Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins. They are also known for their love of plants. Want to enhance your betta fish tank? Try adding live aquarium plants! Not only do they keep the water clean by filtering out fish waste, but they also create a natural and stunning backdrop for your betta. Betta fish love exploring dense vegetation, which mimics their natural habitat in places like tropical marshes and rice fields. These plants also provide hiding spots for your betta. In this article, we will explore the best plants for betta fish tanks. We will cover 18 aquatic plants that work well in betta tanks.
Best Plants for Betta Fish Tanks
Here are some of the best live plants for betta fish tanks:
1. Amazon Sword Plant
A tropical, broad-leaved species that can grow up to three feet tall. It is generally recommended for a larger aquarium of at least 10 gallons and is not suitable for a nano tank or small setup. The plant should be firmly anchored in at least three inches of the substrate to prevent the leaves from catching the water flow in the tank and being uprooted. Also, the species requires a nutrient supplement and additional CO2 to boost growth. Bettas love to rest on the plant’s broad, hammock-like leaves, which also provide an extra surface area on which beneficial bacteria can grow.
2. Pygmy Chain Sword Plant
This plant is often used by aquascaping enthusiasts as a carpet plant in tropical tank setups. The plant self-propagates by sending out runners underneath the substrate. All along the length of the runners, new sword plants emerge. These baby plants mature and grow, branching out even further along the floor of the aquarium until a beautiful “lawn” of lush plants is established. The Pygmy Chain Sword plant is moderately easy to grow, being tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and pH conditions. However, the plant does need high light levels and a nutrient-rich substrate to encourage growth and spread.
3. Java Moss Plants for Betta Fish
A versatile aquatic plant that is often used for several purposes. It’s one of the most versatile aquatic plants out there, and it’s a great fit for Betta fish. Java moss is a great low-light / low-energy plant that tolerates a wide temperature range and requires no CO2 to grow. It is readily available at most stores and is very affordable.
4. Anubias Aquatic Plants
This plant grows stately leaves and is a slow grower, so you won’t have to prune as much. It is available in many varieties and is very hardy. Anubias is a great choice for beginners. The leaves are generally tough and not easily torn, making them suitable for betta tanks. Anubias is a slow-growing plant that does not require as much pruning and care as other aquatic plants. The plant prefers low to moderate light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Anubias is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Water Wisteria
A feathery foliage plant that is easy to care for and grows quickly. It is a great choice for beginners and is very hardy. Water Wisteria is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Water Wisteria is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Duckweed Aquarium Plant
A floating nutrient sponge that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Duckweed is a great choice for a floating plant.
Duckweed is a tiny, free-floating aquatic plant that is native to Australia and other parts of the world. It is one of the smallest flowering plants on Earth, with tiny, white, barely visible flowers. Duckweed is often used in ponds and other bodies of still, nutrient-rich water to keep the water clean and prevent the overgrowth of algae. It is also a beloved food for ducks, turtles, goldfish, tilapia, carp, and koi fish.
Duckweed is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and can be grown easily outdoors on home ponds and indoors, near a sunny window, in large aquariums. It is a very easy plant to grow indoors and outdoors, and requires no CO2 to grow.
7. Marimo Moss Balls
Algae spheres are great for betta tanks. They are easy to care for and grow quickly. Marimo Moss Balls are a great choice for a floating plant.
Marimo Moss Balls are a type of algae that is native to Japan and Northern Europe. They are spherical and have a velvety appearance. These aquatic plants are often used in aquariums and are relatively easy to care for. They require little to no extra care in the aquarium and can be kept at hotter or cooler temperatures. Marimo Moss Balls are not moss, but algae. They are a rare growth form of Aegagropila linnaei, a species of filamentous green algae. Marimo Moss Balls are Cladophora balls, moss ball pets, or lake balls. They are a popular feature in aquariums and are often used to keep the water clean and prevent the overgrowth of algae.
8. Brazilian Pennywort Aquarium Plant
Brazilian Pennywort is a versatile vine plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. The plant is named for its dime-sized, penny-shaped leaves. Brazilian Pennywort is a great choice for a background plant. To take care of a Brazilian pennywort plant, provide it with moderate to high light and maintain stable water conditions with a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a temperature range of 68-82°F. Place the plant in the background or midground of the aquarium and trim it regularly to prevent overgrowth.
9. Water Sprite
Water Sprite is an aquatic fern that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Water Sprite is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers bright, filtered light and will do best if it receives 12-14 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Water Sprite is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are interested in purchasing Water Sprite for your betta tank, check out this from Mastah Betta.
10. Java Fern
Java Fern is a super-easy fern that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Java Fern is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers low to moderate light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Java Fern is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Christmas Moss
Christmas Moss is a fir tree moss that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Christmas Moss is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Christmas Moss is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Amazon Frogbit
Amazon Frogbit is a large floating plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Amazon Frogbit is a great choice for a floating plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Amazon Frogbit is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. Anacharis
Anacharis is a brilliant green plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Anacharis is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Anacharis is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
14. Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce is a floating plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Water Lettuce is a great choice for a floating plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Water Lettuce is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
15. Water Hyacinth
A floating plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Water Hyacinth is a great choice for a floating plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Water Hyacinth is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
16. Dwarf Hairgrass
Dwarf Hairgrass is a grass-like plant that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Dwarf Hairgrass is a great choice for a foreground plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Dwarf Hairgrass is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
17. Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne is a plant with broad leaves that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Cryptocoryne is a great choice for a midground plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Cryptocoryne is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
18. Ludwigia Aquarium Plant
Ludwigia is a plant with red and green leaves that is great for betta tanks. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. Ludwigia is a great choice for a background plant. The plant prefers moderate to high light and will do best if it receives 8-10 hours of light per day. It is also important to maintain a stable pH level between six and eight in your aquarium. Ludwigia is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm water temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Many different types of plants are great for betta fish tanks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, there is a plant out there that will work for you. When choosing plants for your betta tank, it is important to consider the size of your tank, the lighting conditions, and the care requirements of each plant. With the right plants, you can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your betta fish.
