Sand is an excellent substrate choice for aquariums, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its many benefits to aquatic plant growth.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 17 amazing aquatic plants that grow in sand, providing you with many options to choose from.
So, whether you are a beginner or an expert in aquascaping, there will surely be a plant on our list that you will fall in love with!
Are you ready to design and cultivate your dream underwater oasis? Let’s dive in and explore these beautiful sand-grown aquatic plants!
1. Amazon Frogbit
Let’s begin with one of my personal favorites – the Amazon Frogbit. This stunning plant is a great natural filter for any aquarium! Its roots absorb nitrates and other harmful substances from the water, helping to keep your tank clean and your fish healthy.
Coming from someone who owned this plant, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to care for. It didn’t require any special lighting or CO2 supplementation, and only needed a bit of fertilization to keep it thriving.
Not only did it look beautiful, but it also kept the tank clean! Plus, the way it floated on the surface of the water was mesmerizing to watch.
When planting in sand, it’s important to ensure that the plant’s roots are fully covered and that the sand is loose enough for the roots to spread and anchor properly.
But be cautious! This plant is considered an invasive species and it can make a mess by forming a massive mat across the surface of the water.
| Scientific name: | Limnobium laevigatum |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 20 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | None |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Advised fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
2. Amazon Sword
First of all, this plant is as tough as nails.
The Echinodorus grisebachii is an incredibly easy to maintain plant which is why it is among the favorite aquarium plants that can grow in sand. However, it requires more care when first planted.
It can handle being planted in regular old aquarium gravel, but if you really want it to thrive, give it some loose substrate to play around in.
This will allow the plant’s roots to spread and anchor properly, which is essential for its growth and overall health.
The Amazon Sword plant also comes in a bunch of different variations.
You’ve got your small red, white, and green sword plant (Echinodorus Grisebachii ‘Vittata’), your cherry sword (Echinodorus Grisebachii ‘Variegata’), and even an epsilon variety sword plant.
| Scientific name: | Echinodorus grisebachii |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | Moderate |
| Substrate requirements: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is required |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
3. Bristly Water Clover
Have you heard of Marsilea hirsuta? It’s a fascinating plant species that’s native to Australia but has been introduced to Europe and North America in the past few decades.
Marsilea hirsuta is a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for those who love greenery but don’t want to fuss over their plants. It prefers medium to high light and has a slow to moderate growth rate, with a maximum height of four inches.
Bristly Water Clover is considered an amphibious plant that can thrive in ponds and floodplains, growing either partially or fully submerged in sandy substrates.
This hardy plant doesn’t require any additional CO2 or fertilization to thrive, making it a great choice for those new to caring for aquatic plants.
| Scientific name: | Marsilea hirsuta |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 1 inch |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
4. Canadian Waterweed
Canadian Waterweed is a plant species that is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers. If you want to grow it from seed, you’ll need to cultivate both male and female plants.
Interestingly, this aquatic plant is pollinated by water, making it a truly unique species.
Not only is Elodea canadensis fascinating, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can grow in various soil types, including light, medium, and heavy soils, and is suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and even mildly alkaline soils.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to care for, then Canadian Waterweed is a great choice. It has a fast growth rate, reaching a maximum height of three inches.
| Scientific name: | Elodea canadensis |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Maximum height: | Very fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 3 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
5. Cabomba
Interestingly, Cabomba is not a plant that roots deeply, making it suitable for growing in loose substrates such as sand, or rock ledges. As it absorbs nutrients directly from the water column, the type of substrate does not matter much.
It is known as the fanwort plant and it is a fast-growing aquatic species that can reach up to 20 inches in height. However, its care requirements are moderate, and it needs high light intensity to thrive.
When it comes to choosing tank mates for Cabomba, it’s essential to consider the plant’s delicate nature. It is not suitable for keeping with rough fish species like cichlids or goldfish, which can easily damage the plant by constantly nipping on it.
| Scientific name: | Cabomba caroliniana |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
6. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
This plant requires some time to adjust to its new environment. But when you give it the proper care, it will be thriving with its roots in the sand in no time.
Speaking of sand, that’s the go-to substrate for this plant. However, they can do well in sand substrates as long as they receive enough nutrients, primarily from the roots. Yes, Crypts need root tabs to grow properly!
Cryptocoryne wendtii is also one of the stunning plants that can grow on rocks and driftwood, which not only looks cool but also adds some variety to your aquascape.
Interestingly, a study revealed that Cryptocoryne wendtii showed the best growth and survival when grown emerged, or when the leaves were above the waterline, in river sand substrates.
Despite its slow growth rate, Cryptocoryne wendtii is a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for aquarists who want to keep things easy!
| Scientific name: | Cryptocoryne wendtii |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Maximum height: | Slow |
| Substrate requirements: | 10 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
7. Dwarf Hairgrass
This plant demands the best of the best, so you better be ready to give it some special treatment.
Meet Dwarf Hairgrass, a very popular aquarium plant that is available in almost all aquarium shops. But not all hobbyists had luck with it!
It’s important to remember that this plant obtains its nutrients from the substrate, making it a root feeder. To ensure proper growth, you’ll need to provide it with a nutrient-rich substrate or liquid fertilizer.
Sand is a great option for substrate because it’s easy for the delicate roots of the dwarf hairgrass to push through. If you don’t have sand, you can use other substrates like soil and gravel.
That’s where root tabs come in! But be cautious.
One aquatic plant enthusiast praised their Dwarf Hairgrass, stating that it grows exceptionally well in sand with the aid of flourish tabs.
But, certain metals found in tabs, such as copper, can be lethal to many species, especially for sensitive ones such as the Red Cherry shrimp. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredient list before adding any substances to the tank.
| Scientific name: | Eleocharis parvula |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Maximum height: | Low to moderate |
| Substrate requirements: | 6 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
8. Dwarf Hygro
This popular aquatic plant species is highly sought after by aquarium hobbyists due to its hardiness and fast growth rate.
Despite its easy care requirements, Dwarf Hygro has gained notoriety for being an invasive species in many parts of the world. When introduced to new ecosystems, it can quickly take over and outcompete other aquatic plants, forming dense mats that block light and reduce oxygen levels.
Its ability to propagate from small fragments also contributes to its invasiveness, as even a single leaf can grow into a new plant under the right conditions.
In aquariums, Dwarf Hygro is a popular choice due to its low light requirements and fast growth rate. It can be easily trimmed to maintain a desired size and shape.
Overall, this is a great plant for beginner aquarium hobbyists due to its ease of care and hardiness. However, it is important to be aware of its potential invasiveness and to take precautions to prevent its spread.
| Scientific name: | Hygrophila polysperma |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 24 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
9. Dwarf Rotala
One interesting aspect of Rotala rotundifolia is its phenotypic plasticity, which allows it to adapt to different environments.
The plant can exist in both submersed and emersed forms, with distinct differences in leaf shape and color. It has different features depending on whether it is grown emersed or submersed.
Its emersed form displays bright green, circular leaves, whereas its submersed form has narrower, lanceolate leaves that are darker green or reddish in color.
In terms of aquarium care, this beautiful plant prefers to grow in nutrient-rich substrates. While it is possible to keep it in sand or gravel, it will require root tabs to provide necessary nutrients from time to time.
With a maximum height of 12 inches, Rotala rotundifolia is a great choice for midground or background placement in aquariums.
| Scientific name: | Rotala rotundifolia |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 12 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | Fast |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Advised fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
10. Dwarf Sagittaria
Sagittaria subulata is a classic aquarium plant with a long-standing history in the hobby.
This plant, scientifically classified under the family Alismataceae, is known for its fast growth rate, moderate light requirements, and ease of care.
Sagittaria subulata is an ideal choice for aquarium enthusiasts who have low-tech or no-tech tanks. It is also tolerant of high carbonate hardness, making it a great choice for aquariums with hard water.
Iron deficiency can be a real problem for this beauty and it can lead to the development of pale new leaves. As such, it is recommended to supplement with CO2 and iron to ensure healthy growth.
To promote optimal growth, regular fertilization is also advised and it can be easily achieved by adding fertilizers to the aquarium on a regular basis.
| Scientific name: | Sagittaria subulata |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Requires fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
11. Hornwort
Take a look at this plant that is commonly known as “Coontail“. Why? Well, its feathery leaves that are arranged in whorls on the stem, giving it a distinctive raccoon tail-like appearance!
Despite being a rootless and free-floating plant, it can reach an impressive maximum height of 10 feet, making it a great option for background placement in aquariums.
Knowing this, I purchased a few strands and carefully placed them in the background of my aquarium. As weeks went by, I noticed the plant growing rapidly and providing excellent oxygenation to the water.
But, it is important to note that Hornwort’s hardiness and fast growth rate makes it an invasive species. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions allows it to easily spread to new areas and outcompete other species.
Therefore, it is important to monitor coontail populations in aquariums and prevent any disposal into natural bodies of water.
| Scientific name: | Ceratophyllum demersum |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 10 feet |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
12. Italian Vallisneria
Vallisneria spiralis is a perfect example of a dioecious plant, where some plants have only male flowers, and others have only female flowers. The most common way this plant spreads its roots and reproduces is through underground runners.
There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to the Italian Val.
Firstly, It is important to avoid planting it in tanks with bottom-dwelling fish like Red Zebra Cichlids that may damage the roots, or with aggressive fish like Crowntail Bettas that may tear out the leaves.
Secondly, it is important to note that some species of Vallisneria can be invasive if introduced into natural bodies of water outside of their native range. These plants have a fast growth rate and tend to form thick stands that may displace native plants and cause changes in the natural balance of the ecosystem.
| Scientific name: | Vallisneria spiralis |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Maximum height: | Moderate to fast |
| Substrate requirements: | over 20 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
13. Java Fern
Java Fern is a slow-growing plant that is perfect for beginners. I bet everyone has it in their tank!
This hardy plant is incredibly easy to care for and doesn’t require much light or fertilization to thrive. Java Fern can even be simply thrown into the water and allowed to float, or attached to driftwood or rocks in the tank.
My Tiger Barbs love Java Fern as it provides a great hiding spot for them. But what I learned is that you have to make sure to keep the roots exposed or the plant may rot away.
To plant this fern in the substrate, you can create a hole in the sand and place its rhizomes in it, and then cover it with sand.
| Scientific name: | Microsorum pteropus |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Maximum height: | Slow |
| Substrate requirements: | 15 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
14. Java Moss
Java Moss is a fast-growing plant that can thrive in low to high light environments.
One of the ways I’ve seen most aquarists plant Java Moss is to create a “moss carpet” on the bottom of their aquarium. This can be achieved by using coarse-grain sand as a substrate and weighing down the moss to keep it in place.
This plant’s fast growth rate and ability to attach itself to various surfaces make it a versatile plant in the aquarium. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or even left to float freely.
Additionally, Java Moss is an excellent option for creating hiding places for small species, as well as a great tool for controlling algae growth in the aquarium.
Its dense, lush growth can outcompete other unwanted algae and keep the tank looking healthy and balanced.
| Scientific name: | Vesicularia dubyana |
| Light requirement: | Low to high |
| Maximum height: | Fast |
| Substrate requirements: | 4 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
15. Pygmy Chain Sword
Echinodorus tenellus is a great choice for aquarists looking to create a lush green carpet in their tanks. While it may have a moderate growth rate, it is still considered one of the faster growing aquarium plants out there.
When planting the Pygmy Chain Sword, it’s important to use a nutrient-rich aquarium planting soil and a fine sand substrate that allows the fragile roots to take hold.
The plant doesn’t require CO2 supplementation, but it will benefit from regular fertilization to ensure it has the necessary nutrients for growth.
One of the great things about Echinodorus Tenellus is that it provides a perfect hiding place for small shrimp, like Cherry or Amano shrimp, which love to burrow and explore the dense foliage.
| Scientific name: | Echinodorus tenellus, Helanthium tenellum |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Maximum height: | Moderate |
| Substrate requirements: | 4 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
16. Süsswassertang
Süsswassertang is another popular option for low light aquariums, and it has a lot of benefits for both shrimp and fish.
This aquatic plant is known for its robustness and versatility, making it an excellent addition to any aquarium. Its big surface area also provides an ideal feeding ground for shrimp and fish.
It is also great for nano tanks, as it doesn’t take up too much space.
One way to use Süsswassertang is to allow it to be free-floating in the tank until it settles on a spot. What I find interesting about this plant is that it can settle in any type of substrate, including sand!
Alternatively, you can get creative and attach it to decorations like driftwood, rocks, tank decor, and pipes.
| Scientific name: | Lomariopsis lineata |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Maximum height: | Low to moderate |
| Substrate requirements: | 8+ inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
17. Water Wisteria
Hygrophila difformis is not a picky plant when it comes to substrate. It can thrive in sand or gravel and it is among the resilient aquarium plants that doesn’t require CO2 supplements or fertilization to grow.
When it comes to growing Water Wisteria, choosing gravel or sandy substrate is the way to go!
Sandy or fine gravel substrates are the best options as they provide a medium that the plant’s delicate roots can move through easily and take up all the nutrients it needs.
If it isn’t getting enough nutrients, it may start to change color. One of the common signs of malnutrition is that leaves start to turn white or pale.
This sturdy plant is a great option for shrimp and fish tanks as it provides a lot of surface area for them to feed on and hide.
| Scientific name: | Hygrophila difformis |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 20 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | Sand or gravel |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplements |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
Final Thoughts
From the versatile and easy-to-care-for Java Moss to the unique and striking Amazon Sword, these aquarium plants that grow in sand are the perfect addition to any aquascape!
There’s truly a plant for every preference and skill level.
We hope that you found your favorite one and that you will have a thriving underwater oasis in no time!
You know that calming feeling of tranquility and thrill while looking at a gorgeous, perfectly functioning tank? That’s why I became an aquarist.
To make a very long story short, I’m Noah, and I’ve started this site aiming to share the most helpful advice on creating thriving habitats for fish and underwater animals.