Aquarium enthusiasts often seek to create a beautiful underwater landscape, and plants play a crucial role in achieving this aesthetic.
The great thing is some plants can grow without being rooted in the soil, making them perfect for aquarists who prefer a minimalist design or wish to avoid the maintenance associated with traditional substrates.
Here are 25 aquarium plants that can flourish without the need for substrate:
Java Fern
Java fern is a popular and hardy aquatic plant. It grows naturally on rocks and driftwood in tropical climate zones.
It can cling to any textured surface, and its tiny oval-shaped leaves can obscure unattractive aquarium equipment. Use super glue gel or fishing wire to attach it to rocks or driftwood.
Provide low to medium light and a neutral pH to ensure optimum growing conditions.
Anubias
Anubias has lush, durable green leaves and a strong root structure. It’s hardy and undemanding and can serve as a foreground, midground, or background plant. It can be tied to decorations or left to float freely.
Anubias prefers low to medium light, neutral to slightly alkaline water, and temperatures between 22° and 27° C (72°F and 82°F).
Water Lettuce
Water lettuce has fuzzy rosettes of leaves resembling heads of lettuce. It floats on the water’s surface.
It needs full to partial sunlight, neutral pH, and water temperatures between 21° and 27° C (70°F and 80°F).
Water Spangles
Water spangles are free-floating ferns known for their fast growth, adaptability, and hardiness. They form small islets on the water surface, providing shelter for fish fry and serving as spawning grounds.
They thrive in moderate to high light conditions and prefer slightly acidic to neutral water.
Christmas Moss
Christmas moss is a popular aquatic plant with delicate, branching fronds.
It grows well in a temperature range of 18° to 25° C (65° to 77° F) and prefers a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5.
You can attach it to driftwood or cork.
Hornwort
A fast-growing aquatic plant that can be left floating or anchored in the tank. It features thin stems with wispy leaves, adding a refreshing deep green shade to the aquarium.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and is adaptable to various water parameters.
Java Moss
Java Moss is a versatile aquatic moss species originating from Southeast Asia. It thrives in various aquatic environments, providing excellent hiding places for small aquatic creatures and enhancing water quality.
It requires low to moderate light and thrives in water with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0 and a temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F–to 86°F).
Green Cabomba
Green Cabomba has feathery, fan-like leaves that create a lush appearance. It can be planted or left to float.
It requires moderate to high light and prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.8–7.5). The ideal temperature for this plant is between 22° and 27° C (72°–82°F).
Anacharis
Anacharis (Egeria densa) is a fast-growing, oxygenating plant that can be anchored or left to float.
It is adaptable to various light conditions. It prefers slightly alkaline water (pH 6.8–7.5) and thrives in temperatures between 22° and 27° C (72° and 82°F).
Duckweed
Duckweed is a rapidly multiplying surface plant that helps filter and oxygenate water. However, if not controlled, it can become invasive.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and is adaptable to various water conditions.
Amazon Frogbit
Another floating plant on this list, the Amazon frogbit, provides shade and shelter for aquatic life.
It requires moderate to high light and prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5–7.5). It grows well in temperatures 22° and 27° C (72° and 82°F).
Riccia Fluitans
Riccia Fluitans is an easy-to-grow floating plant that can be sculpted into various designs or tied down to create a lush green floor.
It prefers low water flow and moderate light. It grows well in pH range of 5.5–7.0.a temperature range of 20° and 27° C (68°F and 82°F).
Salvinia
This floating fern can help control nitrates and provide a unique texture to the water’s surface.
It is great to grow with tropical fish, requiring a pH range of 6.5 – 7.5. It needs bright, indirect light.
Pennywort
This can be used as a floating plant or attached to a hardscape, adding a touch of bright green to the tank.
It needs moderate light and water parameters of 6.0 to 7.5 pH and tropical range temperature.
Water Sprite
Water Sprite has delicate, lace-like leaves. It provides shelter, oxygenates water, and prevents algae blooms.
This plant can be left to float or can be planted without substrate, where it will develop roots along its stems.
It needs low to moderate light, soft to neutral water (5.5 to 7.0), and a temperature range of 22° to 25° C (72°–77°F).
Moss Balls
These are not actually moss but unique algae balls that require minimal care. They grow in cool lakes and provide a low-maintenance option.
Bucephalandra
Similar to Anubias, it can be attached to rocks and wood and offers a variety of leaf shapes and colours.
Pellia
A liverwort that forms a dense mat, which can be left to float. You can also attach it to driftwood, rocks, or other hardscape.
This plant is easy to grow as it is adaptable to various conditions.
Hygrophila
While it typically prefers to be planted, certain species can adapt to floating life.
Most species tolerate various light levels and water parameters. Trim it regularly for the best growth.
Bolbitis
Also known as the African Water Fern, it thrives when attached to wood or rocks.
It prefers shady environments and requires water with a pH range of 5.5 – 7.0 and a temperature range of 22° to 25° C (72°–77°F).
Red Root Floater
This plant is named for its red roots and is a beautiful addition to the water’s surface. It provides shelter, diffuses light, and improves water quality.
It needs low to moderate lighting and soft to neutral water.
Pothos
While not a true aquatic plant, Pothos can have its roots submerged in the water to absorb nutrients.
Philodendron
Similar to Pothos, it can grow with its roots in the water, adding a dramatic look to the tank.
Moneywort
Moneywort has sturdy stems with thick, fleshy leaves. It can be used as a background carpet or a middle ground plant.
In superb lighting conditions, it can produce small white flowers with splashes of pink or purple.
Elodea
Elodea (also known as Anacharis) is a versatile aquatic plant that can be planted in the substrate or left to float.
It is adaptable to various light conditions and ideal for tropical fish conditions with a temperature range of 22° and 27° C (72° and 82°F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do live plants keep an aquarium clean?
Live plants can help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, which can reduce algae growth and improve the overall health of your aquarium.
Do aquarium plants grow with LED lights?
Absolutely! LED lights are suitable for most aquarium plants and can provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis without the heat output of traditional bulbs.
Conclusion
These plants offer a variety of textures, colours, and shapes to enhance the visual appeal of your aquarium. They also provide practical benefits such as oxygenation, filtration, and shelter for aquatic creatures. You can also enjoy a lower-maintenance setup while creating a vibrant, thriving underwater ecosystem.
Whether you are a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, incorporating these substrate-free plants can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your aquatic companions.
