11 Beautiful, Easy To Grow, Aquarium Plants That Stay Small
Rosette Sword from the authors 10 gallon aquarium
Maybe you already have a planted aquarium and are looking for better plants. Perhaps you’re starting an aquarium and are wondering what to plant in it. Either way these 11 plants are the very best plants for your beginner aquarium.
Most beginners start with a 10 gallon aquarium and these plants would be perfect for that size tank.
What you’ll need to start:
An aquarium of course. A good light is important. No CO2 or fertilizer needed, unless you want to add them for extra fast growth.
Index Of Plants
Link will take you directly to that plant.
1. Cryptocoryne Wendtii “Green” – grows 4 to 6 inches high
Why is Cryptocoryne Wendtii “Green” a perfect live plant for your starter aquarium?
* It grows quickly.
* It stays fairly small – it won’t grow more than six inches tall.
* It is easy to care for and will adapt to most aquarium conditions.
* It is an attractive green plant that would make a good middle ground or background plant.
* It can be “dry-started” because it will grow well out of the water and grown in damp / wet soil.
Plant Requirements:
1. Aquarium size: 10 or larger
2. Light demands: Medium to high
3. Addtion of CO2: Optional
4. Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Picture is courtesy of Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryne_wendtii
→ A Commonly Asked Question About Cryptocornes:
Question: What types of cryptocoryne are available for my aquarium?
Answers:
cryptocoryne wendtii – ruffled leaves with colors in green, red and brown
cryptocoryne undulata – 14″ long green leaves
cryptocoryne parva – Very small plant that grows up to an inch or two. Green leaves.
There are many more. You can find more information on cryptocorynes on this excellent website.
Although there are over 60 different types of Cryptocorynes one of the most popular and easy to aquire is Cryptocoryne Wendtii.
Cryptocorynes can be found in the wild in the warmer sections of India, Southeast Asia and New Guinea. These plants can be found near the banks of slow moving rivers or streams that are rich in organic matter and minerals. This means that in the aquarium Cryptocorynes do best with gentle water movement.
In nature “Crypts” form large mats that are home to abundant numbers of fish and other life.
Cryptocorynes grow both in water and can dry started out of the water (in damp soil). The reason for this is that in the wild they grow completely submerged during wet seasons and “emersed” (out of the water in damp soil) during dry periods. During dry periods cryptocorynes will produce flowers that look like lily flowers. Crypts propagate by seed in the wild but can be propagated in the aquarium by separating the plant bunches and then replanting the the plants that you remove.
Although cryptocoryne wendtii can grow in medium lighting it prefers bright light and will grow best in brightly lit aquariums with no floating plants blocking the light. You may need to add fertilizers to the aquarium in order for the cryptocoryne to thrive.
Large nurseries grow this plant emersed (out of water). This means that when you get your new cryptocoryne wendtii home and into your tank the old leaves will probably melt over a short period. The new leaves that grow will have adjusted to being underwater and those leaves won’t melt.
To learn even more about cryptocorynes visit this amazing website. You will need to use Google translate.
2. Anubias Nana Petite – grows 4” tall and possibly 8” wide.
Why is Anubias Nana Petite a perfect plant for your aquarium?
* It is very hardy (difficult to kill).
* It only gets four inches tall.
* Fish won’t eat it.
* It is easy to care for and will adapt to most aquarium conditions.
* It is an attractive green plant that would make a good accent plant.
Plant Requirements:
1. Aquarium size: Around 10 gallons or more
2. Light demands: Low to medium (medium preferred)
3. Addtion of CO2: Optional
4. Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Anubias Nana Petite from my 10 gallon aquarium
→ A Commonly Asked Question About Anubias Nana Petite:
Question: Can my anubias nana petite be used as a floating plant?
Answers: Your anubias plant can be grown as a floating plant. Be aware of two issues: 1. It may be damaged if your aquarium light is too bright. 2. If it gets stuck somewhere in your tank it may attach itself in a location that is undesirable I.E. filter, another plant, heater etc.
Although there are over eight different types anubias found in nature, the best bet for a nano tank is “anubias nana petite” because it won’t outgrow your aquarium.
Anubias is a semi-aquatic plant from tropical, central and western Africa that grows both underwater and above water. In the wild it grows in wet shady banks of streams and rivers. It can also be found in marshes.This would seem to indicate that water movement may not be a necessary factor for healthy growth.
A laboratory report I read said anubias grew well at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but will also grow at normal aquarium temperatures. You can read that report here.
Anubias grows both in water and out of water (in damp soil). This is plant that, in the wild, will grow completely submerged during rainy seasons and “emersed” (out of the water in damp soil) during dry seasons. During dry periods the anubias plant will produce flowers and seeds. This means that it propagates by seed in the wild. Anubias can be propagated in the aquarium by taking cuttings (cutting through the rhizome) and then planting the new plants you’ve just removed.
Anubias Nana Petite can grow in medium light but will tolerate brightly lit aquariums too if planted in a shady part of the tank. Do not plant the rhizome or roots of this plant. It will grow best if attached to a rock or piece of driftwood. Of interest: this plant will flower underwater if well cared for.
3. Java Moss – grows one to four inches tall.
Why is Java Moss a perfect plant for your aquarium?
* It’s easy to grow and hard to kill.
* You can make it grow as short or tall is you’d like.
* Fish won’t eat it.
* It is easy to care for and will adapt to most aquarium conditions.
* It is a very pretty bright green.
* It can provide a safe place for small fish and fry to hide.
Plant Requirements:
1. Aquarium size: 10 gallons or larger
2. Light demands: Low to high
3. Addition of CO2: Optional
4. Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Java Moss image is courtesy of Wikipedia and By Buchling, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1265454
→ A Commonly Asked Question About Java Moss:
Question: What does java moss do?
Answers: Java moss is a free floating, free forming bright green plant. It can be anchored to a rock or piece of driftwood to form a large clumping plant. It can also be woven into plastic mesh to grow into a carpet or wall of bright green moss. It is an easy, fast growing plant that will help control the formation of algae, by working to remove excess nitrates and other excess plant nutrients from the aquarium.
Java Moss is one moss type of many. Mosses date back 440 million years. Java Moss and other mosses won’t flower or produce seeds.
Java Moss originates in southeast Asia. In its natural environment it grows both underwater and above water.
Java Moss needs to be attached to a rock or piece of wood before placing it in the aquarium.
Java Moss tolerates many types of water conditions so any regular aquarium should work for growing this moss. It will grow and show best if attached to a rock or piece of wood. For aesthetic purposes the tank java moss is kept in should have some water movement. If there isn’t any water movement debris will gather on it and make it look brown and dirty.
Java Moss can be propagated by simply pulling a piece off of the body of the plant and then replanting the piece that was removed.
It can provide a safe haven for fry because it is easy to find a good hiding spot in the jumble of strands. Shrimp also enjoy nibbling on it.
4. Java Fern – Grows up to 10” tall.
Why is Java Fern a perfect plant for your aquarium?
* It’s hard to kill.
* With slow to medium growth it won’t quickly take over your tank.
* Fish won’t eat it.
* It’s easy to care for and will adapt to most aquarium conditions.
* It would make a great background plant for your nano or small aquarium.
Plant Requirements:
1. Aquarium size: 10 gallon or larger
2. Light demands: Low or higher
3. Addition of CO2: Optional
4. Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Image is courtesy of Wikipedia: By Tsunamicarlos at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons. Transfer was stated to be made by User:Soulkeeper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3123279
This plant is one of the most popular in the aquarium hobby. That’s because it’s attractive and super easy to grow. I’ve read if you can grow algae you can grow Java Fern. You can find many different types of Java Fern for sale including narrow leaf, needle leaf and lance leaf.
Java fern grows on the Indonesian island of Java plus it grows in Thailand, Malaysia, some parts of China and the Philippines.
In its natural habitat it grows on rocks and submerged wood. It will grow emersed (partially submerged) and fully submerged (underwater). The roots act as an anchor to attach the plant to whatever it’s growing on. Java Ferns spread by rhizome (rhizome: creeping root stalk). Given enough time will cover whatever rock or driftwood you’ve given it.
Java Ferns propagate by spores that grow on the back of the leaves. You can see the rows of little bumps on the back of the leaves where the spores grow. According to what I’ve read little plantlets can grow on the back of the leaves from these spores. I haven’t seen this yet.
Considering it’s growth habit in the wild it will come as no surprise that this plant will grow under just about any condition; submerged, emersed, low light, high light, good water and poor water. As long as you don’t plant it in the gravel or soil in your tank it will be a “show off” and grow well for you.
5. Pygmy Chain Sword – 1 to 4 inches tall
Why is Pygmy Chain Sword a perfect plant for your aquarium?
* It’s hard to kill.
* It stays short in bright light (1 to 4 inches tall).
* When provided good conditions it can grow quickly to fill empty space.
* It’s bright green color and fast growth make it an attractive carpet plant.
* It is easy to care for and will adapt to most aquarium conditions.
* It will stay short when given bright lighting.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: Nano or larger
Light demands: Medium to high (high preferred)
Addition of CO2: Optional
Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Drawing of pygmy chain sword is courtesy of wikipedia.
→ A Commonly Asked Question About Pygmy Chain Sword:
Question: How tall does the pygmy chain sword plant get?
Answer: 1 to 4 inches tall.
This is another popular aquarium plant. It is a beautiful, small plant. It’s simple for the beginner aquarist to grow a nice looking mat of Pygmy Chain Sword.
Pygmy chain sword (Scientific name(s): Echinodorus tenellus and Helanthium tenellum), is also known as “Narrow Leaf Chain Sword”. It is an extremely common plant, known to grow in North, Central and South America, and the West Indies. It is so hardy and durable that it even grows in Michigan.
Despite the number of areas it will grow in, it is classified as an endangered plant in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. (Wikipedia: Helanthium tenellum)
In its natural habitat it grows emersed in swamps and marshes but pygmy chain sword can grow and thrive fully submerged. If grown immersed in an aquarium it will easily and quickly produce flower stems, flowers and possibly seeds.
The Pygmy Chain Sword will put out runners (stems that grow sideway) that have small chain sword plantlets on the tips. These plantlets will root, grow and put out more runners. If desired the larger parent plants can also be pulled up and divided by taking cuttings of the smaller pygmy chain sword plants growing from its base.
Because it grows so easily in the wild, it will also do very well in a brightly lit aquarium. Make sure not to plant it where it will be in the shade of another plant or the shade of the hardscape (rocks or driftwood). It really thrives if given aquarium fertilizer on a regular basis. It’s really hard to go wrong with Pygmy Chain Sword.
6. Water Wisteria – Can grow to 20 inches high, but is easily trimmed to fit your small tank.
Why is water wisteria a perfect live plant for your beginners aquarium?
* It is a beautiful bright green color.
* It grows very quickly.
* It is an excellent background plant that can easily kept trimmed to whatever height desired.
* The lacey leaves and abundance of roots create a place for fish & shrimp to explore or hide.
Requirements:
Aquarium size: 10 gallons or larger
Light demands: medium or higher
Addition of CO2: Optional
Addition of fertilizers: Optional
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia
By en:User:Tsunamicarlos – originally uploaded as en:File:Hygrodifformis1.jpg, Public Domain, Link
→ Most Common Question About Water Wisteria:
Question: How easy is it to grow Water Wisteria?
Answer: Water Wisteria is super easy to grow. Just plant it and it will grow. It is an effortless aquarium plant.
I’ve read you can plant water wisteria in the toilet and it will grow. In other words easy to grow, making it a perfect plant for a beginner aquarist. Frequent strong trimming of this plant will be needed to keep it under control.
Water wisteria (scientific name: hygrophila difformis) can be found in nature in the Indian subcontinent.
It grows emersed in swamps and marshes but also grows fully submerged during the rainy season. In an aquarium, you won’t need to dry start this plant. Just plant it in your fully filled aquarium.
Since it is so easy to grow it will thrive under all conditions in which you can keep aquarium fish. It is recommended that it be grown in strong light, but can also grow in medium light. Tropical water temperatures of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit will be fine for keeping this plant.
Propagating water wisteria is easy. Clip off a stem, cut the stem into 1 or 2 inch pieces and then plant the stem pieces. This plant will also grow on the water surface, so if you want, you can throw the cut up stem pieces in the tank to float near the light. When the new roots on the stem pieces are long enough go ahead and plant the pieces.
7. Bacopa Caroliniana – can grow to 20 inches high, but is easily trimmed to fit your tank.
Why is Bacopa Caroliniana a perfect live plant for your aquarium?
* It can be trimmed to easily fit your small tank.
* It grows bright green but can turn a little red or goldish in bright light.
* It grows a little slower than other plants so it will stay “trimmed” longer.
* With heavy trimming it would make a great midground plant or background plant.
* It is easy to propagate.
* You can use this plant to add a little color to your aquarium. There are a few different types of Bacopa Caroliniana, some have red coloration in the leaves.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: 10 gallon or larger
Light demands: Low light or higher
Addition of CO2: Optional
Addition of fertilizers: Optional
By User:BotBln – Own work: User:BotBln, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
→ Most Common Question About Bacopa Caroliniana:
Question: Can Bacopa Caroliniana be grown emersed (out of the water) for dry starting?
Answer: Bacopa Caroliniana can be easily grown emersed. Simply plant and grow in wet soil. Given enough time grown emersed it will produce a purple, blue or white flower.
Bacopa Caroliniana is another wonderful beginner plant that can be easily trimmed to fit your small aquarium.
Bacopa Caroliniana grows in the Southern United States and South Korea.
In the wild it grows in bogs partially emersed but can also grow fully submerged. In an aquarium you could dry-start this plant but don’t really need to as it grows well underwater and can easily be propagated.
Since it is so easy to grow it will thrive under all conditions that you can keep freshwater aquarium fish in. It can be grown in medium light but can even survive in low light. Tropical water temperatures and soft or hard water will do just fine.
Propagating Bacopa Caroliniana is simple. Trim off the tip of a stem. In a few weeks several new stems will have grown out of the original stem. Those new stems can be removed and planted.
8. Staurogyne Repens – Can grow 4 inches tall.
Why is Staurogyne Repens a perfect live plant for your aquarium?
* It makes a beautiful foreground or carpet plant.
* It is slow growing so it won’t take over your aquarium.
* It’s easy to grow and will require little care once established.
Growing Requirements:
Aquarium size: nano or larger
Light demands: high
CO2: Addition suggested, but not required
Addition of fertilizers: Addition suggested, but not required
→ Most Commonly Asked Question About Staurogyne Repens:
Question: How do you care for Staurogyne Repens?
Answer: Staurogyne Repens requires a rich substrate, a brightly lit tank, occasional fertilizer and if possible the addition of CO2 to the aquarium. Don’t plant it in a shady spot. This is a plant that can be dry-started (grown emersed). If dry-started the dry-start leaves will die back when grown fully submerged.
Staurogyne Repens is a plant that will fit well into your aquascaped small aquarium because of its small size. It will probably experience leaf melt after planting as staurogyne repens is grown in most large aquarium nurseries as an emersed plant (out of the water).
Staurogyne repens grows native in tropical Peru. In the wild it grows in bogs partially immersed but can also grow fully submerged. In an aquarium you can dry-start this plant but don’t really need to as it grows well underwater and can easily be propagated.
Since it is so easy to grow it will thrive under all conditions in which you can keep aquarium fish. This plant does best in bright light, but will grow slowly in medium light. Temperatures should be kept around 75 to 82 degrees fahrenheit.
Propagating staurogyne repens is pretty easy. Trim off a stem and then replant the stem you’ve cut off. The new stem will root and grow. The old stem will grow additional stems because of the trimming.
9. Rotala Rotundifolia – Height is variable (Prune to fit)
Why is Rotala Rotundifolia a perfect live plant for your aquarium?
* Although it grows quickly under good lighting, it responds to heavy pruning by sending out side shoots and therefore growing very bushy.
* It is easy to grow and will require little care once established.
* Rotala Rotundifolia is a good background plant.
* Colors range from green to red. More light and the addition of CO2 + nutrients = redder foliage.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: 10 gallons or larger
Light demands: Medium to high
Addition of CO2: Optional – for red leaves
Addition of fertilizers: Optional – for red leaves
Photograph of the Rotala Rotundifolia flower about, is courtesy of Wikipedia.By Vinayaraj – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
→ The most Common Question About Rotala Rotundifolia:
Question: How do you care for Rotala Rotundifolia?
Answer: Like other beginner plants this is easy to start in the aquarium. Just plant it in the substrate where it will get as much light as possible. It will require regular pruning in order for it to fit a small aquarium.
Rotala Rotundifolia will attempt outgrow any aquarium that it is planted in. This means that you will need to prune it to force it to fit a small aquarium.
If purchased prepackaged or from a large online aquarium plant company the plant will probably experience leaf melt after planting. It can be grown emersed and will have been cultivated that way in the large nurseries. The leaves on the plants from these nurseries won’t take to being submerged and will die. The new leaves that come up with be fine underwater.
Rotala Rotundifolia grows native in India, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It has been introduced into the wild in the southeastern U.S. and is considered an invasive weed.
It produces attractive pink flowers in the wild. Pictures seem to indicate it thrives in marshes and swampy areas. Water movement is probably not a factor in successfully growing this plant.
This plant can be dry-started or simply planted in your water filled tank. Regular aquarium conditions will be fine for growing this plant. If you want red leaves you will probably need to add CO2 and additional nutrients to your tank.
Propagating Rotala Rotundifolia is so easy it really is a matter of controlling the plant. If propagation is needed cut off a stem and then replant the stem you’ve cut off. The new stem will root and grow. The old stem will grow additional stems because of the trimming.
10. Marsilea Hirsuta – Grows to about 3 inches high.
Why is Marsilea Hirsuta a perfect live plant for your aquarium?
* It’s easy to grow and will require little care once established.
* Marsilea hirsuta is a good carpeting plant.
* It can be grown emersed for better establishment of a “aquarium carpet”.
* This plant isn’t fussy about lighting. Low light is ok. Of course it will grow better in brighter lighting.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: Around 10 gallons
Light demands: Low to medium
Addition of CO2: Optional
Addition of plant nutrients: Optional
Photograph of Marsilea species courtesy of Wikipedia. Photo By Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Link
A Common Question Asked About Marsilea Hirsuta
Question: Will Marsilea hirsuta grow in a low-tech tank?
Answer: Yes Marsilea hirsuta will grow in a low-tech tank. It is undemanding about lighting and will grow without additional fertilizers or CO2.
Marsilea Hirsuta is a simple “plant it and it will grow” plant. In fact you can also allow it to grow on the surface of your tank and it will grow roots to reach the substrate.
If you want it to grow quickly, add fertilizer and CO2 to a medium to brightly lit tank containing marsilea hirsuta. This is also a potential “leaf melt plant” when it is purchased prepackaged.
The marsilea species is extremely common and found on every continent, worldwide It is actual a fern so it will produce spores to propagate. It also sends out side shoots which have small plantlets growing on them. The plantlets can be cut off and planted where desired.
This plant can be dry-started or simply planted in your water filled tank. No need to adjust your tank for this plant. If your fish are doing ok, so will this marsilea hirsuta.
11. Dwarf Sagittaria – Can get up to 12″ tall
Why is dwarf sagittaria a perfect easy plant for your aquarium?
* It’s a beautiful bright green color.
* It grows and spreads very quickly.
* It makes a very attractive background plant for small aquariums. Some of the nicest looking tanks you’ll see will have a sagittaria species growing in the background.
* Dwarf sag. Is very easy to grow and undemanding in its tank requirements.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: 10 gallon and up
Light demands: Medium or higher
Addition of CO2: Optional
Addition of plant fertilizers: Optional
→ A Common Question Asked About Dwarf Sagittaria:
Question: How tall will dwarf sagittaria get and can it be trimmed?
Answer: Dwarf sagittaria will get up to 12 inches tall. It can be trimmed to fit your tank and tank size.
Dwarf sagittaria is another aquarium plant that can be listed as easy to grow. It can be grown in a low-tech tank, but if given aquarium fertilizer and a good, rich substrate it will reward the grower with fast spreading growth and bright green leaves.
Dwarf Sag. can be found in nature in Venezuela, Columbia, and the east and southeast coast of the United States. It is listed as “historical to endangered” in the U.S, depending upon the state.
It grows submerged with leaves floating on top of the water. In nature Dwarf sagittaria grows in brackish water and tidal muds along the coast and in marshes. Because it grows submerged that would indicate that this plant should be started in a fully water filled aquarium. In nature it propagates by spreading runners and plantlets and by sending up white flowers (seeds) above the water surface.
Easy to grow it will thrive under all aquarium conditions including brackish “puffer fish” tanks. It will grow under medium lighting but does best under bright lights. Because of where it grows in nature it will tolerate very hard water and high PH conditions. Regular aquarium temperatures are appropriate. CO2 and fertilizers are optional, but like all aquarium plants dwarf sag. will grow faster if these chemicals are added to the tank.
Dwarf Sagittaria will spread quickly on its own in the aquarium but can be propagated by clipping the plantlets off of the runners and then replanting.
Bonus Plant: (A smaller sword plant for your small aquarium!)
Rosette Sword – (Also known as Tropica Sword or scientific name: echinodorus parviflorus) – Rosette Sword grows up to 6 inches tall.
Why is rosette sword, perfect easy live plant for your aquarium?
* Swords are beautiful plants and this sword plant stays small.
* Like all swords it grows quickly.
* This sword plant would look great as a background plant.
* Rosette sword can be grown in a low-tech tank if desired.
Plant Requirements:
Aquarium size: 10 gallons or larger
Light demands: High
Addition of CO2: Optional but recommended if possible.
Addition of fertilizers: Optional but reccommended if possible.
This is a rosette sword from the author’s 10 gallon aquarium. Notice flower stem on the right side of the photograph.
→ A Common Question About Rosette Swords:
Question: How do I take care of my rosette sword?
Answer: Plant the roots in your substrate. Don’t plant the green part of the plant as it may rot. This plant can be grown in a low-tech tank, but grows best with added CO2 and fertilizer additives.
Rosette sword can be grown by a beginner although it is a bit more demanding with its needs. Having a beautiful sword plant growing in your beginners aquarium will be worth the extra care.
Sword plants grow in south america, central america and subtropical north america.
In its natural habitat the dwarf sword grow plants grows normally emersed with it being fully submerged in the rainy seasons. Dwarf swords can be grown fully submerged. If your sword plants has come to you prepackaged it has likely be grown in the nurseries immersed, so the old leaves will die back after you’ve put it in your tank. The new leaves that emerge will grow in your tank without melting back.
Rosette swords will grow under medium lighting but bright lighting is suggested. Regular aquarium conditions will be fine. It is recommended that CO2 and aquarium fertilizers be added to the tank, for optimal growth.
Rosette sword will spread quickly on its own by sending out runners with plantlets. Propagation is simple. Cut off the plantlets from the runners and replant. For really fast growth of the plantlets consider dry starting them before replanting them in your aquarium.
Wrapping it up:
All of these easy nano or small aquarium plants would be perfect for your planted tank. Just pick a few, plant them and wait a few weeks. You will have a beautiful aquarium in no time.
Other pages on this site:
* Freshwater Aquarium Plants You Can Grow
* 11 Exquisite, Effortless Aquarium Plants That Totally Won't Outgrow Your Tiny Fish Tank
* Discus Fish: Because Regular Fish Just Aren't Enough of a Challenge
* Planted Nano Aquarium Magic: Tricking Your Plants Into Thinking They're Happy (CO2-Free Method)
* How to Train Your Oscars: Because Fish Totally Respond to Commands Like Dogs
* What size aquarium should you get?
* Grow your aquarium plants so big they that take over the world - or at least look cool.
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