Aquarium Fish Compatibility Checker

Easy Care

Java Fern is perhaps the most universally recommended plant for beginner aquarists. Originating from Southeast Asia, it is an epiphyte, meaning that in nature it grows attached to rocks and driftwood rather than buried in soil. In the aquarium, planting its rhizome (the thick green stem the roots grow from) directly into the gravel will cause it to rot and die. It must be tied or glued to hardscape. It is incredibly hardy and tolerates very low lighting and a wide range of water parameters. Because of its tough, leathery leaves, it is one of the few plants that herbivorous fish (like goldfish and certain cichlids) will usually leave alone. It reproduces by growing miniature 'plantlets' directly on the edges of its older leaves, which eventually detach and float away to root elsewhere.

Easy Care

Anubias Nana is a stunning, dark green plant with thick, broad leaves that provide excellent resting spots for fish like Bettas. Like Java Fern, it is an epiphyte and must be attached to wood or rock rather than buried in the substrate. It is notoriously slow-growing, often producing only one new leaf per month. While this makes it very easy to maintain without constant trimming, it also makes the broad leaves susceptible to algae growth if placed under lighting that is too intense. It thrives in low-tech setups without injected CO2 and is robust enough to survive in tanks with rowdy fish.

Easy Care

The Amazon Sword is a classic centerpiece plant for large aquariums. Under the right conditions, this heavy root-feeder can explode in growth, producing massive, bright green leaves that can easily reach 20 inches in height. It is ideal for planting in the background of the tank where it can create a dense, jungle-like aesthetic. Because of its massive root structure, the Amazon Sword requires a deep, nutrient-rich substrate. If you are using plain gravel or sand, you must regularly push root tab fertilizers deep into the substrate near its base. While it can survive in low light, medium to high light paired with root fertilizers will unlock its true potential and speed.

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Jungle Val is a towering, ribbon-like plant that is perfect for creating a dramatic background or hiding equipment like heaters and filter intake tubes. It grows incredibly fast and tall, with its long leaves often reaching the surface and gracefully trailing across the top of the water. It propagates rapidly by sending out runners beneath the substrate, quickly forming a dense forest if left unchecked. It is very hardy and can tolerate harder water than many other aquatic plants. Note that Jungle Val is famously sensitive to liquid carbon supplements (like Excel); using these products will often cause the plant to melt away completely.

Easy Care

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a classic, hardy rosette plant originating from Sri Lanka. It is highly adaptable, growing well under low light and without CO2. When first introduced or moved, it may drop its leaves (known as 'Crypt melt'), but it will quickly grow back acclimated to your water chemistry.

Easy Care

Features long, strap-like leaves with a unique puckered or crinkled texture that ripple beautifully in the filter current. It is hardy and grows tall, making it a great background plant. It prefers hard water and benefits from root fertilizer tabs.

Easy Care

An exceptionally fast-growing, hardy stem plant with highly variable, lace-like leaves. Water Wisteria is useful for beginners and can take up nutrients from the water column, helping compete with algae when growth is healthy. It can be planted or floated.

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Also known as Indian Fern, this highly popular fern-like stem plant is versatile and fast-growing. It can be rooted in the substrate or left to float at the surface, providing excellent shelter for fry, nesting bettas, and shrimp.

Easy Care

Hornwort is a rootless aquatic plant that can be grown floating or loosely anchored. It can grow quickly and take up nutrients from the water column, making it useful in many beginner aquariums. Rapid growth may require regular trimming.

Easy Care

A popular stem plant with rows of green leaves along a sturdy stem. It can grow quickly under suitable conditions and take up nutrients from the water column. It can be used in many freshwater aquariums, although some herbivorous fish may readily eat it.

Easy Care

A tiny, single-leaved floating plant that can multiply very rapidly. Duckweed takes up nutrients from the water and can provide surface cover, but it may spread across much of the surface and reduce light reaching plants below. It can also be difficult to remove completely once established.

Easy Care

A very popular floating plant with round, spongy leaves that lie flat on the surface and long, beautiful feathery roots that trail downward. These roots absorb nutrients and offer excellent hiding areas for baby fish, shrimp, and nesting labyrinth fish.

Easy Care

A floating fern with pairs of small, oval leaves covered in tiny hair-like structures that repel water. Water Spangles can grow quickly and provide surface cover while taking up nutrients from the water.

Easy Care

A popular and relatively easy stem plant that can add red coloration to community aquariums. Stronger lighting generally produces better red coloration, while lower light can result in greener growth. It is fast-growing and easy to propagate by cutting and replanting stems.