Guppies are small and colorful fish that make great additions to any aquarium. We know – they can be a lot of fun, but they also need the right environment to thrive. One important aspect of creating this ideal habitat is choosing plants for your guppy tank. Most aquatic plant species provide essential benefits like oxygenation, hiding spots, and nutrition sources – all of which will make for very happy guppies!
In this article, we’ll discuss the best plant types for guppy tanks. Live plants not only provide a natural feel and aesthetic appeal, they also supply oxygen to help keep your fish healthy. Some of the best plants for guppies include java moss, hornwort, and anacharis – all of which we’ll discuss in detail. With the right selection of aquatic plants, you can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your guppies!
Best Plants for Guppies
1. Anacharis Elodea Densa
If you’re looking for a fast-growing plant for your guppy tank, look no further than Anacharis Elodea Densa. This aquarium plant is an excellent choice for guppies because it can quickly reach the tank’s surface, providing a safe place for the fish to hide and forage for food. It also helps to keep the tank clean by absorbing excess nutrients and removing nitrates from the water.
Due to its fast-growing nature, it is important that Anacharis Elodea Densa be trimmed regularly to ensure that the tank remains healthy and well-maintained. Additionally, it needs to be planted on a nutrient-rich substrate to promote healthy growth. Once those needs are taken care of, however, you’ll find yourself with a beautiful, lush, and vibrant tank that your guppies will love.
2. Java Moss
Many people look for aquatic plants that can thrive in a wide range of tank conditions. This usually refers to plants that don’t require exceptionally strong light, or carbon dioxide supplementation. Enter the Java moss. In its natural habitat, this magical plant can grow on virtually any surface and in any water condition, making it one of the most versatile plants around.
To make the most of Java moss, attach it to pieces of driftwood or rocks. This will give the fish plenty of hiding spots, as well as provide a place for them to forage for food. The Java moss will also help to keep the tank clean and healthy by removing nitrates and other pollutants from the water. The best part? It will look absolutely stunning, providing a vibrant and lush background to your guppy aquarium.
3. Water Wisteria
This one’s yet another hardy plant that makes an ideal choice for guppy tanks. Water wisteria is a fast-growing plant that does not require any special planting substrate. It will, however, benefit from the addition of liquid fertilizers, which will help to promote healthy growth. As a plant that’s native to the Indian subcontinent, water wisteria thrives in the same tropical conditions that guppies favor.
Although water wisteria tends to grow quickly, it should not be allowed to grow too tall. This will help ensure that the plant remains in the tank’s background, allowing your guppies to have plenty of room to swim around. Regular pruning sessions are a must, particularly if your plants are starting to look a bit unruly or preventing light from reaching the lower levels of the tank.
4. Flame Moss
If you’re looking for a unique, popular plant that will keep your water quality in check, then the flame moss is the way to go. This beautiful aquatic plant has a unique, fan-like shape that makes it stand out from other aquarium plants. It also helps to keep your tank clean by absorbing excess nutrients and removing nitrates from the water column.
Flame Moss can thrive in tanks with low light levels; however, if you want it to remain healthy and vibrant for years, then make sure you provide plenty of lighting – about 8 hours per day should suffice! If you’re into aquascaping, then you’ll love this plant – it can be manipulated and shaped into a variety of creative designs. And, your guppies will love hiding and foraging among its beautiful leaves.
5. Water Sprite (Ceratopteris Thalictroides)
As far as versatile plants go, you can’t beat the water sprite. This hardy aquatic plant is one of the most popular choices for guppy tanks because it can easily adapt to all kinds of tank conditions, from low light levels to high nutrient loads. It also helps keep your aquarium clean by absorbing excess nutrients and removing nitrates from the water column.
Water Sprite grows quickly, so you’ll need to regularly trim it back to maintain its shape and size – otherwise, it may start blocking out important light sources or taking up too much space! Additionally, this plant prefers a substrate with plenty of nutrition; if that’s not available then make sure you add liquid fertilizers to ensure healthy growth rates.
6. Christmas Moss – Vesicularia Montagnei
The Christmas moss is yet another noteworthy aquatic plant for guppy tanks. True to its name, this plant’s leaves resemble that of a Christmas tree with its intricate branching structure. It’s a popular choice amongst aquascapers due to its versatility and ease of care.
Christmas moss is a great choice for those looking to add a splash of greenery to their guppy tanks. It tolerates most types of water parameters, making it an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles.
7. Java Fern
The Java Fern is a popular choice for guppy tanks due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in low light levels. This slow-growing plant does not require any special substrate or additional nutrients, making it an ideal option for beginner aquarists who are just starting out with aquarium plants. It can be tied onto pieces of driftwood or rocks using string – creating tons of nooks and crannies for your guppies.
To keep your Java fern happy, simply make sure that you keep it away from direct light sources and regularly trim back any dead or dying leaves. Otherwise, it will be fairly content in a typical guppy tank. The tropical conditions provided by the aquarium will be more than enough to keep it thriving and healthy. Plus, its bright green leaves provide a vibrant backdrop for your guppies.
8. Anubias Nana
Most guppies are housed in community tanks, and anubias nanas are the perfect plant for such setups. This low-maintenance, hardy option is at home in a wide range of tank conditions – from tropical to temperate waters! It’s also incredibly easy to care for; all you need do is make sure that it receives plenty of light and trim back any dead or dying leaves on occasion.
Anubias Nana makes an ideal choice because its small size allows the guppies enough room to swim freely without getting stuck between large plants with dense foliage. Plus, it doesn’t require specialized bright lighting – standard artificial lighting would work perfectly. And, of course, its vibrant leaves create a beautiful display inside your tank.
9. Anubias Barteri
This one is yet another anubias variety that makes an ideal choice for guppy tanks. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate most water conditions and doesn’t require specialized lighting or additional fertilizers in order to thrive. Plus, its small size allows it to coexist peacefully with other aquarium plants – making sure your fish have plenty of oxygenated space!
Anubias Barteri should be attached onto pieces of driftwood or rocks using strings; this will provide the perfect hiding place for shy guppies while allowing them enough room to swim freely without any restrictions. And, just like Anubias Nana, its bright green leaves make a stunning addition inside any tank setup – bringing life and vibrancy into your aquatic oasis!
10. Moss Balls
Looking for a beginner plant that’s both unique-looking and functional? Check out Marimo moss balls! These guys do an awesome job of keeping your aquarium water pristine, without any of the hassle that comes with more conventional plants. There’s no need for trimming, or a complicated setup – all you have to do is drop one of these little guys in, and you’re good to go!
Personally, I like to pop my marimo moss balls into a decorative bowl and fill it with aquarium water. This not only enhances their natural beauty, but also allows them to act as a natural filter in the tank. And, since they come in various sizes, you can easily find one that fits your tank perfectly. So, if you’re looking for a fun and low-maintenance way to liven up your guppy tank, give marimo moss balls a try!
11. Guppy Grass
The name practically speaks for itself. Guppy grass is one of the best options out there for your guppies. Not only is it a great hiding place for your fish, as they love to hide between the leaves, but it also serves as a great source of nutrition. With its long, thin leaves and vibrant green color, it makes a great addition to any tank and provides your guppies with plenty of places to explore and hide.
Guppy grass is easy to take care of and requires minimal maintenance. It does best in medium to high light and can be planted in gravel or substrate. It’s also important to trim it regularly, as it can quickly take over your tank if given the chance. With proper care, this plant will provide your guppies with plenty of cover and nutrition, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful display in no time!
12. Water Lettuce
If you’re looking to create some cover for your water surface, look no further than water lettuce. Both its large floating leaves and tendril-like roots are perfect for shy guppies, providing them with plenty of places to hide and explore. Frankly speaking, we think the water lettuce looks best in an outdoor pond, but all you need to do is keep its growth in check, and it will do just fine in an aquarium.
This plant is relatively easy to care for and can handle most water conditions. The tropical water conditions guppies favor are perfect for the water lettuce, as it likes warm temperatures and plenty of light. Be sure to trim its leaves regularly, as they can quickly take over the aquarium if left unchecked. But, with regular care, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful and beautiful display that your guppies will love.
13. Moneywort
The moneywort can be best described as an aquatic version of ivy – and it’s perfect for guppy tanks! Its leaves are delicate and its stems are thin, making it look absolutely stunning. Its fast-growing nature allows it to quickly fill up any tank and add a bit of privacy for your guppies. While this does mean you’ll need to prune it regularly, it’s definitely worth the effort when you see the results!
Moneywort can be planted directly into the substrate or attached to driftwood or rocks with string. It does best in medium to high light and prefers warm water, so make sure to keep the water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). But the good news is, these are parameters your guppies prefer as well – so you won’t need to make any drastic changes to your tank setup.
14. Chain Sword
A true classic when it comes to aquarium setups, the chain sword is a must-have for any guppy tank. With its long, thin leaves, it adds a unique texture to your aquarium and can quickly fill up empty spaces. I like to think of it as a “filler” plant – it’s a great way to complete the overall look of your tank without needing to invest in a bunch of different plants.
The chain sword is rather hardy and can tolerate most water conditions. It also doesn’t require any special lighting or additional fertilizers, making it perfect for beginners. As long as you take care of it and trim it regularly, it will bring a unique look to your tank and make a great hiding spot for your guppies. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your tank, the chain sword is a great choice!
15. Cryptocoryne
If your idea of a beautiful plant species involves something with wide leaves, Cryptocoryne might just be the perfect choice for you. Cryptocoryne is a genus of aquatic plants native to tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. The genus consists of over 60 species, most of which are found in Sri Lanka and India. The plants are known for their wide, paddle-like leaves and unique coloration.
These gorgeous plants can be found in a variety of colors, including green, brown, and even pink! Some species of cryptocoryne are also known for their unique patterns, such as stripes or speckles. Overall, these plants are extremely easy to care for, and make fantastic additions to guppy tanks. Just make sure to provide plenty of light, and to keep the water level relatively stable.
16. Amazon Sword
The Amazon Sword is a beautiful and hardy aquatic plant that can be found in both freshwater and brackish tanks. Due to its lush, tall foliage, it is often used as an accent piece in aquascaping layouts. The leaves of the plant are dark green with serrated edges, adding dimension to any aquarium setup. Personally, I like using these plants as a centerpiece in my tank, because they draw the eye.
To make sure my guppies have plenty of hiding places, I’ll often pair them with some floating plants like water lettuce or duckweed. The Amazon Sword is a great choice for beginner aquarists because it’s fairly low-maintenance and easy to care for. Just make sure to provide adequate lighting, as well as regular fertilization and pruning to keep your Amazon Sword looking its best.
17. Red Root Floater
The Red Root Floater is a beautiful and eye-catching aquatic plant that can be found in many freshwater tanks. This floating species has long, lanceolate leaves with red veins throughout them, which are often the main attraction in any aquarium setup. The foliage of the Red Root Floater can grow up to six inches tall and provides plenty of shade for your guppies.
This plant is easy to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance aside from occasional pruning when needed. In addition, it prefers low light conditions, so you don’t have to worry about providing too much lighting or fertilizer for this one! Simply float it on top of the water column where its roots can soak up all that lovely nutrients from your guppy tank.
18. Green Foxtail
Green Foxtail is a great choice of aquatic plant if you’re looking for something that can provide plenty of cover and hiding spots for your guppies. This floating species has bright green, spiky foliage resembling a fox’s tail. The leaves are quite small, so they won’t take up too much space in your tank and will provide plenty of shade without being overwhelming.
As a plant that hails from North America, this plant can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making it easy to care for. The Green Foxtail is also very fast-growing, so you won’t have to wait long before your tank looks full of lush vegetation! Of course, you’ll need to regularly prune the plant, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
19. Salvinia Natans
Sometimes known as a floating fern or floating water moss, Salvinia Natans is a great floating species for your guppy tank. This plant has bright green, delicate foliage that looks like mini ferns on the surface of the water. Each leaf has tiny hairs that give it a velvety texture, making this plant very unique! When placed atop a guppy tank, the leaves of the Salvinia Natans will provide plenty of protection for your fish.
This plant is also incredibly easy to care for, making it suitable even if you’re a beginner aquarist or don’t have much time on your hands. All that this one requires is regular trimming when needed, as well as adequate lighting (preferably indirect) so its delicate foliage can photosynthesize properly! Personally, I love using this one in tanks with plenty of floating plants, because the contrast looks beautiful.
20. Amazon Frogbit
What an interesting name! But, Amazon Frogbit is a beautiful floating aquatic plant that can be found in many freshwater tanks. This species has bright green, heart-shaped leaves with delicate edges and veins throughout them, making it quite stunning to look at! The foliage of this one grows up to three inches wide so you won’t have any trouble providing plenty of shade for your guppies.
Like most of the other plants on this list, the Amazon frogbit enjoys warmer waters that lie in the same range as guppies. You’ll also find that they propagate quickly and easily, so it won’t be long before your tank is completely full of these lovely floating plants. All that this one requires from you is regular trimming when needed as well as adequate lighting (preferably indirect).
21. Duckweed
Last but not least, the duckweed is yet another floating plant with a propensity for popping up in fresh and brackish tanks alike. This species is incredibly small, so it can provide plenty of cover for your guppies without taking up too much space in the tank! Each leaf has a flat shape that looks like an oar blade when viewed from above; making this one quite unique compared to other floating plants.
This plant requires minimal maintenance aside from regular trimming (to prevent overgrowth). Duckweed also prefers indirect lighting, although they’re known to be able to survive under harsher conditions if needed. All things considered, duckweed makes a great addition to any aquarium setup as long as you keep its growth rate manageable with occasional pruning sessions every now and then!
The Takeaway
We hope this article helps you choose the best plants for your guppy tank. Live aquatic plants not only add a natural feel to any aquarium, but they also provide oxygenation and nutrition sources that are essential in creating an ideal habitat for guppies!
When selecting, be sure to consider the size and type of plant that best suits your guppy tank. And do some research on the specific needs of each plant species to ensure proper care and maintenance for your guppies. Once you’ve done that, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy aquarium for your guppies!
