Top 5 Easy Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Why Add Live Plants to Your Aquarium?

Live aquatic plants do more than just look beautiful. They absorb nitrates and other waste products, helping to keep your water clean. They produce oxygen during the day, provide natural hiding spots for fish and fry, and can even reduce algae growth by competing for the same nutrients.

1. Anubias Nana

Anubias is the ultimate beginner plant. It grows slowly, tolerates low light, and is nearly impossible to kill. Attach it to driftwood or rocks with fishing line or super glue — do not bury the rhizome in substrate as it will rot.

Light: Low–Medium | CO2: Not required | Growth Rate: Slow | Placement: Foreground/Midground

2. Java Fern

Like Anubias, Java Fern should be attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate. Its long, textured leaves create a lush, natural look. It propagates by producing baby plants on its leaves, which you can detach and attach elsewhere.

Light: Low–Medium | CO2: Not required | Growth Rate: Slow–Medium | Placement: Midground/Background

3. Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora)

Ambulia is a fast-growing stem plant with feathery, delicate leaves. It fills in background space quickly and is forgiving of a wide range of water conditions. Simply trim the tops and replant them to propagate. Ambulia also helps absorb excess nutrients, reducing algae.

Light: Low–High | CO2: Not required | Growth Rate: Fast | Placement: Background

4. Hair Grass

If you want a lush green carpet in your tank, Hair Grass is a popular choice. While it benefits from moderate to high light and a nutrient-rich substrate, it can grow in less ideal conditions too — just more slowly. Regular trimming encourages dense, carpet-like growth.

Light: Medium–High | CO2: Beneficial but not essential | Growth Rate: Medium | Placement: Foreground

5. Elodea

Elodea is one of the fastest-growing aquarium plants available. It is an excellent oxygenator and nutrient sponge, making it ideal for new tanks still going through the nitrogen cycle. You can plant it in substrate or simply let it float. It tolerates a very wide temperature range, from cool to tropical.

Light: Low–High | CO2: Not required | Growth Rate: Very Fast | Placement: Background/Floating

Tips for Success with Aquarium Plants

  • Use a quality aquarium light and keep it on for 8–10 hours per day.
  • Add liquid fertiliser weekly for healthy growth, especially if you do not use nutrient-rich substrate.
  • Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent decay.
  • Start with easy species and build confidence before trying more demanding plants.

Shop Live Aquarium Plants at Amazonia

We stock a wide range of live aquatic plants at our Eastwood store, including all five species featured in this guide. Our team can help you choose the right plants for your setup and advise on lighting, substrate, and fertiliser. Browse our full range online or visit us at 8 Lakeside Road, Eastwood, Sydney.