Are you tired of boring, plain-looking aquariums? Do you want to add some character to your underwater world? Look no further than these 20 stunning aquarium plants that grow on driftwood!
These unique and beautiful plants not only provide visual interest but also serve as a natural hideout for fish, shrimp, and other aquatic creatures. In fact, some of this greenery can even help your tank stay clean and shiny!
Let me introduce you to some of the best ones in the aquarium game!
1. African Water Fern
African Water Fern is an aquatic plant that’s perfect for those who are new to the hobby. It’s a slow grower, so you won’t have to worry about it getting out of control.
It does not require a lot of light, fertilizers, or CO2 supplements to thrive.
One interesting thing about this type of fern is the way it grows – it sprouts from a rhizome which is a thick, horizontal stem that grows underground.
So, when it comes to planting Bolbitis heudelotii, you’ll want to use driftwood or rocks to anchor the rhizome down.
One important thing to keep in mind when caring for Bolbitis heudelotii is that its rhizome should never be buried in the substrate. This plant relies on its rhizome to absorb nutrients and water, and burying it can cause it to rot and die.
| Scientific name: | Bolbitis heudelotii |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 18 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | Driftwood, rocks |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplements |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
2. Anubias
Even if you are new to the aquarium hobby, I am certain that you have heard or stumbled upon this beautiful plant.
Anubias Barteri is very popular in the aquarium world and it is known for its sturdy green leaves that can range in size from small to large.
This tough and hardy tank plant is a true blooming beauty! It is one of the rare few tank plants that can flaunt some fabulous flowers!
While they may not be as showy as those of your typical garden flowers, the small white blooms of Anubias Barteri are a delightful sight to behold in the aquarium world.
Not only does it make a great decoration, but Anubias is an easy-to-care-for plant that can grow on all sorts of driftwood, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Anubias can be maintained in an immersed system, where half of the plant is chilling in the water while the other half is sticking out and soaking up the fresh air!
This semi-terrestrial maintenance is a top choice for aquatic plant enthusiasts because it proves to be way more efficient than just dunking the whole plant in the water.
| Scientific name: | Anubias spp. |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 16 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | Any substrate will do |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Type of flowering: | Underwater and overwater |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
3. Bucephalandra
If you are looking for a stunning, yet an easy-to-care for plant to add to your aquarium, then take a look at the Bucephalandra species.
While not as well-known as some other aquatic plants, this plant is a true gem that deserves more attention.
The Buce plant is a slow grower, which means you won’t have to worry about it taking over your tank. It also doesn’t require a lot of light or CO2 supplements to thrive, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant.
One of the unique features of this plant is that it can produce stunning flowers, which can add a pop of color to your aquarium.
What’s more, the Buce plant is an epiphyte, which means it doesn’t need to be planted in the substrate to grow. Instead, it can be attached to driftwood or rocks, making it a great option for those who don’t want to deal with messy substrate.
| Scientific name: | Bucephalandra spp. |
| Light requirement: | Low to moderate |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 6 inches |
| Substrate requirements: | Driftwood, rocks |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplements |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
4. Christmas Moss
If you are looking for a festive addition to your aquarium, then I strongly encourage you to give Christmas Moss a try! Don’t worry if you’re a beginner at aquascaping, because enthusiasts of all skill levels love working with this plant.
This freshwater beauty likes a good flow! So it is important to place it close to your filtration system to keep it growing strong.
You’d be surprised to see how this type of moss wraps itself around rocks and driftwood, giving your aquarium a cool, aged look. Some fish may try to eat this moss, while others will find peace in hiding in it!
It is a very versatile aquarium plant and it will do well in all sorts of environments – in water and on land!
| Scientific name: | Vesicularia montagnei |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 15 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require CO2 injections |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
5. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, yet stunning aquatic plant.
With its slow growth rate and maximum height of 10 inches, this plant is perfect for those who want to add some greenery to their aquarium without sacrificing too much space.
While it’s not the most demanding plant, it’s worth noting that it does require some special attention to its substrate. To thrive, it needs to grow in sand enriched with nutrients. This will help the plant develop strong roots and stay healthy over time.
It’s also important to note that the roots of aquatic plants like Cryptocoryne wendtii need oxygen to grow well. So, you have to make sure to let the roots develop in an oxygen-rich rhizopheric environment.
Additionally, supplementation of CO2 is advised, and optional fertilization can be beneficial. But don’t worry, overall care for this plant is easy, and it will reward you with its stunning, low-to-moderate light-dependent leaves.
| Scientific name: | Cryptocoryne wendtii |
| Light requirement: | Low to moderate |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 10 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
6. Crystalwort
I remember when I first got into aquascaping, I was looking for a low-maintenance plant that would still give my tank that wow factor. That’s when I discovered Crystalwort!
Scientifically known as Riccia Fluitans, this plant became very popular due to its low-maintenance and ability to grow fast. It doesn’t need any substrate to grow and it doesn’t take much space, sounds like the perfect plant!
It is a type of moss that can be shaped and grown as per your preference. Because of this type of growth, Crystalwort makes a great foreground plant.
Fun fact: famous aquascaper Takashi Amano (the guy who introduced the Amano shrimp) made this plant popular in aquascaping a long time ago!
| Scientific name: | Riccia Fluitans |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 1.5 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
7. Dwarf Baby Tears
Does the word “dwarf” ring a bell? That’s right, Hemianthus callitrichoides is a favorite plant for experienced aquarists who keep dwarf shrimp species like Blue Velvets and Cherries. This is because the tiny leaves provide a great hiding spot for these small creatures.
However, the Dwarf Baby Tears is a unique aquarium plant that requires some extra care and attention. Despite its beautiful appearance, it is not very popular among beginner aquarium enthusiasts due to its high-maintenance characteristics.
This carpet plant needs moderate to high lighting and liquid fertilizers to thrive. It doesn’t require CO2 supplementation, but it does need the right nutrients to grow properly.
If not provided with sufficient lighting, it can grow upwards instead of spreading out horizontally. This makes it a bit challenging to care for and it is recommended for experienced aquarists with advanced aquarium setups.
| Scientific name: | Hemianthus callitrichoides |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 6 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Requires liquid fertilizers |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate to difficult |
8. Dwarf Hygrophila
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a fast-growing plant that’s loved by many aquarium enthusiasts. It has a moderate to high light requirement and can reach a maximum height of 8 inches.
While it’s easy to care for, supplementing with CO2 and using liquid fertilizer is necessary for it to thrive.
One of the great things about Hygrophila pinnatifida is its versatility. It is one of the plants that can be attached to rocks, driftwood, and even tank decor. It will grow quickly and add a beautiful touch to your aquascape.
In fact, I have it in my own tank and it’s one of my favorite plants to watch grow!
| Scientific name: | Hygrophila pinnatifida |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 8 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Liquid fertilizer is required |
| Care difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
9. Flame Moss
When I first got into aquascaping, I was drawn to the unique and intricate patterns of Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame’. The low light requirement was perfect for my beginner-level aquarium setup, and I was excited to try my hand at growing this slow-growing plant.
What I soon discovered is that this aquatic plant may have a slow growth rate, but its unique and mesmerizing appearance makes up for it.
Its fronds twist and turn to create a mesmerizing effect when attached to wood or rock. Not only does it look cool, but it also provides excellent shade and hiding spots, especially for the Amano shrimp species and shy fish like Kuhli loaches.
At first, I struggled to find the right balance of fertilization and CO2 supplementation to promote healthy growth.
But with some patience and experimentation, I found that a weekly dose of liquid fertilizer and occasional CO2 supplementation helped the plant thrive.
| Scientific name: | Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame’ |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 7 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
10. Java Fern
Java fern seems like the perfect plant for me because it doesn’t require much care or maintenance.
When I first got my hands on it, I attached the Java fern to a piece of driftwood in my tank, and within a few weeks, I noticed that it had started to grow new leaves.
However, I made the mistake of burying the roots in the gravel substrate, which I later learned was not the best idea. The Java fern seemed to be struggling and the growth was stunted.
This plant prefers to get their nutrients from the water rather than from the substrate. So, moving the plant to a different location in the tank where it could absorb nutrients directly from the water column is a good idea.
It took some time, but eventually, the Java fern started to thrive. Although it is one of the slowest growing plants, I love the way it looks in my tank. It is also a very sturdy plant, so you don’t have to worry about your Tiger Barb nibbling on it!
The long, flowing leaves create a beautiful, natural look and it provides great hiding places for my fish.
| Scientific name: | Microsorum pteropus |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 15 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
11. Java Moss
One of the best things about Java Moss is that it doesn’t require any special nutrients or CO2 supplementation to grow. It’s one of the fast-growing aquarium plants that can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to high.
Plus, it doesn’t require any fertilization, so it’s perfect for low-maintenance tanks.
Attaching Java Moss to driftwood is a great way to add some natural-looking decoration to your aquarium. All you need to do is take some fishing line or thread and tie it around the moss and the driftwood. Over time, the moss will grow and attach itself to the wood, creating a beautiful, natural look.
It’s definitely a fish-friendly plant – my Crowntail Bettas are very fond of it. And I’ve even noticed some baby shrimp using the Java moss as a nursery!
Overall, I highly recommend Java Moss to anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for, fast-growing plant to add to their aquarium.
| Scientific name: | Vesicularia dubyana |
| Light requirement: | Low to high |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 4 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
12. Magenta Water Hedge
If you are determined to create a lush underwater garden, then take a look at this pretty plant that can easily grow on driftwood!
Whether you are a beginner or experienced aquarist, I am sure that you will immediately be drawn to the stunning magenta color of this beautiful plant. Not only is it pretty, but it is also one of the easiest species of the Alternanthera genus to grow and maintain.
I purchased a few stems of Magenta Water Hedge and carefully planted them in my substrate. I made sure to provide them with moderate to high lighting and supplemented with CO2, as advised. I also made sure to fertilize them regularly to ensure their growth.
Over time, I watched this beauty flourish and grow taller, eventually reaching a maximum height of 18 to 20 inches.
It’s definitely a plant I would recommend to anyone looking to add some vibrant color to their underwater garden!
| Scientific name: | Alternanthera reineckii roseafolia |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
13. Moneywort
I first discovered this plant when I was looking for something green that could add some life to my aquarium without requiring a ton of maintenance. Its scientific name is Bacopa monnieri, but I quickly learned that it’s commonly known as “Moneywort” because of its round, coin-shaped leaves.
The leaves are a vibrant green and the plant seems to be growing steadily.
One thing I’ve found is that Moneywort really does benefit from regular fertilization, even though it doesn’t require CO2 supplementation. I’ve been using a liquid fertilizer that’s specially formulated for aquarium plants, and it seems to be working well.
Moneywort is a great choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that adds some beautiful greenery to your aquarium. Just be prepared to provide it with some regular nutrients!
| Scientific name: | Bacopa monnieri |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 12 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
14. Needle Leaf Java Fern
The first time I saw this plant, I was drawn to its delicate and long leaves. I decided to give it a try in my aquarium, and boy was I impressed with how easy it was to care for!
Even though it requires low lighting, I decided to add some CO2 supplementation to give it a little extra boost. I placed it in the midground to the background of my tank, and it really tied everything together.
It was easy to propagate. All I had to do was separate the rhizome and attach it to another surface using thread or glue.
At first, the growth rate was slow, but once it became established and started to spread, it was like watching a little jungle take over my aquarium!
| Scientific name: | Microsorum Pteropus “Needle Leaf” |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Maximum height: | 12 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
15. Pellia
Although I personally haven’t owned Pellia, my aquarium friends rave about their experiences with this unique aquatic plant. Pellia is an easy-to-care-for type of moss that prefers low to medium lighting. It can be left floating in the aquarium or attached to rocks or driftwood using thread or glue.
What’s really amazing about Pellia is how quickly it can multiply and establish itself in your tank, providing excellent coverage and hiding places for your fish and shrimp.
My friends have even mentioned that this plant can help to absorb excess nutrients in the water, which can lead to improved overall aquarium health.
Overall, I’m definitely interested in giving Pellia a try in my own tank after hearing such positive experiences from everyone who owns it. It sounds like a unique and beneficial addition to any aquatic setup.
| Scientific name: | Monoselenium tenerum |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Maximum height: | 8 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
16. Phoenix Moss
This interesting plant looks like a carpet of tiny, feathery leaves and has a striking green color.
Beginner hobbyists might be intimidated by its moderate care difficulty rating. However, I found that as long as it is provided with low to medium light and optional CO2 supplementation, it thrives without any problems.
Phoenix moss grows at a medium rate, so you need to be patient with it and don’t expect overnight results.
One thing to note about Fissidens fontanus is that it’s a slow starter. It takes a bit of time to get established in your tank and begin spreading.
But once it does, it can create a beautiful carpet effect on the substrate or even on rocks and driftwood.
| Scientific Name: | Fissidens fontanus |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Medium |
| Maximum height: | 3 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
17. Taiwan Moss
Move over Java Moss and Weeping Moss, because Taiwan Moss is creeping its way into the aquarium plant scene!
Unlike some of its mossy counterparts, Taiwan Moss tends to spread horizontally, creating lush green patches that make for the perfect hiding spot for your tank critters.
Also, if you’re looking to add a little texture to your aquascape, this freshwater moss makes for an excellent moss carpet.
| Scientific Name: | Taxiphyllum alternans |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Moderate to fast |
| Maximum height: | 2 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
18. Trident Java Fern
This aquarium fern has the same care requirements as regular Java fern, which makes it an easy choice for any aquarium enthusiast.
What sets the trident apart is its tripartite leaves, which give it a unique and interesting look. Plus, it’s slightly shorter than the regular java fern, so you can use it for different purposes in your tank.
One thing to keep in mind when caring for a Java fern trident is that it prefers to be attached to driftwood and/or rocks, rather than buried in the substrate.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’ve had your java fern trident for a while, take a closer look at the leaves. You might notice new plants growing there! Carefully pull them off and attach them to driftwood as well, and you’ll have a whole new batch of trident ferns in no time.
With a maximum height of 14 inches, the Java fern trident can add a beautiful vertical element to your aquarium.
| Scientific name: | Microsorum pteropus ‘trident’ |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 14 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
19. Weeping Moss
Weeping Moss is an incredibly easy to care plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It’s perfect for beginner aquarists who are just starting to experiment with aquatic plants.
It grows slowly, which means you won’t have to trim it too often, and it only reaches a maximum height of 1 inch, which makes it ideal for aquascaping small tanks.
Due to the fact that the Weeping moss lacks conventional roots, it is not intended to be planted in nutritious substrate, but rather to cling to any solid surface it can find, including driftwood and rocks.
What I love most about this moss is its unique appearance – it is similar to the weeping willow tree, hence the name.
Adding this type of moss into your tank is a great way to add some texture and dimension, and your fish will love playing and hiding in it!
| Scientific name: | Vesicularia ferriei |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 1 inch |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
20. Willow Moss
Willow moss can survive in most water parameters, from slow to fast currents, and doesn’t require any particular care or fertilization. With fast water current in mind, it can make a great tank mate for Vampire shrimp species!
Plus, it has strong roots that allow it to grow on rocks and other surfaces. What better plant to have as a beginner aquarist?
But this type of moss isn’t just a low-maintenance plant, it’s also a versatile one. It can grow in height, although not as prominently as its cousin, the flame moss.
And here’s a fun fact: willow moss can even be used to monitor contamination in your tank.
So not only is it a great addition to your aquarium, but it can also help you keep your tank clean and healthy.
| Scientific name: | Fontinalis antipyretica |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Maximum height: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
Final Thoughts
These fascinating aquarium plants that grow on driftwood truly remind us that life finds a way, even in the most unexpected places. Don’t you agree?
Whether you prefer the vibrant colors of the Magenta Water Hedge or the relaxed nature of the Willow Moss, these plants definitely dress to impress.
What are you waiting for? Get creative and give your aquarium a new look with some driftwood and these fantastic plants!
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.