Adding live plants for betta fish in your tank can create a small cute heaven for them. It not only enhances the appearance of their tank but also contributes to its overall well-being and enjoyment.
Betta fish, originally found in the vast rice fields of Southern Asia, have an inherent desire to explore, and having native vegetation allows them to fulfill this instinctual need.
As a result, today we have brought a complete guide on selecting the best plants for betta fish that just help you setting up betta tank with live plants but are easy to grow aquarium plants as well!
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The Best Plants For Betta Fish Tank
Christmas Moss, one of the best plants for betta fish, brings a lively touch to small Betta tanks. Its dense, petite leaves flourish in low to medium lighting. Regular trimming and the correct substrate support healthy growth.
1. Christmas Moss
Christmas Moss, one of the best plants for betta fish, brings a lively touch to small Betta tanks. Its dense, petite leaves flourish in low to medium lighting. Regular trimming and the correct substrate support healthy growth.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) |
| Light Preference | Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Foreground, Mid-ground |
2. Glossostigma Elatinoides
Plant Glossostigma creates a striking carpet effect but requires diligent care. It necessitates high-intensity lighting and frequent fertilization. Spread it through cuttings, pot division, or using runners for propagation. One of the best live plants for betta fish!
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Glossostigma Elatinoides |
| Light Preference | High |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Placement | Bottom Surface |
3. Marsilea Minuta
Marsilea Minuta, also known as Dwarf Waterclover, is a sturdy best plants for betta fish option that can coexist with assertive Bettas. It thrives under various light conditions while being easy to manage; hence suitable for novice aquarists as well as experienced ones.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Marsilea Minuta, Waterclover |
| Light Preference | High |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Bottom Surface |
4. Wisteria Elegant
Wisteria is a convenient plant that adds richness to your aquarium. It thrives in low-light conditions and features flexible leaf shapes. Your Betta can freely interact with it without risking its fins, while you benefit from its minimal maintenance requirements. Occasional trimming may be necessary due to its fast growth rate.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) |
| Light Preference | Low To Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Sides Or Background |
5. Pennywort
Pennywort enhances the depth of your tank and offers a surface area for Bettas to access oxygen. Its easy-care nature allows it to flourish both submerged or above water level. You can manage the growth of such aquatic plants for betta fish by limiting exposure to light and performing periodic trims.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Brazilian Pennywort, Hydrocotyle leucocephala |
| Light Preference | Low |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Mid-ground |
6. Water Sprite
Water Sprite’s dense foliage creates an ideal habitat for Bettas. It adapts well, requires minimal care, and suits tanks of various sizes. You have the option of planting this floating plant for betta fish or letting it float near the surface of the water. Regular trimming is key when maintaining this plant’s appearance.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) |
| Light Preference | Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
7. Anubias Nana
The Anubias Nana plant adds a touch of liveliness to your aquarium with its vibrant green color. It is perfect for beginners as it requires minimal maintenance and grows at a slow pace. To avoid any damage, it’s important not to bury the rhizomes in the substrate. This plant is a reliable choice for future best plants for betta fish.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Anubias Barteri var. Nana |
| Light Preference | Low |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
8. Banana Plant
The Banana Plant stands out with its unique banana-shaped roots that serve as an anchor within the tank. This live plant for betta fish has lily pad-like leaves that create an inviting atmosphere for aquatic life. By providing moderate light and occasional trimming, you can easily care for this plant without overwhelming your setup while still adding a touch of uniqueness.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Plant (Nymphoides Aquatica) |
| Light Preference | Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Foreground |
9. Hygrophila
Another addition to the best plants for betta fish is Hygrophila – a low-maintenance plant that adds a subtle touch to your Betta tank. It creates a foundation for other floating plants for betta to stand out. With minimal care and moderate light, it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and aesthetics.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Hygrophila polysperma |
| Light Preference | Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Background Or Sides |
10. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Adaptable and Resilient Cryptocoryne wendtii is a versatile plant with various color options. It is resilient, grows slowly, and is ideal for beginners. Proper planting techniques are necessary to prevent rhizome cover and potential rotting issues in such live plants for betta fish.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Cryptocoryne wendtii, Wendt’s Water Trumpet |
| Light Preference | Low To High |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Placement | Mid-ground |
11. Hornwort
The graceful aesthetic of hornwort can enhance the beauty of your aquarium, particularly when paired with bettas that have long flowing fins. However, it is important to note that regular maintenance is required of such aquatic plants for betta fish due to the shedding of needles. Additionally, hornwort serves the beneficial purpose of nitrate removal, oxygenation, and creating a visually pleasing water flow effect.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) |
| Light Preference | Moderate |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Background Or Sides |
12. Java Moss
The addition of Java Moss among other easy to grown aquarium plants in Betta fish tanks brings a vibrant touch without relying on artificial decorations. This versatile plant can be attached to rocks or driftwood, or left to spread across the substrate for a lush appearance. Its low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for beginners, as it thrives even in small setups with minimal lighting.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) |
| Light Preference | Low |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Placement | Mid-ground |
13. Amazon Sword Plant
Betta owners favor Amazon Sword plants due to their natural look and feel. The large leaves provide hiding spots and privacy for your fish. However, these aquatic plants for betta fish do require high levels of light and tend to grow significantly over time, so ensure that your tank is spacious enough to accommodate them properly. A 4-inch soil substrate or burying the roots in gravel will support their growth effectively.
| Factors | Needed |
| Full Name | Amazon Sword Plant (Echinodorus bleheri) |
| Light Preference | High |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Placement | Background |
The Challenges with Live Plants for Betta Fish
- Temperature: While betta thrives at 78°F, it’s important to consider that not all plants can handle this level of warmth. Higher temperatures can also lead to algae growth, which should be managed by selecting heat-tolerant plants or utilizing algae control methods.
- Lightning: In addition to temperature, providing the right light level is crucial for Betta fish. These aquatic creatures prefer subdued lighting conditions. To create a comfortable environment for them, choose plants that thrive in low-light settings and incorporate shading elements such as driftwood, rocks, or floating plants into the tank design.
- Water Flow: Betta fish have a preference for gentle water flow due to their limited swimming ability. To cater to this, it is ideal to select live plants for betta that thrive in low-flow conditions. Additionally, incorporating floating plants or utilizing equipment such as a spray bar or sponge can help further control the movement of water.
- Small Tanks: Considering the small tanks typically used for Betta fish, which are often around 5-10 gallons in size, opting for smaller plants allows you to maximize space and provide ample room for your Betta without overcrowding the tank.
- Relaxing Spots: Create comfortable spots for your Betta fish by choosing best plants for betta fish with broad leaves or offering floating options.
Live Plants vs Fake Plants: Which is Better for Betta Fish?
1. Fake Plants
Quick view on Amazon
Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Artificial floating plants for betta are available in a wide range of varieties, require minimal care, and are betta-proof and cost-effective.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that they do not offer any biological advantages and there is a possibility that artificial aquatic plants for betta fish could emit harmful chemicals into the water.
2. Live Plants
Quick view on Amazon
Available in: Australia, Canada, UK and US
Live plants for betta fish offer a range of benefits for betta tanks. They serve an important purpose in maintaining water quality by absorbing nitrates and carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
It is worth noting that live plants do require regular care and should be quarantined initially to prevent any potential introduction of pests.
Despite these considerations, the overall advantages provided by live plants for betta fish outweigh any potential drawbacks for betta tanks.
How to Choose Live Plants for Betta Fish?
- Lighting Requirements: Different types of live plants for betta fish have different lighting needs. Provide appropriate levels of light using aquarium LED lights
- Growth Rate: Consider easy to grow aquarium plants for your tank. Choose faster-growing varieties if you want a lush and vibrant tank, or opt for slower-growing ones if you prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Creating Optimal Conditions: To promote healthy plant growth, and maintain ideal lighting and nutrient conditions.
- Feeding Strategy: Understand whether your plants are column feeders (rely on nutrients from water) or root feeders (obtain nutrients from the substrate). This will help guide the correct placement of the plants and the selection of suitable substrate materials.
How to Choose Fake Aquatic Plants for Betta Fish?
It’s important to consider the material used in your aquarium plants, especially if you have delicate fish. Certain types of plastics can release chemicals into the water, potentially harming specific fish species.
If this is a concern for you, it might be better to choose aquatic plants for betta fish made from silk or other non-toxic textiles instead.
Additionally, take into account where you want to place the plant in your tank. Some artificial floating plants for betta come with suction cups that attach to the tank walls, while others have weighted bases designed to sit on top of substrate at the bottom of the tank.
If you’re specifically selecting artificial aquatic plants for betta fish tanks, silk plants are generally recommended as they provide a preferred option for them.
Which Aquatic Plants for Betta Fish to Avoid?
When setting up a betta tank with live plants, it is important to choose plants that will not harm their fins or cause “fin rot.”
This applies to both live plants for betta fish and artificial plants, as they can pose risks depending on their structure and exposed roots. It is advisable to avoid overly dense decorations like plants, as these can impede the comfortable swimming of bettas.
To determine if a plant has sharp edges, simply run your hand or tissue paper along its surface. If it tears or feels sharp, then it should not be used in a betta tank.
If necessary, trim any pointy parts of the plant and cover problematic attachments using aquarium-safe silicone.
Conclusion
In summary, incorporating live plants for betta fish in your tank offers numerous benefits.
Not only will you create a visually appealing underwater sanctuary, but you’ll also provide a thriving and nourishing habitat for your betta fish.
Choosing low-maintenance yet best plants for betta fish with soft foliage is ideal to ensure the satisfaction of both you as the aquarist and your beloved fish.
