Aquarium enthusiasts often seek fast-growing plants to create a lush, vibrant underwater landscape. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium but also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by providing oxygen and shelter for fish.
Here’s a list of 10 fast-growing aquarium plants.
Water Wisteria
Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is a versatile and hardy freshwater aquatic plant that hails from the marshy habitats of Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Underwater, water wisteria is a true beauty. Its long, thin, bright green leaves stand out, especially when illuminated by the right lighting.
Water wisteria serves as a shelter for small fish, which can move swiftly through its dense foliage.
It can be rooted normally, planted as a carpet, or even used as floating vegetation.
Opt for a tank large enough to accommodate its growth and plant it in a substrate that allows its roots to extend. Provide moderate to high lighting for optimal growth. Regularly trim to prevent overgrowth.
Duckweed
Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a small, floating aquatic plant that thrives in slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
It forms a green carpet on the water’s surface, often mistaken for algae. Each individual plant consists of a single leaf (about 1.5 inches long, including the root).
Duckweed efficiently removes harmful toxins from the tank water, particularly nitrate and phosphate. This means less time spent cleaning and performing water changes.
It also helps keep algae growth in check by consuming the nutrients that algae thrive on.
Some fish and turtles happily munch on duckweed, making it a natural food option.
Regular thinning is necessary to prevent it from overtaking your tank and blocking light from other plants in your aquarium.
Hornwort
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a versatile freshwater aquarium plant that can be grown either floating or rooted in the substrate.
It has multiple stems that branch out, creating the illusion of several plants. In the wild, it can grow up to ten feet in length. The small leaves (often called needles) grow along the stems and are evenly spaced from top to bottom.
Hornwort is hardy and can thrive in various water conditions. Regular trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth. Choose an appropriately sized tank to accommodate its growth.
Java Moss
Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a freshwater aquatic plant that forms dense, carpet-like clumps of bright green leaves. Its stems are short and reach a maximum height of about 10 cm (4 inches).
The plant doesn’t have traditional roots; instead, it anchors itself using tiny sticky “feet” called rhizoids.
It’s commonly used in breeding tanks as a place for fish to lay their eggs.
Java moss is undemanding, adapts well to different water parameters, and benefits from moderate to high lighting levels.
Amazon Sword
The Amazon Sword plant (Echinodorus) is a beloved choice in freshwater aquariums with its dark green foliage.
Amazon swords have a rosette-style growth pattern, with thin stems radiating from a central root crown. Their lance-shaped leaves widen near the base and taper to a point, creating an attractive look.
Varieties may have wide or thin leaves, and some even feature crinkled edges.
Amazon swords provide exploration, hiding spots, and breeding grounds for tank inhabitants. They also use waste and organic debris to grow, helping control ammonia and nitrate levels.
Amazon swords are hardy and adapt well to various conditions. Choose an appropriately sized tank to accommodate their growth.
For optimal growth, it needs a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. To support its quick growth, the aquarium should be regularly dosed with a suitable fertilizer.
Anacharis
Anacharis (Egeria densa), also known as Elodea or waterweeds, is an exceptional addition to your planted aquarium.
It has a delightful dark green colouration and an intricate pattern of leaf blades growing from the plant stems.
Anacharis adds natural beauty to the tank, whether planted sporadically or creating a dense forest of underwater greenery.
In dense bunches, it provides shelter for tiny fish fry and becomes a hiding spot for shy fish, shrimp, and other vulnerable tank inhabitants.
Anacharis leaves are enjoyed by some fish and invertebrates, including cichlids, goldfish, and snails.
It can be floated or rooted in the substrate and grows best in low—to medium-lighting. Regularly trim the plant to prevent overgrowth and remove yellowing or decaying leaves to maintain its health.
Cabomba
Cabomba (Cabomba aquatica), also known as fanwort, is a beautiful aquatic plant that can transform your aquarium.
It has divided submerged leaves shaped like a fan, which gives it its common name. The stems are thick, while the branches are more delicate. Whorls of wispy branches create an eye-catching plumage along the stem.
Provide moderate lighting for optimal growth and trim regularly to prevent overgrowth.
Guppy Grass
Guppy grass (Najas guadalupensis) has delicate, needle-like leaves that create a lush, green appearance. It can grow up to 90 cm (approximately 3 feet) without trimming.
It provides excellent hiding spots for fry, making it ideal for guppy tanks. This plant can be floated in the water column or rooted in the substrate.
Guppy grass is fairly hardy and versatile, thriving without the need for CO2 injection.
Keep the water clean and maintain a temperature range of 68-79°F for optimal growth.
Pennywort
Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala), also known as Brazilian Pennywort, is a versatile and attractive aquatic plant commonly found in freshwater aquariums.
Its delicate stems spread horizontally in the tank, creating a lush appearance. It features bright green, round leaves.
Brazilian Pennywort is suitable for all kinds of tanks and adapts well to varying tank conditions.
Provide moderate lighting for optimal growth. Regularly trim to prevent overgrowth.
Water Sprite
Water sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides), also known as “Indian fern” or “water fern,” features delicate, lace-like leaves that offer a nice contrast to other popular aquatic plants.
Its vivid green colour adds an eye-catching element to your underwater oasis.
It is compatible with most peaceful fish species, including guppies, corydoras, and bettas.
It prefers low to moderate lighting and a somewhat neutral pH. Regular pruning is necessary due to its fast growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I trim these fast-growing plants?
It depends on the specific plant and the conditions of your aquarium. Generally, fast-growing plants should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from overtaking the tank and to promote healthier, bushier growth.
Do fast-growing plants need fertilizer?
While they can often get by on the nutrients already present in the tank, adding a suitable aquarium plant fertilizer can promote even faster and healthier growth.
Can fast-growing plants help control algae?
Yes, by competing for nutrients, fast-growing plants can help keep algae growth in check.
Will these plants grow in any type of aquarium substrate?
Most of these plants are not picky about the substrate, but some, like the Amazon Sword, may benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
Are there any fish that I should avoid keeping with these plants?
Some herbivorous fish may nibble on or uproot fast-growing plants. It’s best to research the compatibility of your fish with the plants you intend to introduce to your aquarium.
Fast-Growing Plants for Your Home Aquarium
Aquatic plants not only provide aesthetic value, but they also play crucial roles in the health and balance of the habitat. They oxygenate the water, remove waste, provide shelter, and can even help reduce algae growth.
Each plant has its own care requirements, but they all share the common trait of vigorous growth, which can help you achieve a mature aquarium look in a shorter time.
Regular maintenance, such as trimming and monitoring water conditions, will keep these plants in check and prevent them from overwhelming the space.
