Aquarium plants not only add aesthetic value to your aquarium but also play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance within the tank. They help in oxygenating the water, reducing algae growth and providing hiding places for the fish. If you are a beginner looking for some easy-to-maintain aquarium plants, then here are the top 10 aquarium plants you can consider:
1. Java Moss
Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium hobbyists due to its versatility and ease of care. It is a moss species native to Southeast Asia and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats. Java moss has a distinctive appearance with small, light green leaves that grow in dense clusters. It is commonly used in aquascaping to create a natural-looking environment in aquariums and can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decor.
One of the key advantages of Java moss is its low maintenance requirements. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and lighting levels, making it suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. Additionally, Java moss provides a number of benefits for aquarium inhabitants, such as providing shelter and food for fish and invertebrates. Its dense growth can also help to prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients in the water column. Overall, Java moss is a versatile and attractive addition to any aquarium.
2. Anubias
Anubias is a popular and easy-to-grow aquatic plant commonly used in aquariums. It is a slow-growing plant that thrives in low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for aquariums with less intense lighting.
Anubias can grow up to 12 inches tall and is typically used as a midground or foreground plant due to its smaller size. It is also a great option for those looking to add some greenery to their aquarium without taking up too much space.
The plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including soft or hard water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, making it a great choice for beginners. It prefers temperatures between 72°F and 82°F, but can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures.
Propagation of Anubias is easy and can be done through rhizome division, where the rhizome is separated into smaller portions and planted separately. This allows the plant to form new growth and develop into a full, healthy plant over time. Overall, Anubias is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for aquarium enthusiasts of all skill levels.
3. Java Fern
Java fern is a popular and easy-to-care-for aquatic plant that is commonly used in aquariums. It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 13 inches in height and is typically used as a midground or background plant due to its larger size.
This plant thrives in low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for aquariums with less intense lighting. It can also tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including soft or hard water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, and temperatures between 68°F to 82°F.
Java fern is a hardy plant that is perfect for beginners or those looking for a low-maintenance addition to their tank. It is also known for its ability to attach itself to driftwood or rocks, which makes it a great choice for aquascaping.
Propagation of Java fern is easy and can be done through the division of the plant’s rhizomes. This allows the plant to form new growth and develop into a full, healthy plant over time.
Overall, Java fern is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for adding some greenery and texture to your aquarium. Its hardiness and ease of care make it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.
4. Amazon Sword

Amazon sword can grow up to 20 inches tall and has large, green leaves that can reach up to 16 inches in length. It is a relatively easy plant to care for and can thrive in a variety of aquarium conditions, including moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich substrate. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Amazon sword can help to maintain good water quality in the aquarium by absorbing nitrates and other harmful compounds from the water.
One of the benefits of Amazon sword is its ability to provide hiding places for fish and other aquatic creatures. The dense leaves and tall growth of this plant create a natural habitat for aquarium inhabitants to seek shelter and hide from potential predators. Overall, Amazon sword is a versatile and beneficial aquatic plant that any aquarium enthusiast should consider adding to their collection.
5. Hornwort
Hornwort is a versatile and hardy aquatic plant that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its unique appearance and beneficial properties. This plant features feathery foliage that can grow up to 10 feet in length and is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Hornwort can thrive in a wide range of aquarium conditions, including low light and low-tech setups, making it a popular choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
One of the key benefits of hornwort is its ability to absorb nitrates and other harmful compounds from the water, helping to maintain good water quality in the aquarium. In addition, hornwort releases oxygen during photosynthesis, improving the overall health and well-being of aquarium inhabitants. This plant can be used as a background plant or left floating at the surface of the water, creating a natural-looking and low-maintenance aquascape. Hornwort is also a great choice for breeding tanks, as it provides hiding places for fry and other small aquatic creatures. Furthermore, it can be used as a natural food source for herbivorous fish, snails, and shrimp.
6. Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne, commonly known as “crypts,” are a popular genus of aquatic plants in the aquarium hobby. These plants are native to tropical regions in Southeast Asia and can grow in a range of conditions, from low light to high light, making them a versatile addition to any aquascape. Crypts are highly valued for their attractive appearance, ease of care, and ability to improve water quality in the aquarium.
Crypts have distinctive, broad leaves that range in color from green to brown to red, depending on the species and environmental conditions. These plants can grow up to 20 inches tall and have a rosette-like growth pattern, making them a great choice for the foreground or midground of an aquarium. Crypts are relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including pH, hardness, and temperature. They can also absorb nitrates and other harmful compounds from the water, improving overall water quality and creating a healthier environment for aquarium inhabitants.
7. Water Wisteria
Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium enthusiasts due to its fast growth, attractive appearance, and ease of care. It is native to Southeast Asia and is found growing in slow-moving streams and ponds.
Water wisteria is a versatile plant that can be used as a background, midground, or even a foreground plant in larger aquariums. It can grow up to 20 inches tall and has bushy, bright green leaves that can create a dense foliage cover in the aquarium.
The plant does well in low to high lighting conditions and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making it suitable for beginners. It prefers slightly soft to moderately hard water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and temperatures between 68°F to 82°F.
Propagation of water wisteria is easy and can be done through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting of the stem and replant it in the substrate, and it will quickly root and start growing.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, water wisteria is also beneficial for the aquarium environment. It absorbs nitrates and other nutrients from the water, helping to keep the water quality high and the aquarium environment healthy for fish and other aquatic inhabitants.
8. Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf Sagittaria, also known as Sagittaria subulata, is a popular and versatile aquatic plant that is commonly used in aquariums. As the name suggests, it is a small plant that typically grows to a height of 4-6 inches, making it an ideal choice for the foreground or midground of the aquarium.
This plant is a fast grower and is capable of forming a thick carpet if given the right conditions. It prefers moderate to high lighting and soft to moderately hard water with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The temperature range it can tolerate is between 68°F to 82°F.
Dwarf Sagittaria has narrow, grass-like leaves that are a bright green color. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of water conditions, making it a great choice for beginners.
Propagation of Dwarf Sagittaria is easy and can be done by separating the plant into smaller portions and replanting them. This plant also spreads through runners and can quickly form a lush carpet in the aquarium.
9. Amazon Frogbit
Amazon Frogbit is a popular floating aquatic plant known for its unique appearance and ease of care. It is native to South and Central America and is commonly found in still or slow-moving waters, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.
The plant consists of round, green leaves that can grow up to 5 cm in diameter, and a network of fine roots that dangle from its underside. It typically floats on the surface of the water, providing shade and shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures.
Amazon Frogbit is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate to high lighting conditions and temperatures between 68°F and 82°F. It thrives in soft to moderately hard water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Propagation of Amazon Frogbit is easy and can be done through runners or division. As the plant grows, it produces runners that can be removed and planted in a new location to form a new plant. Additionally, the plant can be divided into smaller portions, with each portion capable of forming a new plant.
10. Marimo Moss Ball

Marimo moss ball has a velvety texture and is soft to the touch, making it a great addition to any aquarium. It is easy to care for and requires low to moderate light and a temperature range of 68°F to 82°F. It also prefers a pH range between 6.0 to 8.0.
This plant is an excellent option for aquariums as it helps to absorb excess nutrients, keeping the water clean and healthy for fish and other aquatic animals. Marimo moss ball also provides shelter for small fish and invertebrates and can serve as a natural decoration for aquariums.
Propagation of Marimo moss ball is possible through division, where the parent ball is cut into smaller pieces and grown separately. It is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach its maximum size.
In conclusion, these top 10 aquarium plants for beginners are all excellent choices for anyone starting an aquarium. They are easy to grow and maintain, can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, and can help to improve water quality. Adding these plants to your aquarium can provide many benefits, including providing cover and hiding places for fish and fry, helping to oxygenate the water, and absorbing nitrates.