Best Live Aquarium Plants of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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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

Generic Live Aquarium Plants 6-Bundle Pack Cover #TOP 1
Generic Live Aquarium Plants 6-Bundle Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack Cover #TOP 2
Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Generic Floating Plant Bundle - Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, Giant Duckweed Cover #TOP 3
Generic Floating Plant Bundle - Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, Giant Duckweed
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Live Aquarium Plants

#TOP 1

Generic Live Aquarium Plants 6-Bundle Pack

Generic
Green Red
Generic Live Aquarium Plants 6-Bundle Pack Cover
Live Aquarium Plants Variety Pack – Nursery’s Choice Easy Beginner 6-Bundle Package | Freshwater Tank Starter Kit, Hardy Low-Light Aquatic Plants

The Generic Aquarium Plants Pack offers a carefully chosen selection of hardy aquatic plants, perfect for beginners. These plants do well in low to medium light, so you don’t need special lighting or CO₂ systems, making setup simple and affordable. The pack is safe for all kinds of freshwater tanks, including bettas and shrimp, so you can add greenery without worrying about your pets. Plus, these fast-growing plants help keep your tank healthy by producing oxygen and controlling algae naturally, reducing the time you spend on maintenance. This makes the pack a convenient choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful, low-maintenance aquarium.

What We Like
Healthy green plants
Fast delivery
Fair pricing
Variety of plant types
Strong root systems
What We Don't Like
Occasional shipping delays
Some plants may arrive damaged
#TOP 2

Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack

Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack Cover
Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants - 5 Assorted Bundle Rooted for Fish Tanks - (Grower's Choice) Beginner Friendly

The Surmen Legacy Aquarium Plants offer an easy way to enhance your freshwater tank with live greenery. These five assorted rooted plants are perfect for beginners, making it simple to create a natural and healthy environment for your fish. They provide great hiding spots and resting areas for smaller fish and invertebrates, helping them feel safe and comfortable. Additionally, these plants improve water quality by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, which supports a healthier habitat for all your aquatic pets. With this bundle, you can easily bring a touch of nature into your aquarium.

What We Like
Fresh, healthy appearance
Variety of plant types
Well-developed roots
Secure, thoughtful packaging
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Possible delivery or photo mismatch
Occasional plant survival issues
#TOP 3

Generic Floating Plant Bundle - Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, Giant Duckweed

Generic
Green/Red
Generic Floating Plant Bundle - Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, Giant Duckweed Cover
Floating Plant Bundle - Red Root Floaters, Salvinia, Giant Duckweed - Aquarium Live Plant Collection.

The Generic Floating Plant Bundle offers a set of three popular floating plants: Red Root Floaters, Water Spangles (Salvinia), and Giant Duckweed, each with over 30 leaves. These plants naturally help keep your aquarium water clean by absorbing harmful nutrients like nitrates and ammonia, making your tank healthier. They are easy to care for, needing only moderate light and no special planting, which makes them great for both beginners and experienced fish keepers. With this bundle, you get a complete floating plant collection that adds natural beauty and improves your aquarium environment with little effort.

What We Like
Natural water filtration
Low maintenance care
Complete plant variety
Over 30 leaves each
#TOP 4

Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack

Assorted Color
Surmen Legacy Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants 5-Pack Cover
Live Freshwater Aquarium Plants - 5 Assorted Potted for Fish Tanks - (Grower's Choice) Beginner Friendly

The Surmen Legacy Aquarium Plants come as a set of five assorted potted freshwater plants, perfect for beginners looking to enhance their fish tanks. These plants feature a variety of colors like green, red, and purple, allowing you to create a lively and colorful underwater scene. They arrive freshly cut and ready to be planted, saving you time and effort in preparation. Additionally, these plants help keep your aquarium healthy by oxygenating the water, absorbing extra nutrients, and providing cozy hiding spots for your fish and other aquatic pets, making your tank a better environment overall.

What We Like
Healthy, vibrant plants
Excellent value for money
Arrived in great condition
Well-labeled and diverse selection
Established root systems
What We Don't Like
Occasional wilted or dead plants
Some presence of duckweed
#TOP 5

SubstrateSource Alternanthera Reineckii Rosanervig

Lead Bunch - 1 Pack
SubstrateSource Alternanthera Reineckii Rosanervig Cover
SubstrateSource Live Aquarium Red Stem Plants - Freshwater Aquatic Plant for Fish Tanks, Aquascaping - (Alternanthera Reineckii Rosanervig, 1 Bunch)

The SubstrateSource Red Stem Plant is a great choice for aquarium enthusiasts, especially if you're new to growing stem plants. Its colorful bush-like appearance adds vibrant reds and pinks that stand out against green plants, enhancing the overall look of your tank. This plant can grow both above and below water, giving you flexibility in how you arrange your aquarium. While it requires medium to high light and regular nutrients, adding CO2 helps bring out its bright pink colors, making your aquarium more lively and attractive.

What We Like
Fast shipping
Healthy plants
Excellent customer support
Well-packaged
Good variety
What We Don't Like
Occasional plant quality inconsistency
Potential pesticide residue
#TOP 6

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 vibrant plants
Fast shipping
Excellent packaging
No pests or snails
Great price
What We Don't Like
Minor leaf tip die-off
Occasional rough handling
#TOP 7

Marcus Fish Tanks Hornwort Live Plant

Marcus Fish Tanks Hornwort Live Plant Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks Hornwort Ceratophyllum Live Aquarium Plant Planted Tank Beginner - Buy 2 Get 1

Marcus Fish Tanks Live Plant is a great choice for beginners. It offers a live aquarium plant with a guarantee of live arrival. The plant comes in a bundle with multiple stems, and its size varies slightly. One key feature is the assurance of replacement if the plant arrives dead, as long as you follow the temperature guidelines. Another benefit is the fast response and healthy plant shipment. Additionally, the shedding of needles when introduced to your tank is highlighted as a normal process.

What We Like
Healthy plant delivery
Generous amount included
Fast shipping
Rapid plant growth
Extra plants added
What We Don't Like
Some plants arrived brown
Occasional plant melting
#TOP 8

CANTON AQUATICS Live Aquarium Plant Bundle

CANTON AQUATICS Live Aquarium Plant Bundle Cover
CANTON AQUATICS Live Aquarium Plant Bundle - Anubias Barteri, Amazon Sword, and Chain Sword - Easy Care Freshwater Plants for Aquascaping and Water Quality​

The CANTON AQUATICS Plant Bundle offers a great mix of aquarium plants with different leaf shapes and growth styles, giving your tank a rich, layered look. These live plants naturally help keep your water clean by soaking up extra nutrients, which means a healthier environment for your fish. They’re also easy to care for, making them perfect whether you’re new to aquariums or have experience. Plus, they create cozy hiding spots and resting areas for your fish, helping to build a more natural and comfortable habitat in your freshwater setup.

What We Like
Arrived in excellent condition
Easy to plant in aquarium
Strong, healthy roots
Fish enjoy the plants
What We Don't Like
Packaging not as pictured
Possible fewer plants than expected
#TOP 9

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
Arrives healthy and vibrant
Good variety of sizes
Easy to plant
Sturdy and resilient growth
Well-packaged for shipping
What We Don't Like
Occasional hitchhikers in packaging
Care instructions sometimes missing
#TOP 10

Shore Aquatic Moneywort Live Plant

MBW1POT
Green
Medium
Shore Aquatic Moneywort Live Plant Cover
Moneywort (Bacopa Monnieri) Potted Live Aquatic Plant

Shore Aquatic Moneywort is a beautiful live plant perfect for your aquarium. It provides natural filtration and oxygenation, making it easy to maintain a healthy ecosystem. This fast-growing plant adds color and depth to your aquatic landscape, enhancing the overall look of your aquarium. With Shore Aquatic Moneywort, you can create a vibrant underwater environment that benefits your fish and aquatic life.

What We Like
Healthy and fast-growing
Excellent packaging
Good value for money
Fish and snails love it
Arrives algae and pest free
What We Don't Like
Some plants delicate on arrival
Occasional short lifespan
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 14,009 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 $19.03.

The live aquarium plants are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of live aquarium plants, including Surmen Legacy, SubstrateSource, Water Plants, Marcus Fish Tanks, CANTON AQUATICS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 799 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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#TOP10
Brand Generic Surmen Legacy Generic Surmen Legacy SubstrateSource Water Plants Marcus Fish Tanks CANTON AQUATICS Marcus Fish Tanks Shore Aquatic
Indoor/Outdoor Usage Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor Indoor
Material Feature Aquarium plant Natural, Organic Aquatic plant Organic Natural Natural Organic Live aquarium plants Organic Biodegradable
Unit Count 6.0 Count 5.0 Count 1.0 Count 5.0 Count 1.0 Count 3 Count 1.0 Count 4.0 Count 6.0 Count 1.0 Count
Color Green Red Green Green/Red Assorted Color Alternanthera Rosanervig Green Green - Green Green
Sunlight Exposure Full Shade Aquarium Light Partial Shade Partial Shade Medium to high light Partial Shade Partial Sun - Full Sun Partial Sun
Special Feature Fast Growing Pet Friendly Low Maintenance Pet Friendly Pet Friendly Low Maintenance - Easy care, freshwater aquascaping plants - Aquarium Plant
Expected Blooming Period Non-flowering Winter - Year Round - - Winter Don't have specifc blooming period Winter Spring
Soil Type Aquarium Soil Sandy Soil - - Sandy Soil Sandy Soil - - Sandy Soil Substrate
Moisture Needs High Moisture, Requires Constant Water - - Moderate Watering Submerged Moderate Watering Moderate Watering - - Aquatic Plant
Expected Plant Height 6 Inches 6 Inches 0.5 Inches - 10 Inches 50 Centimeters - - - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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