Trying to incorporate natural, stylish decor into an aquarium while maintaining exemplary water quality? Look no further, as live plants fit all of the qualifications listed above! Plants live on a diet of waste products in an aquarium that are harmful to its inhabitants. In what is known as the Nitrogen Cycle plants convert ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbon dioxide, and other waste products.

While it may seem daunting trying to properly care for plants, it's a relatively simple process when adding the right ones. Luckily this list details five beginner plants that can survive in even the worst conditions.

Java Moss

Java Moss is often a staple in many aquariums and for good reason: it's virtually indestructible. It can flourish in a plethora of conditions that range in light and temperature. In fact, some fish enthusiasts have trouble keeping its growth under control in their tank!

Light: Oddly enough this plant doesn't thrive in high light conditions. That's right, Java Moss NEEDS low to moderate light.

Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Farenheit is an ideal temperature range for Java Moss

Fertilization: While not necessary, it couldn't hurt.

Substrate/Rooting: This plant is comfortable floating or attached to decor.





Java Fern

This aquarium plant is a nice addition to any tank as it adds a natural look through its crinkled, rough leaves. Most places carry Java Fern and it doesn't require any special treatment, similar to Java Moss. It can grow quite large and likes to be overshadowed by larger plants.

Light: Similar to Java Moss this plant thrives in low to moderate lighting conditions; its leaves will turn transparent and then wither when exposed to too much light.

Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Farenheit is an ideal temperature range, although the plant has been known to melt past 83 degrees.

Fertilization: Nothing special is required, although it couldn't hurt its growth.

Substrate/Rooting: The plant should not be buried; instead, attach it to driftwood or rocks. Rooting it with string or fishing line is an option when attaching it.







Hornwort

If a priority is maintaining great water parameters, then this is a great plant as it devours ammonia. The only drawback is this plant takes over aquaria and sheds quite a lot of nettles, requiring diligent gravel vacuuming with water changes.

Light: Hornwort tends to grow best in moderate lighting conditions. Too low of light and the plant will die.

Temperature: This plant can thrive in almost an aquarium based on temperature, as its ideal range is between 40-95 degrees Farenheit!

Fertilization: Because Hornwort devours so much ammonia and other nutrients in the water, some fertilizer is required.



Substrate/Rooting: Hornwort is best left floating in the tank, as it has no roots to attach itself to things.





Anubias

Anubias comes in a wide range of shapes and species and prefers clean conditions and not a lot of light. If left floating by the surface it can even reward you with a flower!

Light: This plant does not like direct light, and will either start to turn a clear color or develop holes in the leaves if exposed to too much light.

Temperature: Anubias has an ideal temperature range of 70-80 degrees Farenheit.

Fertilization: Anubias doesn't require fertilizer, but it couldn't hurt!



Substrate/Rooting: Burying the root of this plant will cause it to rot, so attaching Anubias to driftwood or decor will produce the best growth.





Amazon Sword

Amazon Swords come in a variety of shapes and sizes, adding an extremely natural look to any tank.

Some fish enthusiasts note that Amazon Swords can grow to epic proportions when placed in larger tanks, developing expansive root systems in the substrate it's buried in.

Light: This plant needs low to moderate lighting.

Temperature: 75-80 degrees Farenheit is the ideal temperature range for this plant.

Fertilization: In order to achieve the best results in its growth it requires some fertilization.



Substrate/Rooting: Amazon Sword needs to be buried deep into the substrate to thrive because of its root system.





Where Do I Get These Plants?

One of the biggest challenges that a beginning aquarium enthusiast faces is finding a provider that sells affordable, healthy plants. If a brick & mortar store is preferable any local fish shop should carry these plants; Petco also has a decent selection to choose from. The internet also boasts a wide range of plant providers. Alpha Breeders is a website that I have purchased from and have always received quality product. Live Aquaria and Aquarium Plants have also been recommended on numerous aquarium forums.

What Kind Of Fertilizer Should I Use?

A good fertilizer to use is Seachem Flourish Comprehensive; just make sure not to add too much to the tank, as this can cause an algae outbreak that is a nightmare to get rid of once it infests itself. Live plants actually prevent algae because they consume the same nutrients that algae does, but if too many nutrients are in the water there is nothing to stop algae from forming. Be sure not to confuse Seachem Flourish Comprehensive with Seachem Excel; while overdosing on Flourish Comprehensive won't produce any negative effects on a tank's inhabitants, several people have experienced death of an entire tank when Seachem Excel is dosed too heavily.

Final Tips

When buying new plants, quarantine them in a separate tank of water for a few days to a week. Sometimes critters can hitch a ride on these plants, so doing this prevents these critters from infesting a tank. Some medications can also harm plants, so when dosing a tank be sure to remove them before medicating the tank. Just be cautious and do a little research to see if a medication you are using could affect the plants.

Live plants are essential for any tank because of the waste products they recycle and they complement a tank as stylish decor. These five plants in this list are perfect for anyone just starting to get into fish keeping as they don't require a lot of light or fertilizer and generally have a forgiving temperature range that they can thrive in. In short, they're difficult to kill with even the most egregious neglect.