If you have a betta fish, you may be wondering what are the best plants for a Betta tank. Here are some of my favorites: Anubias Nana, Hornwort, and Barteri. All are great choices because they offer something different for your Betta to nibble on. Hornwort also grows well on rocks and driftwood. It is also one of the best plants for Betta fish because it is a favorite of both fish and humans.
Anubias Nana
Anubias Nana is one of the most popular plants for betta tanks. Although it’s not the tallest plant, it still needs subdued lighting to grow properly. The leaves of this plant should be trimmed when they get too large, but don’t cut off the rhizome. You should still keep the rhizome healthy to encourage new leaves. Anubias Nana is safe to keep with a variety of other species of fish, including bettas. It’s perfect for nocturnal fish and can even grow under a tall plant.
Anubias Nana is a good plant for your betta tank because it filters excess nutrients in the water column. Nevertheless, too many Anubias Nana can be detrimental to your Betta tank, as they will compete for nutrients, which will eventually starve them. Anubias Nana is also known to flower in fully submerged conditions. These flowers are a pale green or white/cream color, and resemble peace lily houseplants. If you choose to use this plant in your tank, make sure to choose an Anubias Nana that is a hardy species, because the rhizome is vulnerable to root rot.
Barteri
Anubias Barteri is an attractive and nutrient-rich plant that is a good choice for a Betta tank. It has broad leaves, which Bettas will sometimes perch on. It is a slow-growing plant that doesn’t need a lot of light or water, and will be unpalatable to snails. Algae will also occasionally use the leaves of Anubias Barteri as a breeding platform. It grows between 18 and 24 inches tall, and requires little maintenance. The Anubias genus prefers hard surfaces, so don’t bury the rhizome, which will kill it and prevent it from growing.
Other types of aquatic plants are easy to care for, such as Vallisneria. Its foliage has a distinctive, eel-grass-like appearance, and comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Several species can reach six feet in height. They can be pruned with scissors, and can serve as a backdrop plant in the tank. They can also hide hoses and filter pipes.
Spathiphyllium sp.
A highly versatile indoor plant, Spathiphyllium sp. is great for removing pollutants from the air. It can tolerate low light levels, but prefers slightly moister soil and plenty of water. This tropical plant prefers moderate light and medium temperatures. During the day, it can tolerate a temperature range of 40-100degF. During the night, the soil temperature should not be below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The color of spathiphyllum sp. depends on the cultivar. It is usually dark green, with creamy white spathes. The plant requires plenty of water and fertilizer, and can benefit from occasional repotting. It is prone to root disease, so it is best to avoid over-watering. The peace lily is also poisonous to cats. It can cause severe stomach irritation and excessive salivation, so keep your pets away from it.
Hornwort
One of the best plants for a betta tank is Hornwort. It is easy to keep and grows well in many conditions, including medium to low lighting. Hornwort does not need true roots and can thrive between 50-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its flowy appearance, it complements the fins of betta fish beautifully. It can also withstand a wide variety of water conditions and is not overly demanding.
Another great plant for a betta tank is the Amazon sword. It provides excellent coverage and hideouts for your betta. Its foliage is great for providing cover and hiding spots for your betta. It can be easily grown to a full 24 inches tall and is low maintenance. It is important to monitor its growth and space in the tank, as some species will overgrow. For the best results, make sure you choose a plant that is suitable for your particular tank conditions.
Java moss
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, java moss is also useful for breeding your betta fish. It offers an environment that resembles its natural habitat, and is known to keep bettas calm and stress-free. This plant is especially important for fry, as they need a certain amount of time to fully develop before they can be considered food. Moreover, if the fry aren’t taken care of, they can easily become easy prey for other fish, including bettas.
As a native of the Americas, Java moss grows practically anywhere, from rocks to substrate. Its ability to cover an area with a dense mat creates a mini-ecosystem for other organisms in the tank. In addition, the moss can attach itself to decorative aquarium items, such as driftwood or rocks. This enables java moss to provide pockets of shade for bettas, as well as for other aquatic plants.
Water wisteria
Adding Water Wisteria to your betta tank is an excellent way to provide a hiding place for your fish. Depending on its genetics, water wisteria can grow up to 20 inches. The wisteria’s large roots will keep your bettas entertained. However, this plant does require extra fertilizer and trace elements, and it also requires iron supplements. Water wisteria is a large, sprawling plant, so it is best to use it in smaller tanks.
If you want to plant this plant in your betta tank, be sure to check the water conditions carefully. Water wisteria requires similar water conditions, so it isn’t compatible with plants with different water requirements. Also, you need to choose plants that have the same substrate and pH levels. It is also recommended that you avoid keeping it in a tank with problematic fish, such as silver dollars.
Hygrophila
Hygrophila plants are excellent choices for betta tanks. Their broad leaves are ideal for resting bettas. They grow up to 28 inches tall, so a 20 gallon tank is sufficient. They do well in high-light aquariums, though. Hygrophila plants are easy to care for and require about two to three watts of light per gallon of water. They can be found in both green and red leaf varieties.
Live plants require less maintenance than fake ones and offer a variety of benefits, from natural filtration to decreasing algae growth. Although fake plants can look more realistic, they can be difficult to maintain. Live plants require specialized lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate. They can also be hazardous to fish and can cause a number of health issues. For these reasons, it is best to opt for fake plants rather than living ones.
Java fern
When selecting a plant for your betta tank, consider the java fern. Its sword-like leaves are durable and have a leather-like texture. The coloration will vary according to the level of light and the type of java fern you choose. Mature leaves will typically have black veining. Observe for brown spots or other damage that signals the fern is reproducing.
The rhizomes of the java fern will grow up to 8 inches in length, and while it won’t take over the tank, it will provide a unique leafy area for your betta to explore. Despite being a relatively low maintenance plant, Java ferns do require low to moderate light to thrive. Too much light can cause their leaves to turn translucent.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria, or Gigantea, is a beautiful and hardy plant that grows in many types of aquariums. Its mysterious appearance and adaptability to varying temperatures and climatic conditions make it a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts. This plant has bulbiform roots and can grow up to one meter in height. Its wide leaves are covered in a dark green, resembling the color of the tropics. In a betta tank, Vallisneria thrives in a larger size and is an excellent addition to the decor.
Beginners will find Vallisneria an easy to maintain plant. Since it grows well in soft water, it is ideal as a background plant. You can plant multiple plants in a single line along the back of the tank, evenly spacing them. It prefers a slightly acidic substrate but does not mind a little bit of soft water. Its foliage is so hardy and grows so quickly, you may want to keep trimming the leaves so they do not die.
