Aquarium plants: where do you start?
A beautiful aquascape starts with a solid hardscape, but plants complete the picture.
They not only bring life to your aquarium, but also contribute to biological balance, oxygen supply, and the well-being of your fish and shrimp.
In this blog, we dive into the world of aquarium plants: from the difference between foreground and background plants to cleaning, propagating, and caring for them.
Foreground & Background Plants
Foreground plants are low-growing species located at the front of the aquarium. They form a kind of 'aquatic lawn' and provide a sleek and natural look. Some popular species include:
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Hemianthus callitrichoides (HC Cuba)
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Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass)
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Marsilea hirsuta
Background plants are taller growing plants that you place at the back of the aquarium. They provide height, depth, and hiding places. Some popular species include:
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Hygrophila polysperma
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Limnophila sessiliflora
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Vallisneria spiralis
Tip: In the mid-ground, place medium-height plants such as Cryptocoryne wendtii or Bucephalandra to create a nice transition between foreground and background.
Cleaning plants before use
When planting in a new aquarium, good preparation is essential:
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Rinsing: Remove the plants from the pot or gel and rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm tap water to remove dirt, snails, and fertilizer residue.
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Cleaning: Gently remove rock wool or gel from the roots. This prevents rot in the substrate. We have made a handy video for this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9d7D0hjSLohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9d7D0hjSLo -
Dividing: Large bunches can often be divided into smaller portions. This helps with planting more sparsely and ensures faster growth.
Please note: Some plants come from tissue culture and are 100% sterile – ideal for sensitive aquariums with shrimp!
Propagating and multiplying plants
One of the advantages of aquarium plants is that you can easily multiply them:
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Stem plants such as Rotala or Ludwigia can be easily cut and replanted in the substrate. Ensure each cutting has at least 4-5 leaves.
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Carpeting plants like Monte Carlo can be pruned with aquascaping scissors. The cut parts quickly regrow and can even be replanted elsewhere.
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Runners such as with Cryptocoryne or Vallisneria can be detached from the mother plant and planted separately.
Pro-tip: Use sharp, rust-free scissors to prevent damage to the plant tissue.
🌱 Aquarium plant care
Healthy plants = healthy aquarium. Consider the following factors:
💡 Light
The right light intensity is crucial. More light is often needed for carpeting plants and red plants. Use LED lighting adapted for plant growth.
💨 CO₂
CO₂ injection promotes photosynthesis and ensures faster, fuller growth. Not mandatory, but almost indispensable for a truly spectacular aquascape.
💊 Nutrition
Use both a nutrient substrate (e.g., ADA or Tropica substrates) and liquid plant fertilizer. Some plants benefit from root tabs.
🌡️ Water parameters
Ensure stable conditions:
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Temperature: 22–26°C
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Regular water changes (we recommend a maximum of 20% per week)
- Measuring is knowing! Make sure you have a good drop test kit at home to measure your water parameters.
In conclusion
A well-planted aquarium is a combination of knowledge, patience, and a bit of daring. Experiment with different plant species and pay close attention to how they react. With the right hardscape as a foundation and plants in the right place, you build a living work of art that never gets boring to look at.