Aquatic plants are so special! They have many traits terrestrial plants do not. For example, did you know there are aquarium plants that grow on rocks?
If you use plants for aquascaping, you don’t have to stick to boring designs. Many creative ideas include placing vegetation on rocks and other hard surfaces. When you pick the right plants, you can do this, too!
While plants need nutrition, they don’t need soil to get it. Many plants get all the micro- and macronutrients they need from the water, making them a perfect choice.
Here are 19 aquarium plants that grow on rocks you can use for aquascaping:
1. African Water Fern
African water fern is well-known for its long, semi-transparent leaves. It looks gorgeous in any tank setup, but it certainly looks the best when paired with rocks and stones.
This is a slow-growing plant with a rhizome. Plants with rhizomes have the ability to collect nutrients without the soil. In fact, they’ll grow much better when the rhizome isn’t buried in the soil. This makes them an amazing choice to grow on rocks.
African water plant doesn’t require any additional supplementation – although low amounts of liquid fertilizer are recommended for optimal growth.
If you’re a beginner, you might consider starting with this plant, as it is almost effortless to grow and requires very little maintenance. Also, it won’t grow too quickly for you to handle it, which is the case with some other popular plants – most notably, water wisteria.
| Scientific name: | Bolbitus Heudelotii |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 15 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
2. Anubias
It seems like we cannot talk about aquarium vegetation without mentioning anubias. These versatile plants are so hardy, they seem to make it onto every single list!
Anubias has thick, green leaves that most herbivore fish avoid. Even goldfish will avoid picking on them unless they are starving.
As these plants don’t have huge nutrient needs – they don’t require any fertilization whatsoever – you don’t need to grow them on the substrate. You can simply attach them to a rock or a piece of driftwood and let them be!
Due to their hardiness, good looks (this is one of the few aquarium plants that flower!), and easy maintenance, they are an excellent choice for beginners looking for plants that can decorate their rocky aquarium.
| Scientific name: | Anubias barteri |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 16 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
3. Hydrocotyle Japan
Hydrocotyle Japan isn’t as popular among regular fish keepers, but if you’re into aquascaping, you’ve probably heard of it. It is one of the best plants for the hobby, as it grows on bare rocks in its natural habitat.
It isn’t picky about water conditions, is easy to propagate, and can withhold stronger currents. When it comes to aquarium plants that grow on rocks, you can hardly pick a better species than this one.
The biggest issue I’ve had is that its thin runners will spread everywhere, making this plant challenging to control. However, as it grows a bit slower on rocks, you should be able to maintain it as long as you don’t allow it to spread onto the substrate.
Also, it requires regular CO2 supplementation and fertilization.
| Scientific name: | Hydrocotyle tripartita |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Moderate to fast |
| Maximum height: | 5 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Requires fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
4. Dwarf Hygrophila
Almost everyone has heard about the dwarf hygro! This plant has quickly become one of the fish keepers’ favorites. This is mostly due to its unique looks and color-changing properties.
While you can grow dwarf hygro in the substrate, you can also attach it to rocks, driftwood, or any other solid material. It is capable of taking all the necessary nutrients directly from the water, so feeding through the roots isn’t required.
The biggest issue I’ve seen with this plant is that it grows really fast. Mine grew almost two inches in a week when I gave it plenty of light! This makes it one of the fastest-growing aquarium plants, at least from my experience.
This means it requires lots of trimming and taking care of. You cannot just leave it in a tank and forget about it. It can quickly overtake your entire tank if you’re not careful.
| Scientific name: | Hygrophila polysperma |
| 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 |
5. Java Moss
If you’ve done any research on aquarium plants that grow on rocks, you’ve probably run into java moss. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. This truly is one of the best aquatic plants for aquascaping.
This thick-leaved plant is easy to care for as it can grow in all light conditions, and it doesn’t require additional fertilization or CO2 injections. However, certain minerals might affect its appearance and color, so keep that in mind.
It has rhizomes, meaning it doesn’t have to be buried in the substrate. As it also uses leaves for feeding, you can attach it to the rocks without any worries.
If you’d like to grow java moss on rocks, keep in mind that it might take a while until it attaches to the surface. However, once the plant establishes itself, it will start growing rather quickly.
| 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 |
6. Bucephalandra
Yet another aquarium plant that can produce flowers, bucephalandra isn’t that popular – mostly due to its slow growth rate.
Still, it’s rather hardy and due to its low need requirements, it can survive in most environments. It doesn’t even need substrate, making it an excellent choice for growing on rocks!
In fact, this plant will probably thrive when out of the substrate, as its roots will be able to breathe freely.
Disclaimer: Just because your bucephalandra has lost all of its leaves once you’ve attached it to the rocks doesn’t mean it is dying. This plant is notorious for losing leaves at even the slightest environmental changes! Once it adjusts to the new environment, the leaves will grow back.
| Scientific name: | Bucephalandra |
| Light requirement: | Low to high |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 10 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
7. Anubias Nana
If you like anubias but worry about them being too high for your tank, you might want to pick the nana variety. This plant is very similar to standard anubias, but it rarely grows taller than five inches!
Just like regular anubias, anubias nana grows from a rhizome, meaning it doesn’t require any substrate. Simply attach it to a rock and let nature do the rest!
Due to its smaller size, it is an ideal plant for dwarf shrimp species as it can provide them with plenty of hiding spots.
While most plant-nipping fish avoid eating anubias, they might find anubias nana more suited to their taste. Don’t worry too much about this, though – you can always add it to your crowntail betta tank, or combine it with any other carnivorous fish.
| Scientific name: | Anubias barteri var. nana |
| Light requirement: | Low to moderate |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 7 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
8. Crystalwort
Crystalwort is one of those plants that don’t need substrate to grow. Most people, including myself, keep it as a floating plant, and it looks gorgeous this way. However, it can grow attached to rocks, as well.
While this plant is commonly used for carpeting, you can be creative with it and make it grow in almost any shape imaginable. It will attach to anything it can grab, giving you plenty of creative options.
Also, this plant doesn’t grow tall, so it’s really easy to maintain. It requires very little trimming and it won’t take over your tank.
One thing to keep in mind is that the light requirements for this plant might change depending on how you grow it. Crystalworts that grow on rocks seem to have higher light requirements than their floating counterparts.
| 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 |
9. Java Fern
Java fern is yet another amazing aquarium plant that can be grown on driftwood and rocks. It is uniquely looking, easy to care for, and can adapt to most conditions.
While many other plants I’ve listed are root feeders when grown in the substrate, java fern always prefers getting nutrients from the water. They seem to stagnate if you bury their roots in sand or gravel.
Not just that, but as the java fern is one of the slowest growing plants out there, it doesn’t require almost any fertilization. This makes it a perfect aquarium plant for a rocky aquarium.
| 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 |
10. Java Fern Trident
While java fern trident has the same care requirements as regular java fern, I’ve felt the need to include it in this list as not many people know about it. Also, it is slightly shorter, so you might use it for different purposes than a regular java fern.
Other than size, the biggest difference between the two java fern varieties is that trident has tripartite leaves, unlike the standard fern.
Java fern trident thrives on rocks and doesn’t like to be buried in the substrate. It is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
If you’ve had your java fern trident plant for a while, look at the leaves. This is where new plants are grown. Pull them off carefully and attach them to the rocks, as well. You’ve got yourself a whole new java fern trident!
| 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 |
11. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
While there are many types of cryptocoryne plants out there, cryptocoryne wendtii is probably the most common variety. This plant is easy to recognize due to its curly foliage that comes in various colors, such as green, red, or brown.
What makes this plant different from most other plants I’ve mentioned in this list is that it grows the best when planted in nutrient-rich soil.
However, due to its hardiness, it can survive in most stable water conditions. This also means that it can live without any substrate at all!
Just like bucephalandra, it might appear to be dying when you first add it to your tank, but this adjustment period usually doesn’t last long.
| 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 |
12. Dwarf Baby Tears
Dwarf baby tears isn’t a popular plant, mostly because it’s rather finicky. This isn’t a good plant for beginners, especially if you’re expecting a plant that you can watch grow.
This is a carpet plant, meaning it will grow over surfaces and not in height. While its maximum height is 6 inches, it isn’t likely to grow nearly that tall, especially in aquarium conditions.
Despite what some aquarists claim, dwarf baby tears can be grown on rocks. The tricky part is getting its roots to establish themselves on harsh surfaces, such as rock. I’ve had luck attaching mine to stones and driftwood in tanks with no stream with the help of a cotton string.
If you keep dwarf shrimp species, such as cherry shrimp or blue velvet shrimp, this plant can make an amazing addition. It will provide them with shelter fish cannot get into without compromising the lighting, all the while making your tank look more beautiful than ever.
| 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 |
13. Christmas Moss
It doesn’t have to be the holiday season to grow Christmas moss! This is an extremely underrated plant that is excellent for growing on rocks, although it does require a bit more care than some other names on this list.
After just a first glance, it’s easy to see how this plant got its name. It looks just like a fir tree, except it grows horizontally, not vertically!
Christmas moss has a shallow root structure, so it will get most of its nutrients from the water and not substrate. This makes it a great choice for rocky surfaces or any other type of decor you plan on attaching it on!
Just like most other aquatic moss species, Christmas moss is mostly used as a carpet plant.
| 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 |
14. Cryptocoryne Petchii
While most fish keepers who have live plants have heard of cryptocoryne beckettii, not many know that there is a dwarf version of this plant, called cryptocoryne petchii. Due to its small size, it is perfect for aquascaping!
While it is possible to grow cryptocoryne petchii on rocks, you need to provide them with some special care in order to have them thrive.
This plant requires lots of macro- and micronutrients, especially when it cannot get the nutrients it needs from the substrate. Liquid fertilizer is a must with this plant.
| Scientific name: | Cryptocoryne beckettii petchii |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 10 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Requires liquid fertilizer |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate to hard |
15. Flame Moss
If you’ve thought that all types of moss grow horizontally, like a carpet, you were wrong. Flame moss is one of the exceptions to this rule, as it grows upwards, just like most plants with a stem. This is probably how it got its name.
This is an emerald-green plant that prefers slow-moving waters that allow it to attach to various surfaces. It doesn’t require soil, which is why it’s often used for aquascaping. It can gracefully complement other, darker plants, no matter where you choose to plant it.
Flame moss has a rather gentle root system. If you have fish that love to burrow, such as kribensis cichlids, your plant might be in danger. Choose its tank mates wisely.
| Scientific name: | Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame’ |
| Light requirement: | Low |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 7 inches |
| CO2: | Optional supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Optional fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
Scientific name: Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame’
Light requirement: Low
Growth rate: Slow
Maximum height: 7 inches
CO2: Optional supplementation
Nutrition: Optional fertilization
Care difficulty: Moderate
16. Magenta Water Hedge
If you’re looking for plants that can provide a contrast to the rest of your tank and make everyone look at it in awe, magenta water hedge might be what you need.
This plant is easy to recognize due to its pinkish stems and green, pink, or red leaves. Like its name suggests, it grows in a similar shape to terrestrial hedges, which can additionally stand out from typical aquatic plants.
Due to its minor fertilization requirements and the fact that it can get nutrients through its leaves, you can grow magenta water hedge on rocks. Just consider adding a bit of liquid fertilizer to ensure its leaves keep their gorgeous color.
Despite its unique looks, magenta water hedge is rather easy to care for. It can thrive from CO2 supplements and liquid fertilizers, but it doesn’t really need them.
| 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 |
17. Willow Moss
Willow moss is one of the most relaxed plants out there. It can survive most water parameters, in both slow and fast currents, and it doesn’t require any particular care. And, of course, it can grow on rocks!
Similarly to flame moss, willow moss grows in height, although this is not as prominent as with the flame moss.
It has strong roots but it uses leaves and stems to absorb necessary nutrients. This makes it an ideal choice for people looking for aquarium plants that grow on rocks.
Not just that, but willow moss can be used to monitor contamination in your tank (and in nature, as well). Think about this the next time you go shopping for plants!
| 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 |
18. Weeping Moss
Yet another moss on the list, weeping moss is a great choice for adding details or highlights in your tank. This is due to its bright green leaves that stand out on most surfaces. It is similar to the willow moss, but with a different growth pattern.
This moss owes its name to its resemblance to a weeping willow tree. If you allow it to grow long enough, it will grow downwards. This is why it rarely grows taller than an inch!
Weeping moss doesn’t have standard roots, so it isn’t made to be planted in soil. Instead, it will grow attached to any hard surface it can reach – and this includes rocks.
While CO2 injections and fertilizer aren’t necessary, they are advised if you’d like the plant to keep its bright color.
| 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 |
19. Moneywort
Have you seen that aquarium plant that looks like a succulent? That is probably moneywort! This plant has long, thick stems with short, round leaves.
While most people plant moneywort in sand or gravel, it doesn’t really require any type of substrate to grow. You can allow it to float and it will be just as happy! The same goes if you attach them to a rock.
What makes moneywort stand out is that this is one of the few plants on this list capable of withholding strong currents. Were you wondering which plants to add to your vampire shrimp tank? Look no further! Moneywort is the plant for you.
| 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 |
Final Words
As you can see, not all aquarium plants require substrate. Quite the opposite – some thrive without it!
While substrate helps some plants get nutrients, it can suffocate others. Even some plants that don’t mind gravel or sand might do better when attached to hard surfaces.
You don’t need to be an expert in aquascaping to pick aquarium plants that grow on rocks. There are many advantages to choosing these plants. They are rarely challenging to keep and their growth rates are slower, making them easier to control.
It is up to you to choose how you wish to grow these plants. One thing is certain: You won’t make a mistake if you want to use any of them to make your aquarium a more beautiful place.
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.