If you are looking for the best live plants for guppies, then you are at the right place.
In this blog post, I am going to show you the best plants that you can keep in your guppy fish aquarium.
I have categorized these plants into two categories:
- Best plants for guppy fry– these plants are good if you are breeding your guppy fish, as it will provide lots of hiding places for guppy fry.
- Best floating plants for guppies– these are the floating plants that you can keep in your guppies aquarium.
Table of Contents
24 Best live aquarium plants for guppies (Quick table)
Plant name | Care level | Placement | Buy from Amazon |
---|---|---|---|
Guppy Grass | Easy | Background | Click here |
Anubias | Easy | Mid-background | Click here |
Marimo moss balls | Easy | Foreground, Mid-ground, Carpet | Click here |
Amazon sword | Easy | Background | Click here |
Ludwigia repens | Easy | Background | Click here |
Dwarf Sagittaria | Easy | Mid-foreground | Click here |
Green Foxtail | Easy | Background | NA |
Java Moss | Easy | Foreground | Click here |
Java Fern | Easy | Mid-background | Click here |
Hornwort | Easy | Background | Click here |
Water Sprite | Easy | Mid-background | Click here |
Anacharis | Easy | Background | Click here |
Christmas moss | Easy | Foreground | Click here |
Water wisteria | Easy | Background or Carpet | Click here |
Moneywort | Intermediate | Background | Click here |
Jungle Vallisneria | Intermediate | Background | Click here |
Italian Vallisneria | Intermediate | Background | Click here |
Corkscrew Vallisneria | Easy | Background | Click here |
Duckweed | Easy | Floating | Click here |
Red Root Floater | Easy | Floating | Click here |
Salvinia Natans | Easy | Floating | Click here |
Water lettuce | Intermediate | Floating | Click here |
Amazon frogbit | Easy | Floating | Click here |
Brazilian pennywort | Easy | Floating | Click here |
How to choose live aquarium plants for your guppy tank?

There are a few things that you should keep in mind while choosing the live aquarium plants for your guppy fish tank.
Care level
When deciding which live plants to choose for your guppy tank, you should consider the care that the plants need.
If you are a beginner and you haven’t kept any live aquarium plants in a fish tank, then ideally you should go for hardy, low-maintenance aquarium plants that can survive in almost any water condition and without any additional fertilizers.
On the other hand, if you have experience with live aquarium plants, you can choose the live aquarium plants according to the aquascape you would like to create in your guppy tank.
Light requirements
As you already have a guppy fish tank set up and running, it probably has an aquarium light.
So you should choose the live aquarium plants according to the brightness that your existing aquarium light provides.
If you are considering investing in a high-quality aquarium light that is specifically made for live aquarium plants, then you should go for an aquarium light that has adjustable brightness.
Here is the aquarium light I recommend.
Choose plants that provide a lot of cover
One of the most important benefits of keeping live aquarium plants in a guppy fish tank is that the live plants provide a lot of cover and hiding places for the guppy fish as well as the guppy fry.
Hiding places are very important if you want to breed guppies.
So while choosing the live aquarium plants for your guppy tank, you should make sure to choose live aquarium plants that provide a lot of hiding places for your guppy fish as well as your guppy fry.
The hiding places give the guppy fry a place to stay safe until they get big enough not to get eaten by adults.
Choose live plants that are safe for guppies
Not all live aquarium plants are compatible with guppies.
That’s why you should make sure that the live aquarium plants you are choosing for guppies are safe to keep in a guppy tank.
Later in the article, I will share with you a list of live aquarium plants that are not safe for guppies.
Best Live Aquarium Plants For Guppies (My top choices)
1. Guppy Grass
See more images at Amazon here
PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Guppy grass |
COMMON NAMES | Guppy grass |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Najas guadalupensis |
FAMILY | Hydrocharitaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 50-86° F |
pH | 6-7 |
HARDNESS | 2-25 dKH |
PLACEMENT | Surface, background |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 3 feet |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
PROPAGATION | Side shoots/clippings |
Guppy grass is my pick among the best live plants for guppies.
There are several reasons behind it.
First of all, guppy grass gets its name because it is very famous among guppy breeders as it provides a lot of hiding places for guppy fry.
Secondly, it is very easy to care for a fast-growing plant.
Also, it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
So if you are a beginner and confused about which plant you should keep in your guppy aquarium, then I highly recommend you start with this plant.
Guppy grass also helps to maintain good water quality by removing harmful toxins like ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and other heavy metals.
It is also a very good oxygenating plant.
How much light does it require?
Guppy grass can do well in moderate lighting.
You should provide it at least 3-4 watts per gallon light.
What the best place to keep it in the aquarium?
You can plant guppy grass in any substrate in your aquarium.
Or you can just let it float in your aquarium.
Substrate requirements
You can use any substrate for guppy grass.
You can use either sand or gravel as a substrate for this plant.
For faster growth, you can use a nutrient-rich substrate.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier, guppy grass can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of guppy grass is from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7 and the hardness tolerance range is from 2 to 25 dKH.
Fertilization requirements
For proper and faster growth of guppy grass, you should supplement it with some liquid fertilizers.
You should add these fertilizers after the weekly water change.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
Check Out My 6 Tips to Take Care of Live Plants in Aquarium (For Beginners)
2. Anubias
See more images at Amazon here
Anubias is one of the most popular plants in the aquarium hobby.
This plant is very cheap and beginner-friendly.
Besides, it is also very easy to care for.
How much light does it require?
Anubias does well under low to moderate lighting conditions.
So ideally, you should provide it light anywhere between 2 to 3 watts per gallon of your aquarium.
If you provide it with brighter lighting conditions, it will grow faster, but it will also be more susceptible to early growth.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Anubias doesn’t grow very tall, so you should keep it in the foreground of your aquarium.
Substate requirements
This plant doesn’t have any substrate requirements, so you can plant it in any substrate.
However, it will do much better if you plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its water pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.8 and its water hardness tolerance range is between 3 to 8 KH.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum growth and development, you should supplement this plant with liquid fertilizer.
This plant will also benefit from CO2 injection.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
3. Marimo moss balls
Marimo moss ball is one of the easiest plants to keep and maintain in a guppy fish tank.
So if you are a beginner, this plant is for you.
How much light does it require?
Marimo moss ball is not very demanding when it comes to light.
In your tank, just make sure that it is getting low to moderate indirect light.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
As mentioned earlier, Marimo moss ball is one of the easiest plants to keep in an aquarium.
You can literally throw it in your aquarium wherever you like, and it will do just fine.
Besides, you can also get creative with it and attach it to an ornament in your tank or flatten it and use it as a carpet plant.
Substrate requirements
This plant doesn’t require substrate because it doesn’t need to be planted in an aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its water pH tolerance range is between 6 to 8 and its water hardness tolerance range is between 4 to 17 dh.
Fertilization requirements
This plant is very hardy and undemanding, so it doesn’t require any additional fertilization.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
4. Amazon sword
See more images at Amazon here
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly aquarium plant to create a Jungle-like effect in your tank, then Amazon sword is for you.
How much light does it require?
Amazon sword does well under low to moderate lighting conditions.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Amazon sword grows large leaves in all directions, so you should keep it in the center of your aquarium.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Amazon sword in any substrate.
Just make sure that the substrate is at least 2.5 inches thick so that it can form complex root structures in the substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Amazon sword is between 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.5 and its water hardness tolerance range is between 8 to 15 degrees DH.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum growth and development, you should regularly supplement Amazon sword with fertilizers.
And you can use fertilizers in both forms, that is, root tabs as well as liquid fertilizers.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
5. Ludwigia repens
See more images at Amazon here
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 |
If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for red aquarium plant, then Ludwigia repens is for you.
How much light does it require?
Ludwigia repens does well under medium to high lighting conditions.
So you should provide it with light anywhere between 2 to 4 Watts per gallon of your aquarium.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Ludwigia repens can grow pretty tall. So ideally, you should keep it in the background of your aquarium.
Substrate requirements
You can use any substrate to plant Ludwigia repens in your aquarium except for sand substrate.
Because if you plant it in a sand substrate, there is a possibility that its roots will suffocate.
Ideal water parameters
Ludwigia repens can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, especially temperature.
You can keep it in temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s pH tolerance range is between 5 to 8 and it does well in very soft to very hard water.
Fertilization requirements
Ludwigia repens is not very demanding when it comes to fertilizers.
So it can do fine without any additional fertilizers.
However, for optimum growth and coloration, you should regularly supplement it with fertilizers.
And it will also appreciate CO2 injection.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
6. Dwarf Sagittaria
See more images at Amazon here
If you are looking for a short and fast growing plant, then Dwarf Sagittaria is for you.
This plant is also very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Dwarf Sagittaria does well under moderate lighting conditions.
So you should provide it with light anywhere between 2 to 3 Watts per gallon of your aquarium.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
As this is a short plant, you should keep Dwarf Sagittaria in the foreground or mid-ground of your tank.
Substrate requirements
Dwarf Sagittaria can grow well in any substrate.
However, you will get better results if you plant it in a soil-based substrate that is specifically rich in iron and CO2.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Dwarf Sagittaria is between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6 to 8.
And it’s water hardness tolerance range is between 3 to 12 KH.
Fertilization requirements
Dwarf Sagittaria will do well without any additional fertilizers. However, if you provide it with fertilizers that are specifically rich in iron and CO2 then you will definitely get better results.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
Best Plants for Guppy Fry
7. Green Foxtail
PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Green Foxtail |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Myriophyllum Pinnatum |
FAMILY | Halorhagaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 72-82° F |
pH | 6.5-7.5 |
HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
PLACEMENT | Background |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 24 inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Green foxtail is a fast-growing, tall plant that can grow as tall as 24 inches.
This plant is very easy to care for which makes it ideal for beginners.
If you provide it with the ideal environment, it can grow as fast as one inch per week.
How much light does it require?
Green foxtail doesn’t require a lot of light.
It can do well in moderate lighting conditions.
If it gets very low light then it will grow slowly.
Ideally, you should provide medium lighting of at least 2 to 3 watts per gallon.
You can use any light for this plant, but full-spectrum aquarium lights are recommended.
Checkout our lighting recommendation
What’s the best place to keep it in the aquarium?
There are two options when it comes to Green foxtail for keeping it in your aquarium.
You can either plant it in the substrate or just let it float in your aquarium.
Substrate requirements
You can use gravel or soil as a substrate for green foxtail.
It will also benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of green foxtail is from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.5 to 7.5.
And hardness tolerance is between 3-8KH.
Fertilization requirements
Fertilizers are not necessary for green foxtail.
But you can supplement it with some fertilizers to speed up its growth.
8. Java Moss
See more images at Amazon here
PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Java moss |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Vesicularia dubyana |
FAMILY | Hypnaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Very easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low to Bright |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 59-86°F |
pH | 5.0 to 8.0 |
HARDNESS | 60- 240 ppm |
PLACEMENT | Foreground |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 4 inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 5 gallon |
Java Moss is a very popular plant in the aquarium hobby.
This plant is very easy to care for and it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, which makes it ideal for beginners.
This is a fast-growing plant, and it provides a lot of hiding places and protection to the guppy fry.
It is also a very good oxygenating plant, and it improves the overall water quality of the aquarium.
How much light does it require?
Java Moss is very undemanding when it comes to light.
This plant can grow in almost any lighting condition.
You can keep this plant in very low light or in very highlighting conditions as well.
Though you will notice some differences according to different lighting conditions it is kept in.
When you keep it in low lighting conditions, it will grow darker and lankier.
On the other hand, when you keep it in high lighting conditions, it will grow denser.
When you keep this plant in high lighting conditions, it can also promote algae growth.
So ideally, you should keep it in moderate light.
That will help it grow fast, and it will not cause any algae growth on this plant.
How to keep Java Moss in an aquarium?
There are several ways you can keep Java Moss in your aquarium, depending on the aesthetic look you are looking for.
The simplest way is to just let it float in your aquarium.
You can also use it as a carpet plant.
Ideal water parameters
Java Moss can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of Java Moss is from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 5 to 8.
And you should keep it in soft water.
Substrate requirements
Java moss doesn’t have real roots.
So you can keep it in an aquarium that doesn’t even have any substrate by attaching it to any ornament, like driftwood or rock.
Also, as mentioned earlier, you can just let it float in your aquarium.
Or you can use it as a carpet plant.
Fertilization requirements
Java Moss is a very hardy plant and can do well without any fertilizers.
But to speed up its growth, you can supplement it with some fertilizer.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
Check Out My 20 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Aquarium
9. Java Fern
See more images at Amazon here
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 another popular plant in the aquarium hobby.
This plant is very easy to care for, and it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, which makes it ideal for beginners.
This plant is very hardy and is widely available in almost every aquarium shop.
Also, this plant is relatively cheap.
When you keep multiple Java ferns close to each other in your tank, it will create very good hiding places for guppy fry.
How much light does it require?
You should keep Java fern in low to moderate lighting conditions.
This plant cannot tolerate high lighting conditions and will turn brown and transparent when you keep it under strong lighting.
So ideally, you should provide it 1.5-2 watts of light per gallon.
What’s the best place to keep Java fern in an aquarium?
Java fern doesn’t grow very quickly, but it can grow very large and wide.
So ideally, you should keep it in the middle of your aquarium if you have a small to medium size aquarium.
Or you can also keep it as a background plant if you have a large aquarium.
To create hiding places for guppy fry you should plant multiple Java ferns close to each other.
Substrate requirements
This plant actually lacks any true roots; instead, it has rhizomes.
So, this plant can grow without any substrate.
Also, Java fern is a water column feeder, i.e. it gets nutrients through its leaves.
You can just let it float in your aquarium, though this is not a very common practice with this plant.
Or you can also attach it to any ornament, like driftwood or rock, and it will do fine.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of Java fern is from 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance ranges from 3 to 8 KH.
Fertilization requirements
You can supplement Java fern with some fertilizers to speed up its growth.
As Java fern is a water column feeder, you should supplement it with liquid fertilizers.
You should add these fertilizers after the weekly water changes.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
10. Hornwort
See more images at Amazon here
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 also a very popular aquarium plant and it is widely available in most aquarium shops.
It is a fast-growing stem plant that can grow as long as 10 feet.
It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters which makes it ideal for beginners.
This plant can tolerate temperature as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can easily keep it in a cold water aquarium.
Hornwort can grow very quickly and can provide a lot of hiding places for guppy fry.
How much light does it require?
When it comes to lighting for hornwort, the more the light it gets the faster it grows.
But high lighting can also cause algae growth.
So, you should provide it moderate lighting for its proper and fast growth.
Substrate requirements
Hornwort doesn’t really require a substrate to grow.
Actually, it doesn’t have any true roots but you can use its leaves to anchor it into the substrate.
You can use any substitute for planting it in your aquarium.
You can also just let it float in your aquarium.
How to keep hornwort in an aquarium?
Hornwort is a tall stem plant that can grow as tall as 10 feet so you should keep it as a background plant in an aquarium.
You can also just let it float in your aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
Hornwort can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of hornwort is from 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance ranges from 5 to 15 dGH.
Fertilization requirements
Hornwort doesn’t require fertilizer for its growth.
This plant comes with allelopathic abilities that allow it to release certain chemicals that block the growth of other plants in its surroundings so that it can get all the available nutrients.
So if you have other plants in your aquarium then you should add some fertilizers so that there will be e no shortage of nutrients in your aquarium.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
Plants Help to Lower Ammonia in an Aquarium
11. Water Sprite
See more images at Amazon here
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 spirit is a tall plant that can grow as tall as 13 inches.
This is a pretty hardy plant, and it is very easy to maintain, which makes it ideal for beginners.
This plant creates a lot of hiding places in the aquarium for guppy fry.
How much light does water Sprite require?
Water Sprite doesn’t require very strong light.
You should provide low to moderate light for the proper growth of this plant.
Ideally, you should provide 2-3 watts per gallon of light to this plant.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
You can either plant Water Sprite in a substrate of your aquarium or just let it float in it.
As Water Sprite is a tall plant that can grow up to 13 inches, if you have a small to medium size aquarium, you can keep it in the middle ground of your aquarium.
If you have a large tank, then you can keep it in the background of your aquarium.
Substrate requirements.
Water Sprite is a very hardy plant, and it can do well in any substrate.
You can use gravel or sand as a substrate for this plant.
If you keep it in a nutrient-rich substrate, then it can help with the faster growth of this plant, though it is not necessary.
One thing you should keep in mind is that when you plant it in a substrate, the substrate should be at least 2 to 3 inches thick.
Fertilization requirements
Water Sprite can do well without any fertilizers.
But to speed up its growth, you can supplement it with some fertilizer.
If you are planting it in a substrate, then you can use both root tabs and liquid fertilizers for it.
If you let it flow in your aquarium, then you should supplement it with some liquid fertilizers.
You should add these fertilizers after weekly water changes.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of Water Sprite is between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is between 6.0-7.5 and the hardness should be between 3 to 8 KH.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
12. Anacharis
See more images at Amazon here
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 a well-known plant in the aquarium hobby.
It is a fast-growing stem plant that can grow as tall as 8 inches.
This plant is very easy to maintain, and it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, which makes it ideal for beginners.
This plant can be kept at low temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can easily keep it in a cold water aquarium.
When you plant multiple anacharis plants close to each other, it creates lots of hiding places for guppy fry.
How much light does it require?
Ideally, you should provide moderate lighting conditions for the proper growth of anacharis.
If it gets low light, it can die.
On the other hand, if it receives very strong light, it can cause algae growth on this plant.
So ideally, you should provide 2 watts of light per gallon for this plant.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
You can plant anacharis in the substrate of your aquarium, or you can also let it float in your aquarium.
Some people have noticed that it grows faster when you keep it floating in the aquarium, as it will get more light than when it is planted.
Though you can also speed up its growth when it is planted by planting it in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Substrate requirements
You can use any substrate for anacharis, whether it is sand or gravel.
To speed up its growth rate, you can plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier, Anacharis can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of this plant is 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is from 6.5 to 7.5 and the hardness tolerance range is between 3-8 KH.
Fertilization requirements
If you have a cold water aquarium, then you don’t really need to add any fertilizers for anacharis.
But if you have a tropical fish aquarium, then you should supplement it with some substrate fertilizers like root tabs.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
Plants help to Increase Oxygen in an Aquarium
13. Christmas moss
If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for carpeting aquarium plant for your guppy tank, then Christmas moss is for you.
This plant is also very beginner-friendly, so you can keep it in your aquarium if you are a beginner.
How much light does it require?
This aquarium plant is not very demanding when it comes to light.
However, ideally, you should provide it with at least moderate lighting conditions.
Under brighter lighting conditions, it will grow much faster.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
The most common way to keep this live aquarium plant in an aquarium is by using it as a carpet aquarium plant and spreading it across the substrate of the aquarium.
Besides, you can also keep it free floating in your tank, and it will provide great hiding places for guppy fry.
Substrate requirements
You don’t need any substrate to keep it in your aquarium because it doesn’t need to be planted.
You can attach it to any ornament in your tank, or you can spread it across the substrate of your tank and use it as a carpet plant.
You can also keep it free floating in your tank.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 5 to 7.5.
Fertilization requirements
This plant is not very demanding, so it will do just fine without any additional fertilizers.
However, for compact and faster growth, you should supplement it with some liquid fertilizer.
This plant will also appreciate CO2 injection.
Buy this plant online
Check the latest price of this plant at Amazon.com here
14. 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 |
If you are looking for a hardy aquarium plant to keep in the background of your tank, then Water wisteria is for you.
This plant is also very popular, so you can easily find it at your local aquarium shop or online.
How much light does it require?
For proper growth and development, we should provide Water wisteria with light anywhere between 2 to 3 Watts per gallon of your aquarium.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
You can plant Water wisteria in your aquarium, or you can also spread it across the aquarium substrate and use it as a carpet plant.
If you plant it in your aquarium, then you should keep it in the background of your tank because this plant can grow pretty tall, up to 20 inches.
Substrate requirements
Ideally, you should plant Water wisteria in a sand substrate because, naturally, it grows in sand.
However, you can also plant it in a fine gravel substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.5 and its water hardness tolerance range is between 2 to 8 KH.
Fertilization requirements
Water wisteria is very undemanding, so it can do well without any additional fertilizers.
However, just to make sure that the plant is getting all the nutrients it needs for proper growth and development, you should provide it with liquid fertilizer.
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15. Moneywort
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Moneywort |
COMMON NAMES | Moneywort |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Bacopa Monnieri |
FAMILY | Scropulariacase |
CARE LEVEL | Moderate |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate to High |
GROWTH RATE | Moderate |
TEMPERATURE | 72-82° F |
pH | 6.5-7.5 |
HARDNESS | KH 3-8 |
PLACEMENT | Background |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 12+ inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
If you are looking for a fairly tall growing stem plant, then Moneywort is for you.
How much light does it require?
Moneywort does well under moderate lighting conditions, so you should provide it at least two watts of light per gallon.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Moneywort can grow fairly tall so you should keep it in the middle or background of your guppy fish tank
Subtract requirements
You can plant this plant in any substrate of your choice. However, it will definitely benefit if you plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Moneywort is between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.5 and its water hardness tolerance range is between 3-8 kh.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum growth and development, you should regularly supplement Moneywort with fertilizers.
And you should use liquid fertilizer for this plant, which you should add after doing a water change.
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16. Jungle Vallisneria
Jungle Vallisneria is one of the first aquarium plants introduced in the aquarium hobby.
This plant is very hardy, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Jungle Vallisneria can do well in any lighting condition as long as it is getting light.
However, it will grow much faster under high lighting conditions.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Jungle Vallisneria is a tall growing stem plant, that can grow as tall as 6 feet, so you should keep it in the background of your tank.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Jungle Vallisneria in either a gravel or sand substrate in your aquarium.
If you plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate, it will definitely benefit from it and grow much faster.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Jungle Vallisneria is between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6.8 to 8.
And it prefers moderately hard to very hard water.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum growth and development, Jungle Vallisneria requires fertilizers that are specifically rich in iron. You should add the fertilizer after doing a water change.
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17. Italian Vallisneria
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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 |
If you are looking for a cheap and hardy live aquarium plant that is very easy to care for, Italian Vallisneria is for you.
How much light does it require?
Italian Vallisneria does well under moderate lighting conditions.
However, under high lighting conditions, it will grow much faster.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Italian Vallisneria is a tall growing stem plant that can grow as tall as 21 inches, so you should keep it in the background of your guppy fish tank.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Italian Vallisneria in any substrate whether that is sand or gravel.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Italian Vallisneria is between 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is between 6 to 7.5 and the water hardness range is between 4 to 80 degrees N.
Fertilization requirements
You don’t need to feed Italian Vallisneria any fertilizer, and it can do just fine without it.
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18. Corkscrew Vallisneria
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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 |
If you are looking for a unique sea-grass type plant for your aquarium that is very easy to care for, Corkscrew Vallisneria is for you.
How much light does it require?
Corkscrew Vallisneria requires at least moderate lighting conditions to do well.
Ideally, you should keep it in high lighting conditions.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
In small aquariums, Corkscrew Vallisneria is an ideal choice to keep in the background of the tank; if you have a larger tank, you can keep it in the foreground of your tank.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Corkscrew Vallisneria in any substrate.
Just make sure not to bury its leaf base into the substrate.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Corkscrew Vallisneria is between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s pH tolerance range is between 5 to 8 and it prefers hard water.
Fertilization requirements
Corkscrew Vallisneria will definitely benefit if you provide it with root tabs on a regular basis.
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Floating Aquarium Plants for Guppies
19. Duckweed
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Duckweed |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Lemnoideae |
FAMILY | Araceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low to high |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 42.8 to 91.4° F |
pH | 5.0 to 9.0 |
WATER HARDNESS | 17 to 180 ppm |
PLACEMENT | Floating |
MAXIMUM SIZE | Each ‘pod’ is 0.8 inches long |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 2 gallons |
Duckweed is a fast-growing floating aquarium plant.
This is a very easy-to-maintain plant, which makes it a good option for beginners.
People have mixed opinions about this plant.
Some people consider it a rampant pest.
On the other hand, this plant does have some benefits if you keep its growth under control.
This plant can grow very quickly, so you should keep an eye on it and regularly trim it.
If maintained well, this plant can work as a very good water purifier for your aquarium.
It is also very easy to maintain
As it grows very quickly, it will provide a lot of hiding places for guppy fry.
How much light does it require?
This plant requires high lighting conditions for its fast growth.
Usually, lighting will not be an issue as it is a floating plant.
You can use any artificial LED lighting for this plant.
How to keep duckweed in an aquarium?
Duckweed is a floating plant, so you should just let it float on the surface of the water of your aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
Duckweed can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as 42 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its pH tolerance range is from 5 to 9.
Fertilization requirements
Duckweed can do well without any fertilizers.
But it can benefit from some liquid fertilizers.
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20. Red Root Floater
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Red Root Floater |
COMMON NAMES | Red Root Floater |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Phyllanthus fluitans |
FAMILY | Phyllanthaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Low to High |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 70° – 82° F |
pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
PLACEMENT | Floating |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Red root floater is native to South America, and it is now reported spreading in Florida.
Red root floater is easy to maintain and a fast-growing floating aquarium plant.
This plant does well in low water flow aquariums, and it can not tolerate a high level of surface agitation.
This is a very good oxygenating plant, and it propagates very quickly.
This plant is ideal for open-top aquariums because it does not do well in too much humidity or moisture.
Humidity and moisture can rot this plant.
How much light does it require?
Red root floater can do well in almost any lighting condition.
It provides red coloration on its leaves when it is kept under high lighting conditions.
It also has red roots that will float inside the aquarium that can maintain their coloration in any lighting condition.
How to keep it in an aquarium?
Red root floater, as the name suggests, is a floating plant, so you should just let it float on the surface of the water of your aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature for the proper growth of Red root floater is 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.5.
Fertilization requirements
Red root floaters do not require any additional CO2 supplementation for its red coloration.
But it will benefit from regular supplementation of liquid fertilizers.
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Plants Help to Lower Temperature in an Aquarium
21. Salvinia Natans
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Salvinia Natans |
COMMON NAMES | Floating Moss, Floating Fern, Floating Watermoss, Water Butterfly Moss |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Salvinia Natans |
FAMILY | Salviniaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate to High |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 54 – 86° F |
pH | 6-8 |
PLACEMENT | Floating |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 2-3 inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
Salvinia natans is a fast-growing floating plant.
It is also known as floating watermoss, water butterfly, floating fern or floating moss.
This plant is very easy to care for and it can tolerate a wide range of water parameters
This plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 54 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can easily keep it in a cold water aquarium.
This plant also help to remove toxic heavy metals from the water. So it will work as a very good water purifier for your aquarium and improve water quality.
How much light does it require?
Salvinia natans requires good lighting for its fast growth.
You should provide moderate to high light to this plant.
You should use a strong LED for this plant.
How to keep it in an aquarium?
Salvinia natans is a floating plant, so you should keep it on the surface of the water of your aquarium.
This plant will provide a lot of hiding places for the guppy fry.
Ideal water parameters
As mentioned earlier, Salvinia natans can tolerate a wide range of water parameters.
That being said, the ideal temperature for the proper growth of this plant is between 54-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pH tolerance range is between 6 to 8.
Fertilization requirements
As with all aquatic plants, Salvinia natans can benefit from regular dozing of liquid fertilizers.
You should add these fertilizers after the weekly water changes.
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22. Water lettuce
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Water Lettuce |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Pistia |
FAMILY | Araceae |
CARE LEVEL | Moderate |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
GROWTH RATE | Moderate |
TEMPERATURE | 70 to 80 °F |
pH | 6.5-7.2 pH |
HARDNESS | Soft to Moderately Hard |
PLACEMENT | Water Surface |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 10 inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
If you are looking for a floating aquarium plant and are up for a challenge, then Water lettuce is for you.
The reason this plant is a little challenging to keep in an aquarium is that it is very difficult to provide it with the ideal conditions for it to grow in an aquarium.
Basically, it requires humidity to grow, and that is difficult to replicate in a home aquarium.
Besides, if provided with the ideal environment, this plant can completely overrun your aquarium.
So it is definitely not a good choice for beginners.
How much light does it require?
Water lettuce does well under moderate lighting conditions.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
Water lettuce grows floating on the surface of the water, so you should keep it floating on the surface of your aquarium water.
Substrate requirements
As Water lettuce is a floating aquarium plant, it doesn’t require any substrate to grow in an aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
The ideal temperature range for Water lettuce is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s pH tolerance range is between 6.5 to 7.2 and it prefers soft to moderately hard water.
Fertilization requirements
Water lettuce is not very demanding when it comes to fertilizers, and it will do just fine without any additional fertilizers.
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23. Amazon frogbit
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Amazon Frogbit |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Limnobium laevigatum |
FAMILY | Hydrocharitaceae |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 64 to 84 °F |
pH | 6.0-7.5 pH |
HARDNESS | 200 ppm-240 ppm |
PLACEMENT | Surface |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 20 Inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for floating aquarium plant, then Amazon Frogbit is for you.
How much light does it require?
Light is not an issue for Amazon frogbit as long as it is getting some light in your aquarium.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
As Amazon frogbit is a floating aquarium plant, you should keep it floating on the surface of your aquarium water.
Substrate requirements
As Amazon frogbit is a floating aquarium plant, you don’t need any substrate to keep it in your aquarium.
Ideal water parameters
Amazon frogbit can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, especially temperature.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as 64 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s pH tolerance range is between 6 to 7.5 and it prefers soft to moderately hard water.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum and faster growth, you should regularly supplement Amazon frogbit with liquid fertilizer.
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24. Brazilian pennywort
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PARAMETERS | VALUES |
---|---|
PLANT | Brazilian Pennywort |
SCIENTIFIC NAME | Hydrocotyle leucocephala |
CARE LEVEL | Easy |
LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Moderate |
GROWTH RATE | Fast |
TEMPERATURE | 68 – 82°F |
pH | 6.0 – 7.8 |
PLACEMENT | Floating or Foreground |
MAXIMUM SIZE | 8 inches |
MINIMUM TANK SIZE | 10 gallon |
If you are looking for a fast growing easy to easy-to-care-for aquarium plant then Brazilian pennywort is for you.
How much light does it require?
Brazilian pennywort does well in moderate to high lighting conditions.
Under high lighting conditions, it will grow much faster.
What’s the best place to keep it in an aquarium?
There are a couple of ways you can keep Brazilian pennywort in your aquarium.
You can keep it floating in your tank, or you can also plant it in the substrate of your tank.
If you plant it in the substrate of your tank, then you should keep it in the middle or background of your tank.
Substrate requirements
You can plant Brazilian pennywort in any substrate.
Ideal water parameters
Brazilian pennywort does well between the temperatures of 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
And it’s pH tolerance range is between 6 to 7.8.
Fertilization requirements
For optimum and faster growth, you should regularly supplement Brazilian pennywort with fertilizers, especially those that are rich in iron and nitrogen.
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Benefits of live aquarium plants in a guppy fish tank

There are lots of benefits to keeping live aquarium plants in not only a guppy tank but any fish tank.
Actually, I have written a detailed article covering all the benefits of live aquarium plants in a fish tank.
However, in this section, I am going to point out the benefits of live aquarium plants, specifically for guppies.
Live plants provide cover in a guppy fish tank
Live aquarium plants are excellent for providing covers and creating hiding places in a guppy fish tank.
Now, creating hiding places and covers in your guppy fish tank is extremely important for your guppies because they feel protected.
Facilitate mating and breeding
Another advantage of live aquarium plants is that they promote guppie mating and breeding behavior.
Live aquarium plants provide a great contrast for male guppies to show off their beautiful fins and attract females.
Furthermore, live aquarium plants provide female guppies with covers where they typically release their babies.
Provides hiding places for guppy fry
Once babies come out of females, live aquarium plants provide great places for the babies to hide.
As guppies are filial cannibals, they eat their own babies. That’s why it is extremely important to have a lot of hiding places in your tank where guppy fry can hide and stay out of the reach of adult guppies.
Helps to maintain good water quality
Guppies are prolific breeders, and they can quickly multiply.
And as guppies multiply, they will produce more and more waste in your fish tank.
To keep up with the waste, live aquarium plants are great because they absorb toxins such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates.
Increases oxygen in a fish tank
As your guppies multiply in your fish tank, they will need more and more oxygen to survive in the tank.
And plants are great for increasing dissolved oxygen in a fish tank.
Aquarium plants that are toxic for guppies

- Brazilian Sword Plant
- Peace Lily
- Pothos
- Hygrophila Balsamica
- Water Hemlock
- Caladium
- Philodendron
What else do guppies like in their tank?

Besides live aquarium plants, there are several things that guppies like in their tank.
Ideal water parameters
For the proper growth and development of your guppies, you will need to make sure to keep the water parameters within the ideal range that they need.
Below is a table showing the ideal water parameters for a guppy fish tank.
Add the table here
Varied diet
Guppies are omnivorous, which is why you will need to feed them both plant-based food and animal-based food for their proper growth and development.
I have written a detailed article about the best fish foods for guppies, which contain fish foods that contain all the nutrients that guppies need.
Besides fish foods, you can also feed fruits and vegetables to your guppies.
Here are 50 foods you can feed your guppies.
A stress-free environment in the tank
For guppies to live a long and healthy life, you will need to make sure to provide a stress-free environment for them in the tank.
This means that you should not keep aggressive and bigger species of fish that can potentially eat your guppies in your tank.
Besides, you should add live aquarium plants and ornaments in your tank to create a lot of hiding places where guppies can hide if they feel stressed or threatened for some reason.
FAQ

Do guppies need live plants?
It is not a must to have live plants in a guppy aquarium.
But there are lots of benefits of keeping live plants in not only guppy aquarium but any aquarium.
Live plants help to emulate the natural habitat of guppy fish.
It also helps to improve water quality.
If you are trying to breed guppies then live plants do provide shelter and hiding place places for fry.
Do guppies eat aquarium plants?
No, guppies don’t eat aquarium plants.
Though some people have noticed guppies sometimes nibble on the plants.
Still, any aquatic plant can survive there nibbling.
So you don’t need to worry that guppies will consume the plants completely.
Do guppies like heavily planted tanks?
Yes, guppies like to be in a heavily planted tanks.
Just make sure that you are keeping the plants through which they can swim around.
Heavily planted tanks also promote breeding and it provides a lot of hiding places for fry.
Is duckweed good for guppies?
Yes, you can keep duckweed in a guppy fish aquarium.
Duckweed is a floating plant so it will provide good hiding places for guppy fry.
What plants do guppies eat?
Guppies feed on dead or decaying plants. Your guppies may nibble on the live plans. However, they will never consume the whole plant.
Is Hornwort good for guppies?
Hornwort is one of the best live aquarium plants to keep in a guppy tank. Because it can provide a lot of hiding places and covers for your guppy fish and fry.
Besides, it is very hardy and easy to take care of, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
Do guppies like floating plants?
Guppies like floating plants because they provide good hiding places for the guppy fry.
Besides, they also help to maintain good water quality.
Are plastic plants good for guppies?
You can keep plastic aquarium plants in your tank; just make sure that the plants are safe to keep in an aquarium.
Do guppies sleep in plants?
Yes, it is very common for guppies to sleep in plants. Plants provide a great cover and hiding place for them to sleep and feel protected.
If you notice that your guppies are hovering below leaves then it is a sign that your guppies are sleeping.
Conclusion
So these are the best live plants for guppies.
I hope you found this article helpful
If you do, please share it.
Let me know if you have any doubts in the comments below.
Also, let me know if you have any other plant suggestions in the comments below.
Happy fishkeeping!