If you are looking for the best background plants for your aquarium, then you are in the right place.
In this article, I will share with you some background plants that you can use for your large aquariums i.e. 10+ gallon aquarium.
And I will also show you some plants that you can use as a background plant for your Nano aquarium.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Best Background Plants for Aquarium
1. Giant Hygro
image source under CC BY-SA 3.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Giant Hygro |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Hygrophila corymbosa |
| FAMILY | Acanthaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Medium |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 72-84° F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | 71.43 - 321.43 PPM |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 24 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 Gallons |
Giant hygro is also known as Temple plant.
It is a fast-growing and easy to maintain plant.
It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters which makes it ideal for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Giant hygro doesn’t require high lighting conditions. It can do well in moderate lighting of at least 2 to 3 watts per gallon from a full spectrum bulb of 5000 to 7000K.
Ideal water parameters
Giant hygro can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
With that being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of giant hygro is 72 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ideal pH range is from 6 to 7.5 and water hardness tolerance range is from 3 to 8 KH.
Substrate requirements
You can use any substrate for planting Giant hygro in your aquarium but fine gravel is recommended.
Planting Giant hygro is very easy, just place it on the substrate and its stem will start growing roots and get into the substrate.
You can also plant its tip into the substrate.
Fertilization requirements
Giant hygro requires regular and dosing of fertilizers that are rich in iron and trace elements.
As Giant hygro gets its nutrients from substrate, add substrate fertilizers like root tabs.
Tip
If you keep Giant hygro under high intensity light or if it doesn’t get a sufficient amount of iron, then its leaves with start turning yellow.
So keep this plant in moderate lighting conditions and regularly supplement it with fertilizers rich in iron.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
12 Benefits of Live Plants in an Aquarium
2. Hornwort
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Hornwort |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Anthocerotophyta |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Medium |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 59-86°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | 5-15 dGH |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 10 foot |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 15 gallons |
Hornwort is a fast-growing plant and it can grow up to 10 feet.
This is a very popular plant in the aquarium hobby and it is very easy to maintain.
How much light does it require
When it comes to lighting for hornwort the more light it gets, the faster it grows and the greener it gets.
So provide it with high-intensity light for larger and greener plants.
Substrate requirements
You can use any substrate for hornwort.
This plant doesn’t have any true roots, but you can use its leaves to anchor it into the substrate.
You can also let it float in your aquarium.
Fertilization requirements
The secret for the fast growth of hornwort is its allopathic abilities.
The allopathic abilities allow it to produce a chemical that prevents the growth of other plants in the aquarium.
So hornwort gets all the nutrients available in the aquarium.
If you have any other plants in your aquarium, then you should add some fertilizer so that other plants can get nutrients for their growth.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
3. Anacharis
Image by Christina Cahalane under CC BY 2.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Anacharis |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Elodea |
| FAMILY | Hydrocharitaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 60-82° F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 6 to 8 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Anacharis is also known as Brazilian Elodea, Brazilian waterweed and Egeria.
Anacharis can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and it is very easy to maintain, which makes it ideal for beginners.
As this plant can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, you can keep it in both a cold-water or a tropical fish tank.
How much light does it require
Ideally, you should provide moderate lighting to Anacharis plant.
If you provide low lighting to this plant, it will die and if you provide it high light then it can cause algae growth.
So, you should provide moderate lighting of at least 2 Watts per gallon to this plant.
Ideal water parameters
Anacharis can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
With that being said, the ideal temperature for Anacharis is from 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.5 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance range is from 3-8 KH.
One study shows that the different acidity levels affects the respiration of Anacharis.
Substrate requirements
Anacharis can grow in any substrate.
But as it can get nutrients from water and substrate, if you plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate, it will grow fast.
Fertilization requirements
Anacharis can do well without any fertilizers in a cold water aquarium.
But if you have a tropical fish aquarium, then you should supplement it with some fertilizers rich in carbon dioxide.
You can add fertilizers as substrate fertilizers like root tabs or you can also use liquid fertilizers.
Tip
This plant can work as a filter by catching and holding floating debris in your aquarium.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Check out my 20 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Aquarium
4. Aponogeton Crispus
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Aponogeton Crispus |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Aponogeton Crispus |
| FAMILY | Aponogetonaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 64-86° F |
| pH | below 7.5 |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 9-10 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 20 gallon |
Aponogeton Crispus is a tall fast-growing aquarium plant that can grow up to 10 inches.
This is a very easy to maintain plant, but it does require a lot of nutrients to thrive.
How much light does it require?
Aponogeton Crispus is not a very light-demanding plant.
It can do well if you just provide it 0.5 watts per liter.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Aponogeton Crispus is from 64 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH of the water should be below 7.5.
Substrate requirements
As mentioned earlier, Aponogeton Crispus requires a lot of nutrients for its proper growth so you should plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Fertilization requirements.
Aponogeton Crispus requires a lot of nutrients to do well in the aquarium so you should provide it with substrate fertilizers as well as liquid fertilizers.
Tip
You should supplement appointed on Christmas with seo2 for its fast growth.
5. Water Wisteria
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Water wisteria |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Hygrophila difformis |
| FAMILY | Acanthaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate to High |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 70-82°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | 2-8 KH |
| PLACEMENT | Background or Carpet |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 20 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallons |
Water wisteria is a tall fast-growing plant that can grow up to 20 inches.
This is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters which makes it ideal for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Water wisteria can do well in any lighting condition, just make sure that it is not in shade.
Ideally, you should provide it at least 2 to 3 watts per gallon light for its optimum growth.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal water temperature for the proper growth of water wisteria is from 70-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.5 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance range is from 2 to 8 KH.
Substrate requirements
In their natural habitat, water wisteria grows in the sand substrate so ideally you should use sand substrate to plant it in your aquarium.
But it can do well in fine gravel substrate as well.
There will be some differences in the size and growth rate of this plant according to the substrate.
Fertilization requirements
Water wisteria can do well without any fertilizers but you can supplement it with some liquid fertilizers for greener and faster growth.
Tip
Provided with sufficient nutrients water wisteria can grow very quickly.
So you should keep an eye on its growth and do the regular trimming.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Plants Help to Lower Ammonia in Aquarium
6. Green Cabomba
Image by Show ryu under CC BY-SA 3.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Green Cabomba |
| COMMON NAMES | Green Cabomba, Carolina Fanwort, Brazilian Fanwort, Fanwort |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Cabomba caroliniana |
| FAMILY | Cabombaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Moderate |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Medium to High |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 72 – 82 ℉ |
| pH | 6.8 – 7.5 |
| HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
| PLACEMENT | Background or Floating |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 11 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Green Cabomba is native to southern United States and it is spreading to Northen areas of United states and in other countries as well.
Green Cabomba is a tall fast-growing aquarium plant that can grow up to 11 inches.
It is also known as Carolina fanwort or Brazilian fanwort.
This is a very delicate plant and it is a bit difficult to maintain so if you are a beginner then this may not be a good choice for you.
You should also avoid this plant if you have plant-eater fish like Goldfish, cichlids, etc in your aquarium.
How much light does it require?
When it comes to lighting for Green cabomba it doesn’t require a very high intensity light.
You should provide it low to moderate light for a longer time.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the growth of Green Cabomba is from 70-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.8 to 7.5 and the water hardness should be between 3-8 KH.
Substrate requirements
You can let Green Cabomba plant float in your aquarium or you can also plant it in the substrate.
If you are going to plant it in the substrate then you should use a nutrient-rich substrate for this plant.
Fertilization requirements
Green Cabomba requires a good amount of iron for its proper growth.
So, you should provide it with fertilizers in the form of root tabs for liquid fertilizer that are rich in iron and other minerals.
You can also supplement the plant with CO2, though it is not necessary.
Tip
Growing Green Cabomba plant can be challenging but if you provide it with the ideal environment and nutrients then it can easily take over your tank so you should trim it regularly.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Plants helps to lower temperature in aquarium
7. Ludwigia Repens
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Ludwigia Repens |
| COMMON NAMES | Ludwigia repens, Ludwigia repens Rubin, Red repens, Ludwigia sp. Weinrot, Red-Leaf Ludwigia, Creeping Primrose-Willow |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Ludwigia repens |
| FAMILY | Onagraceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low to very high |
| GROWTH RATE | Moderate to Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 60- 86oF |
| pH | 5 - 8 |
| HARDNESS | Very soft to hard level |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 7-19 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Ludwigia repens is a tall stem plant and it is very easy to care for.
You can keep this plant in a cold water aquarium because it can tolerate temperature as less as 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you provide it with ideal water parameters and nutrients then it can grow very fast.
This is a very popular coloring plant and it comes in different color varieties from green to brown and red.
How much light does it require?
Ludwigia repens requires moderate to high light for its proper growth.
You should provide it the light of at least 2-4 Watts per gallon.
Ideal water parameters
Ludwigia repens can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
It can survive in the temperature as less as 60℉ to up to 86℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 5-8.
You don’t have to worry about hardness when it comes to this plant because it can tolerate any hardness level from very soft to hard water.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Ludwigia repens in any substrate.
But I recommend you avoid sand substrate (except organic volcanic sand) because it can suffocate its roots.
Fertilization requirements
Ludwigia repens is a very hardy plant and it can grow on its own without any fertilizers.
But if you supply it with CO2 fertilizers then it will grow faster.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
8. Jungle Vallisneria
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Jungle Vallisneria |
| COMMON NAMES | Jungle Val, water celery, tape grass or eelgrass |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Vallisneria Americana |
| FAMILY | Hydrocharitaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Intermediate |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Medium |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 65° – 85° F |
| pH | 6.8 – 8.0 |
| HARDNESS | Moderately Hard to Very Hard |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 6 feet (2 meters) |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Jungle Vallisneria is a very hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
It is a tall plant that can grow up to 6 feet.
It is one of the earliest aquatic plants in the aquarium hobby and it is still favorite many aquarists.
How much light does it require?
When it comes to light for Jungle Vallisneria the more light it gets the faster it will grow.
For good coloration and growth of it, you should provide it high light.
It can do well in low lighting as well but it will affect its growth.
You can use any light for this plant whether that is LED, fluorescent, CFL, etc.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier Jungle Vallisneria can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, especially the temperature.
It can tolerate temperature at as low as 65℉ to up to 85℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.8-8.0.
And it does well in moderately hard to very hard water.
Substrate requirements
Jungle Vallisneria do well in gravel or sand substrate. But for faster growth you can plant it in nutrient rich substrate.
Fertilization requirements
One study shows that Jungle Vallisneria can do well with limited nutrients but it will do better if you provide it with some additional supplements.
So, for the faster growth of Jungle Vallisneria, you should supplement it with iron-rich fertilizers.
You should add these fertilizers after the weekly water change.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Check out my 6 Tips to Take Care of Live Plants in Aquarium
9. Water Sprite
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Water Sprite |
| COMMON NAMES | Water Fern, Indian Fern |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Ceratopteris thalictroides |
| FAMILY | Pteridaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Medium to high |
| GROWTH RATE | Low to Moderate |
| TEMPERATURE | 68-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
| PLACEMENT | Mid to Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 13.5 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 Gallons |
Water Sprite is one of the most common aquatic plants in the hobby.
This is a tall stem plant that can grow up to 13 inches.
It is also very easy to care for which makes it ideal for beginners.
How much light does it require?
In their natural habitat, Water sprite grows in high lighting conditions.
So, you should provide it high lighting in your aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
Water Sprite is tolerant to a wide range of water parameters.
The ideal water temperature range for this plant is from 68 to 82 ℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7.5
And the hardness tolerance range is from 3-8 KH.
Substrate requirement
You can let Water Sprite float in your aquarium or you can plant it into the substrate.
You can use any substrate for this plant.
With that being said, sand or gravel substrate is recommended.
Also, if you keep this plant in a nutrient-rich substrate, it will encourage fast growth.
If you let it float in your aquarium then its leaves will grow larger as it will get more light on the surface.
Fertilization requirement
Water Sprite can do well without any fertilizers.
But if you supplement it with regular doses of fertilizers then it will accelerate its growth.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
10. Italian Vallisneria
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Italian Vallisneria |
| COMMON NAMES | Italian Vallisneria |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Vallisneria spiralis |
| FAMILY | Hydrocharitaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Moderate to Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 72-80℉ |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | 4 - 18°N |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 11.81 - 21.65 inch |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Italian Vallisneria is a very hardy and cheap plant.
It is a tall plant that can grow up to 21 inches.
It is very easy to care for and if you provide it the ideal environment and nutrients then it can grow very fast.
How much light does it require?
Italian Vallisneria can do well under moderate lighting.
But for faster growth, you should keep it in high lighting conditions.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of Italian Vallisneria is from 72 to 80℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance range is from 4 to 18°N.
Substrate requirement
You can use any substrate (even send) for Italian Vallisneria.
Fertilization requirements
Italian Vallisneria can do well without any fertilizers but if you supplement it with additional CO2 fertilisers then it can promote faster growth.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Best background plants for nano tanks
1. Corkscrew Vallisneria
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Corkscrew Vallisneria |
| COMMON NAMES | Corkscrew Val |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Vallisneria torta |
| FAMILY | Tapegrass |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate to High |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 68-82.5 °F |
| pH | 5-8 |
| HARDNESS | Hard water |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 20 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Corkscrew Vallisneria can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and it is very easy to maintain which makes it ideal for beginners.
It is a very good background plant for small to medium aquariums.
How much light does it require?
Ideally, you should provide high lighting to Corkscrew Vallisneria but it can do well in moderate lighting as well.
Ideal water parameters
Corkscrew Vallisneria can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for it is from 68 to 82℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 5 to 8 and it does well in hard water.
Substrate requirements
Corkscrew Vallisneria can do well in almost any substrate but if you plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate then it will help it to grow quickly.
Fertilization requirements
You should add some root tabs for the faster growth of Corkscrew Vallisneria.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
2. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Image by Haplochromis under CC BY 2.5
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Cryptocoryne Wendtii |
| COMMON NAMES | Wendt’s Cryptocoryne, water trumpet |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Cryptocoryne Wendtii |
| FAMILY | Araceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Medium |
| TEMPERATURE | 72-82° F |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 6 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a very commonly used plant in the aquarium hobby.
This plant comes in several color variations like red, brown, green, etc.
It also comes in several leaf sizes ranging from 5 to 18 inches.
Particularly, green Cryptocoryne wendtii is suitable as a background plant for small aquariums.
This plant can grow up to 10 to 15 CM and it is very easy to care for.
How much light does it require?
Cryptocoryne wendtii can tolerate any lighting condition from low to high lighting.
Ideally, you should use a fluorescent T5 or T8 bulbs for it.
You can also use any LED lighting bulbs as well.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal water temperature for the proper growth of Cryptocoryne wendtii is from 72 to 80 ℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 8 and the hardness should be between 3 to 8 KH.
Substrate requirements
Cryptocoryne wendtii gets most of its nutrients from the substrate so you should use nutrient-rich substrate for it.
But you can also use gravel substrate or any soil substrate as well but then you will have to supplement it with root tabs.
Fertilization requirements
For the proper growth of Cryptocoryne wendtii you should supplement it with fertilizers in the form of root tabs and liquid fertilizers.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
3. Rotala Indica
Image source under CC BY 2.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Rotala Indica |
| COMMON NAMES | Indian toothcup |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Rotala Indica |
| FAMILY | Lythraceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Moderate |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate to High |
| GROWTH RATE | Moderate to fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 72-82° F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 2 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Rotala Indica is a fast-growing stem plant.
This plant is a bit tricky to maintain because it requires strict water parameters.
It will do well in a tropical fish aquarium and you should avoid it if you have a cold water aquarium.
It is a very delicate plant so you should avoid it keeping in your aquarium if you have some aggressive plant-eater fish like Goldfish.
How much light does it require?
Rotala Indica can do well in moderate to high light.
Ideally, you should provide it at least 3 to 5 watts per gallon.
Ideal water parameters
Rotala Indica is not tolerant to a wide range of water parameters.
The ideal water temperature for this plant is from 70-82℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.5 to 7.5 and the hardness should be between 3 to 8 KH.
Substrate requirements
You should use sand substrate or fine gravel substrate for planting Rotala Indica in your aquarium.
Fertilization requirements
You should supplement Rotala Indica with fertilizers rich in iron, potassium, trace element and carbon dioxide.
You should also supplement it with additional CO2.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
4. Dwarf Sagittaria
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Dwarf Sagittaria |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Sagittaria subulata |
| FAMILY | Alismataceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 68-82°F |
| pH | 6-8 |
| HARDNESS | 3-12 |
| PLACEMENT | Mid-foreground |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 12 Inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Dwarf Sagittaria is a fast-growing and easy to maintain plant.
It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and you can use it in tropical as well as cold water aquarium.
This is a very hardy plant which makes it ideal for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Ideally, you should provide it with moderate lighting.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of Dwarf Sagittaria is from 68 to 80℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6-8 and the water hardness tolerance range is between 3 to 12.
Substrate requirements
The ideal substrate for Dwarf Sagittaria is a soil substrate that is rich in iron and CO2.
Fertilization requirement
This plant can do well without any fertilizers but you can supplement it with some root tabs.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
5. Java Fern
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Java Fern |
| COMMON NAMES | Java Fern |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Microsorum pteropus |
| FAMILY | Polypodiaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low to Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Low to Moderate |
| TEMPERATURE | 68-82oF |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| HARDNESS | 60-160 ppm |
| PLACEMENT | Mid to Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 13.5 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 Gallons |
Java fern is a stem plant and it is very easy to maintain.
This plant can tolerate a wide range when it comes to the temperature so you can use it in a tropical fish aquarium as well as a cold-water fish aquarium.
It is also a very hardy plant which makes it ideal for beginners
How much light does it require?
Java fern does well in moderate lighting.
Ideally, you should provide it with at least 2 watts of light per gallon.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier, Java fern can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
It can tolerate temperature from 68 to 82℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance range is from 3 to 8 KH.
Substrate requirements
Java fern doesn’t require any substrate.
It gets most of its nutrients from the water.
You can tie eat to any ornament or driftwood in your aquarium.
You can also let it float in your aquarium.
Fertilization requirements
Java fern can do well without any fertilizers.
But if you supplement it with some fertilizers then it will encourage faster growth.
As it gets most of its nutrients from the water, you should provide it with liquid fertilizers.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Plants help to increase oxygen in the aquarium
6. Stargrass
Image by Kenraiz under CC BY-SA 4.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Stargrass |
| COMMON NAMES | Stargrass |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Heteranthera zosterifolia |
| FAMILY | Pontederiaceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| TEMPERATURE | 50-86°F |
| pH | 5 - 8 |
| HARDNESS | 0 - 21°dKH |
| PLACEMENT | Background, Midground |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 11 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Stargrass is a tall fast-growing aquarium plant that can grow up to 11 inches.
This plant is very easy to care for and it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters which makes it ideal for the beginners.
You can keep this plant in a cold water aquarium as it can tolerate low temperatures as low as 50℉.
How much light does it require?
Stargrass is very undemanding when it comes to lighting.
It can survive in any lighting condition from low to high.
But it will show its full potential only when you supplement it with additional CO2 fertilizers and strong lighting.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier star grass can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
The ideal water temperature range for this plant is from 50-86℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 5 to 8 and it can tolerate hardness of water up to 21°KH.
Fertilization requirements
Stargrass can survive without any fertilizers but to reach its full potential it will require some fertilizers.
So, you should supplement it with some fertilizer, especially fertilizers that are rich in CO2.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
7. Rotala Rotundifolia
Image by Jessa under CC BY-ND 2.0
| PARAMETERS | VALUES |
|---|---|
| PLANT | Rotala Rotundifolia |
| COMMON NAMES | Dwarf Rotala, Roundleaf toothcup |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Rotala Rotundifolia |
| FAMILY | Lythraceae |
| CARE LEVEL | Easy |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Medium |
| TEMPERATURE | 39-89 °F |
| pH | 4 - 8 |
| HARDNESS | 2 - 30°dGH |
| PLACEMENT | Background |
| MAXIMUM SIZE | 5-11 inches |
| MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Rotala Rotundifolia is a very popular tall stem plant that can grow up to 11 inches.
This plant can tolerate a wide range of water parameters specially temperature and you can use it in both cold water aquarium and tropical aquarium.
This plant can produce red leaves when it gets sufficient light.
How much light does it require?
Rotala rotundifolia is relatively undemanding plant when it comes to light compared to other species of genus rotala.
This plant can do well in medium light but to produce red leaves it requires strong lighting.
Ideal water parameters
Rotala rotundifolia can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
It can tolerate water temperature as low as 39℉ to 89℉.
The pH tolerance range is from 4 to 8 and the hardness tolerance range is from 2 to 30° dGH
Fertilization requirements
Rotala rotundifolia can do well without any fertilization fertilizers.
But if you supplement it with some fertilizers then it will encourage faster growth.
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon here
Conclusion
So these are the best background plants for aquarium.
I hope you found this list helpful.
Let me know if you have any doubts or questions in the comments section below and I’ll be happy to answer them all.
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Happy fishkeeping!