I am an experienced Betta fish breeder. From my experience, I can say that choosing an aquarium plant for Betta is very important if you want to create a healthy and balanced environment for Betta fish. Selecting the right plant is essential to their health and happiness. When looking for aquarium plants for Betta, one should choose plants that are suitable for the natural behavior and well-being of Betta fish.
I have decided to discuss some good plants for Betta fish based on my experience in Betta fish breeding, so beginners can easily select the best plants for their Betta fish.
01. Java Fern
Java-Fern
Overview:
- Scientific name: Leptochilus pteropus
- Common Name: Java Fern
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Temperature Range: 64 – 82°F (17-27°C)
- Level of Care: Easy
- Growth Rate: Low, Moderate
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
ava fern is a very popular plant that is great for Betta fish. It is easily available in most stores and is very affordable. It is a freshwater plant that is easy to maintain. My favorite thing about Java Fern is the pattern and texture of its leaves which look so beautiful underwater.
Size and Shape: Java fern is usually 13-35 cm tall and 13-25 cm wide. Its leaves are green and long, which blend in beautifully with other plants in the aquarium.
Growth: It is a slow grower, but if cared for, it will begin to sprout new leaves within a few months. Its roots spread easily, sticking to rocks or wood.
Water Range: Java fern grows best in freshwater, with a pH of 6-7.5 and a temperature of 64-82°F (20-28°C).
Light and Nutrition: This plant grows well in low light. Too much light can damage its leaves, so medium or low light is ideal. It takes nutrients from the water itself and does not require additional fertilizers.
Maintenance:
- When planting Java Fern, it should not be buried in soil or sand but should be tied to stone or wood. It collects carbon dioxide and nutrients through its leaves, not its roots.
- Excessive pruning is not necessary, but old or dead leaves should be removed as rotting leaves will increase water ammonia and degrade water quality.
Environmental Benefits:
- It acts as a great shelter, providing cover for small fish or fry.
- Java fern acts as a biofilter, as it can absorb ammonia and nitrate, which improves water quality.
02. Java Moss
Java-Moss
Overview:
- Scientific name: Taxiphyllum barbieri
- Common Name: Java Moss
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Level of Care: Easy
- Temperature Range: 64 – 86°F (17-30°C)
- Growth Rate: Low, Moderate
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Java moss is a unique aquarium plant that is popular in tanks. Its deep green hue and slender fronds make it an ideal choice. It is a great addition to any aquarium for breeding and landscaping. Its dense and soft structure acts as a shelter for various animals in the aquarium.
Size and Shape: Java moss forms a dense moss-like structure with small leaves. Its growth gradually spreads and it takes root or spreads in different parts of the aquarium.
Growth: It grows slowly, but over time forms a dense layer, which can hold roots on stone, wood, or any other hard surface.
Water Range: Java moss can live in a variety of water conditions, but it grows best in freshwater. Temperatures are generally best between 64 – 86°F (17-30°C), but it can adapt to lower or higher temperatures.
Light and Nutrition: Low to medium light is best for Java moss. It can grow faster in high light, but too much light can cause algae to build up. It usually survives without additional fertilizers, as it collects the necessary nutrients from the water itself.
Maintenance:
- Java Moss is very easy to maintain. It can take root in different places, so you can keep it on stone or wood.
- Moss needs to be trimmed from time to time to prevent it from becoming too thick or spreading.
- Control of light may be necessary to prevent algae.
Environmental Benefits:
- Java moss serves as a shelter and an egg-laying site for Betta and other small fish.
- It creates natural shade for the aquarium and helps prevent algae.
- Java moss can absorb ammonia and nitrates from the water, which helps improve water quality.
03. Cryptocoryne wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Overview:
- Scientific name: Cryptocoryne, Crypt
- Common Name: Cryptocoryne wendtii
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Temperature Range: 71-82°F (22°C – 28°C)
- Level of Care: Easy
- Growth Rate: Low, Moderate
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Cryptocoryne wendtii is a great live plant for Betta fish because it is easy to care for. This species of plant requires very little light to survive and is able to adapt to a variety of environments. Its small and medium-sized leaves are decorative, and available in different colors and shapes, such as green, brown, and reddish shades.
Size and Shape: Cryptocoryne wendtii is a small to medium-sized plant. Its leaves are up to 10-15 cm long and rounded or slightly grooved at the top. Due to the variety of leaf colors, it creates a spectacular environment in the aquarium. Its leaf edges have a slightly wavy effect.
Water Range: It can grow well in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water. pH: Between 6.0 – 7.5; Temperature: 71-82°F (22°C – 28°C); Water hardness: soft to moderate (5-15 dGH).
Light: Grows well in low to medium light. It can survive in high light, but leaves may grow rapidly and require occasional trimming.
Nutrition: Cryptocoryne wendtii receives nutrients from the soil, so it grows best if there is a nutrient substrate in the soil. Occasional injection of liquid fertilizers and CO2 improves growth. However, this plant can survive on low nutrients.
Maintenance: Cryptocoryne wendtii is a slow-growing plant that does not require much maintenance. It can survive very well in low light, but its growth is rapid in medium light. The leaves may fade or wither at times and then start producing new leaves again. It takes time to adapt to the new environment.
Environmental Benefits: Cryptocoryne wendtii absorbs carbon dioxide in the aquarium and serves as a shelter and breeding ground for fish. Like other aquatic plants, it helps to improve aquarium water quality.
04. Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria
Overview:
- Scientific name: Hygrophila difformis
- Common Name: Water Wisteria
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Temperature Range: 71-82°F (22-28°C)
- Level of Care: Easy
- Growth Rate: Low, Moderate
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Water wisteria is an excellent live plant for Betta fish. It is naturally found in freshwater areas of South Asia, growing in swamps and at the bottom of still bodies of water. It is easy to care for and can easily adapt itself to different environments.
Size and Shape: It is a durable and fast-growing plant. Its leaves are narrow and spreading, allowing it to survive well in water.
Water Range: It can generally survive a wide range of temperatures, but growth may be impaired in extremely cold or extremely hot water. pH: 6.5-7.5; Water hardness: 3-15 dGH is best.
Light: It grows best in medium to bright light. It thrives with light that is less intense than direct sunlight but has adequate illumination. This usually refers to 1-2 watts per gallon or 2500-5000 lux of light.
Nutrition: Water wisteria obtains most of its nutrients from the water through its roots. It spreads its roots into the soil (if any) in the tank and takes nutrients from there. The plant absorbs nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals dissolved in the water.
Maintenance: Monitoring plant health and growth is necessary. Any abnormalities should be treated immediately. Excess plant parts should be cut off as needed.
Environmental Benefits: With regular monitoring and necessary measures, this aquatic plant can be a wonderful addition to your aquarium. It serves as a great place for Betta fish to play hide and seek.
05. Hornwort
Hornwort
Overview:
- Scientific name: Ceratophyllum demersum
- Common Name: Hornwort
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Level of Care: Easy
- Temperature Range: 59-86°F (15°C – 30°C)
- Growth Rate: Fast growing
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Hornwort is a popular aquatic plant that is fast-growing and can survive in multiple conditions. It is widely used in aquariums. Its leaves are fine and lateral, which act as shelter for fish and other aquatic animals.
Size and Shape: Hornwort has long stems that can reach a meter or more in length. Its leaves are fine and needle-like, which expand underwater to form thick layers. This plant is usually rootless but does not need any roots to anchor it to the aquarium floor. It may float in water or be trapped by rocks.
Water Range: Hornwort is a freshwater plant found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, with a water pH typically 6.0 – 7.5 and temperatures between 59-86°F (15°C – 30°C). Water hardness is soft to moderate (5-15 dGH).
Light: Hornwort’s light requirements are very low, generally growing well in low to medium light. It grows faster in more light.
Nutrition: Hornwort does not require any special nutrients. It is a rootless plant, so it does not need nutrients from the soil or substrate. It can absorb nutrients directly from the water, especially nitrates and phosphates produced from fish waste and food.
Maintenance: Hornwort does not require much maintenance. Regular trimming can keep the aquarium at a manageable size. However, it can grow too quickly if the light is increased and can block out the light of other plants in the aquarium if too much.
- Special Advice: This plant divides very easily, so when trimming it, make sure that the parts are properly removed from the aquarium so they do not grow unnecessarily.
Environmental Benefits: Hornwort can absorb nitrates and ammonia, which helps keep aquarium water clean. It also produces oxygen, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic life. It acts as a refuge and breeding ground for fish, and fry (small fish) can hide in the hornwort for shelter in their early stages.
06. Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo-Moss-Ball
Overview:
- Scientific Name: Aegagropila linnaei
- Common Name: Marimo Moss Ball
- Origin: Japan
- Temperature Range: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
- Level of Care: Easy
- Growth Rate: Low
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Moss balls are very popular for aquariums. They are beautiful, easy to grow, and easy to care for. Marimo moss balls are algae, but they won’t spread throughout the tank like nuisance algae. They exist in the slow currents of Japanese and northern European lake beds. This gentle current collects the algae and forms a ball.
Size and Shape: Marimo moss balls are usually round in shape and grow slowly. At first, they are quite small, about 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter. Over time, they can gradually grow to 8-10 centimeters (3-4 inches) in diameter.
Water Range: Marimo moss balls are usually kept in freshwater aquariums or lakes, where the water temperature is 68-77°F (20-25°C), pH 6.5-7.5, and nitrate: 20-30 ppm. They cannot grow in salt water and do not survive well in saltwater environments.
Light: Marimo moss balls should be provided with moderate light of 0.5 to 1 watt per liter for 8-12 hours. Direct sunlight should not be applied, as this may cause excessive algae growth.
Nutrition: Marimo moss balls derive their nutritional needs primarily from the light and water quality in the environment. They make their own food through photosynthesis, so special feeding is not required.
Maintenance: Marimo moss balls are generally easy to maintain. Keep them in low light and away from direct light, as direct light can kill them. Gently rotate the moss ball from time to time to maintain its spherical shape.
Environmental Benefits: The balls are soft, making them ideal resting places for Betta fish. Some Betta fish will move around the tank and play with them. In addition, Marimo moss balls will enhance the beauty of your aquarium and help improve water quality.
07. Anubias Nana
Anubias-nana
Overview:
- Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana
- Common Name: Anubias Nana
- Origin: South-West and Central Africa
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Level of Care: Easy
- Growth Rate: Low to Moderate
- Light Level: Low
Detailed Discussion:
Anubias nana is a popular and widely used plant for freshwater aquariums. It is commonly found in the river and canal regions of West and Central Africa. This plant is popular among both novice and experienced aquarium hobbyists due to its durability, slow growth rate, low maintenance requirements, and ability to survive easily in low light.
Size and Shape: Anubias nana typically grows to a height of 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches). The width of the plant can be about 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches). The leaves of Anubias nana are generally oval and medium in size. The leaves are thick, smooth, and dark green in color.
Growth: Anubias nana is a slow-growing plant, which makes it thrive for long periods of time without regular trimming or care. Usually, it can produce 1-2 new leaves per month.
Water Range: Anubias nana is a freshwater plant that can survive in a variety of water conditions. The ideal temperature is between72-82°F (22-28°C), and it grows best when the pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can adapt well to hardness levels between 3 to 8°dKH.
Light: Anubias nana is a plant that can thrive well in low light. It does not require much light to grow. Usually, 8 to 10 hours of light per day and 0.5 to 1 watt of light per liter of water is sufficient for them.
Nutrition: As Anubias nana is a low-maintenance plant, its nutritional requirements are relatively low. It collects the nutrients needed for its growth from the water rather than the soil.
Maintenance: Anubias nana requires very little maintenance. It grows slowly and is not very dependent on nutrients, light, or CO₂. Although it requires little maintenance, it thrives with regular pruning, leaf cleaning, and proper management of light and nutrients.
Environmental Benefits: Anubias nana not only adds to the beauty of the aquarium but also has a positive effect on the overall environment of the aquarium. It absorbs nitrates from aquarium water and collects nutrients from fish waste, leftover food, and other organic matter, thereby maintaining the overall cleanliness of the aquarium.
08. Water Sprite
Water-Sprite
Overview:
- Scientific name: Ceratopteris thalictroides
- Common Name: Water Sprite
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Temperature Range: 68-86°F(20-30°C )
- Level of Care: Easy to Moderate
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Light Level: Medium to High
Detailed Discussion:
A popular aquatic plant used to decorate aquariums. It is very popular with plant lovers because it is easy to maintain and grows quickly. Water sprite helps create good shelter and natural shade for fish in the aquarium.
Size and Shape: Water sprite can typically grow to a height of 20-30 cm (8-12 in). The plant can spread to about 25–38 cm (10–15 in) wide. The leaves are finely cut but not sharp, rather soft like those of fern plants. The leaves are usually arranged in clusters around the branches.
Water Range: Water sprite is a very tolerant aquatic plant that can survive in a variety of water conditions. It is best kept in a temperature range of 68-86°F(20-30°C ), pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, and hardness (GH) of 3 to 12 dGH.
Light: Water sprite generally grows best in moderate to bright light. It can survive in low light, but bright light is suitable for fast and healthy growth. Medium light: 0.5 to 1 watts per liter; High light: 1 to 2 watts per liter. 8-12 hours of light should be provided daily.
Nutrition: Water sprite takes nutrients through roots and leaves. They absorb water-dissolved nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. Macronutrients through the roots and water-dissolved nutrients like nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), and iron (Fe) reach the leaf surface through water and are absorbed by the plant.
Maintenance: Water sprite is a popular and fast-growing aquatic plant that requires relatively little maintenance. However, to keep it healthy and beautiful, some important steps like providing light, maintaining water quality, pruning, and providing nutrients must be taken.
Environmental Benefits: Adding water sprite plants to the aquarium provides several environmental benefits. It enhances the beauty of the aquarium, improves the water quality, and acts as a shelter for the fish while helping to maintain the ecological balance.
