Aquatic plants increase the beauty as well as healthy ecosystem of freshwater aquarium tank. These plants increase the supply of oxygen in the water and absorb carbon dioxide. For aquatic plants there should be proper lighting and fertile substrate.

Hornwort is one of the most popular aquatic plants. It is also known as Ceratophyllum Demersum. It has long stems and grows in loop. Many aquarists use this plant as floating plant. It can grow fast. It is very much useful for fry tank because it can provide too much hiding places. It doesn’t have roots while planting but at some stage it produces rhizomes which help to remain attached with substrate. Another special characteristic of hornwort is that it gives flower and produces seeds also. However, these flower and seeds are too small to get noticeable.

Anubias barteri nana is a tissue culture plant. It is very small in size and can survive in all types of water condition. This plant doesn’t grow much and reach maximum 10 cm height. It is very slow growing plant. It’s rhizome size is 10-15 cm. This plant is so hardy and it’s leaves can survive few years. It can grow on stone or tree root. For initial attachment with tree root, yarn can be used. If it is planned to plant at bottom of the tank, don’t cover the rhizome. In covered condition, it tends to get rotten.

Hairgrass is known as Eleocharis Acicularis. It’s height in good water condition is 5-10 cm. But it varies depending on the intensity of lighting. Intense light or more light tend to produce shorter grass. The leaves are so bright and dazzles in the tank. For growing this plant, substrate must be fertile enough and moderate light should be used. To prevent its decay, clean debris regularly. Use fish such as catfish which will help you to grow hairgrass as catfish will eat debris. Keep water temperature within 72-84°F. Plant this grass at the front side of your aquarium and keep it in group. It looks fantastic in group. There should be enough space for growing and it will give you a beautiful carpeting.

Monte carlo is another carpeting plant used by aquarist in their tank. It is planted usually in the foreground area of the tank. It grows slowly and having a brighter green look. It leaves are round and remains compact together. It grows better in proper lighting condition. However, it can survive in light shadow also. It requires CO2 additive for it’s optimal growth. Once it gets growing, it will cover the entire area of your tank. It is best for your shrimp tank.

Cryptocoryne Parva is one of the slowest growing plants but it is popular to aquarists because of it’s easy adaptability in aquarium. It doesn’t require any apecific water condition to grow. It can grow both in soft water and hard tap water. In pH level of 6-8 they grow well. In bright and lighter place, it will grow horizontally.  

Java moss is famous to aquarists because of its extreme durable characteristics. It doesn’t require any light to grow. Each and every aquarists will be able to grow this plant. It is rare to find anybody who is unable to grow this plant. Due to its easy growing and durability, it is very much popular to beginner aquarists. It doesn’t grow roots. It will achieve optimal growth under good lighting, proper fertilization and CO2 addition. Java moss is widely used for aquascaping. And again, this moss serves as an excellent habitat and sources of food for shrimps. Since it is densely grown plant, it provides shelter to the fry also.

Bacopa Caroliniana is very much famous to aquarists because of it’s easy growing characteristics. The usual color of Bacopa is green but with the addition of iron and micronutrients, it can display shades of red. Since it is very much hardy and doesn’t require that much CO2, it can be handy for the beginners. Bacopa requires lower or moderate level of lighting. It can be grown both in submersed or emerged condition. It is propagated through cuttings. Each stem of Bacopa can grow 10-30 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. If it is planted in groups, it gives a mesmerizing look.

Ludwigia glandulosa is slow growing plant and popular to aquarists because of its mesmerizing appearance. To grow healthy ludwigia glandulosa, proper lighting, macro and micro nutrient supply and addition of CO2 is required. If these conditions are not met, it is difficult to grow ludwigia glandulosa. When growing condition is soothing, it can be grown upto 12 inch upright in the aquarium. Ideal water condition for ludwigia glandulosa is 20-28 degree Celsius and ideal pH level is 6-7.5.