Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia — Popular Species & Care Guide

Aquatic plants don't just create tank aesthetics—they also purify water and reduce fish stress. Here are the most popular species.

Anubias Nana

• Features: Round, deep green leaves. Extremely hardy with slow growth
• Difficulty: Low (one of the easiest aquatic plants)
• CO2: Not required
• Layout: Attach to driftwood or stone. Best for midground
• Tip: Burying the rhizome in gravel causes rot—always attach

Bucephalandra

• Features: Rainbow-sheened leaves. Borneo native with many species
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• CO2: Not required but improves growth
• Layout: Attach to driftwood/stone. Foreground to midground
• Tip: Slow grower. Sheen intensifies with CO2 and stronger light

Rotala

• Features: Thin stems with small leaves. Green, red, pink, and many varieties
• Difficulty: Medium
• CO2: Required (especially for red varieties)
• Layout: Mass planting in background
• Tip: Regular trimming and replanting for maintenance

Cryptocoryne

• Features: Diverse leaf colors and shapes. Watch for "Cryptocoryne melt" during initial introduction
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• CO2: Not required
• Layout: Midground to background. Root into substrate
• Tip: Once established, extremely hardy

Java Moss (Willow Moss)

• Features: Fine leaves growing in dense moss-like clusters. Extremely versatile
• Difficulty: Low
• CO2: Not required
• Layout: Attach to driftwood/stone. Also serves as shrimp shelter
• Tip: Simply tie with thread for easy attachment

Glossostigma

• Features: Tiny round leaves spreading low to create a green carpet
• Difficulty: Medium to high
• CO2: Required
• Layout: Foreground specialist. The carpet layout classic
• Tip: CO2 and high light are essential. Dense planting is the key to success

Microsorum (Java Fern)

• Features: Southeast Asian fern. Hardy and attaches to driftwood/stone
• Difficulty: Low
• CO2: Not required
• Layout: Midground to background staple
• Tip: Windelov and Narrow leaf shape variations available

Echinodorus

• Features: Large rosette-type plant. Commands presence with substantial leaves
• Difficulty: Low to medium
• CO2: Grows without it
• Layout: Midground to background. Star of large tanks
• Tip: Strong root system—substrate planting is best

Benefits of Purchasing on Bri-Choku

On Bri-Choku, you can purchase directly from aquatic plant growers.

• Pesticide/snail-free confidence: Expert-managed quality assurance
• Rare species available: Find uncommon varieties with limited distribution
• Vibrant plants: Healthy, actively growing specimens
• Growing advice: Consult growers directly about cultivation