Aquarium Plants

The best easy aquarium plants for most UK beginners are Anubias, Java fern, Java moss, Cryptocoryne and hardy stem plants. They tolerate typical community tank conditions, do not need high-tech CO2, and work well with standard aquarium lighting when given stable water and basic fertiliser.

Tropica 1-2-Grow tissue culture plants are grown in sealed cups, so they arrive pest-free and algae-free, making them ideal for aquascapes and shrimp tanks. Potted aquarium plants are usually larger from day one and suit customers who want a fuller instant look, but they should be rinsed and prepared before planting.

Root-feeding plants such as Cryptocoryne, Echinodorus and many aquarium carpet plants grow best in aquarium soil or aquasoil because it provides nutrients around the roots. Epiphytes such as Anubias, Java fern and Java moss do not need soil and should be attached to wood or rock instead of buried.

Yes, many live aquarium plants grow well without CO2 if you choose easy species, keep lighting moderate and dose a suitable aquarium plant fertiliser. Growth will usually be slower than in a high-tech planted tank, but low-tech aquariums can still look lush and healthy with the right plant choices.

Anubias and Java fern should be tied or glued to aquarium wood or rock with the rhizome above the substrate, because burying the rhizome can cause rot. Java moss can be attached to wood, rock, mesh or decorations and trimmed regularly to keep it compact and tidy.