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
- 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
- ★DIY MODE: Time, Colour and Brightness 3 setting choose. Timing(Timer control key): Built-in timer for 6 hours, 10 hours, or 12 hours lighting; Brightness/On-Off key: 10 level brightness and Switch function. Color(W/B key): 3 lighting modes, White/Blue/Red/Green, White/Red/Green, or only Blue
- ★Submersible&Powerful Sucker: This aquarium plant light with IP68 waterproof rating, 3 layers encrypted design, it can be fully submerged in the water. With powerful silicone movable suction cups, More bigger and powerful than others small rubber, No Worry About the Drop Off. Easy to install on most of glass or acrylic aquarium tanks, mount under the hood, on the transparent lid top, tank bottom, inside or outside of the tank
- ★Full Spectrum Aquarium Light: 6500k white light, Red light, Green light and blue light, which is helpful fish and aquatic plants growth, fit for all fresh water tanks. the colour rendering index up to 89% which is similar to natural light, produce special lighting to your aquascape
- ★High-quality Led: Using high-quality SMD2835 led chips. Compared with other tank lights, up to 3 columns of led chips, they are more compact and beautiful. And no need to worry about the over bright issues, 10 level intensities you can adjust
- ★Auto On/Off & Power Off Memory function: After Timer, It will come on and go off at the same time every day. Power off memory function. In case of power failure, the setting remains the same as before, and the start time will restart counting after the power is turned on. PS: The light rises slowly in 15 minutes and gradually decreases in the last 15 minutes. It is very friendly to fish
- 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".
- Clip-on aquarium LED light; ideal for growing plants
- 60 bright LEDs help support and grow lush plants
- 3-way soft-touch LED control (all on/blue on/all off)
- Ideal for planted aquariums up to 20 gallons
- Easily mounts on framed or frameless aquariums using the versatile mounting screw
- VARIETY OF PLANTS BY CANTON AQUATICS: Canton Aquatics offers a variety of live aquarium plants to make your tank look beautiful and natural. This bundle includes: Rotala Indica Rotundifolia, Cryptocoryne Wendtii Brown, Lloydiella (Creeping Jenny), Scarlet Temple, Red Tiger Lotus Lily, Ludwigia Repens (Dark Red).
- BOOST OXYGEN LEVELS: Live aquatic plants from Canton Aquatics help add oxygen to your tank, making the water fresh and healthy for fish and shrimp. They also create a better home for aquatic pets and keep the water clean and balanced. This is a natural way to support happy, active fish in your aquarium.
- EASY TO GROW & MAINTAIN: Our plant bundle is easy to grow and care for, perfect for beginners and experts. It adapts well to a variety of tanks and requires very little maintenance. Just provide light and basic care, and it will thrive. It is an easy way to add natural beauty to your aquarium.
- PERFECT FOR AQUASCAPING: Canton Aquatics plants are perfect for aquascaping, helping you create a beautiful and natural underwater world. Our plants make it easy, whether you want a lush green look or a detailed design. They add depth, color, and life to any aquarium, making it more stunning and vibrant.
- LIVE ARRIVAL ASSURANCE: Shipped with protective packaging to ensure safe delivery. If plants arrive damaged or unhealthy, we offer a Live Arrival Guarantee. Just contact us with clear photos upon delivery for a quick and hassle-free resolution.
- IDEAL AQUARIUM PLANT: The Java Fern live plant mat for aquariums is well-known among aquarium enthusiasts. This plant can grow easily, making it the perfect choice for beginner and experienced aquarists.
- STUNNING APPEARANCE: These aquatic plants are a stunning addition to any space with their vibrant green and beautiful slender leaves. They are delicate and elegant, bringing a touch of elegance with their fern-like looks.
- LOW MAINTENANCE PLANT: The Java Fern Mat plants are the ideal choice for those searching for a low maintenance plant. These aquarium live plants require minimal care and can thrive in different conditions, making it easy to grow and take care of.
- FILTERS AND CLEANS WATER: These Java Fern plants act as natural filters to clean water. They help reduce the number of nitrates and keep the water clean from harmful toxins, providing a healthier environment for aquatic creatures.
- NATURAL HIDING PLACES: These live fish tank plants provide a safe habitat for fish and other aquatic inhabitants. The small round leaves provide the ideal hiding and resting places for the aquarium inhabitants.
- Aquarium Plant Set: 2 pack Mini leaf , each weighing 0.36 ounces
- High Germination Rate: Mini leaf > 95%,these have been tested and widely applied for many years
- Perfect Aquarium Decoration: Decorate your aquarium with these beautiful aquarium plants to bring vitality and color to your fish tank
- Fast Growing: In the right environment, 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
- 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
- Brand ZUQOVI Aquarium plant set: 4 bags inside,0.35oz of Tiny-leaf +0.35oz of Long Hair grass + 0.35oz of short hair grass+ 0.35 big dual leaf. Easy to grow. Low and High. Creat a lively underwater world for the fishes
- High Spprouting Rate: Big dual leaf, Tiny-leaf > 92%,Long hair>80%,Short hair >50% . These s e e eds have been tested and widely used for many years.
- 4 bags of different s.e.e.ds and an instruction paper inside
- Safe to underwater lives: They dont produce anything dangerous. They produce Oxygen instead.
- Dwarf Baby Tears is one of the smallest aquatic plants available while also proving to be one of the most impressive for creating that lush foreground seen in many stunning aquascapes.
- This plant can grow submerged or emersed in dry start aquariums, Wabi Kusa, and when grown in Iwagumi layouts, the vast fields of green creates a captivating effect on any audience.
- Medium to hard difficulty - requires medium to high lighting, a regular nutrient schedule, and additional Co2 is required. Because this plant is small with tiny roots, it can prove difficult to keep planted into the substrate initially.
- Ultum Nature Systems tissue culture is cultivated in a sterile environment which guarantees this aquatic plant to be free of any unwanted pests such as snails or any microbial species.
- Ships readily adaptable to plant and root in a 2.75” tissue culture cup. Simply rinse off nutrient gel, divide into smaller portions and plant!
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.
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.
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.
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!
