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Top 5 Visually-Stunning Plants to Include in Your Aquascape

28 Aug, 2024

Aquascaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people creating beautiful underwater landscapes in their own homes. One of the key elements of a successful aquascape is choosing the right plants to include.

Today, we will look at the top 5 visually-stunning plants that will elevate your aquascape to the next level.

 

1) Anubias Barteri

anubias barteri

Anubias Barteri is a low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners. It has dark green leaves that grow slowly and stay relatively small, making it ideal for smaller aquariums or as a foreground plant in larger tanks.

The unique shape and texture of its leaves make Anubias Barteri a visually striking addition to any aquascape. Its hardy nature also makes it a great choice for aquariums with herbivorous fish that may nibble on other plants.

Consider the Anubias Petite for a more compact variety. If you're interested in diverse leaf patterns, explore options like Anubias Coffeefolia, Anubias Golden Coin, and Anubias Hastifolia.

 

2) Java Moss

java moss

Java Moss is another easy-to-grow plant that can add visual interest to your aquascape. It has small, delicate leaves that form dense, lush carpets in the tank. This makes it ideal for creating a natural-looking foreground or covering up unsightly hardscape elements.

Its versatility doesn't stop there – Java Moss can also be tied to rocks or wood and left to grow freely, creating an eye-catching vertical element in your aquascape.

 

3) Amazon Sword

amazon sword

The Amazon Sword is a popular choice among aquascapers due to its large, dramatic leaves and vibrant green colour. It can grow quite tall, making it perfect for filling in the background of your tank.

Not only does the Amazon Sword add visual interest, but it also serves as a natural hiding spot for fish and other aquatic creatures. This plant thrives in nutrient-rich substrates, and with proper care, can become a focal point in your aquascape.

Some other mosses suitable for beginners are Christmas Moss, Weeping Moss, and Flaming Moss.

 

4) Rotala Red

rotala red

If you want to add a pop of colour to your aquascape, look no further than Rotala Red. This bright red plant adds a striking contrast to the typical green hues found in most aquariums. It also has delicate leaves that create a soft and elegant texture in the tank.

Rotala Red is often used as a mid-ground or background plant, but it can also be trimmed and kept as a low-lying carpet. With good lighting and proper fertilisation, this plant will thrive in your aquascape, adding vibrancy and visual interest to the overall design.

 

5) Java Fern

java fern

No aquascape is complete without the Java Fern. Its unique, textured leaves add depth and dimension to any underwater landscape. It is a hardy plant that does well in low light conditions, making it perfect for beginners or tanks with minimal lighting.

Java Fern can be attached to hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood using fishing line or glue, creating a unique and natural-looking display in your tank.

If curly leaves intrigue you, the Java Fern Windelov is worth considering. Our collection of Java Ferns also includes the 'Narrow Leaf' and 'Trident' varieties.

 

Takeaway

Incorporating visually-stunning aquatic plants into your aquascape not only adds aesthetic appeal, but also provides natural benefits such as oxygenation, filtration, and shelter for aquatic life.

By including these top 5 plants in your design, you can create a stunning underwater landscape that will be the envy of all who see it. So experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance for your own unique aquascape!