Best Live Aquarium Plants of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Live aquarium plants are a great addition to any fish tank. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium, but they also provide numerous benefits to the fish and the overall ecosystem. Live plants help to oxygenate the water, absorb excess nutrients, and provide a natural habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures. They also aid in maintaining a healthy pH level and reducing algae growth. With a wide variety of options available, from low-maintenance plants to more challenging species, there is a live aquarium plant suitable for every level of aquarist.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TruBlu Supply Hornwort Ceratophyllum Live Aquarium Plant Cover #TOP 1
TruBlu Supply Hornwort Ceratophyllum Live Aquarium Plant
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Live Aquarium Plant: Amazon Sword x3 Cover #TOP 2
Live Aquarium Plant: Amazon Sword x3
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Marcus Fish Tanks 6 Jungle Val Cover #TOP 3
Marcus Fish Tanks 6 Jungle Val
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Live Aquarium Plants

#TOP 1

TruBlu Supply Hornwort Ceratophyllum Live Aquarium Plant

TBSLSP1050
Green
Bunch
TruBlu Supply Hornwort Ceratophyllum Live Aquarium Plant Cover
CANTON AQUATICS Live Aquarium Hornwort Coontail Plants - Excellent Oxygenator - Easy to Maintain Plant - Removing Excess Nitrates - Promote High Water Quality - Bunch

TruBlu Aquarium Plant is a bundle of 3 stems of Hornwort Ceratophyllum live aquarium plants. You will receive plants similar to the picture, along with a bonus mystery plant. This product ensures live arrival and your satisfaction. The bundle is perfect for beginners, adding beauty and oxygen to your aquarium. The included mystery plant adds a surprise element to your tank. With guaranteed live arrival, you can rest assured of a thriving aquatic environment.

What We Like
Healthy, robust plants
Prompt shipping
Thriving in ponds
Clean upon arrival
What We Don't Like
Occasional snails present
Some plants arrive in poor condition
#TOP 2

Live Aquarium Plant: Amazon Sword x3

Water Plants
Green
Live Aquarium Plant: Amazon Sword x3 Cover
Amazon Sword - Echinodorus Bleheri x3 Plants - Live Aquarium Plant

Amazon Sword, scientifically known as Echinodorus bleheri, is a hardy and undemanding aquarium plant that can grow up to 20-50 cm tall. It requires pruning to prevent it from blocking light to plants beneath, and a nutritious bottom promotes its growth. This plant is suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists with large aquariums, and it grows well even in poorly illuminated aquariums by growing towards the light.

What We Like
Healthy and vibrant plants
Great packaging for shipping
Good water quality maintenance
Fast delivery
Beautiful appearance
What We Don't Like
Some plants exhibited minimal wilting
Occasional root trimming issues
#TOP 3

Marcus Fish Tanks 6 Jungle Val

Marcus Fish Tanks 6 Jungle Val Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks 6 Jungle Val - Jungle Vallisneria Live Aquarium Freshwater Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks Plants offer 6 Jungle Val aquatic plants that are perfect for beginners. They are very easy to grow, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you. With a live arrival guarantee, you can rest assured that your plants will reach you in excellent condition, provided you avoid extreme temperatures. The seller is responsive and committed to shipping healthy plants, addressing any concerns you may have promptly. These Jungle Val plants are robust and easy to care for, though they may initially experience some melting back when transplanted.

What We Like
Healthy plants
Strong roots
Fast growth
Good value
What We Don't Like
Some melting
Inconsistent quality
#TOP 4

Marcus Fish Tanks - 3X Amazon Sword Echinodorus Bleheri

Marcus Fish Tanks - 3X Amazon Sword Echinodorus Bleheri Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks - 3X Amazon Sword Echinodorus Bleheri Easy Live Aquarium Plants for Aquatic Freshwater Fish Tank

Marcus Fish Tanks offers 3 live Amazon Sword Plants for aquatic freshwater fish tanks. The plants range from 7-12 inches and are guaranteed to arrive alive, provided the temperature does not fall below 20F during the day. The company promises to replace any dead plants with a clear photo of the unopened bag. Marcus Fish Tanks is also responsive to customer inquiries and concerns.

What We Like
Healthy and vibrant plants
Easy to care for
Well-packaged for shipping
Enhances aquarium aesthetics
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Possibility of snails
#TOP 5

Canton Aquatics Red Root Floater

30+ Plants
Canton Aquatics Red Root Floater Cover
Canton Aquatics - 30+ Red Root Floater - Live Aquarium Plants - 4oz Cup

The Canton Red Root Floater live aquarium plants are perfect for enhancing water quality in your aquarium by removing harmful chemicals like ammonia and nitrates. Their vibrant red color adds beauty to your tank, making it visually appealing. These plants thrive in low-light conditions, ensuring easy maintenance. Moreover, they provide natural hiding spots for your fish, promoting a stress-free environment. Rest assured of live plant arrival, with replacements available if needed.

What We Like
Healthy-looking plants
Good root growth
Well-packaged delivery
No unpleasant odor
What We Don't Like
Variable plant quality
Some plants lack roots
#TOP 6

Water Spangle by Aquarium Plant Center

Water Spangle by Aquarium Plant Center Cover
Water Spangle, Salvinia Minima, Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Freshwater/Floating/Pond Plant/Planted Tank/Aquascaping/Paludarium by Aquarium Plant Center (12 Plants, 60+ Leaves), Green

The Water Spangle Plants from Aquarium Plant Center are an excellent choice for enhancing your aquarium or pond. With 12 plants and over 60 leaves, they can easily cover a small area, providing a lush look to your aquatic environment. These low-maintenance plants thrive in low to medium light, making them perfect for beginners. If you plan to keep them indoors, a grow light is recommended to ensure their health. Plus, you can shop with confidence thanks to the 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee, which means you can receive a free replacement if any issues arise upon delivery.

What We Like
Arrived well packaged
Healthy and vibrant plants
Fast growth and multiplication
Enhances tank humidity
Variety suitable for different fish
What We Don't Like
Possible delivery issues
Some difficulty in maintenance
#TOP 7

Marcus Fish Tanks - Live Aquarium Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks - Live Aquarium Plants Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks - 3X Micranthemum Monte Carlo Pots Easy Live Aquarium Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks offers 3X Micranthemum Monte Carlo Pots of live aquarium plants. The size of the potted plants is 2 inches, and it may vary slightly as these are live plants. Note that during extreme weather, the plants might suffer, so do not order when temperatures are expected to go below 20F. The company guarantees live arrival of its plants, and if not, they will replace them once verified. Marcus Fish Tanks is always available to answer any questions or concerns.

What We Like
Vibrant green color
Healthy plants upon arrival
Well-packaged and protected
Good value for three-pack
Quick settling and pearling
What We Don't Like
Occasional delayed delivery
Variable plant quality
#TOP 8

Marcus Fish Tanks Green Cabomba Plant

Marcus Fish Tanks Green Cabomba Plant Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks Green Cabomba Caroliniana Easy Live Aquarium Plants for Aquatic Freshwater Fish Tank BUY2GET1FREE

The Marcus Fish Tanks Cabomba is a vibrant live aquarium plant that enhances any freshwater fish tank. Measuring between 7 to 10 inches, this plant adds natural beauty and provides a habitat for your fish. You can buy with confidence as it comes with a live arrival guarantee; if your plant arrives dead, simply send a photo for a replacement. Additionally, the seller is committed to shipping healthy plants and is always ready to assist with any questions you may have. Enjoy a lively aquatic environment with this easy-to-care-for plant.

What We Like
Fast shipping
Healthy plants
Vibrant color
Quality packaging
Good price
What We Don't Like
Occasional size inconsistency
Floating issue for some plants
#TOP 9

Marcus Fishtanks Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri Aquarium Plant

TBSLSP1050
Marcus Fishtanks Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri Aquarium Plant Cover
Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri Easy Live Aquarium Plant

The Marcus Fishtanks Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri Aquarium Plant is a living golf ball-sized portion that is easy to care for and suitable for any aquarium. The plant comes with a live arrival guarantee, ensuring that it arrives healthy, and a satisfaction guarantee. To plant the moss, wrap thread around it and secure it to a rock, wood or structure. The plant thrives in partial sunlight.

What We Like
Healthy plants
Quick shipping
Well-packaged
Good customer service
Generous portion sizes
What We Don't Like
Occasional hitchhikers
Variable sizes
#TOP 10

Marcus Fish Tanks - Dwarf Hairgrass Eleocharis Parvula Live Aquarium Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks - Dwarf Hairgrass Eleocharis Parvula Live Aquarium Plants Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks - Dwarf Hairgrass Eleocharis Parvula Live Aquarium Plants Carpeting Plant for Aquatic Freshwater Fish Tank BUY2GET1FREE

Marcus Fish Tanks Dwarf Hairgrass is a live aquarium plant perfect for your freshwater fish tank. With sizes ranging from 2 to 3 inches, these plants provide a lush carpeting effect in your aquatic setup. The live arrival guarantee ensures replacements if plants arrive dead. Additionally, the seller commits to quick responses and shipping healthy plants, offering assistance for any inquiries or concerns.

What We Like
Fast delivery
Healthy and green plants
Well-packaged
Good value for price
Buy two get one free offer
What We Don't Like
Some plants arrived messy
Occasional slight browning
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Live Aquarium Plants That Are Right for Your Pets

Introduction to Live Aquarium Plants

Adding live plants to your aquarium can provide numerous benefits for your aquatic inhabitants. Not only do plants add a touch of natural beauty to the tank, but they also help improve water quality by consuming carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Live plants can also provide hiding places for fish and other aquatic animals, making them feel more at home in their environment.

Selecting the Right Plant for Your Aquarium

When choosing live plants for your aquarium, there are a few key factors to consider. First, consider the size and type of your aquarium. Plants come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to select plants that will fit well in your tank without overcrowding it.

Next, consider the lighting conditions in your aquarium. Different plants have different lighting requirements, so it’s important to choose plants that will thrive in the lighting conditions you can provide.

You should also consider the water conditions in your aquarium. Some plants are more sensitive to water chemistry and require specific pH levels and other conditions to thrive. Be sure to select plants that will thrive in the conditions of your tank.

Tips for Successfully Introducing Live Plants to Your Aquarium

Once you’ve selected the right plants for your aquarium, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they thrive in their new environment.

First, be sure to acclimate your plants to the water conditions in your tank. To do this, float the plants in their containers in the aquarium for a few hours before planting them. This will allow them to adjust to the temperature and chemistry of the water in your tank.

Next, be sure to plant your plants properly. This will help them establish their root systems and start growing quickly. To plant your plants, simply dig a small hole in the aquarium substrate and carefully place the plant in the hole. Be sure to gently firm the substrate around the plant to hold it in place.

Finally, be sure to provide your plants with the proper care and maintenance. This includes providing the right amount of light, fertilizing the plants, and pruning them as needed to maintain their health and appearance.

With the right care and attention, your live plants will thrive in your aquarium, providing a beautiful and natural addition to your aquatic ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are live plants good for a fish tank?

Plants are useful in removing build ups of carbon dioxide in heavily-stocked tanks. Live plants also absorbs ammonia, nitrites and nitrates from waste which can be harmful to fish if left to build up.

2. How long will aquarium plants live?

They are essentially immortal. You can find some marginal plants that are annuals or biennials (onions species etc.) I kept quite a few plants for more than 5 years. I had a old pamphlet from Petsmart that I got years ago that said that plants live 1-5 years.

3. How do I keep live plants in my fish tank?

Layer the bottom of the aquarium with 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) of aquarium gravel (that's about 1½ pounds of gravel per gallon of water), or other substrate designed for plants. Add aquarium-plant fertilizer according to the instructions on the label. Fill the aquarium halfway with water. Add plants.

4. Does live plants in aquarium pros and cons?

Live plants also make the aquarium look appealing, and can inhibit algae growth by reducing nitrates. On the downside, plants that are nibbled on extensively can detract from the appearance of the aquarium. So choose your plant and fish combinations wisely.

Editor's Notes

During our live aquarium plant research, we found 24 live aquarium plant products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,725 customer reviews through our big data system to write the live aquarium plants list. We found that most customers choose live aquarium plants with an average price of $11.72.

The live aquarium plants are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of live aquarium plants, including CANTON AQUATICS, Water Plants, MARCUS FISH TANKS, Aquarium Plant Center, TruBlu Supply. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 463 consumers with an average rating of 4.1.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Live Aquarium Plants Comparison Table

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Brand CANTON AQUATICS Water Plants MARCUS FISH TANKS Marcus Fish Tanks CANTON AQUATICS Aquarium Plant Center Marcus Fish Tanks Marcus Fish Tanks TruBlu Supply Marcus Fish Tanks
Color Green Green Green Brown, Green Light to Deep Red Roots Light to Dark Green Leaves Green Clear Green Brown,Green,Yellow/brown Clear
Unit Count 1.0 Count 3 Count 6.0 Count 3.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 3.0 Count 1.0 Count 3.0 Count 1.0 Count
Plant or Animal Product Type Coontail Amazon Sword Livestock sword Plant Aquatic Plant micranthemum - barbieri eleocharis
Soil Type Sandy Soil Sandy Soil Sandy Soil - Sandy Soil Sandy Soil Sandy Soil - Sandy Soil Sandy Soil
Number of Pieces 3 3 1 - 3 1 - 1 1 1
Material Feature Organic - Organic Organic Organic Organic - - java moss Natural
Indoor/Outdoor Usage Outdoor - Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor - - Indoor -
Sunlight Exposure - Partial Shade Full Sun Partial Sun Full Sun, Partial Shade Partial Shade - - Partial Sun -
Moisture Needs Moderate Watering Moderate Watering - - Moderate Watering Moderate Watering - - Moderate Watering -
Expected Blooming Period - - Winter Winter Spring - Winter - - Winter
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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