The 10 aquarium plants that will change your life
Would you like to have a spectacular aquarium, full of life and color, that will be the envy of all your friends? Do you want to enjoy the benefits of having natural plants in your fish tank, such as improving water quality, providing oxygen and shelter for your fish, and creating a relaxing and harmonious environment? Would you like to know which are the best aquarium plants to achieve all this and more?
If you answered yes to these questions, keep reading, because in this article I am going to reveal to you the 10 aquarium plants that will change your life. These plants are easy to care for, adapt to different water and light conditions, and look amazing. Also, I'm going to give you some tips so you know how to plant, prune and fertilize them correctly. Do not miss it!
1. Anubias
Anubias are plants that are characterized by having thick, shiny, dark green leaves, which can have different shapes and sizes. They are very resistant plants, which can grow both submerged and emerged, and which can be attached to rocks or trunks. Anubias are ideal for the foreground or middle ground of the aquarium, and can bloom underwater, producing pretty white flowers.
To care for anubias, all you need is moderate or low lighting, a temperature between 22 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 7.5. You don't need to bury them in the substrate, just make sure that the rhizome (the horizontal stem from which the leaves emerge) is exposed. You can prune old or damaged leaves, and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer once a month.
2. Cryptocoryne
Cryptos are plants that have elongated and wavy leaves, which can vary in color from light green to reddish brown. They are plants that adapt very well to different water and light conditions, and that can form dense and attractive groups. Cryptos are perfect for the foreground or midground of the aquarium, and can create a contrasting effect with other lighter or darker plants.
To care for cryptos, all you need is low or medium lighting, a temperature between 20 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 8. You must plant them in the substrate, leaving the neck (the part where the leaves join). and roots) flush with the surface. You can prune any leaves that grow too much, and fertilize them with a liquid or tablet fertilizer every two weeks.
3. Vallisneria
Vallisnerias are plants that have long, narrow leaves, which can measure more than a meter in length. They are plants that grow very quickly and reproduce by stolons (horizontal stems that generate new plants). Vallisnerias are ideal for the bottom of the aquarium, where they can form green curtains that give depth and movement to the landscape.
To care for vallisnerias, all you need is medium or high lighting, a temperature between 18 and 30°C, and a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. You must plant them in the substrate, leaving a few centimeters between them so that they can expand. You can prune the leaves that exceed the surface of the water, and fertilize them with a liquid or tablet fertilizer every two weeks.
4. Ferns
Ferns are plants that have leaves divided into segments, which can have different shapes and sizes. They are plants that do not have roots, but rather rhizomes, which can be attached to rocks or trunks. Ferns are ideal for the bottom or midplane of the aquarium, where they can create a rainforest effect.
To care for ferns, all you need is low or medium lighting, a temperature between 20 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 7.5. You don't need to bury them in the substrate, just make sure the rhizome is exposed to the air. You can prune old or damaged leaves, and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer once a month.
5. Mosses
Mosses are plants that consist of green filaments that can cover rocks, logs or grates. They are plants that grow very slowly and do not have roots, but rather rhizoids, which serve to attach themselves to objects. Mosses are ideal for the foreground or middle plane of the aquarium, where they can create a natural and delicate effect.
To care for mosses, all you need is low or medium lighting, a temperature between 15 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 8. You do not need to bury them in the substrate, just make sure that the rhizoids remain in contact with the object to which you want to attach them. You can prune them with scissors, and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer once a month.
6. Hygrophila
Hygrophilas are plants that have lanceolate or rounded leaves, which can have different colors and patterns. They are plants that grow very quickly and can be easily pruned and replanted. Hygrophilas are ideal for the bottom or middle plane of the aquarium, where they can add color and volume to the landscape.
To care for hygrophilas, all you need is medium or high lighting, a temperature between 20 and 28°C, and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. You must plant them in the substrate, leaving a few centimeters between them so that they can branch. You can prune them with scissors, and fertilize them with a liquid or tablet fertilizer every two weeks.
7. Bucephalandra
Bucephalandras are plants that have small, shiny leaves, which can have different colors and shapes. They are plants that grow very slowly and can be attached to rocks or trunks. Bucephalandras are ideal for the foreground or middle ground of the aquarium, where they can create an effect of contrast and elegance.
To care for bucephalandras, all you need is low or medium lighting, a temperature between 20 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 8. You do not need to bury them in the substrate, just make sure that the rhizome remains in the air. You can prune old or damaged leaves, and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer once a month.
8. Sagittarius
Sagittarius are plants that have linear leaves, which can form a green carpet in the foreground of the aquarium. They are plants that grow moderately and reproduce by stolons. Sagittarius are ideal for the foreground of the aquarium, where they can create a meadow effect and cover the floor.
To care for sagittarius, all you need is medium or high lighting, a temperature between 18 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 8. You must plant them in the substrate, leaving a few centimeters between them so that they can expand. You can prune any leaves that grow too much, and fertilize them with a liquid or tablet fertilizer every two weeks.
9. Floating plants
Floating plants are plants that float freely on the surface of water, and do not have roots. They are plants that grow very quickly and absorb nutrients from the water. Floating plants are ideal for any aquarium, where they can provide benefits such as reducing evaporation, filtering light, preventing algae growth and providing food and shelter for fish. Some of the most popular floating plants are duckweed, water hyacinth, water lettuce, and salvinia.
To care for floating plants, all you need is medium or high lighting, a temperature between 18 and 30°C, and a pH between 6 and 8. You don't have to plant them in the substrate, just let them float freely in the surface. You can remove overgrown plants and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
10. Echinodorus
Echinodorus are plants that have large, wide leaves, which can have different colors and shapes. They are plants that grow moderately and can reach a great height. Echinodorus are ideal for the background or middle plane of the aquarium, where they can create an effect of majesty and elegance.
To care for echinodorus, all you need is medium or high lighting, a temperature between 20 and 28°C, and a pH between 6 and 7.5. You must plant them in the substrate, leaving a few centimeters between them so that they can develop. You can prune any leaves that deteriorate, and fertilize them with a liquid or tablet fertilizer every two weeks.
These are the 10 aquarium plants that will change your life. With them, you can have a spectacular aquarium, full of life and color, that will be the envy of all your friends.
Additionally, you can enjoy the benefits of having natural plants in your fish tank, such as improving water quality, providing oxygen and shelter to your fish, and creating a relaxing and harmonious environment. What are you waiting for to try them?