For a forgiving freshwater aquarium, start with Anubias and Java fern attached to rock or wood, then add rooted plants such as Cryptocoryne wendtii, Vallisneria, or an Amazon sword where the tank has room. Hornwort or water wisteria can provide faster-growing coverage. The key is matching each plant’s placement and mature size to your aquarium: rhizome plants should not be buried, while rooted plants need their roots in the substrate and their crowns exposed.
How to choose beginner aquarium plants
“Easy” depends on how a plant grows and the space your tank provides. Before buying, compare its layout role, planting method, growth speed, and nutrient needs. Sources describe the plants below as tolerating low to moderate light, but that does not mean any fixture or lighting schedule will work for every aquarium. Petco’s 2015 care sheet says good aquarium lighting is essential to aquatic plants’ survival; it does not specify a universal brightness or duration.
- For hardscape: choose Anubias or Java fern and attach them to wood or rock.
- For a rooted midground: consider Cryptocoryne wendtii.
- For background height: use Vallisneria or an Amazon sword, allowing for mature size.
- For faster coverage: consider hornwort or water wisteria, with the expectation of more trimming.
Best plants and where they fit
| Plant | Best role | Planting method | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anubias nana | Compact front or midground accent | Attach to wood or rock; leave its rhizome exposed. | Slow-growing. Anubias.in lists low light and 22–28°C in its 2026 care guide; this is a retailer’s range, not a universal guarantee. Anubias.in |
| Java fern | Midground or background hardscape | Attach to wood or rock; leave its rhizome exposed. | The aquarium plant reference lists partial shade to shade and 22–28°C; its publication date is not evident in the document. Aquarium plant reference PDF |
| Cryptocoryne wendtii | Rooted midground rosette | Set roots in substrate and keep the crown at the surface. | It may lose leaves while adapting after purchase; new growth can follow. Aquarium Co-Op |
| Vallisneria | Tall, grassy background | Root in substrate. | It spreads by runners. The reference lists Vallisneria spiralis at up to 1 m tall and 18–28°C; actual size depends on the plant and conditions. Aquarium plant reference PDF |
| Amazon sword | Large background focal plant | Root in substrate; provide root nutrition when the substrate is inert. | Plan for substantial space. Fishkeeping.io gives 12–20 inches for the sword type described in its 2026 guide. Fishkeeping.io |
| Hornwort or water wisteria | Faster growth and coverage | Float or plant, depending on species. | Faster growth can mean more frequent trimming. Nutrient uptake is not a substitute for routine aquarium care. Aquarium Co-Op |
Plant rhizomes and rooted plants differently
Attach Anubias and Java fern
Anubias and Java fern grow from a rhizome, the thick horizontal stem from which leaves and roots emerge. Secure the plant to wood or rock and keep that rhizome above the substrate. Burying it can cause rot. These plants are useful where you want greenery on hardscape rather than a plant that needs to be rooted in the bed.
Set rooted plants at the right depth
For Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Amazon swords, place roots in the substrate but leave the crown—the point where leaves meet the roots—at the substrate surface. In plain sand or gravel, swords, crypts, and Vallisneria benefit from nutrient support. Root tabs or a suitable nutrient-rich substrate are relevant to these rooted plants, not a general requirement for rhizome plants. Aquarium Co-Op on root tabs
#1 Best Overall
- Echinodorus bleheri from South America is undemanding and beautiful, and becomes 20-50 cm tall.
- A nutritious bottom promotes growth, but the plant needs pruning to prevent it depriving plants underneath of light.
- Echinodorus bleheri does well even in poorly illuminated aquariums, as it grows towards the light. It is a hardy and easy solitary plant for both beginners and the more experienced with quite large aquariums. It has been sold under the name "Paniculatus".
Plan for light, space, and growth
Choose plants for the aquarium you have, not an idealized layout. Anubias and Java fern are options for low-light hardscape planting, while large swords and tall Vallisneria need room. Faster-growing plants can fill space sooner but may need more trimming. Care ranges and height figures are reference guidance for particular plants, not promises that a plant will reach a particular size in every tank.
Exact variety, tank dimensions, water conditions, livestock, and lighting all affect suitability. The cited care material supports a practical shortlist, not a controlled comparison or guarantee of success.
Rank #2
- Swimming Creatures Live Aquarium Plants
- We carefully select from a wide variety of plant species, ensuring as much diversity and color as possible based on current stock. Sizes may vary to provide a mix of lush greens, delicate stems, and bold textures. These are just some of the popular plants we carry, though many more could be included in your bundle! 🙂
- Weather Advisory: Live Plants Shipping Notice Please note that these are live plants, and extreme weather conditions can cause damage during transit. If your region is experiencing freezing temperatures (below 32°F) or extreme heat (above 90°F), we recommend refraining from placing an order until conditions improve.
Buy genuinely aquatic plants
Look for a known aquatic species name and check the exact variety and mature size before purchase. Some plants sold as aquarium plants are non-aquatic houseplants; submerged, they can rot rather than grow. Seller availability, shipping region, and guarantees vary, so confirm those details with the seller.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect after planting
A newly purchased plant can lose leaves as it adjusts to aquarium conditions. Cryptocoryne leaf loss is often called “crypt melt”; give it time to establish and watch for new growth rather than assuming the plant is dead. Check that the plant is truly aquatic if decline continues, since a non-aquatic plant may not survive underwater. Aquarium Co-Op on crypt melt
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Vibrant High Grade Colors: Neocaridina shrimp come in a wide array of vibrant colors, including cherry red, blue, yellow, green, and more. Their striking hues add visual interest and beauty to any aquarium setup.
- Size: Neocaridina shrimp will ship to you 20 shrimp that are in 0.5 - 1 inch in size, making them well-suited for nano and planted aquariums.Sending them in their near adults size helps signifcantly in the shipping process.
- Hardiness: These shrimp are known for their hardy nature, making them suitable for beginner aquarists. They can adapt well to a range of water parameters and conditions, making them resilient and easy to care for.
- Low Maintenance: Neocaridina shrimp have relatively low maintenance requirements, requiring basic care such as regular water changes, proper feeding, and monitoring of water parameters. Their ease of care makes them an ideal choice for aquarists of all experience levels.
Rank #4
- IMPORTANT: Please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will can suffer due to extreme temps. During winter, do not order live plants when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day.
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 6 Jungle Val aquatic plants perfect beginner plants very easy to grow
- LIVE ARRIVAL - We stand behind live arrival on all of our livestock provided you don't order when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day. If a plant ever arrives dead send us a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag and and we will replace once verified.
- We do our very best to respond fast and ship happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns please message us we are always happy to help!
- Jungle val plants are easy to grow and are quite robust. Please keep in mind they tend to melt back a fair amount initially when transplanted so expect that. It's best to trim the tops and then plant as normal when you receive them.
Rank #3
- IMPORTANT: Please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will can suffer due to extreme temps. During winter, do not order live plants when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day.
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 1 anubias barteri and 1 Java fern
- SIZE: Anubias Barteri 2-6 inches Java fern 4-8 inches. Size will vary as these are live plants.
- LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE - We guarantee live arrival on all of our livestock provided you don't order when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day. If a plant ever arrives dead send us a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag and we will replace once verified.
- We do our very best to respond fast and ship happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns please message us we are always happy to help!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
