From carpeting plants that create lush green carpets to floating beauties that add a touch of natural beauty to the water’s surface, these petite plants can be both aesthetic and functional in your aquarium.
These tiny plants are perfect for aquascaping enthusiasts who want to create stunning underwater landscapes without sacrificing precious space in their tanks.
So, let’s explore 13 aquarium plants that stay small and bring a world of beauty to your underwater world!
1. Alternanthera Reineckii
Let’s start with one of my all time favorites, the Alternanthera reineckii roseafolia.
This little plant is a dream come true for aquascapers who want the beauty of Alternanthera genus in a small package.
With its scientific name that’s a tongue-twister to pronounce (go ahead, give it a try!), this tiny gem is perfect for aquariums where space is at a premium.
It’s a low-maintenance plant which means you have the flexibility to pamper it as much or as little as you want.
Plus, with its slow growth rate, you won’t have to worry about it taking over your tank like a wild jungle.
Overall, this little beauty is perfect for small tanks, while it can be used as a gorgeous foreground plant in larger aquascapes.
| 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 |
2. Anubias Nana “Petite”
Anubias nana petite is a smaller version of the Anubias barteri that we all know and love.
In fact, this small plant is a mutation of Anubias nana that’s pretty unique in the underwater world.
In my experience, the Anubias Nana Petite is a fantastic plant to attach to hard materials such as rocks or pieces of wood in your aquarium. Plus, the best part is that it doesn’t require CO2 to thrive.
However, it does need regular fertilization to ensure that its leaves remain healthy, lush, and vibrant.
One tip I learned is to use a fishing line to attach it until it gains a hold. And let me tell you, when this small plant is attached to rocks or driftwood, it’s an underwater work of art that’s sure to turn heads!
| 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 |
3. Blyxa Japonica
Now, this plant may be small in size, but it’s big on personality, or should I say care difficulty…
Blyxa japonica is a freshwater plant that sports a bushy appearance and vibrant green color that makes it stand out. However, it is usually used as a foreground and midground plant.
It won’t hog the spotlight or crowd out other aquatic plants. It stays small and doesn’t grow too fast, so you won’t have to worry about it taking over your tank like an invasive plant gone wild!
But the thing that makes caring for this plant a bit difficult is its size! In fact, this plant is so small that other aquarium greenery often overshadows it.
When it comes to lighting up your green buddy’s life, you have to be careful as too low lighting will cause it to wither away, but too much light will dry it!
| Scientific name: | Blyxa Japonica |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 4 – 6 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Medium to difficult |
4. Bucephalandra
This plant is also known as the “Mini needle leaf” and it is the tiniest member of the Bucephalandra genus!
It comes in a variety of colors and leaf shapes, ranging from vibrant greens to deep purples with leaves that can be round or pointed.
Bucephalandra is one of those neat plants that can be attached to rocks, plant decor, or driftwood using super glue gel or thread, or even fixed to the ground without burying the rhizome!
Being very easy to propagate through tissue culture, your Bucephalandra plant will grow and flourish in no time!
It’s flexible and it can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to high, making it adaptable to different setups.
An additional bonus is that this plant serves as a natural habitat for tiny aquatic creatures like Amano shrimp and small fish, providing them with hiding spots and a safe haven in your aquarium.
| 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 |
5. Christmas Moss
Are you ready to take your aquascaping skills to the next level? If so, I have just the plant for you. It’s a petite little plant called Christmas moss, that looks like a lush, green carpet!
One of the best parts about this small plant is its versatility. It attaches easily to rocks, tank decor, and driftwood while coloring these materials in beautiful shades of green and making them pop up!
Whether you’re creating an aquascape or a standard aquarium, this moss can be used in many ways to elevate the visual appeal of your underwater world.
Its fine and delicate structure also creates an illusion of a larger tank, playing with proportions and making your aquarium seem even more spacious.
| 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 |
6. Cryptocoryne Parva
Cryptocoryne parva, the smallest of all Cryptocoryne species, stands at approximately 1.2-2.4 inches tall with a roset less than 2-3.1 inches wide.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cryptocoryne parva is its consistency.
Unlike other Cryptocorynes that may change their leaf shape and color depending on the cultivation conditions, C. parva maintains its leaf shape and color regardless of its environment.
This means that whether it’s in low or medium light, this little plant will always showcase its distinct and captivating appearance.
However, keep in mind that C. parva needs a bit more light than most other species.
| Scientific name: | Cryptocoryne parva |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 2-4 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is optional |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
7. Dwarf Hairgrass
With its short, bright green, thread-like leaves that grow to around just four to six inches in height, Dwarf hairgrass resembles a lush, vibrant lawn underwater.
One fascinating characteristic of this plant is its ability to remember the shape and length that you choose for it.
If you trim the plant very short before planting, the growth rate will be slower, and the plant will maintain a shorter stature.
However, if you leave the plant untrimmed, it will grow with a wilder, less cultivated appearance, adding a touch of untamed beauty to your aquarium scape.
Another interesting fact is that Dwarf hairgrass has a popular miniature variety called Mini Hairgrass.
This extra-miniature version is highly sought after for the foreground of aquariums, as it forms a dense and lush carpet with its fast-growing and hardy nature.
| Scientific name: | Eleocharis parvula |
| Light requirement: | Medium to high |
| Growth rate: | Low to moderate |
| Maximum height: | 6 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
8. Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf Sagittaria is a beautiful aquatic plant that offers both ease of care and rapid growth, making it a popular choice for various tank sizes, including nano tanks.
With its moderate light requirements and fast growth rate, this plant can thrive in tanks as small as five gallons.
One fun aspect of Dwarf Sagittaria is its ability to quickly spread and carpet the bottom of a tank.
While this can create a lush and vibrant underwater landscape, it also requires regular pruning and trimming to prevent the plant from overtaking other species in smaller tanks.
Among all the other plants that flower, Dwarf Sagittaria might just be the most beautiful one. The small white flowers it produces look truly mesmerizing.
| Scientific name: | Sagittaria subulata |
| Light requirement: | Moderate |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 20 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Requires fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
9. Java Moss
As a self-proclaimed aquarium fanatic, I can tell you that Java Moss is a true superstar when it comes to aquatic plants!
Not only does it bring a gorgeous, lush vibe to your tank, but it’s also the perfect hangout and hiding spot for your fishy friends.
Plus, they can even enjoy a snack from it every once in a while!
This plant doubles as a cozy retreat and an all-you-can-eat buffet for your fish, shrimp, and snails. It’s no wonder why many freshwater tanks, particularly those housing Cherry shrimp and other freshwater fish, include this moss as a must-have plant.
It does not require a lot of lighting, and it will thrive in different aquarium setups, which means you can turn off the light in your tank without worrying about the amount it receives.
Did you know that Java moss has been shown to be an effective bio-filter for removing heavy metals from contaminated water?
That’s right, this plant is like a built-in natural filter!
| 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 |
10. Marimo Moss Balls
I have to say, these small aquarium plants (if we can call them so) are one of my all-time favorites. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of owning several of these charming little balls, and each one is like a tiny work of art.
They come in such a variety of sizes – some are these cute little 2-inch balls that fit in the palm of your hand, while others can grow up to 5 inches.
One of the most unique features of Marimo balls is that they’re often kept solo in their own small tanks or jars. And, if you’re thinking about propagating these little guys, don’t worry because it’s incredibly easy!
Simply cut a Marimo ball into smaller pieces, and each one will grow into a brand new nano Marimo ball!
Now, here’s a real game changer – Marimo balls are not actually moss at all!
So, what are they then? Well, “Marimo” translates to “seaweed ball” in Japanese, which means that these plants are a type of freshwater seaweed.
They consist of solid algae that grows radially outward from the center at an incredibly slow pace – only 0.1 inch per year!
| Scientific name: | Aegagropila linnaei |
| Light requirement: | Low to medium |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Maximum height: | 37 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
11. Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is a small carpeting plant that’s here to make your aquarium prettier!
Despite being small, this plant is a fast-grower that’s perfect for creating dense carpets on the ground of your tank. With its long, small roots and cascading growth pattern, it resembles a green blanket that’s perfect for your tank critters.
You can easily propagate it by using cuttings to create a cascading effect over rocks, creating a stunning visual masterpiece in your aquarium.
However, unlike this high-maintenance counterpart, the Monte Carlo is relatively easy to care for, making it a perfect choice for aquascapers of all levels of experience!
| Scientific name: | Micranthemum Tweediei |
| Light requirement: | Moderate to high |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Maximum height: | 1 – 2 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is optional |
| Nutrition: | Fertilization is advised |
| Care difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
12. Vallisneria Nana
I remember when I added Vallisneria nana to my aquarium, it instantly livened up the whole underwater world.
Its grass-like appearance was so unique and eye-catching, and it soon became the center of attention for my aquatic buddies.
It provided perfect hiding spots and cozy shelters for small fish, snails and even my Blue Velvet dwarf shrimp.
What I loved most about Vallisneria nana was how low-maintenance it was. I didn’t have to worry about extra CO2 supplementation or fertilization.
It was so easy to care for, even for a beginner like me. It just kept growing and thriving, adding a touch of natural beauty to my tank without any fuss.
| Scientific name: | Vallisneria nana |
| Light requirement: | Medium |
| Growth rate: | Moderate to fast |
| Maximum height: | 8 – 16 inches |
| CO2: | Doesn’t require supplementation |
| Nutrition: | Doesn’t require fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Easy |
13. Water Cabbage
Water cabbage, or as some call it water lettuce, is a unique floating plant that forms a rosette of leaves on the surface of the water, with dense, submerged roots beneath it.
One interesting fact is that this is one of the plants that do not require substrate to survive, making it a versatile addition to any aquarium setup!
Water cabbage is known for its fast growth rate and can quickly cover the surface of the water, providing shade and shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures.
However, despite its vigorous growth in outdoor environments, water lettuce can be challenging to grow in the home aquarium due to its specific care requirements.
Apart from its aquatic benefits, water lettuce has also been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including the treatment of eczema, leprosy, ulcers, piles, stomach disorders, throat and mouth inflammations, among others.
Its historical medicinal uses add to the fascinating characteristics of this unique plant!
| Scientific name: | Pistia stratiotes |
| Light requirement: | High |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Maximum height: | 10 inches |
| CO2: | Supplementation is advised |
| Nutrition: | Requires fertilization |
| Care difficulty: | Moderate |
Final Thoughts
We’ve gone through 13 aquarium plants that stay small, and it’s safe to say that these little guys are a big deal in the fish-keeping world.
Not only do they add shade and greenery to your aquarium, but they also provide plenty of benefits for your fishy friends!
Which one do you like the most?
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.