Top 10 Aquarium Plants That Grow Well Without Soil

Planted aquariums have an allure that makes them a very interesting option for most hobbyists. However, not everyone takes the plunge. One reason behind this is the extra steps involved compared to an aquarium without plants. Getting the substrate set up just right for the plants can be intimidating. If you are someone who feels the same way, then I have some good news for you. There are quite a few great aquarium plants that can grow well without soil. Here are 10 such plants.

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Java Moss
• Hornwort
• Water Sprite
• Amazon Frogbit
• Marimo Moss Ball
• Water Wisteria
• Christmas Moss
• Cryptocoryne

Let me show you everything that is great about each of these plants in more detail.

Java Fern

Java fern is known for its hardiness and unique appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant has become a staple in the aquarium hobby, and for good reason.

It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 13 inches (33 cm) in height and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. It is an epiphytic plant, meaning it attaches itself to other objects such as rocks and driftwood instead of rooting in substrate. The leaves of the Java fern are broad, sword-shaped, and grow in a rosette pattern. The plant’s leaves are green, and the undersides have a distinctive brownish coloration. The plant also has a unique rhizome that grows horizontally along the object to which it is attached. The rhizome produces roots that anchor the plant in place.

Java fern is a low-maintenance plant that is well-suited for beginners in the aquarium hobby. It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including a pH range of 6.0-7.5, water hardness of 2-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). Java fern can be placed in low to moderate light. Providing moderate lighting can encourage faster growth and fuller leaves. CO₂ supplementation is not necessary, but it can help if you want these plants to grow faster.

Java fern can provide a natural habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures. The plant’s broad leaves provide hiding places and cover for small fish and invertebrates. It is also a good option for breeding fish, as the leaves can be used to lay eggs on.

Propagation of Java fern is straightforward, as the plant produces new plantlets on the rhizome. These plantlets can be carefully separated from the parent plant and attached to a new object, where they will continue to grow.

The Java Fern is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Providing a suitable environment for Java fern, such as attaching it to rocks or driftwood, can provide a natural and attractive look to any aquarium.

Anubias

Anubias is a genus of aquatic plants that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. The Anubias is considered the queen of aquarium plants and I fully agree with that.

All the different Anubias varieties are slow-growing that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in height and 8 inches (20 cm) in width. Some tend to stay smaller than others. The leaf shape also varies across the different types but they tend to be thick, leathery, and usually a dark green color. Anubias also have a rhizome that grows horizontally. The rhizome produces roots that anchor the plant in place. These plants sometimes produce flowers that are small and white or cream-colored.

Anubias are low-maintenance plants that are my go-to recommendation for beginner aquascapers. It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including a pH range of 6.0-8.0, water hardness of 2-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). Anubias should be kept under low to moderate lighting conditions. Intense lighting won’t make them grow any faster and will only lead to algae blooms. CO₂ supplementation is not needed either.

Anubias plants are some of the only plants that can be kept with herbivores and goldfish. They tend to be quite tough and fish generally do not like the way they taste.

Propagation of Anubias is relatively easy, as the plant produces new plantlets on the rhizome. Anubias can also be grown from seeds or by dividing the rhizome.

The barteri and nana varieties are the ideal ones to get if you are an absolute beginner. With a little bit of fishing line or aquarium-safe glue, these plants can be attached to anything solid inside the aquarium affording you plenty of creative freedom.

Java Moss

Java moss is a popular aquatic plant that originates from Southeast Asia, where it grows in rivers, lakes, and streams. The plant is a favourite among aquarium enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and easy maintenance.

Java moss is a small, slow-growing plant that is best known for its delicate, feathery appearance. The plant’s leaves are tiny and grow in clusters, giving the plant a lush, green appearance. Java moss has a unique, branching structure that allows it to be attached to rocks, wood, and other objects in the aquarium. This makes it a versatile and attractive addition to any aquascape.

Java moss is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including a pH range of 5.0-8.0, water hardness of 1-20 dGH, and a temperature range of 59-86°F (15-30°C). The plant prefers low to moderate lighting. It does not require CO₂ supplementation, but it can benefit from it if available.

An added benefit of the Java moss is its ability to provide a natural environment for fish and other aquatic creatures. The plant’s feathery structure provides hiding places and cover for small fish and invertebrates. It also serves as a spawning site for some fish species.

Propagation of Java moss is also easy, as the plant can be divided and reattached to new objects.

If you want a lush appearance without a proper substrate then this is the plant to get.

Hornwort

Hornwort is very popular in the aquarium hobby that is native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

It is the first fast-growing plant on this list that can grow up to several feet in length of left unchecked. Its stem is thin and flexible, and the leaves are thin and whorled around the stem. The leaves are delicate and feathery, giving the plant a soft, flowing appearance. The leaves are also very dense, providing a lot of surface area for oxygen exchange.

Hornwort is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The plant prefers a pH range of 6.0-7.5, water hardness of 5-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). The plant can be grown in a variety of lighting conditions, from low to high intensity. It does not require CO₂ supplementation.

The plant’s dense structure provides hiding places and cover for small fish and invertebrates. It also serves as a spawning site for really small fish. The overall aesthetics provided by this plant is very unique among plants that can grow well without soul.

The Hornwort can be divided and reattached to new objects when they become too lush. This allows for the plant to be easily spread throughout the aquarium. It is one of the most cost-effective options for aquarists.

This plant grows very quickly especially in a nutrient-rich aquarium. Be ready to regularly prune them. They are also one of the most delicate aquatic plants and should be handled carefully. They should only be housed with small and docile fish/invertebrates.

Water Sprite

Water sprite is native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This plant is well-liked by aquarium hobbyists due to its unique appearance and numerous benefits to the aquarium environment.

Water sprite is a fast-growing plant that can grow quite long and wide. Its leaves are finely divided and densely packed together giving the plant a very lush appearance. It can serve as a natural filtration system. While it has roots, it can be left floating to create a very dynamic aquascape.

Water sprite is another low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The plant prefers a pH range of 6.0-7.5, water hardness of 5-15 dGH, and a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). It can thrive in different lighting conditions, from low to high intensity. It does not require CO₂ supplementation.

I love this plant’s ability to fill out any vacant space and it is great for covering up unwanted open spaces in the aquarium. Under the right condition, it can do this quickly making it the perfect option for those who might be a bit impatient.

Propagation of water sprite is simple. It can be divided and left to float. Water sprite can also be grown from spores.

Thjs is a versatile and attractive plant that can help you achieve that dense and lush look even if your aquarium does not have any substrate. It is a great option for really creative projects such as a floating-jungle aquascape.

Amazon Frogbit

We now come to our first floating plant. Frogbit is native to the Amazon Basin in South America. Its floating nature can add plenty of character to a tank while also providing a unique way to subdue the lighting.

Amazon frogbit has round, green leaves that float on the surface of the water. The plant’s roots are thin and feathery and can grow up to several inches in length, providing excellent cover for small fish and invertebrates. The plant can grow up to six inches in diameter, and its leaves can vary in size from half an inch to two inches in diameter.

Owing to the way in which it grows, this plant provides shade and cover for fish, which helps to reduce their stress levels in nocturnal fish or fish that just tend to be finicky by nature.

Amazon frogbit is very easy to care for and can grow in a wide range of water parameters. The plant prefers water temperatures between 68-82°F (20-28°C) and a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It does well in low to moderate lighting and it does not need CO₂.

Propagation of Amazon frogbit can be done by separating the plantlets from the mother plant. Once separated, the plantlets can be left to float freely in the aquarium.

Over time, Amazon frogbit will quickly spread throughout the entire surface of the aquarium. This can lead to a very limited amount of light reaching the lower half of the tank. A good way to prevent is by using anything that is thin and floats on water. Create a loop or multiple loops and place them on the water surface after clearing any frogbit from that spot. This creates cool-looking portals and the lighting inside the tank can seem otherworldly. The more tedious way to keep these plants under check is by regularly removing some of them away once every few days.

Marimo Moss Ball

Marimo moss balls are a unique and highly sought-after aquarium plant. These distinctive aquatic plants originate from Japan, where they have been a popular decorative item for centuries.

Marimo moss balls are not really plants but spherical algae colonies that can grow up to several inches in diameter. They are formed by a type of freshwater green algae that grows in a spherical shape and rolls along the bottom of lakes and rivers. Marimo moss balls are not actually moss but are often referred to as such due to their fluffy and soft texture. They are typically sold in pet stores and aquarium shops as small, green balls that can be added to aquariums and terrariums.

Marimo moss balls are pretty easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. They prefer cool, still water with temperatures between 68-82°F (20-28°C) and a pH range of 6.0-8.0. They do not require additional CO₂. They require very little attention, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those who have little time to devote to their aquariums.

Propagation of marimo moss balls is relatively easy and can be done by dividing the ball (provided it is large enough) into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces can then be rolled into new spheres and placed in the aquarium.

This is one of the most unbelievably useful additions to a tank with no substrate. It may be somewhat difficult to procure in some places but is worth any extra effort needed.

It can sometimes trap debris and get discoloured overtime. Just take it out and gently rinse it in clean, dechlorinated water. I like to buy tiny ceramic pots (aquarium-safe) and place these balls on them to create a very uniquely calming aesthetic.

Water Wisteria

Water wisteria is native to different parts of Asia. This fast-growing plant is often used in aquariums due to its unique appearance and many benefits, such as providing shelter for fish, oxygenating the water, and helping to control algae growth.

Water wisteria is an extremely hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. It can grow up to 20 inches tall and has long, slender leaves that are bright green in color. The leaves are arranged in a whorled pattern along the stem, which gives the plant a unique and eye-catching appearance.

It grows very quickly and it can help to control algae growth by competing with algae for nutrients and light. This is a useful characteristic to have in a tank with strong lighting.

Water wisteria is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of aquarium setups. It can be planted directly in the substrate (even if it is something very basic) or anchored to a piece of driftwood or rock. It prefers moderate to high lighting and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C). It also requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth.

Propagation of water wisteria can be done by cutting a healthy stem from the plant and attaching it to a new surface. The stem will quickly develop roots and begin to grow into a new plant.

Water wisteria is a highly beneficial and attractive aquatic plant that is well-suited to aquariums of all sizes. Its ability to oxygenate the water, provide shelter for aquatic life, and control algae growth makes it almost indispensable in tanks without soil.

Christmas Moss

Christmas moss is a type of moss that belongs to the Hypnaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Japan, where it is also known as “Yule moss.”

One of the distinguishing features of Christmas moss is its branching structure, which resembles a miniature Christmas tree. The plant has numerous branches that grow in a regular pattern, with each branch dividing into smaller branches, creating a dense and intricate thicket of foliage.

The moss’s green coloration ranges from light to dark shades, and the plant’s foliage is delicate and feathery, with small, triangular leaves that are about 2-3mm long. The plant’s overall height can reach 4 inches or 10 cm, depending on the growth conditions.

Christmas moss is commonly used in aquascaping, where it is used to create natural-looking landscapes within aquariums. The moss is easy to propagate and can attach to various surfaces, including rocks, driftwood, and other decorative elements in the aquarium. The Christmas moss requires moderate to high light and prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH range.

This is the most demanding plant on this list. To care for Christmas moss, it is essential to provide adequate lighting, liquid fertilizers, and CO₂ supplementation. The plant should also be regularly pruned and maintained to prevent overgrowth and ensure its health and vitality.

If you are looking for something more high-end and challenging for a tank with no soil, then the Christmas Moss is one of those rare plants that can tick all these boxes.

Cryptocoryne

Cryptocoryne, also known as “crypts,” is a genus of aquatic plants that are naturally found in Asia, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. This genus is comprised of over 50 species. Cryptocoryne plants are known for their attractive foliage, hardiness, and adaptability, which make them a sought after by both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Cryptocoryne plants are typically slow-growing and prefer moderate to low light conditions. They are hardy and adaptable, with many species able to thrive in a wide range of water parameters. Crypts are also able to grow in both submerged and emersed conditions, making them a versatile choice for aquascaping and perfect for tanks with no soil.

One of the most distinctive features of Cryptocoryne plants is their foliage. Crypts typically have long, narrow leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves can range from green to red or brown, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species also have patterns or markings on their leaves, adding to their visual appeal.

Caring for Cryptocoryne plants is relatively straightforward, but some species can be sensitive to changes in water parameters. It is essential to monitor water quality regularly and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the plants are thriving. Crypts can be propagated by dividing the root system, making them an easy plant to propagate and share with other aquarists.

Cryptocorynes are an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts looking to add a beautiful and hardy aquatic plant to their setup that isn’t the typical green in colour. This is the only real option if you need a centre piece plant in a tank with no substrate.

FAQ

What are some of the best aquarium plants that can grow without soil?

Some of the best aquarium plants that can grow without soil include Java fern, Anubias, Water sprite, Hornwort, Java moss, Amazon frogbit, and Marimo moss balls.

Do aquarium plants that grow without soil need fertilizers?

Yes, aquarium plants that grow without soil still require fertilizers to grow properly. You can use liquid fertilizers that contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Can aquarium plants that grow without soil survive in low light conditions?

Yes, many aquarium plants that grow without soil can survive in low light conditions, but they may not grow as quickly or as vibrantly. It’s essential to choose plants that are suited to the light conditions in your aquarium.

How do you plant aquarium plants that grow without soil?

Aquarium plants that grow without soil can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other aquarium decorations using fishing line or aquarium-safe glue. Alternatively, some plants can be floated on the surface of the water.

Can you mix aquarium plants that grow without soil with plants that require soil?

Yes, you can mix aquarium plants that grow without soil with plants that require soil, but make sure to provide each plant with the appropriate growing conditions for each plant.

How do you maintain aquarium plants that grow without soil?

To maintain aquarium plants that grow without soil, you’ll need to regularly prune the plants to prevent overgrowth and remove dead or decaying plant material. You should also provide the plants with adequate light, nutrients, and CO2 supplementation if necessary.

Conclusion

The beautiful thing about the aquarium hobby is how accessible it is. There is something in it for everyone. These ten plants prove that even if you have a tank without soil or any proper substrate, you can still create a stunning aquascape. The creative possibilities are simply endless. All that is needed is some out-of-the-box thinking, determination, and some patience.