Low-Light Aquarium Plants

Tap to Read ➤ Marlene Alphonse

Plants that can grow in an aquarium and thrive in low light require minimum maintenance. This story gives you information on the same.

One way of beautifying a fish tank is by introducing aquarium plants. Low-light aquarium plants not only improve the oxygen content of the water, but they also suffice as food for the fish. They also help maintain a balance in the water chemistry. If you want to add color, get aquatic plants that serve the purpose of adding a touch of beauty to the surroundings.

Aquarium Plants That Need Less Amount of Light

Anubias

Anubias afzelii Anubias barteri Anubias nana Barteri Round Leaf Caladiifolia Coffee leaf anubias Congensis Gigantea Golden nana Gracilis Hastifolia Lanceolota Narrow leaf nana Petite nana

Cryptocoryne

Crypt Affinis Crypt Aponogetifolia Crypt Balansae Crypt Lutea Crypt retrospiralis Crypt spiralis Crypt Walkeri Crypt Willisi Micro crypt Pygmy crypt

Floaters

Anacharis Brazilian Pennywort Duckweed Hornwort Parrots Feather Red Root Floater Riccia Watersprite

Ferns and Mosses

African Water Fern Christmas Moss Erect Moss Four Leaf Clover Flame Moss Java Fern Java Moss Marsilea hirsuta Marimo Ball Mini Pellia Narrow Leaf Java Fern

Peacock Moss Pellia Phoenix Moss Philippine Java Fern Red Java Fern Round Pellia Singapore Moss Taiwan Moss Water Clover Willow Moss Windelov Java Fern Zipper Moss

Grasses

Contortion Val Corkscrew Val Dwarf Sag Micro Sword Onion Plant Water Celery

Stem Plants

American Waterweed Anacharis Bacopa Brazilian Pennywort Ceylon Hygro Dwarf Ambulia Giant Hygro Green Hygro Guppy Grass

Hornwort Moneywort Red Ludwigia Stargrass Sunset Hygro Waterwheel Plant Water Pennywort Water Wisteria

Care

It is essential to care for these aquarium plants, lest they decay and cause problems to the fish. Before placing them in the tank, check if the water is suitable for the plants, and that it is not too acidic.

Another important aspect is to clip off all yellowed and decayed leaves. The presence of yellowed leaves on the plant will deprive it of the essential nutrients.

Identify the dying roots from the healthy ones and cut them as they may rot in the water. The healthy roots are characterized by a pale brown color and are more rigid. On the other hand, the dying roots, may appear limp and dark brown.

In case of fast growing plants, they must be regularly trimmed to keep a check on their growth. If they grow till the water surface, they can be trimmed and replanted. Plants like Java fern and Java moss need support to grow. These plants should be attached to the rocks or bogwood at the bottom of the fish tank.

Stem plants and tubers should be planted in such a way that the tip is exposed. In case of stem plants, the leaves growing at the bottom can be cut to provide adequate support to the roots. Water should also be changed on a routine basis.

Choose appropriate plants, such that they do not cause any hindrance to the fish and yet beautify the environment of the aquarium.