions. The guide is an invaluable resource for new aquarists aiming to create a vibrant, healthy aquatic environment.

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If you’ve never looked at a planted tank before, you’d probably be surprised at just how vibrant and lively the aquarium seems to be. That’s because the freshwater aquarium plants provide natural filtration for the water, help keep fish healthy, and can even help you breed your fish. Aquarium plants are used by fish for any number of things. They are used for safety, comfort, food, and reproduction. So, they’re vital to any healthy aquarium environment. You’ll find great resources in a few places online. But, here’s a list of the top 20 freshwater aquarium plants that are nearly impossible to kill, and grow quickly in almost every kind of water.

20 Best Freshwater Aquarium Plants

1. Java Moss

Java moss is a prevalent moss that grows naturally on rocks and trees in tropical climate zones. It lacks roots, meaning that the moss can float through the water to gain any nutrients it needs.

However, it will also attach itself to aquarium décor or substrate. Java moss is characterized by its tiny oval-shaped leaves, helpful in obscuring unattractive aquarium equipment such as filters.

The moss will easily adhere to any porous surface, making it perfect for décor. Just know that it can get out of hand if not kept well-groomed; other aquatic moss species like Christmas Moss may suit your needs better if you prefer something tidier. 

Scientific Name	Vesicularia Dubyana
Family	Hypnaceae
Care Level	Beginner
Max Size	3-10 inches long
Color	Light green
Temperature	59 – 82°F
Hardness	Up to 20 dGH
pH	5.0 to 8.0

2. Dwarf Baby Tears

Dwarf Baby Tears are very delicate and attractive foreground plants available today. Their colorful clusters can be utilized to entirely cover the substrate in freshwater aquariums, creating a soft bed of rich green or for covering floating on the water’s surface. They need a lot of lightning and nutrients, so getting them to establish in your aquarium fully can be challenging, but they shouldn’t have any difficulties developing once they do. 

Dwarf baby tears were identified in the area east of Havana, Cuba, for the first time. Other members of the Hemianthusgenus, on the other hand, maybe found in other nations.

While little is known about this species’ natural freshwater habitat, it is assumed to originate in shallow waters with high nutrient content and a moderate to fast water current. It prefers to hide between rocks and fallen trees, attaching itself with its roots in porous surfaces. 

Scientific Name	Hemianthus callitrichoides
Family	Linderniaceae
Care Level	Moderately Difficult
Max Size	5-6 inches
Color	Bright Green
Temperature	68-82° F
Hardness	4 and 5 dGH
pH	5.0-7.5

3. Dwarf Hairgrass

These species can be located worldwide, from North America to Europe, and even as far as Asia and South America. It can be found in shallow freshwaters where there is plenty of light.

Dwarf Hairgrass is commonly utilized as a carpet, covering the tank’s bottom in a lush green carpet. Because it’s a fast-growing plant, you can get this effect with a small amount that quickly grows.

This carpet protects bottom-dwelling species while also oxygenating and cleaning the aquarium. It’s popular in the fishkeeping industry because it’s a low-maintenance aquatic plant. It has only the most basic requirements, requiring only light, nutrients, and CO2. It’s straightforward to maintain, so even beginners can do it without spending too much time on it. 

Scientific Name	Eleocharis parvula & Eleocharis acicularis
Family	Cyperaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	6 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	50-85°F
Hardness	2-10 dGH
pH	6.5-7.5 pH

4. Marsilea Minuta

Marsilea Hirsuta is an attractive ground-cover plant because of its powerful carpeting ability. It grows slowly, stays compact at only a few centimeters/inches tall, and spreads its prolific runners all over the place to make thick, attractive carpets. Marsilea Hirsuta is ideal for novices because it can flourish in low light and does not require CO2. Marsilea Hirsuta is found primarily in marshes, ponds, and floodplains throughout Australia. It can grow partially or submerged in shallow, standing waters in sandy or clayey substrates as an aquatic plant. In recent years, the plant has been introduced to portions of Europe and North America. 

Scientific Name	Marsilea Hirsuta
Family	Marsileaceae
Care Level	Easy to Medium
Max Size	Up to 4 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	68 – 77°F
Hardness	2 – 12 dGH
pH	6.0 – 7.5

5. Amazon Sword

The Amazon Sword Plant is an aquatic plant that has gained popularity among fish keepers worldwide in recent years. It comes from the Amazon River Basin, which is both diverse and attractive. Many aquarists call the Echinodorus grisebachii or Echinodorus Amazonicus the actual Amazon Sword Plant because they are the same plant.

Even though several plants are offered as Amazon Sword Plants, this isn’t a problem because they all require the same tank conditions and care. Plants of the genus Echinodorus can also be found in the United States, Cuba, and Columbia. However, the majority of the plants grow in the Amazon River basin, which has its flora and fauna. 

Scientific Name	Echinodorus Grisebachii
Family	Alismataceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	16 Inches
Color	Green
Temperature	60.8-82.4°F
Hardness	8-15 dGH
pH	6.5-7.5

6. Java Fern

This delicate-looking fern gives aquariums a lovely appearance. It’s popular because of its sluggish growth, distinctive shape, and simplicity of propagation and care. It may be kept with a wide variety of species and does not require stringent water requirements. Hence, so many people find it interesting. Beginners will find them to be one of the easiest plants to grow. It is a jungle plant that grows on rocks, the ground, and around tree trunks along the waterline of streams and waterfalls. It is native to Southeast Asia. It, like grass, flourishes in tropical rainforests. It can grow fully immersed as well as half submerged. Java Fern has been around for a long time, and new types have been evolved. Narrow-leaf, Needle Leaf, Trident, and Windelov are the most common varieties found in fish stores.

Scientific Name	Microsorum Pteropus
Family	Polypodiaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	13.5 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	68-82°F
Hardness	3-8 dGH
pH	6.0-7.5

7. Anubias Nana

Anubias nana is a small, broad-leaved plant. Many aquarium plants originate in Asia, but this species is endemic to Africa. It is a lovely plant with dark green colors that will assist keep your tank water clean and oxygenated. For beginners, adding plants to an aquarium can be intimidating because it adds another thing to take care of. The excellent news is that this plant is quite resilient and can withstand most rookie blunders. Because it grows slowly, you won’t have to put much effort into keeping it up, just a trim now and then. It’s also simple to disseminate, so you may start small and gradually expand it across your tank. 

Scientific Name	Anubias barteri var. nana
Family	Araceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	7.5 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	72-82°F
Hardness	3-8 dGH
pH	6-7.5

8. Pygmy Chain Sword

This Chain Sword cultivar is praised for its hardiness, durability, rapid growth, and ease of maintenance. The Pygmy chain sword is an excellent choice for novices because it is simple to grow. They need little care. They can also live without CO2. Pygmy chain swords are found throughout the Americas, including Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Missouri in North America and Central and South America. In marshes, ponds, streams, and other water areas, it grows fully or partially submerged

Scientific Name	Echinodorus Tenellum
Family	Alismataceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	4 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	72 to 80°F
Hardness	3-10dGH
pH	6.5 – 7.5

9. Pogostemon Helferi

Besides having an interesting name, Pogostemon helferi is one of the unique foreground plants available to aquarium keepers today. It has a striking zig-zag shape in its leaves and grows in a ‘blooming’ pattern that’s visually appealing in front of hardscapes. 

Scientific Name	Pogostemon helferi
Family	Mints
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	2-6 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	68-86 °F
Hardness	7-8 dGH
pH	6-7.5

10. Dwarf Sagittaria

Dwarf Saggitaria is a low-maintenance plant that grows to a maximum height of 4-6 inches, making it ideal for midground aquascapes. Dwarf Saggitaria is a fantastic companion to stonework or driftwood. This is because it provides a perfect area for it to root into the wood or stone.

Scientific Name	Sagittaria subulata
Family	Alismataceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	4-6 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	68 to 82 °F
Hardness	2-15 dGH
pH	6.0 – 8.0

11. Green Hygro 

Green Hygro is a fast-growing stem plant with long leaves that can range from green to brown to red, depending on the sunlight. Because this plant requires a sizable substrate to anchor its roots, choose a decent planted aquarium substrate. Low illumination should be used to avoid browning. Green Hygro is classified as a weed in some states. It is restricted in others due to its rapid growth. Before purchasing the Green Hygro for your aquarium, make sure you check your local laws. The Green Hygro is a prolific plant that can get out of hand if it’s in love with a particular arrangement. CO2 boosts can also help, but they aren’t required.

Scientific Name	Hygrophila polysperma
Family	Acanthaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	24 Inch
Color	Green/Red
Temperature	64–86 °F
Hardness	2-15 dGH
pH	5-8 pH

11. Sunset Hygro 

The Sunset Hygro is a close relative of the Green Hygro. It comes with the hue of the leaves being the main distinction. The leaves of the Sunset Hygro are red-pink with white veins. Like the Green Hygro, it needs to be pruned frequently. Pruning can be done with pruning shears or by pinching off new growth by hand. In addition, the water must have adequate iron levels to preserve the vibrant red hues of its leaves. In a low-light aquarium, both red and green variants make excellent indicator plants. They tend to shed their leaves when nutrition levels or other difficulties occur, signaling a concern. 

Scientific Name	Hygrophila polysperma
Family	Acanthaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	Up to 16 inches.
Color	Green
Temperature	62–84 °F
Hardness	71.43 to 321.43 dGH
pH	6.3 to 7.5

12. Rotala Rotundifolia

The Rotala Rotundifolia is a well-known aquarium plant with a pink hue and narrow rounded leaves. They cascade downward in a bushy growth pattern when allowed to grow to the water’s surface. This plant is another example of a fast-growing plant that necessitates optimum lighting for optimal color. It, like Hygros, needs to be pruned frequently to avoid overgrowth. Rotalas rarely grow wider than 6 inches, but they will continue to grow vertically and climb the aquarium’s sides. 

Scientific Name	Rotala rotundifolia
Family	Lythraceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	Up to 6 inches
Color	Green with Pink Hues
Temperature	62-82°F
Hardness	4.0 to 8.0
pH	2 – 12 dGH

13. Hornwort 

Hornwort gets its name from its distinctive leaves design, which has earned it the nickname “Coontail.” The leaves spread outwards in a tangle of stems, resembling a bushy tail. The hornwort is a brilliant green plant that does not require a stable substrate because it lacks genuine roots. It will attach itself to aquarium objects or float freely in the water. Hornwort proliferates and makes an excellent nursery for young fish. 

Scientific Name	Anthocerotophyta
Family	Ceratophyllaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	120 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	59-86°F
Hardness	5-15 dGH
pH	6.0-7.5

14. Moneywort 

Moneywort is a spreading plant with various names that are widely used to add color to aquariums. The moneywort has small, brilliant green oblong leaves that grow upwards along robust stems. Moneywort shoots are frequently planted close together to create contrast with other plants. Moneywort grows vertically, touching heights of 6-8 inches. 

Scientific Name	Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Family	Araliaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	6-8 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	68 – 82°F
Hardness	4 – 18 dGH
pH	6.8 – 7.2

15. Guppy Grass 

The term “guppy grass” is used as a “nursery” plant for infant guppies. It grows in dense clumps with thin green leaves. This plant will grow steadily and float in the tank. Guppy Grass is difficult to beat in terms of versatility. The plant will grow in any aquarium, whether you want to root it, let it float, or utilize low or high light. 

Scientific Name	Najas guadalupensis
Family	Hydrocharitaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	Up to 90 cm
Color	Green
Temperature	68 – 79 °F
Hardness	2 – 20 dGH
pH	6.0 – 8.0

16. Pelia Moss

Pelia is a unique plant that serves different needs than most mosses, despite its resemblance to moss. Pelia, unlike moss, does not adhere to structures and spreads quickly in thick mats. Pelia sinks naturally and can float free or fastened down with a netting or fishing line. Pelia is a popular choice for aquariums because of the distinctive structure of its shoots. 

Scientific Name	Monosolenium tenerum
Family	Urticaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	2-5 cm
Color	Green
Temperature	65° – 77° F
Hardness	3-12 dGH
pH	5.0 – 7.5

17. Bacopa 

The Bacopa is a well-known aquatic plant with oblong leaves that grow opposite each other, producing a “ladder” up each stalk. The color of the Bacopa varies from brilliant greenish-yellow to brown. It requires an adequate substrate to take root. It is a slow-growing plant. 

Scientific Name	Bacopa caroliniana
Family	Plantaginaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	12 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	58 – 90° F
Hardness	5 – 20 dGH
pH	5.0 -9.0

18. American Waterweed 

Elodea is a fast-growing, long-stemmed plant that can be floated or rooted in the substrate and provides enough cover for little fish. In North America, the elodea can be found growing wild in ponds and lakes. Many aquatic species, such as ducks, turtles, beavers, and others, eat it. However, because it is considered an invasive species in some states, it is necessary to check local rules before adding it to an aquarium. Elodea is a favorite of vegetarian fish because of its velvety leaves and rapid development. 

Scientific Name	Elodea canadensis
Family	Hydrocharitaceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	3 m or more
Color	Green
Temperature	60-82°F
Hardness	3-8 dGH
pH	6.5-7.5

19. Micro Crypt 

Like the crypts mentioned above, the micro crypt is a slow-growing plant with thin, long leaves with ruffled edges. The micro crypt is the tiniest of the crypt kinds, reaching only a few inches in height when fully grown. C. Petchii, like other dwarf crypts, prefers fast-flowing, shaded streams in Sri Lanka. It’s a slow-growing plant that’s also hardy and low-maintenance. Many crypts are available in pet stores as bulbs. This enables you to build a robust root system for your new plants over time! 

Scientific Name	Cryptocoryne Beckettii. Thwaites ex
Family	Araceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	2-4 inches
Color	Green
Temperature	59-82°F
Hardness	1 – 18 dGH
pH	6-7.5

20. Marimo Ball 

The Marimo is commonly mistaken for moss. It is a spherical algae strain that grows outward radially, naturally producing a ball shape. These low-light aquarium plants grow slowly but are extremely easy to maintain and live a long time. They’re popular because of their distinct appearance, and they’re frequently utilized as décor. Marimo Moss Balls need a slight current to stay in form. They may flatten out over time in low-light aquariums without powerheads or vigorous filtration. They also love chilly, clear water, much like the pristine ponds from which they came. Overfertilization can be fatal to these delicate aquatic plants. 

Scientific Name	Aegagropila linnaei
Family	Cladophoraceae
Care Level	Easy
Max Size	1.75 to 2.25 inches in diameter
Color	Green
Temperature	72-78°F
Hardness	2 to 20 dGH
pH	6.0-8.0

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Do You Want Aquarium Plants?

Aquarium Plants are not only beautiful, but they also have numerous chemical and physical benefits. When it comes to a thriving, healthy aquarium, aquarium Plants are crucial. Both rookie and experienced aquarium hobbyists will benefit from Aquatic Plants.

What are the Different Types of Aquarium Plants?

1. Foreground plants 

Aquatic plants positioned near the midground portion of a hardscape layout are known as foreground aquarium plants. Carpeting plants are a term used to describe foreground aquarium plants. 

2. Mid-ground plants

Aquarium plants in the midground are the “average” plants in the aquarium world. They are too short for the back of the tank, but they are also too tall for the front. As a result, they must be placed in the center. 

3. Background plants

Background plants are excellent for filling in considerable areas in the back of your aquarium. They’re also great for hiding unsightly equipment like heaters and filters. Because many of them grow swiftly, they will need to be pruned frequently. 

What is an aquarium substrate?

Substrate refers to the material used on the tank’s bottom.  It impacts the aquarium’s water chemistry, filtration, and the well-being of its residents, as well as being a vital aspect of the aquarium’s aesthetic appeal. 

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