My Top 5 Easy Beginner Aquarium Plants

Choosing plants can become quite a complex topic, especially for those new to the hobby. In this video, I will talk about five plant species that are present in my own tanks and are very easy to care for, which can thrive in low-tech tanks. The subulata is preferred by both beginners and experienced aquarium hobbyists, due to its durability and easy care. It has long, narrow, ribbon-like leaves that are bright green in color. It can be kept in nano-tanks, but requires frequent pruning. Otherwise, it can take up a lot of space. Subulata spreads rapidly through its rhizomes and creates dense vegetation at the bottom of the aquarium. It grows best at temperatures between 18 to 28 C and adapts well to soft to moderately hard water. Medium to high light levels are ideal. It can grow in low light conditions as well, but at a slower rate. Subulata is generally a low-maintenance plant and can grow without additional fertilization or CO2 injection. It is recommended to use sand or fine gravel as a substrate. Once the shoots are large enough, they can be planted in other areas. Subulata is a great aquarium plant in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. Its low-maintenance nature makes it suitable for hobbyists of all levels. Cryptocoryne species are naturally found in tropical regions of Asia and Africa, typically growing along the edges of slow-moving or stagnant waters. These plants are known for providing an aesthetic look in aquariums and can adapt to low and medium lighting conditions, making them durable plants. Cryptocoryne plants generally have broad, oval, or long leaves, and the leaves may vary in color and texture across different species. They spread through rhizomes, which are the main stem of the plant from which new shoots emerge. This feature allows the plant to spread and occupy larger areas in the aquarium. They are commonly placed in the background or middle section of the aquarium. Their broad leaves and dense appearance create a natural cover or hiding spot. They can undergo a process called crypt-melt, which occurs when the plant sheds its leaves and temporarily weakens, especially when the aquarium environment changes. In such cases, it may take a few weeks for the plant to adapt to the new conditions. Rotala is naturally found in the still or slow-moving waters of tropical regions. They require moderate to high light levels. The more light they receive, the faster they grow and the more intense their color becomes. However, if the light is low, the plant will take on more green tones, its growth will slow down, and the leaves will become smaller, but the plant will not die. Soft water conditions help the plant grow more healthfully. In CO2-assisted tanks, the plant grows very quickly and displays its full form, but even in tanks without CO2, as shown in the video, the plant can still look beautiful. They are fast-growing and should be pruned regularly. Long and dense stems can block light from reaching other plants and can disrupt the aesthetic appearance of the aquarium. Pruning helps the plant become fuller and denser. The pruned stems can be planted in another part of the tank or in a new aquarium, allowing the plant to be propagated. Lotus plants naturally grow in tropical regions, typically in ponds and swamps, and they thrive in slow-moving or still waters. They have broad leaves that usually float on the water's surface. The leaves are generally round and wide, with prominent veins sometimes visible. They are green in color, and in some species, flowers can be seen on the water's surface. The flowers are typically white, pink, or blue and open on the water's surface. Growth slows down in very cold water. They can continue to grow under low light, but high light encourages blooming, although it can burn the leaves. Lotus grow best in large tanks. In smaller tanks, the size of the leaves may be incompatible with other plants and can take up too much space. There are many different species of Valisneria, and I wanted to provide separate information for them. In my black water tank, I have Valisneria australis. This plant has long, thin, ribbon-like leaves that are typically bright green and can grow up to 2 meters in length, making it an impressive addition to the background of an aquarium. It spreads rapidly through rhizomes and lateral shoots, with new shoots developing from the main plant and creating a dense plant cover over time. It prefers medium to high light levels, and under sufficient light, the leaves grow more vibrant and quickly. It can survive in low light conditions, but growth rate and color intensity will decrease. In my nano tank, I have Valisneria spiralis. Compared to the other species, its leaves grow in a more slender and elegant manner. It has the fastest growth rate among its species. You may get tired of trimming it, as it can quickly take over the entire tank. You can cut it to any desired length when trimming. You can also cut the lateral shoots and replant them wherever you want. I introduced five plants from my own tanks that are perfect for beginners. I hope you found it helpful. As always, thank you so much for watching. Peace and love.