10 Best Plants To Grow On Tops Of Aquariums [2025]

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Finding the best plants to grow on tops of aquariums can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available that vary in care requirements and aesthetic appeal. To simplify this process, we meticulously shortlisted the top 10 products based on factors such as ease of maintenance, compatibility with aquatic environments, and overall visual impact. Our curated list not only saves you time but also alleviates the hassle of trial and error, ensuring you select the perfect plants to enhance your aquarium setup.

Top 10 Plants To Grow On Tops Of Aquariums In The Market

Plants To Grow On Tops Of Aquariums Review

Bestseller No. 1
2 Pack 7-Hole Aquarium Plant Holder with Long Hook - Hanging Aquatic Plant Pot for Fish Tank, Versatile Plant Holder - Ideal for Aquascape Decorations on Top of Tank (Transparent)
  • 【2-Pack, Great Value Set】 Each set includes 2 black or transparent aquarium plant holders, meeting the needs for multi-position decoration and easily creating a personalized aquatic landscape.
  • 【Upgraded 7-Hole Design】 Unique 7-hole design allows for securing various aquatic plants or pothos, enhancing ventilation and promoting healthy plant growth.
  • 【Long Hook for Secure Hanging】 Equipped with extended hooks, easily hangs on the edge of the tank, ensuring stability and compatibility with tanks of different thicknesses.
  • 【Versatile Plant Holder】 Suitable for aquatic plants, pothos, and more, it not only beautifies your aquarium but also helps purify water quality, improving the tank's ecosystem.
  • 【Perfect for Aquascape Decor】 Available in black or transparent options—black for a low-key, sleek look, and transparent for a minimalist, invisible style—seamlessly blending into the top of your tank and adding a natural, artistic touch to your aquarium.
Bestseller No. 2
Water Spangle, Salvinia Minima, Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Freshwater/Floating/Pond Plant/Planted Tank/Aquascaping/Paludarium by Aquarium Plant Center (12 Plants, 60+ Leaves)
  • ORDER MIGHT BE CANCELLED IF THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 OR BELOW 38 IN THE NEXT 7 DAYS
  • 12 plants (60+ leaves) is enough to cover a circular area of 4" in diameter
  • Low demanding, low to medium light, freshwater, floating plant
  • Grow light is required if being kept indoor
  • 100% Alive On Arrival (AOA) Guarantee, if there is any problem, just send us a message with the picture of the damaged product to receive a free replacement
Bestseller No. 3
LUKAWES 2 Pack Aquarium Plants for Fish Tank, Easy Growing, Real Carpet Decor for Fish Tank/Terrarium
  • High Germination Rate: Aquarium Plant > 95%,these have been tested and widely applied for many years
  • Fast Growing: Aquarium plant germinate in about 5-7 days and form beautiful underwater landscapes in 15-20 days, thus creating lush underwater lawns
  • Perfect Aquarium Decoration: Decorate your aquarium with these beautiful aquarium plants to bring vitality and color to your fish tank
  • Fast Growing: Aquarium plant germinate in about 5-7 days and form beautiful underwater landscapes in 15-20 days, thus creating lush underwater lawns
  • Safety for Fish: Our aquarium plants are safe for fish and produce oxygen, creating a safe and healthy environment for your fish
SaleBestseller No. 4
Premium Aquarium Plant Seeds for Planting – 13,000+ Live Mixed Seeds, 8 Varieties – Easy-to-Grow Aquatic Greenery for Lush, Vibrant Fish Tanks
  • 🌱 Non-GMO & High Germination Rate – 100% natural seeds with excellent sprouting rates for dense, vibrant plant growth.
  • 🌱 Perfect for Freshwater Tanks – Ideal for aquariums, fish tanks, terrariums, and aquascaping, enhancing the environment for fish and aquatic life.
  • 🌱 Versatile Use – Suitable for substrate planting, carpeting, or aquascaping to create stunning aquatic landscapes in both small and large tanks.
  • 🌱 Easy to Grow & Fast-Growing – Quick-sprouting seeds designed for beginners and experienced aquascapers to create a thriving underwater garden effortlessly.
  • 🌱 13,000+ Premium Seeds for Dense Coverage – A generous seed pack to achieve lush, full aquarium plant coverage, perfect for aquascaping enthusiasts or gifting.
Bestseller No. 5
Anubias Nana Petite On Lava Rock Live Aquarium Plants Freshwater - Buy 2 Get 1
  • Anubias Nana Petite Plant Grown On Lava Rock
  • The plants will be similar to the one that you see on the picture of the listing
  • Live Arrival and Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • See description below for more info about this plant
Bestseller No. 6
Water Spangle, Salvinia Minima, Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Freshwater/Floating/Pond Plant/Planted Tank/Aquascaping/Paludarium by Aquarium Plant Center (24 Plants, 120+ Leaves)
  • ORDER MIGHT BE CANCELLED IF THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 OR BELOW 38 IN THE NEXT 7 DAYS
  • 12 plants (60+ leaves) is enough to cover a circular area of 4" in diameter
  • Low demanding, low to medium light, freshwater, floating plant
  • Grow light is required if being kept indoor
  • 100% Alive On Arrival (AOA) Guarantee, if there is any problem, just send us a message with the picture of the damaged product to receive a free replacement
Bestseller No. 7
LUKAWES 2 Pack Aquarium Plants S.e.e.ds for Fish Tank - Mini Leaf, Aquarium Foreground Decor, Easy-to-Grow Real Carpet Plants for Fish Tanks
  • Aquarium Plant Set: 2 pack mini leaf , each weighing 0.36 ounces
  • High germination rate: Mini leaf > 90%,these have been tested and widely applied for many years
  • Used for Aquarium Decoration: Decorate your aquarium with these beautiful aquarium plants to bring vitality and color to your fish tank
  • Easy to grow: Spray with water twice a day, maintain a temperature of 25-28°C and provide 8-10 hours of light. Expect germination in about 5-7 days and a beautiful underwater landscape in 15-20 days
  • Perfect for any aquarium: 2 packs total. 10g per pack, enough to cover an area of 12x12 inches, making it an ideal choice for both small and large aquariums 
Bestseller No. 8
Amazon Sword - Echinodorus Bleheri x3 Plants - Live Aquarium Plant
  • Echinodorus bleheri from South America is undemanding and beautiful, and becomes 20-50 cm tall.
  • A nutritious bottom promotes growth, but the plant needs pruning to prevent it depriving plants underneath of light.
  • Echinodorus bleheri does well even in poorly illuminated aquariums, as it grows towards the light. It is a hardy and easy solitary plant for both beginners and the more experienced with quite large aquariums. It has been sold under the name "Paniculatus".
Bestseller No. 9
Marcus Fish Tanks - Christmas Moss On Lava Rock Live Aquarium Plant Freshwater Aquatic Moss BUY 2 GET 1
  • LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 1 Christmas Moss On Lava Rock (Vesicularia Montagnei)
  • SIZE - 1 Christmas Moss Rock is around 2x2 inch (Vesicularia Montagnei). Size will vary slightly as these are live plants.
  • LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE - We guarantee live arrival on all of our livestock. If a plant ever arrives dead send us a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag within 24 hours of delivery and and we will replace once verified.
  • We do our very best to respond fast and ship happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns please message us we are always happy to help!
SaleBestseller No. 10
Giant Duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Freshwater/Floating/Pond Plant, Planted Tank, Aquascaping by Aquarium Plant Center (60 Plants)
  • ORDER MIGHT BE CANCELLED IF THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 OR BELOW 35 IN THE NEXT 7 DAYS
  • 60 plants (240+ leaves) is enough to cover a circular area of 4" in diameter
  • Low demanding, medium to low light, freshwater, floating plant
  • Grow light is required if being kept indoor
  • 100% Alive On Arrival (AOA) Guarantee, if there is any problem, just send us a message to receive a replacement

Our Review Process

To ensure you get reliable product recommendations, we follow a detailed review methodology that includes:

  • Market Research: Scanning best-selling and trending products in this category.
  • User Feedback: Reviewing customer reviews, star ratings, and complaints.
  • Hands-On Testing: Trying select products ourselves when feasible.
  • Feature Comparison: Evaluating specs, durability, pricing, and safety.
  • Expert Opinions: Consulting with niche experts or credible reviewers.
See Also:  10 Best Carpeting Plants For Aquariums [2025]

We independently select the top 10 options based on value, quality, and usability. To learn more, visit our detailed review process.

Key Considerations Before Buying Plants to Grow on Tops of Aquariums

1. Light Requirements

Different plants have varying light requirements. Before purchasing, assess the lighting conditions of your aquarium. Ensure that the plants you select will thrive under the available light, whether it’s natural sunlight or artificial aquarium lighting.

2. Humidity Levels

Plants growing on top of aquariums benefit from the humidity produced by the water below. However, it’s essential to consider the climate of your home or the environment where the aquarium is located. High humidity levels can support tropical plants, while drier conditions may necessitate more resilient species.

3. Compatibility with Aquarium Ecosystem

Choose plants that are safe for your aquarium’s ecosystem. Some plants can leach toxins into the water, negatively impacting fish and other aquatic life. Research the compatibility of any potential plant species with your existing tank inhabitants.

4. Growth Rate and Maintenance

Some plants grow quickly and may require regular trimming and maintenance, while others grow slowly. Consider how much time you can dedicate to plant care and choose species that match your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

5. Aesthetic Appeal

Consider the visual impact of the plants you choose. The right plants can enhance the overall aesthetics of your aquarium, providing a lush and vibrant look. Think about color, texture, and how the plants will complement both the aquarium and the room it’s in.

6. Adaptability to Aquascaping

If you plan to create a specific aquascaping design, ensure that the plants you select can adapt to your desired layout. Some plants may grow taller, while others spread out more, so choose varieties that will fit well into your planned design.

See Also:  10 Best Aio Aquariums [2025]

7. Nutritional Needs

Different plants have different nutritional requirements. Before buying, check whether you need to supplement the water with fertilizers or specific nutrients to support the growth of the plants. This can impact both your plant health and the overall balance of your aquarium.

8. Root System Considerations

Some plants may have extensive root systems that can affect the stability of your aquarium setup. Be mindful of how these root systems will interact with the surface area available and the integrity of the aquarium’s structure.

9. Availability and Cost

Research the availability of your desired plants and their costs. Some species may be rare or more expensive than others, so budget accordingly. It’s also wise to consider sourcing plants from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and health.

FAQs

What types of plants can I grow on top of my aquarium?

There are several types of plants suitable for growing on top of aquariums, including peace lilies, pothos, spider plants, and various ferns. These plants generally thrive in high humidity and can benefit from the moisture provided by the aquarium below.

Do I need special lighting for plants on top of my aquarium?

While some plants can thrive in low light, providing adequate lighting is essential for healthy growth. You should consider using a grow light or ensuring that the plants receive sufficient natural light, depending on their specific light requirements.

How do I care for plants growing on top of my aquarium?

Caring for plants on top of your aquarium includes regular watering, ensuring they receive ample light, and monitoring humidity levels. You should also check for pests and diseases, and occasionally prune the plants to encourage healthy growth.

See Also:  10 Best Nano Reef Aquariums [2025]

Can I use regular potting soil for plants on top of my aquarium?

It’s best to use a lightweight potting mix or a soil-less growing medium to avoid excess weight on the aquarium lid. Ensure the medium has good drainage and is suitable for the type of plants you are growing.

Will plants on top of my aquarium affect the fish or aquatic plants?

Generally, plants on top of your aquarium will not directly affect the fish or aquatic plants. However, be careful to manage humidity and ensure that any soil or debris doesn’t fall into the water, which could impact water quality.

How do I prevent pests on my plants?

To prevent pests, regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestations. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventative measure. Keeping the plants healthy and well-maintained will also reduce the likelihood of pests.

What are the benefits of growing plants on top of my aquarium?

Growing plants on top of your aquarium can enhance the aesthetic appeal, improve air quality, and create a more natural environment. The humidity from the aquarium can also contribute to healthier growth for the plants.

Can I grow edible plants on top of my aquarium?

Yes, some edible plants, like herbs (basil, mint, etc.), can be grown on top of aquariums. Ensure that these plants are kept free from pesticides that could harm the fish, and verify that the plants are safe for consumption after being grown in proximity to the aquarium.

Do I need to fertilize the plants on top of my aquarium?

Yes, depending on the type of plants and the growing medium used, you may need to fertilize them. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets, but be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to nutrient runoff into the aquarium.

How can I manage the humidity levels for the plants on top of my aquarium?

To manage humidity, consider using a humidity gauge to monitor levels. Misting the plants regularly, using a humidity dome, or incorporating a small water feature can help maintain optimal humidity for the plants.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, selecting the right plants to grow on top of your aquarium can significantly enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the ecosystem of your aquatic environment. The ten plants we have highlighted in this article were carefully chosen based on criteria such as adaptability, growth requirements, and compatibility with common aquarium species. Each plant offers unique benefits, from improving water quality to providing shade and shelter for fish, making them ideal companions for your aquarium setup.

By following our curated list, you can simplify your decision-making process and ensure that you select plants that will thrive in your specific conditions. Implementing these choices not only beautifies your space but also promotes a healthier habitat for your aquatic life. Whether you are a novice hobbyist or an experienced aquarist, our recommendations will help you create a vibrant and balanced ecosystem that elevates your aquarium experience. Happy planting!

Similar Posts