Having made the purchase of their first aquarium and even having introduced the first inhabitants into it, many novice aquarists feel some kind of incompleteness when looking at it. And this is not at all surprising, given its empty and lifeless appearance, which cannot but please. That’s why newcomers try to use emergency measures to fill the resulting void by planting all kinds of vegetation, without really thinking about possible consequences because of such rash actions.
And it’s good if, as a result of such actions, the established ecosystem of an artificial reservoir undergoes minimal changes, but as practice shows, this happens in quite rare cases.
Most often you have to start breeding fish from the very beginning. Therefore, to avoid such situations, in today’s article we will consider what unpretentious aquarium plants.
Why is vegetation needed?
Thus, aquarium plants for beginners are necessary not only for creating beautiful picture. Their undeniable advantages include:
- Improving the aesthetic appearance of an artificial reservoir.
- Creating safe zones for fish, in which they can hide from other inhabitants of the vessel or create nests for spawning.
- Providing food for fish and other residents.
- Increasing the level of oxygen dissolved in the aquatic environment.
- Reducing the concentration of harmful substances.
- Growth suppression lower plants, for example, green algae.
And this is not to mention the support of normal ecological balance, which is so important for all fish in the aquarium.
What plants can't a beginner do without?
Many novice aquarists are not always in a hurry to purchase live plants, preferring to use artificial ones for this purpose, a huge variety of which can be purchased at almost any pet store. But although they are in no way inferior to living ones in their beauty, even the use of a huge number of them cannot create in a vessel a truly breathtaking feeling. water world. So, the most popular unpretentious plants include:
- Vallisneria;
- all kinds of mosses;
- Richia and Duckweed;
- hygrophiles.
Let's take a closer look at these unpretentious aquarium plants.
Vallisneria
This plant, a photo of which can be seen below, is characterized by oblong and narrow leaves that can reach and sometimes even rise above the surface of the water. In the latter case, the tips of the leaves can be seen floating on the water surface. It is also worth noting that several species of this plant are suitable for a novice aquarist. So, for example, when talking about spiral vallisneria, one cannot fail to note its spiral-shaped leaves.
Representatives of this species are the most popular among beginners. And the point here is not only their developed root system and unpretentiousness, but also their incredibly fast growth. As for reproduction, this happens in them vegetative way, namely with the help of shoots from the root. And in less than a week you will see small new bushes starting to grow near the main bush. It’s not for nothing that many aquarists use Vallisneria to create incredibly exciting compositions, as shown in the photo above.
All kinds of mosses
Among the representatives of this family, I would like to first of all note, the photo of which is presented below. So, first of all, its breeding does not require any effort at all. In addition, this plant serves as a natural shelter and resting place for fish. An interesting fact is that Java moss can either be free-floating in the water column or attached to pebbles or snags using small roots. It is also worth noting the high speed of its growth. In this case, it is recommended to trim it periodically, both with scissors and to tear off too long stems using your hands.
Remember that adding fish to an aquarium that already contains a similar plant will be the first step towards creating a magnificent home corner. In addition, moss is a favorite habitat for both shrimp and newborn fry.
Hornwort
This plant, the photo of which is shown below, is a favorite choice of those who are just beginning to master all the nuances of breeding and caring for fish. So, first of all, I would like to note that it can either be simply planted in the ground or simply left to float freely in the water. In addition, this plant is constantly used as a substrate in spawning grounds. As for its appearance, the hornwort is represented by an oblong and branching stem with thin and long leaves. It grows quite quickly, which can result in the formation of real thickets, among which the fry love to play and hide. But experienced aquarists recommend thinning out overly dense thickets by cutting off old stems. In some cases, you can get fish that will consume this plant as food.
Richia and Duckweed
These plants, photos of which are presented below, are in demand not only because of their unpretentiousness, but also because they create a green rug of magnificent beauty. But it is worth remembering that for many fish they can also serve as food. Therefore, before getting another fish, you should ask the seller what they eat. Reproduction in such plants occurs vegetatively. In addition, the use of this vegetation will help to slightly reduce the light intensity in artificial reservoir, if such a need arises, of course.
In addition, we must not forget about the excellent decorative component of these plants. So, using nets, you can attach Richia to a pebble or driftwood you like, and in just a week you will get an unimaginable beautiful composition. But it is worth noting that if such plants themselves do not require too much attention, then maintaining the resulting works of art will require certain conditions. 
This vegetation covers a fairly wide group of plants, most of which are ideal for home use. artificial reservoirs, due to its high unpretentiousness to living conditions.
Of particular note is their incredibly high growth rate. Reproduction in these plants occurs with the help of shoots located on the sides of the shoot. In nature, they are represented by a huge number of different colors and shapes. 
Care
All of the above plants require virtually no care. They can feel great both in low light and without special vitamin supplements or carbon dioxide. But if the owner of an artificial reservoir has a desire to somewhat stimulate the growth of his vegetation, then special fertilizers for plants in the aquarium are best suited for this purpose. As you can see, a little imagination, hard work and a previously empty and lifeless aquarium will sparkle with new colors.
Live plants in an aquarium look much more beautiful than artificial ones. However, beginners are in no hurry to buy them, believing that they are difficult to care for. To ensure that care does not cause a lot of inconvenience, it is enough to wisely choose representatives of the flora. We bring to your attention aquarium plants for beginners, presented in the photo with the names below, which are unpretentious and grow well even in non-ideal conditions.
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Java moss
This plant is a champion in terms of endurance in an aquarium with different conditions. It perfectly tolerates poor lighting, can live in an acidic environment and in a wide range of water temperatures. Java moss can be placed both on the surface of the water and under it by attaching a fishing line to driftwood or other accessories.
If the lighting is weak, then it is better not to plant it on the bottom of the aquarium. Moss can be very destructive dirty water, where organic suspensions settle on the leaves, forming a coating. Thus, he loses the ability to breathe, against the background of which the process of photosynthesis worsens.
Anubias
Second place among unpretentious plants The dwarf Anubias occupies the aquarium. It grows well in moderate light conditions and does not respond to changes in acidity and water hardness. Anubias has dense leaves, so it is not afraid of fish and snails. It looks especially beautiful on driftwood, so it is often added. Its disadvantages include slow growth.
Hornwort
One of the three most unpretentious plants. Its peculiarity lies in the absence of roots. The stems are dug into the ground, thereby forming beautiful bushes, which resemble fir branches.
Hornwort grows quickly and tolerates moderately hard water. The stem may disintegrate in soft water. To successfully maintain this plant, good lighting is recommended.
Elodea Densa
Vallisneria
Very hardy plant, so it’s perfect for planting in a beginner’s aquarium. It grows very quickly, sending out shoots from its shoots. Due to its narrow and long leaves it looks very beautiful in any body of water. The disadvantage is that it multiplies quickly, so new shoots need to be pruned from time to time. Otherwise, Vallisneria will fill the entire volume of the aquarium. For more information about Vallisneria, watch the video from the Green Style channel.
Arrowhead subulate
Outwardly it resembles a bunch of grass, as it grows in a chain. This plant is suitable for planting in the foreground, since the leaves are bright green in color, and the arrowhead itself is short. It reproduces, like Vallisneria, by shoots, so it can quickly spread throughout the entire aquarium.
Riccia
This is a floating plant. Lower leaves often provide refuge for some fry and small aquarium inhabitants. There are also fish that love to eat this plant. Riccia grows quite quickly, preventing natural light from entering the aquarium. In this regard, it must be weeded periodically.
Cryptocoryne
One of the most popular plants in the aquarium. It can be red, bronze or green. Aquarists often plant several species of Cryptocoryne at the same time, decorating the pond in an original way. The plant tolerates a lack of light well and adapts well to water of moderate hardness. The disadvantages of cryptocoryne include difficult recovery after transplantation.
Ludwigia
Among existing species This plant has both unpretentious and very capricious specimens. For beginners, experts recommend using swamp ludwigia. It has bright green leaves, and in very bright light it turns red.
Does not tolerate lack of light well. In this case, the stems become very elongated and lose their beauty. Ludwigia is not picky about acidity readings, optimal temperature for her is from 20°C to 22°C.
Indian fern
Ideal for a newbie aquarist. This fern has beautiful leaves with small dissections. It adapts well to different conditions and water levels in the aquarium, but requires good lighting.
All the plants examined differ in appearance from each other. But by combining several species in one aquarium, you can create an original and beautiful landscape design underwater. When choosing, beginners should be guided by the following parameters.
- Attitude to insufficient lighting. Many inexpensive aquariums are equipped with weak lamps, which explains their cheapness. Insufficient light can lead to the death of some plant species.
- All unpretentious aquarium plants can live in different conditions. For them, water hardness is absolutely acceptable, which varies from 4° to 20°. Beginners in the aquarium hobby often forget about this indicator, just like the water temperature.
- Regular care and cleaning of the aquarium. If you do not take care of the aquarium for several months, it begins to become dirty as a result of too much density and rotting of the plants.
- Resistance to sudden changes in conditions. Most beginners forget about their aquarium for a long period of time, and during this time various processes take place in it that require constant monitoring. Only unpretentious plants can withstand a sharp change in the characteristics of the water in the aquarium.
It is worth noting that there are a number of reasons why preference should be given to live plants in the aquarium. First of all, this is the appearance of the home pond. The aquarium looks more natural with the presence of vegetation. In addition, the plants provide food for some types of fish and suppress the growth and reproduction of lower algae.
Photo gallery
The request returned an empty result.Video “How to make the background of an aquarium from Ricci”
A lively and bright aquarium is not only about fish. Even with the most beautiful representatives of the fish kingdom, it can seem deserted and joyless if there is no vegetation in it. smash underwater green garden It’s not always easy, but if we select hardy inhabitants for it, there will be much fewer problems and worries. What plants can be considered unpretentious? Let's find out!
As we already call species that:
- medium intensity lighting of 0.3-0.5 W/l is sufficient;
- there is no need to organize a CO2 supply;
- no need to add organic or mineral fertilizers- they have enough of what remains of the fish.
Hardy representatives are found in many plant taxa (systematic groups).
Green algae
This filamentous algae forms a colony in the shape of a fluffy green ball, which looks very picturesque and allows you to greatly diversify aquarium design. The ball can be cut and attached to the bottom, turning it into a rug or small lawn. Cladophora is simply adored by shrimp, as well as fish fry, which find a huge number of edible microorganisms between its threads.
Cladophora requires lighting from 0.5 W/l, not too hard, neutral water (in water with high performance pH balls fall apart), which should be clean and transparent. Prefers cool temperatures, up to 23-24°C, in more warm water loses its shape.
Therefore, if Cladophora lives in a warm-water aquarium, from time to time - after about a month - the balls should be placed in cool water for several weeks to restore the colony.
Cladophora.
Mosses
This group includes the hardiest of aquarium plants -. We can say that this stoic only needs water to live, everything else is minor details. It tolerates low light and a wide range of hydrochemical characteristics. Gives scope for creativity when decorating: it can form floating clouds in the water column, create a lawn on the ground, or cover stones and driftwood picturesquely (at first, Java moss needs to be fixed to the desired surface, then it can grow to it).
Like Cladophora, it is dearly loved by shrimp and fry, as it provides them with shelter and a rich food supply. It serves as an excellent substrate for biofilter bacteria, and is itself a good filter that retains suspended particles of organic matter.
Also moss, from the liver department, which is an interweaving of individual short small branches. Usually it is allowed to swim near the surface, where it serves as food for fish, a place for spawning and a nursery for fry. Riccia does not have organs for attachment to the substrate, but it can be fixed on any surface, for example, using fishing line. The required water temperature is from 22 degrees. And it should be soft, neutral or slightly acidic, with regular partial substitutions.
Java moss.
Ferns
Undemanding ones include Thai and Indian water ferns.
It has embossed leaves, similar in shape to willow. It grows quite slowly, over time forming bright green, dense and lush thickets 25-30 cm high. It is usually placed at the side walls, in the corners or on background aquarium A small bush can even be placed in the central part of the nanoaquarium. The Thai does not need rich soil, because root system it is represented by small rhizoids and does not penetrate deeply. But it can be mounted on driftwood or ceramic decoration, depicting an interesting landscape, for example, an abandoned castle with trees growing through the stones.
Or a ceratopteris, completely different in appearance. It has dissected, openwork light green leaves, well-developed roots, it forms a large tall bush. Here are the conditions for good growth it needs similar to its Thai counterpart: average or good lighting, enough high temperature, soft water, slightly acidic or neutral. It is necessary to have nutritious soil (sand or fine smooth gravel), the layer thickness is at least 4-5 cm.
Thailand fern.
Flowering plants
These include the overwhelming number of green inhabitants of the aquarium. They have such a variety of shapes, sizes, colors that the eyes run wild. Let's try to give descriptions of the most unpretentious ones, dividing them into groups based on their decorative value in the aquarium.
Lush backdrop
These are plants that have enough large sizes and are usually used to create the background and side scenes of an aquarium.
Very popular among aquarists - fast growing plant with long, pointed leaves of a light shade. Consumes nutrients the entire surface, therefore helping to reduce the level of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the water. Serves as a favorite food for herbivorous fish and snails. Prefers silted soil of fine fractions, temperature from 24°C, not too hard water, average lighting. Tolerates various acidities.
Its close relative - hygrophila straight, nomaphila, or lemongrass, is a little more decorative: its leaves have a pinkish border in intense light, are located closer to each other, in good conditions the plant bushes. The tops of the lemongrass rise above the water, making it an interesting way to decorate an aquaterrarium or. This species needs at least average lighting, hard water, a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.
Hygrophila polyspermous.
The same conditions are necessary for another representative of hygrophiles - hygrophila heterophylla (dimorphic), or sinema. She is remarkable because her leaves various shapes- from oval, slightly carved at the edges, to deeply dissected, feathery, lacy. All mentioned types of hygrophiles are planted in groups to form dense voluminous clumps.
The inhabitant of the background, creating a fluffy openwork background, is the widely known. It has a long stem and a high growth rate (which means it pulls excess nitrogen out of the water well), fry hide in its thickets, adult fish spawn, and shrimp are usually found. Everyone loves cabomba! And she likes lighting from 0.4 W/l, clean neutral or slightly acidic water with a hardness index of no more than 8°.
The Guadalupe naiad can create a magnificent backdrop. It does not require rooting, feeling good in a free-floating state, but when fixed to the ground, it behaves like a full-fledged bush. This plant is the embodiment of grace and subtlety, but at the same time it is very unpretentious. The only thing it needs is good lighting, the rest it easily adapts to.
Carolina cabomba flower.
But why do we have all the plants with long, narrow or needle-shaped leaves? We need to diversify our backdrop with some circles, and the white-headed hydrocotyla is perfect for this. Its leaves have a rounded shape, and the thickets somewhat resemble the usual marsh marigold in miniature. Next to our green lace and Christmas trees it will look very fun and original.
The requirements are only light of at least 0.5 W/l and clean, periodically replaced water.
Growing to the surface, hydrocotyla forms floating leaves that can shade other greenery, so you need to be careful here and not let it take over too large an area.
To fill the gaps in the background of the aquarium, you can use and, collected in bunches of several branches and pressed to the bottom. They will not be able to form lush thickets, since they do not take root and do not bush, but adding density and texture is quite possible. They are undemanding to water parameters and tolerate almost any hardness and acidity. True, in very soft water the stem of the hornwort breaks, and the resulting cuttings spread out into different sides. They like medium or good lighting. Elodea grows best in cool water, up to 23°C. 
Let's decorate the center
To revitalize the central part of our reservoir, you can use large spreading bushes, for example, Amazonian echinodorus. This species is distinguished by its shade tolerance (tolerates illumination of 0.25/l), grows in a wide range of acidity values, and prefers moderately hard water. What it requires is a thick layer of nutritious soil.
In a spacious aquarium, in the center and closer to the ends, you can plant low species, for example, twisted-leaved mini-twister - several of its bushes growing nearby will create a nice curly grove. She is not picky about light and water parameters (she only doesn’t like high values hardness and pH) and grows well in almost any conditions.
The middle ground will be decorated with its dark glossy greenery. They don't need bright color, they grow at almost any water hardness slowly but surely. Anubias require nutritious soil, but they need to be planted correctly: dig in only the roots, leaving a creeping stem on the surface. Anubias can be grown onto driftwood, and their dwarf representatives can be placed in the foreground, for which it is very difficult to select suitable vegetation in a medium-lit aquarium.
Anubias and Java moss attached to driftwood.
Let's add some red
Of course, greenery in an aquarium is wonderful, but I also want other colors. Unfortunately, most plants that have red color or patterned multi-colored leaves are very picky about light and hydrochemical parameters.
Exceptions to this rule are Indian rotala and. Their leaves are reddish, sometimes slightly purple below, and they create bright islands against the overall emerald and malachite background. The red color on the leaves only appears in at least medium light conditions. At the same time, it is good if the light comes not only from above, but also from the side, then the leaves are located close to each other and several stems planted nearby form a lush bush.
If there is only overhead lighting, the lower part of the stem gradually loses its leaves and becomes bare. But this issue can be solved by periodic cuttings and replanting: cutting off the upper parts of the stem and collecting new bushes from them. These plants need warm, clean water, not too hard, neutral or slightly acidic.
As you can see, the choice of unpretentious plants to decorate our underwater kingdom is not so small. They are all different, and with their help you can bring to life the most daring design ideas. If only you had the desire and patience!
Watch the video on how to select aquarium plants and plant them:
There are many unpretentious aquarium plants that look interesting and impressive, like more capricious species. With the help of undemanding vegetation, a novice aquarist can create atmospheric landscapes, showing his imagination and creativity.
Unpretentious species are distinguished by endurance and the ability to survive at different temperatures. Some of the species presented do not need a lot of light and the composition of the water is not important. Majority unpretentious species grows quickly, propagates easily and does not require fertilizer.
Java moss
To propagate decorative Java moss, it does not require rooting in the ground. The unpretentious bryophyte floats freely in the water column or attaches to rocks. It grows quickly even in average light, so periodically trim overgrown branches.
Riccia
Another popular moss. Floats above the water surface and does not require rooting in the ground. Many fish are eaten. The plant is also loved by the microorganisms on which the fry feed. Riccia creates shaded areas in the aquarium; if desired, it can be mounted on walls or stones. The overgrown moss settles to the bottom under the weight of the moss.
Plants in the aquarium
With the help of aquarium plants you can create a unique underwater landscape without extra costs. But plants underwater are not just decoration; they play a very important role in the life of its inhabitants. Plants, one might say, are the “lungs” of the aquarium, since during the process of photosynthesis they release oxygen, which is so necessary for both the inhabitants of the aquarium and the plants themselves.
They also absorb both organic and inorganic substances, which are formed as a result of the decomposition of dead plants, food debris and the vital activity of fish. Many fish use aquarium plants during spawning. And there are species of fish for which plants are a source of additional nutrition. Among other things, aquarium plants provide protection for fish that are hiding from more aggressive species, and also serve as shelter for young fish.
Fast growing aquarium plants
The group of fast-growing aquarium plants includes plants that obtain the necessary nutrients directly from the water. And thanks to their rapid growth, they are short term bring the underwater landscape to life.
➤ Nayas- refers to the most unpretentious plants, they multiply quickly and create dense thickets. Nayas swim freely in the water and are good shelter for fish fry from adults.
➤ Elodea unpretentious aquarium plant , which can be planted in the ground, or can be grown as a floating one. It purifies water well and releases large number oxygen. Elodea is very useful in newly started aquariums, helping to speed up the start-up process. Also included in the diet of goldfish, mollies and other fish that love plant foods. Survives under any conditions, but for rapid growth a lot of light is needed and the water temperature should not exceed 24 C 0.
➤ Hornwort is a plant that grows well in both cold-water and tropical aquariums. It can reproduce by attaching itself to decorations, or perhaps by floating on the surface. In an aquarium where hornwort always grows clean water and a lot of oxygen, as it intensively purifies water from turbidity.
➤ Kabomba relatively undemanding and original plant. Needs good lighting and soft water. It also does not like transplanting, so it is better to plant it immediately in a permanent place.
➤ Ambulia or Limnophila aquatic does not reproduce so quickly, and normal aquarium conditions are suitable for it. But having reached the surface, it continues to grow and blooms with bluish flowers, while the leaves above the water are radically different from those underwater, and the water serves as a border between two dissimilar plants.
An ornamental fast-growing plant that can be grown both in the ground and floating in water. Usually grown in a tropical aquarium. There are no special requirements for its content, but good lighting is necessary. Since even with slight shading, the plant stops growing and may die.
➤ Bacopa- grows well in a tropical or moderately warm aquarium with bright lighting. This aquarium plant for soft waterwith a neutral environment.
➤ Vallisneria very hardy aquarium plant. It quickly forms dense thickets, but does not tolerate iron oxides in the water.
➤ Cirrus They are an excellent decoration for the aquarium, used by fish during spawning, and perfectly protect fry. There are many varieties of pinnates, as they have learned to adapt to different conditions content and can change greatly.
➤ Nomaphila straight or lemongrass loves large aquariums, as it grows up to 30 cm. The only condition necessary for life is a sufficient amount of soil, up to seven centimeters.
➤ Naiad Guadalupe forms a beautiful dense jungle in the aquarium and at the same time is absolutely not demanding on the water temperature, its hardness, or the soil. It receives all nutrients from water.
Aquarium plants that do not require lighting
This is a group of plants that not only do not require special conditions for cultivation, but also easily tolerate a lack of lighting.
➤ Anubias are aquarium plants that live on various surfaces. They have large round leaves Therefore, they can live perfectly in an aquarium with low light levels.
➤ Cryptocoryne It also has large and wide leaves and does not require much light at all to grow.
➤ Ludwigia - perennials. Under good conditions, the leaves have a dark color. But it also tolerates a lack of light very well, with only one difference: the leaves become light green.
Grows in a tropical aquarium with soft water, minimal lighting is sufficient. Beneficial influence affects fern growth mineral supplement, it must be added to the water. She also needs nitrogen fertilizer. The fern itself grows slowly, but as it grows it forms dense thickets.
➤ Marsilea hisruta undemanding to good lighting and to the water. However, in order to densely cover the bottom of the aquarium, it is necessary to increase lighting and additional supply of carbon dioxide.
➤ Limnophila Indian is similar in appearance to cabomba, but with less lush leaves. It does not require a lot of light and heat for reproduction.
➤ Java moss The plant is absolutely undemanding in terms of temperature and lighting and grows in any conditions: in the water at the bottom of the aquarium, planted on driftwood and on the walls of the aquarium. Great for zebrafish and barb aquariums as they prefer to spawn in it. It is a good shelter for shrimp and fry.
Even with the most beautiful and unusual representatives of the fish kingdom, the aquarium will not be truly bright and lively without plants. They are all different, some of them are very difficult to breed, especially for inexperienced aquarists. But there are many unpretentious plants that will decorate any aquarium and help bring the most unusual design ideas to life.
