What Houseplants Can You Put in a Fish Tank?

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

Adding houseplants to your fish tank can be a great way to enrich the aesthetics of your aquatic habitat while also providing beneficial oxygenation to your fish. Java Fern, and Hornwort are the most popular types of houseplants that can be safely added to a fish tank. Not only will these plants provide your tank with oxygen and natural beauty, but they also provide shelter for your fish and can help keep the water clean.

Benefits of Having Houseplants in a Fish Tank

Having houseplants in a fish tank is beneficial in many ways. They can provide shade and protection to the fish. They can help to oxygenate the water, which keeps your fish healthy.

They can act as a natural filter, which helps keep the water clean. Some houseplants can add a splash of color to your aquarium, making it more visually appealing.

The key to safely adding houseplants to your fish tank is choosing species that are aquarium-friendly. Java Fern, and Hornwort are all good options that are not only safe for fish, but also easy to care for.

Anubias plants are slow-growing and hardy, while Java Ferns are low-maintenance and are known for their unique, fan-like leaves. Hornwort is also a suitable addition to your aquarium, as it provides cover for fish and helps keep nitrate levels in check. All of these houseplants are easy to find at most pet stores.

Types of Houseplants

When it comes to houseplants in fish tanks, you’ve got plenty of options. Anubias and Java Fern are popular choices, and Hornwort is a great plant for oxygenating the tank. Anubias is a low-maintenance plant that flourishes in low light conditions and doesn’t need a lot of fuss to stay healthy and vibrant.

Java fern is also low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. It adds a nice texture and height to the tank.

Hornwort is a hardy plant that loves to live in cooler temperatures and provides oxygen to your tank.

When picking plants for your tank, be sure to take into account the size of the tank and the other inhabitants. Some plants can be too big or too small for the fish, so make sure you do your research and buy the appropriate size. Make sure the plants are compatible with the water parameters and don’t introduce anything to the tank that is too harsh for the fish.

Make sure to keep an eye on the plants once you’ve got them in the tank. Monitor the growth and health of the plants and trim back any overgrowth to keep the tank balanced.

Be sure to fertilize the plants regularly and make sure they are getting enough light. With a little care and attention, you can have a thriving tank with plenty of lush houseplants.

Anubias

Anubias is a great choice for a houseplant in a fish tank. It is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of water conditions.

Anubias has deep roots that will allow your fish to swim around them while providing structure to the tank. It is important to note that Anubias plants should be attached to a piece of driftwood or rock in the tank as they will not survive if they are put in the substrate. Anubias plants should have plenty of light, but not too much, as they are quite sensitive to sunlight.

When it comes to caring for Anubias, you don’t have to worry too much.

It is not necessary to fertilize the plant, but removing any dead leaves or algae from the leaves will help keep it healthy and looking its best. When you are setting up the tank, make sure you don’t overcrowd it with Anubias. You want to leave some open space in the tank for the fish to swim around. If you do choose to add Anubias to your tank, make sure you are checking the water parameters regularly to ensure they are not too high or low.

Java Fern

Java Fern is an excellent choice for aquascaping a fish tank. It’s a hardy aquatic plant that adds interest to the fish tank with its unique foliage and texture.

This type of houseplant has a slow growth rate, so you don’t have to worry about it overgrowing the tank. It’s also a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require any special care. Simply make sure the plant has plenty of light, as this will help it to thrive.

Java fern also doesn’t need a lot of nutrients, so you won’t have to worry about adding fertilizer to the tank. And since it doesn’t have roots, it won’t disturb the other creatures in the tank. All in all, Java Fern is a great houseplant for the fish tank, and you can’t go wrong with it.

Hornwort

Hornwort is an ideal addition to your fish tank. It grows quickly, providing an ideal habitat for fish and other aquatic life. This houseplant is easy to care for – it requires no special lighting and can survive in a variety of water conditions.

It’s also great for oxygenating water, which helps keep your tank healthy. When it’s time to clean your tank, the Hornwort can be used as a natural filter, taking out harmful chemicals and bacteria.

What’s more, Hornwort is also aesthetically pleasing – its tall, feathery stems add a touch of beauty to any tank. If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s both easy to care for and visually pleasing, Hornwort is a great choice!