How to Grow Aquarium Plants for Your Tank

Tired of your aquarium plants dying soon after you bring them home? Struggling with annoying algae taking over and killing your plants? Many beginner aquarium plant keepers face these challenges, leading to disappointment and wasted effort.

A fish hobby is not just about choosing fish and tank. Instead, it includes setting up everything in your aquarium that your fish have in their natural habitat. Growing plants is the most demanded requirement in an aquarium for fish to mimic the natural ecosystem. It requires specific skills and knowledge to choose the right aquarium plants for your fish, how to grow them, and what these plants need.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop healthy and thriving aquarium botanicals for your fish boy in the tank. By the end, you’ll know what aquarium plants need to stay healthy and happy, how to set up your tank correctly, how to pick the best plants, and how to take care of them so you can enjoy a bright, thriving planted tank.

Choose the Right Plant

Not every plant is suited for every fish and tank. Fish have preferences for plants, and tanks also have specific requirements for plants. Don’t just grab whatever looks nice at the pet store—take a little time to check what each plant needs.

For beginners, we recommend growing hardy plants that require little maintenance and can adapt to almost every fish tank. Plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Vallisneria are easy to grow and can thrive in more challenging aquarium conditions.

Always buy the plant that you have thoroughly researched. Avoid those with reddish stems or leaves, as these are more vulnerable to melting and dying quickly. Be sure to wash the plants thoroughly to remove debris or other contaminants before placing them in their new home.

Your tank should be sufficiently large to accommodate the fully grown size of your selected plants. Tank size plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the plant and its growth. Larger tanks such as 20-gallon betta tank also make it easier to control and adjust the plants’ requirements, such as lighting and CO2. Things like light, nutrients, and the kind of substrate you have can make a big difference, so consider these parameters while picking plant for your tank.

The recommended betta fish plants for beginners are;

• Hornwort: It grows quickly and can be easily propagated.
• Epiphytes: They include Java Ferns and Anubias, which can be mounted on driftwood or other hardscape pieces, making placement quite easy.
• Amazon Sword: This plant grows both underwater and above the water.
• Cryptocoryne Species: A hardy plant that adds color to your aquarium.

If you find it hard to grow a specific plant, don’t be discouraged; it is a common experience. We have personally gone through trials with different plant species to find the ones that thrive in my fish tank. You can try more demanding plants like carpet plants, red plants or floating plants after gaining sufficient experience in planting.

Plant Requirements to Grow Faster

After choosing your favorite fish, setting up the tank, and selecting plants, it’s time to delve into the requirements and essentials that are needed to grow the aquarium plants faster. Basically, you should focus on these factors.

1.      Lighting

Light is the basic requirement for aquatic as well as non-aquatic plants, as they need it for photosynthesis, the process that helps them grow by turning light into energy. It’s not just about having a light; you also need to think about how strong it is (intensity), what kind of light it gives off (spectrum), and how long it stays on each day (duration).

What Type of Light?

There are different types of lights, such as fluorescent, LED, and high-intensity LEDs. LEDs are the most popular now since they’re energy-efficient and come in many options that suit different plant types. Betta’s LED lights are best for our case.

Intensity

When choosing a light, make sure to check the specs for spectrum and PAR levels. The red and blue light spectrums are most helpful for plant growth, and good light should provide the right amount of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)—basically, the light that plants actually use.

Duration

Light requirements can differ for different plants, with some demanding low to moderate light while others require high light intensity. The thumb rule is to provide 8-12 hours of lighting a day to ensure the full growth of your plant. A timer can make your life easier by automatically turning the lights on and off.

Excessive Lighting

Excessive lighting can enhance your plant’s growth; however, it also produces algae and other nasty stuff that can be a headache for you. Also, high light intensity for longer periods can stress your fish. On the other hand, too low lighting can retard the growth of your plant. Therefore, moderate light is essential to thrive in the plant.

Buy aquarium lights according to the size of your aquarium. We prefer customizable light sources that can work for a wide range of tank sizes. When purchasing a light, make sure to read the instructions regarding tank size and other important considerations.

Gooing Top LED Grow Light,6000K

You can buy it here at Amazon.

AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum

Check the all the details here on Amazon.

2.      Substrate

The substrate is the ground for aquatic plants, providing a stable rooting source. That’s what your plants grow in, and it’s a big deal. It should be full of nutrients for the perfect enrichment of your plant.

There are two main types: inert substrates (like plain gravel or sand that don’t have nutrients) and nutrient-rich ones that are made just for plant growth.

If you’re using gravel or sand, you can still grow plants well by adding root tabs, like fertilizer tablets that you bury in the substrate.

Specialized plant substrates are the best option to give your plants a strong start. They’re packed with nutrients and great for plants with big root systems. Beginners should go with Seachem Fluorite for the first 6-12 months since it provides a solid foundation for plant growth.

Substrates have different options.

i. Soil-Based Substrate

The soil-based substrate is recommended for root-feeding plants. To prepare the substrate, ensure the following necessary steps.

• Put 1.5 inches of mineral soil at the bottom of the tank. You can use clean garden soil for that purpose.
• Mix it with same amount of peat moss, such as Sphagnum, to hold the plant in a water-nutrient mix.
• Mizzle enough water on the substrate to saturate it.
• Put an inch of mineral gravel on top.
• Now, fix the rooted plant in the substrate and fill the aquarium with water.

ii. Gravel-Only Substrate

This type of substrate is cost-effective and recommended for beginners. Water wisteria, Amazon sword, Brazilian pennywort, and Aponogeton can grow well in gravel-only substrates. Add root tabs to supplement nutrients for gravel or sand substrates.

Some plants can grow without substrate in a tank, like rhizome plants; they just need to be attached to driftwood or hard rock. But in such cases, the plants will show retarded growth..

3.      Nutrients and Fertilizers

If your plants start looking yellow or pale or have holes in their leaves, they might be missing some nutrients. Plant life need both macronutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (like iron and magnesium) to grow. They get these from fish waste, leftover food, decaying plant matter, the substrate, or fertilizers.

As most substrates have a limited amount of nutrients and minerals, add fertilizers and nutrients to the planted tank to enrich them with these things. By using suitable fertilizers, plants show rapid growth and vibrant colors. They come in two forms:

i. Liquid Form Fertilizer

This type of fertilizer is suitable for bunch plants like Hornwort and Foxtail Green, floating plants, and epiphytes like Anubias. Liquid fertilizer is safe and can be added directly to your aquarium. Choose a liquid fertilizer that contains essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and iron.

ii. Tablet Form Fertilizer

The tablet form fertilizer is ideal for root-feeding plants, and its application involves inserting it into a substrate. The tablets should be spaced one per every 6 inches, as closer than this can increase the nitrate rise.

If you have heavy root-feeding plants, you can use root tabs, which will ensure nutrients are delivered directly to the plants’ roots.

The Seachem tabs are effective, adding up a lot of useful nutrients to your aquarium without hurting fish.

4.      CO₂

Water and carbon dioxide are the critical nutrients for photosynthesis. Some plants do not require CO₂; however, its injection can make plant growth much faster. We recommend that beginners should go with the plants that don’t need carbon dioxide because its injection is a skillful job, as it requires to be dissolved in, and a high amount of it can stress your fish.

If your tank has a lot of light but not enough CO2, your plants won’t be able to keep up, and algae might take over. It’s all about keeping light, nutrients, and CO2 in balance.

Fish breathing and decaying matter give off a little CO2, but often it’s not enough. If you have grown CO₂—demanding plants or require rapid plant growth, then learn CO₂ injection before using it.

5.      Tank Parameters

Your tank parameters should align with the fish and plant requirements. Any conflicting parameters can affect either of both. The general recommendations that should be adapted regarding tank parameters are bulleted below;

• Keep the water temperature between 72-82°F (22 and 28°C), as most fish species, such as bettas, can survive in this range.
• The pH range should be between 6.5 and 7.5, which is the pH range of most plant and fish species.
• It’s better to keep general hardness (GH) higher in the planted aquarium, as it ensures mineral-rich water, especially calcium and magnesium. Higher GH does not affect plant growth so much. Most plants, such as Hornwort, Vallisneria, Windelov, and Amazon Swords, are hard water plants that grow very fast in high-GH aquariums. Those that thrive in low GH conditions are Bacopa and some species of Crypts.
• Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) as minimal as possible since it’s not a plant nutrient. However, it stabilizes the pH, so add enough baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate), a KH-increasing ingredient, to the tank to keep its level between 3 to 4 KH.

If you are a beginner and have trouble adjusting GH and KH, consider planting Vallisneria or Duckweed, as they grow well in a wide range of GH and KH conditions.

Balancing the Conditions

We have been keeping plants since the start of fish hobby, and have observed that keeping all the above requirements in balance is the key to creating lush foliage. If you have intense light provisions for your plants without enough CO₂ or fertilizers, you will have a jungle in your aquarium. Similarly, having low-tech lights for demanding plants with a high injection of CO₂ and fertilizer will not work out for you.

The perfect balance can be achieved by adjusting these things in different amounts and ways. The balance for one aquarium plant might not work for another plant as they have different care requirements.

Aquarium experts carry out various approaches and methods for nurturing plants, and one of them might not work in your favor. Therefore, experiment with different plants and go with different trials to find what works best for a specific setup.

How to Grow Aquarium Plants—Step by Step

Setting up a planted tank might sound tricky, but it’s just about planning things out step by step. Setting everything up right before adding water or fish makes a big difference in how healthy your plants and tank will be. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to do it:

Step 1: Pick a Spot & Clean the Tank

Find a sturdy spot for your tank away from direct sunlight (to prevent algae problems). Remember, a good rinse is all it needs—  skip the soap!

Step 2: Layer the Base

If you’re using a layered substrate, start with a base layer like volcanic rock or nutrient-rich soil. This step is optional but great for plant growth.

Step 3: Add Substrate

Add 2–3 inches of your main substrate (gravel, sand, or plant soil). Rinse it first if needed. Sloping it slightly toward the back of the tank makes the layout look more natural.

Step 4: Add Some Water

Pour enough water to cover the substrate (use a plate or bowl to avoid messing up your layout). This makes it easier to plant later.

Step 5: Prepare the Plant

It’s a good idea to prepare any plant before placing it in your aquarium. When you bring home new plants, rinse them well under clean, cool water to remove dust, chemicals, or hitchhiking pests like snails. If there are any yellow, brown, or mushy leaves, trim them off with a small pair of scissors. Also, if the roots are long and tangled, cutting them down to about an inch is okay. This helps the plant settle better into your substrate.

Step 6: Fill with Water

Fill the tank to the top with water, filling it slowly to avoid disturbing the substrate and plants. Then, plug in your filter, light, and heater to get everything running. Set everything as needed for the optimum and required level.

Step 7: Start the Cycle

Now it’s time to kick off the nitrogen cycle. This is a crucial step in setting up a healthy aquarium. The nitrogen cycle is a natural process that establishes beneficial bacteria in the tank, which help break down waste and maintain water quality. Let the tank run for a bit before adding any fish—this helps keep things stable and safe for them.

And that’s it! Take it slow, and you’ll have a thriving planted tank in no time.

How to Plant Different Aquarium Plants

Not all aquarium plants grow the same way, so it’s important to plant them according to their type.

Stem Plants

Stem Plants like Ludwigia or Rotala are straightforward. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and use tweezers to plant them into the substrate. Ensure they’re deep enough to stay in place but spaced out enough so light can reach all parts of the plant.

Rhizome Plants

Rhizome plants such as Anubias or Java Fern, grow from a thick horizontal stem called a rhizome. You should never bury the rhizome in the substrate because it can rot. Instead, tie the plant to a rock, driftwood, or any decoration using thread, fishing line, or even some aquarium-safe glue.

Rosette Plants

Plants like Amazon Swords or Cryptocoryne, grow in a circular pattern from the base. When planting them, trim their roots a bit and bury only the roots in the substrate—keep the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) just above the surface. If crypts start losing their leaves after being planted, don’t panic. This melting phase is normal, and they usually grow back even stronger once they adjust.

Bulb Plants

Bulb plants such as Aponogeton and Crinum, also need special care. Don’t fully bury the bulb—just tuck the bottom part into the substrate and let the top part stick out. This prevents rot and helps the plant grow properly.

Carpeting Plants

If you’re planting carpeting plants, like Monte Carlo or Dwarf Hairgrass, the trick is to break them into small clumps and plant them close together using tweezers. These plants eventually spread out and form a lovely green carpet across the bottom of your tank.

Using planting tools like tweezers and trimming scissors helps make this process cleaner and easier, especially when dealing with small or delicate plants.

Common Mistakes in Growing Aquarium Plants

Newly added plants may undergo melting initially, and many aquarist enthusiasts don’t allow them enough time to adapt. It’s important to give the plant time to go through its natural process of adjusting to a new ecosystem until it is fully grown. If the plant completely melts and dies off, you can replace it with another one.

Using chemical regulators or buffers to grow plants not intended for your aquarium can cause fluctuating water parameters, which is not a good practice.

Neglecting to change the water regularly can create a nasty environment for your plants and fish. When water is not changed for a long time, it becomes hard as it evaporates, leaving behind calcium ions.

Ongoing Maintenance of the Plants

• The plant needs regular trimming, as it can occupy the whole tank if not trimmed, and the yellow melting parts are not removed. This will prevent the tank from overcrowding, promote bushier growth, and reduce nutritional needs.
• A 20-30% weekly water change is required to remove excess useless nutrients and debris that can promote algae growth or pollute the water for its inhabitants.
• If algae are out of control, introduce algae-eating tank mates like Amano shrimp or Otocinclus into the tank.
• If plant is not thriving in your aquarium, try adjusting lighting, CO₂, or fertilization as needed. If not, even grow, experiment with another plant.
• Beside plant maintenance, it’s too crucial to maintaining your tank and arranging all its care requirements.

Fast-Growing Aquarium Plants

Here are some fast-growing aquarium plants.

Hornwort: Extremely fast-growing, gets dense and creates a jungle-like appearance if not trimmed. It is easy to manage and stays where you want it.

Salvinia: Grows rapidly, especially in nutrient-rich conditions, and can quickly cover a tank.

Elodea: Easy to grow and fun to trim; great for beginners.

Water Lettuce: Reproduces quickly, looks attractive, and is loved by livestock.

Duckweed: Tiny, reproduces fast but doesn’t cover the tank as quickly as Salvinia

Limnophila Sessiliflora: It grows too rapidly, which shocked me when I first added it to my tank. Additionally, it is an undemanding and low-maintenance plant.

Growing Aquarium Plants from Seeds?

Growing aquarium plants from seeds is not recommended, especially for beginners, due to the risk of scams and the hardy growth process. However, if you have the will to do so, follow the following steps.

• Fill a small tray with fresh and litter-free soil.
• Dampen the soil by sprinkling the aquarium water.
• Buy seeds with a scientific name and place them with a sufficient gap on top of the soil.
• Splash the water on the tray, avoiding flooding.
• Cover the tray with plastic film to retain moisture.
• Avoid direct sunlight from the tray.
• Lift the film and spray daily to maintain moisture.
• When seeds sprout, and roots appear, flood the tray with aquarium water to barely submerge the seedlings.
• Continue adding water as the seedlings grow.
• Once the plants are about the size of your thumb, they’re ready to place in the aquarium.