| Real freshwater aquarium plants are a true joy for | | | | plant great for beginners and for low light |
| your fish, peculiarly if you select those found in their | | | | environments. |
| natural environment. Most fish today are captive | | | | Water wisteria is another plant that is an excellent |
| bred, but even so, they will be more at "home" with | | | | choice for inexperienced aquarists wanting to have |
| plants from their native habitat. | | | | success in keeping live plants. This rapidly growing |
| There are 5 commonly available plant types that you | | | | plant helps to control algae by removing nitrates from |
| can place in your freshwater aquarium. | | | | the water with its demanding appetite for nutrients. |
| Bulb plants, as a general rule, grow fairly large and are | | | | Exercise caution when selecting fast growing plants |
| not appropriate for standard sized freshwater | | | | for your aquarium though; they may control algae |
| aquariums. The larger varieties, such as aponogeton | | | | development, but they can also curtail other plant |
| or water lily, are more reasonable for use in outdoor | | | | growth as well! |
| fish ponds. | | | | Anubias nana is another hearty plant that you must |
| Some fish species really like floating plants. These are | | | | definitely check out. This remarkable plant displays |
| plants that drift on the surface of your aquarium, | | | | the endurance of cast-iron, being able to flourish in |
| providing a great place for young fry to seek shelter. | | | | virtually any water condition, including out of the |
| Fairy Moss and Riccia are two instances of floating | | | | water! It's a beautiful plant that can flower |
| plant species. | | | | underwater. Being slow growing plants with large |
| Another group to consider using is Rhizomes. They | | | | leaves, they fortunately are not a delicacy for |
| develop very thick stems horizontally with leaves | | | | herbivores; however algae, especially beard algae, can |
| sprouting from the top. The underside lies on top of | | | | present issues. |
| the substrate with the roots venturing into the | | | | We surely can't end this article without a noteworthy |
| gravel. The rhizome grows across the substrate | | | | mention of the Amazon Sword (echinodorus bleheri). |
| surface, sprouting new segments with leaves and | | | | Unquestionably one of the most sought after |
| roots. | | | | freshwater plant available. Whether you are just |
| Comparable to a crown in its growth, the rosette | | | | starting your adventure in freshwater aquarium plant |
| style plant offers several attractive varieties. A | | | | keeping or have been at it for a while, everybody will |
| rapidly growing rosette plant will quickly cover your | | | | find this plant to be an easy, undemanding specimen |
| substrate by issuing forth one or more runners; each | | | | to care for. Having a lot of structure, this plant has |
| runner sprouts a new plantlet which in turn sends out | | | | high food demands, which will assist in algae |
| its own runners. The Amazon Sword can develop | | | | containment. |
| stunning flowers, along with the Sagittaria species. | | | | Aquascaping with live freshwater aquarium plants will |
| A stem is exactly that; a single stem with leaves | | | | add a whole new twist to your aquatic masterpiece. |
| sprouting from each node. These plants are rooted | | | | They may take a bit more effort but what you gain |
| firmly in your substrate and are available is several | | | | is decidedly worth it. If you're at all concerned about |
| colors and varieties of leaf design, including single, | | | | your success, pick a few of the hardy plants we |
| paired and even multiple leaves. | | | | discussed and begin slowly; when you discover that |
| Java Moss is a popular choice for a freshwater | | | | all is going smoothly, extend your selections. The |
| aquarium plant. If you want a great plant to start off | | | | experience of living freshwater aquarium plants is |
| with, then look no further. Able to thrive in various | | | | incredibly rewarding, not only for you, but for your |
| water types and a wide pH range, it is a very solid | | | | aquatic charges as well. |