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This list is computed from our plant database and includes every plant that meets two conditions: difficulty rated easy and CO2 not required. In other words, plants that grow with standard aquarium lighting and a basic fertilizer routine.
Easy plants are the best way to start a planted tank. They help from day one: they absorb ammonia and nitrate, compete with algae and give fish shelter. They also forgive mistakes in light and fertilization that would melt more demanding species.
- Epiphytes: Anubias and Java fern, tied to wood or rock, never buried.
- Rosette plants: Cryptocoryne and Vallisneria, which appreciate root tabs.
- Fast stem plants: water wisteria and hornwort, excellent against algae in a new tank.
- Floaters and mosses: frogbit, salvinia and Java moss.
For a balanced start, combine a couple of slow plants with a couple of fast growers. Keep the light at 6-8 hours a day on a timer, add a liquid all-in-one fertilizer if you have many plants, and be patient: new plants often lose a few leaves while adapting to your water.
Easy plants
| Species | Light | CO₂ | Temp. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Anubias nana Anubias barteri var. nana | Low | Not needed | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Cryptocoryne wendtii Cryptocoryne wendtii | Low | Not needed | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
 Amazon sword (Echinodorus bleheri) Echinodorus grisebachii 'Bleheri' | Medium | Optional (helps) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Java fern Microsorum pteropus | Low | Not needed | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
 Java moss Taxiphyllum barbieri | Low | Not needed | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Rotala rotundifolia Rotala rotundifolia | Medium | Optional (helps) | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
 Vallisneria Vallisneria spiralis | Low | Not needed | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Anubias barteri Anubias barteri | Low | Not needed | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Bacopa caroliniana Bacopa caroliniana | Medium | Optional (helps) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Marimo moss ball Aegagropila linnaei | Low | Not needed | 50–75 °F (10–24 °C) | Easy |
 Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) Ceratophyllum demersum | Low | Not needed | 50–82 °F (10–28 °C) | Easy |
 Water sprite Ceratopteris thalictroides | Medium | Not needed | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
 Cryptocoryne beckettii Cryptocoryne beckettii | Low | Not needed | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
 Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa) Hygrophila corymbosa | Medium | Optional (helps) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Water wisteria Hygrophila difformis | Medium | Optional (helps) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Duckweed (Lemna minor) Lemna minor | Medium | Not needed | 50–86 °F (10–30 °C) | Easy |
 Asian ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora) Limnophila sessiliflora | Medium | Optional (helps) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) | Easy |
 Ludwigia repens Ludwigia repens | Medium | Optional (helps) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Marsilea hirsuta Marsilea hirsuta | Low | Optional (helps) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Flame moss Taxiphyllum sp. 'Flame' | Low | Optional (helps) | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Dwarf sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) Sagittaria subulata | Low | Not needed | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Salvinia (Salvinia natans) Salvinia natans | Medium | Not needed | 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) | Easy |
 Staurogyne repens Staurogyne repens | Medium | Optional (helps) | 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) | Easy |
No species match those filters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest aquarium plant?
Java fern, Anubias, Java moss and hornwort are almost impossible to kill under normal aquarium conditions.
Do easy plants need fertilizer?
They grow without much, but a light dose of liquid fertilizer or root tabs for crypts and swords keeps them healthier and greener.
Why are my new plants melting?
Many plants are grown emersed (out of water) at the nursery and shed their leaves while adapting. Leave the roots or rhizome in place and new leaves usually appear.
