10 Fastest Growing Aquarium Plants In Aquascaping

1. Anacharis (Egeria densa): A Complete Guide for Aquarists

Anacharis, scientifically known as Egeria densa, is a popular aquatic plant cherished by aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Originating from South America, this versatile plant has adapted to various climates and is now found in water bodies across the globe. It’s celebrated for its oxygenating properties, ease of care, and rapid growth, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Description and Appearance: Anacharis has a straightforward, appealing look with long, slender stems covered in whorls of bright green leaves. The leaves are usually about one to three inches long and are spaced out evenly along the stem, giving the plant a lush, bushy appearance. Underwater, the stems can grow up to several feet in length, creating an excellent backdrop or mid-ground coverage in aquariums.

Growth Conditions: Anacharis is renowned for its adaptability and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It prefers cooler water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making it suitable for both tropical and cold-water tanks. Although it can grow in low-light conditions, Anacharis achieves optimal growth under moderate to high lighting. The plant photosynthesizes vigorously, absorbing excess nutrients and helping prevent algae growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: While Anacharis can grow without added CO2, providing a CO2 supplement can significantly enhance its growth rate and overall health. However, it’s not strictly necessary for the plant’s survival. When it comes to nutrients, Anacharis is not particularly demanding, but like all living plants, it benefits from a balanced supply of essential nutrients. Regular doses of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer will help maintain vigorous growth and vibrant green coloration. Pay particular attention to macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as essential micronutrients.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Anacharis serves multiple beneficial roles in the aquarium. It’s an excellent oxygenator, releasing generous amounts of oxygen into the water, which supports fish and other aquatic life. The dense foliage provides hiding spots and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. Additionally, its rapid growth rate makes it effective at absorbing excess nutrients, thus helping to control algae and maintain clear water.

Planting and Maintenance: Anacharis is straightforward to plant and care for. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating, where it can grow equally well. When planting in substrate, ensure the stems are buried deep enough to prevent them from floating away while leaving the leaves exposed to light. The plant can be propagated easily by cutting the top of the stem and replanting it in the substrate, which will encourage lateral growth and result in a bushier appearance.

Regular trimming will help manage its growth, which can be vigorous under the right conditions. Pruned pieces can be replanted or removed to maintain the desired aesthetic and prevent overcrowding.

Common Challenges: While generally resilient, Anacharis can face challenges such as browning leaves or stunted growth if nutrient deficiencies are present or if light levels are too low. It’s also susceptible to damage from certain fish species that may find its leaves a tasty snack. However, with proper care and monitoring, these issues can be minimized, ensuring that Anacharis remains a lush and beneficial addition to your aquarium.

Conclusion: Anacharis is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, fast-growing plant that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. Whether used for creating a verdant backdrop, providing refuge for shy fish, or improving water quality, Egeria densa is a versatile plant that can fit into almost any aquarium setup.

2. Duckweed (Lemna minor): An Essential Guide for Aquarists

Duckweed, known scientifically as Lemna minor, is a small but mighty plant that has made a name for itself in the world of aquaristics. Native to a wide range of geographical locations, this unassuming surface dweller is favored for its ease of care, rapid growth rate, and the myriad of benefits it offers to the aquatic environment.

Description and Appearance: Lemna minor consists of tiny, green, leaf-like fronds that float on the water’s surface. Each frond, typically less than 0.2 inches across, is equipped with a single root that dangles underwater. Despite their small size, these plants can quickly cover the entire surface of a water body, forming a dense green carpet that is both visually appealing and highly functional.

Growth Conditions: Duckweed thrives in a variety of conditions but prefers still or slow-moving water. It is remarkably adaptable and can grow under low to medium light levels, making it an excellent choice for tanks with varied lighting setups. The optimal temperature for duckweed ranges between 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C), allowing it to prosper in both cold-water and tropical aquariums.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: One of the reasons duckweed is so popular among aquarists is its minimal need for additional CO2 and fertilizers. This plant can flourish in nutrient-rich water, where it effectively absorbs excess nutrients, thus preventing algae growth. While it does not require CO2 supplementation, duckweed will benefit from a well-balanced aquatic environment. If your tank is low on nutrients, a gentle dose of liquid fertilizer can promote healthier growth.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Duckweed offers numerous advantages to aquariums. It provides a natural food source for many fish and aquatic creatures. Its dense coverage can help reduce stress in fish by offering hiding spots and reducing the intensity of overhead lighting. Moreover, duckweed is excellent for water quality management; it absorbs harmful substances and excess nutrients, thereby purifying the water and helping maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Planting and Maintenance: Introducing duckweed to your aquarium is as simple as placing it on the water’s surface. No anchoring is required, as it naturally floats and spreads across the top. However, due to its rapid growth rate, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent it from covering the entire surface of the water, which could limit light penetration and gas exchange for other aquatic life. Periodic removal of excess duckweed will keep its growth in check and ensure other plants and animals receive adequate light and oxygen.

Common Challenges: While duckweed’s fast growth is generally seen as a benefit, it can also be a nuisance if not controlled properly. An unmanaged growth can deplete nutrients from the water, impacting other plants, and can also hinder gas exchange, affecting the tank’s oxygen levels. Additionally, its small size means it can easily be spread between tanks, so caution should be exercised to avoid unintentional propagation.

Water Wisteria, scientifically known as Hygrophila difformis, is a highly versatile and beautiful plant that is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this aquatic plant is admired for its unique, lace-like leaves and its ability to adapt to various underwater environments, making it a standout choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Description and Appearance: Water Wisteria boasts an attractive, feathery appearance, with leaves that can vary dramatically in shape depending on the plant’s growing conditions. Typically, the leaves are bright green, divided, and fern-like, providing an intricate texture that can add depth and interest to any aquarium. When provided with ample lighting, Water Wisteria can grow quite tall, making it an excellent background plant for larger tanks or a focal point in smaller setups.

Growth Conditions: This plant thrives in warm water, preferring temperatures between 70°F and 82°F (21°C to 28°C). While it can grow in low-light conditions, Water Wisteria reaches its full potential under medium to high lighting, which promotes dense, lush growth and prevents legginess. It’s adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, making it suitable for many types of aquariums.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: While Water Wisteria can grow without added CO2, incorporating a CO2 system into your aquarium can significantly enhance its growth rate and overall health. However, it’s more demanding in terms of nutrients than CO2. A regular dosing of comprehensive liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients is essential for maintaining vibrant growth. If the plant begins to show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves, consider adjusting your fertilization routine.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Water Wisteria offers several benefits to the aquarium environment. It’s an efficient oxygenator, improving the water’s oxygen levels, which benefits fish and other aquatic inhabitants. The dense foliage provides excellent shelter and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. Additionally, Water Wisteria is effective at absorbing excess nutrients in the water, helping to control algae growth.

Planting and Maintenance: Water Wisteria is relatively easy to plant and care for. It can be rooted in the substrate or allowed to float freely, where it will form dense mats. If planted in the substrate, ensure the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is not buried, as this can cause the plant to rot. Regular pruning will encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from overshadowing smaller species. Cuttings from pruning can be replanted in the substrate to propagate new plants.

Common Challenges: While generally hardy, Water Wisteria can face challenges such as melting (where leaves disintegrate) if acclimation to new water conditions is not handled properly. Additionally, inadequate lighting or nutrient deficiencies can lead to sparse, leggy growth. Ensuring the right environment and nutrient levels will minimize these issues and allow the plant to thrive.

Java Moss is one of the most popular aquarium plants in the hobby, beloved for its versatility and ease of care. Native to Southeast Asia, this moss attaches to rocks, wood, and other surfaces, creating a lush, green carpet or wall that enhances the natural beauty of any aquarium.

Description and Appearance: Java Moss has small, bright green leaves that form dense mats. Its irregular, branching growth can create fascinating textures in an aquarium. Since it doesn’t have true roots, Java Moss uses rhizoids to attach to surfaces.

Growth Conditions: This moss is extremely adaptable, thriving in a wide range of temperatures (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) and lighting conditions, from low to high. However, it grows best in cooler water with moderate lighting.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: Java Moss can grow without additional CO2 and is not particularly demanding regarding nutrients. However, it benefits from occasional doses of liquid fertilizers, particularly if your aquarium lacks fish that naturally fertilize the water with their waste.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Java Moss is excellent for breeding tanks, as it provides protection for fry and eggs. It also helps improve water quality by filtering out particulates and providing a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

Planting and Maintenance: Attach Java Moss to driftwood, rocks, or mesh to create the desired shape in your aquarium. It can be tied down with fishing line or cotton thread until it naturally attaches. Regular trimming will help maintain its shape and density.

5. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum): 

Hornwort is a floating or substrate-anchored plant known for its fast growth and ease of care. It is found in lakes and ponds worldwide and is valued in the aquarium for its dense foliage and water-purifying abilities.

Description and Appearance: Hornwort has a bushy, feather-like appearance, with dark green, needle-like leaves. It can grow up to 10 feet in the wild, but in aquariums, it usually stays much shorter.

Growth Conditions: It adapts well to a wide range of conditions, thriving in temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C). It can grow in low to high light environments but prefers medium to high light for optimal growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: Hornwort does not require CO2 supplementation and is relatively undemanding regarding nutrients. However, it benefits from occasional additions of liquid fertilizer, especially in nutrient-poor tanks.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Hornwort is excellent for absorbing excess nutrients, thus reducing algae growth. It also provides hiding places for fish and fry and increases oxygen levels in the water.

Planting and Maintenance: Hornwort can be left floating or anchored in the substrate. It sheds older leaves, so regular maintenance to remove debris is necessary. Pruning will help control its growth and encourage bushier, denser foliage.

6. Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides):

Water Sprite, also known as Indian Fern, is a versatile and attractive plant that can be used as a floating plant or rooted in the substrate. It’s known for its delicate, lace-like leaves and rapid growth.

Description and Appearance: Water Sprite has bright green, feather-like leaves that spread out into a beautiful fan shape. The leaves can vary in form, depending on whether the plant is grown submerged or floating.

Growth Conditions: This plant prefers warm temperatures between 68°F and 82°F (20°C to 28°C) and grows best under medium to high lighting conditions.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: While Water Sprite can grow without added CO2, it benefits from it and from regular fertilization, especially if rooted in the substrate. A balanced liquid fertilizer will support its rapid growth and lush appearance.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Water Sprite is excellent for providing cover and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. It also helps control algae by absorbing excess nutrients from the water.

Planting and Maintenance: If planted, ensure the crown stays above the substrate to prevent rotting. Water Sprite grows quickly, so regular trimming will keep it from overwhelming your tank and will encourage fuller growth.

7. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum):

Amazon Frogbit is a popular floating plant known for its rosette-forming leaves and long, feathery roots. Originating from Central and South America, this plant is appreciated for its ease of care and surface coverage, providing a natural and serene look to aquariums.

Description and Appearance: Amazon Frogbit has round, leathery, green leaves that float on the surface of the water. Underneath, it sports a network of fine, white roots that can extend several inches into the water, providing excellent shelter for fry and small fish.

Growth Conditions: It prefers calm water and temperatures between 64°F and 84°F (18°C to 29°C). While it can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, it grows best under medium to high light. Direct sunlight can boost its growth significantly if the tank is not too warm.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: Amazon Frogbit does not require CO2 to thrive and is relatively low-maintenance in terms of fertilization. However, it benefits from occasional additions of liquid fertilizers, particularly those high in nitrogen, to support robust leaf growth.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Amazon Frogbit helps in reducing light levels, which can aid in controlling algae growth. Its roots provide excellent hiding spots for fry and small invertebrates while also filtering and purifying the aquarium water by absorbing excess nutrients.

Planting and Maintenance: As a floating plant, Amazon Frogbit requires no planting. Simply place it on the water’s surface. Regularly remove excess plants to prevent them from covering the entire surface, which could restrict gas exchange and light penetration for other aquatic life.

8. Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis): 

Guppy Grass, a fast-growing, floating or anchored plant, is highly favored in breeding tanks due to its dense foliage and ease of care. It’s native to North America but has become popular worldwide, especially among breeders of livebearers like guppies.

Description and Appearance: Guppy Grass has thin, needle-like leaves that grow along slender stems, creating a dense thicket. The plant can range from bright green to a darker hue, depending on light conditions.

Growth Conditions: It adapts well to a wide range of water temperatures (50°F to 86°F or 10°C to 30°C) and light conditions, from low to high. However, brighter light and warmer temperatures will encourage faster growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: While Guppy Grass can grow without added CO2, light fertilization can promote denser growth. It’s particularly adept at absorbing nutrients from the water, making it excellent for nutrient-rich environments.

Benefits in the Aquarium: This plant provides excellent shelter for fry and small fish, helping to increase their survival rate. It also competes with algae for nutrients, helping to keep the water clean and clear.

Planting and Maintenance: Guppy Grass can be left floating or anchored in the substrate. It’s fast-growing, so regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from overtaking the tank. Cuttings can be easily re-planted or shared.

9. Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.): 

Pennywort, comprising various species of the Hydrocotyle genus, is a versatile plant known for its round, coin-shaped leaves and creeping growth habit. It’s an ideal plant for both foreground and midground placement in the aquarium.

Description and Appearance: Pennywort has bright green, glossy leaves that can vary in size, from the size of a dime to larger than a quarter, depending on the species and growing conditions. The stems are relatively thin and can grow in a creeping manner or upwards towards the light.

Growth Conditions: This plant is adaptable to a variety of conditions but prefers temperatures between 68°F and 78°F (20°C to 26°C). It thrives under medium to high lighting, which promotes compact growth and prevents legginess.

CO2 and Fertilizer Requirements: Pennywort benefits from CO2 supplementation but will grow well without it, especially if liquid fertilizers are used regularly. It is particularly responsive to fertilizers rich in iron and micronutrients.

Benefits in the Aquarium: Pennywort is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides shelter for fish and invertebrates. It can help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and providing oxygenation.

Planting and Maintenance: Pennywort can be planted in the substrate or allowed to float. It can be easily propagated by cutting segments of the stem and planting them in the substrate. Regular trimming will encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.