Best Aquarium Plants for Beginners
By Melbourne Tropical Team Β· 1 min read
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Eight hardy, low-light aquarium plants that thrive without CO2 and forgive beginner mistakes.
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Easy plants to start with
Live plants improve water quality, reduce algae and give fish shelter. The best beginner plants need little light and no CO2.
Recommended species
Java fern and anubias attach to wood and rock and are nearly indestructible. Cryptocoryne and Amazon sword root in substrate for midground and background. Vallisneria forms a fast-growing jungle backdrop. Browse full care notes in our plant database.
Keeping plants healthy
Provide a quality LED light for 6-8 hours, dose a liquid fertiliser, and add root tabs for heavy root feeders like swords and crypts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do beginner aquarium plants need CO2?
No. Java fern, anubias, crypts and vallisneria all grow well without CO2 under modest lighting.
Why are my plants melting?
New plants often melt as they adapt to submerged growth or after transplanting. Keep conditions stable and new growth follows.