10 Best Live Plants for Beginner Planted Tanks

Live plants improve water quality, provide shelter for fish and fry, and simply make a tank look more alive. These ten species tolerate the inevitable learning curve of a first planted tank.

1. Java Fern

Nearly indestructible and low-light tolerant, Java fern attaches to driftwood or rock rather than being planted in substrate.

2. Anubias

Similar to Java fern in care and attachment method, Anubias has broad, tough leaves that most fish won’t touch.

3. Amazon Sword

A classic background plant with broad leaves, the Amazon sword does well in moderate light with root tabs.

4. Java Moss

Excellent for breeding tanks and shrimp colonies, Java moss provides cover for fry and grazing surface for shrimp — see our shrimp keeping guide.

5. Cryptocoryne

A hardy genus available in many leaf shapes and colors, tolerant of lower light than many stem plants.

6. Water Wisteria

A fast-growing stem plant that helps absorb excess nutrients and out-competes algae.

7. Hornwort

An extremely hardy floating or planted stem plant, useful for quickly establishing a planted look.

8. Vallisneria

A tall, grass-like background plant that spreads via runners once established.

9. Dwarf Sagittaria

A low-growing carpeting option that tolerates moderate light better than many true carpet plants.

10. Duckweed

A floating plant that absorbs nitrates quickly, though it spreads fast and needs regular thinning.

Browse our full live plants selection, including the Red Melon Sword, and see our aquascaping basics guide for layout tips.