9 Best Plants to Grow on Top of Aquariums

Unstoppable resilience meets lush green elegance—the SubstrateSource Anubias Nana is a game-changer for beginner aquarists who want beauty without the burnout. With its thick, waxy leaves and slow-but-steady growth, this plant laughs in the face of low light and fluctuating water conditions, making it a bulletproof choice for first-time plant keepers. It solves the classic pain point of “plants that die overnight” by being nearly indestructible, thriving even in tanks with minimal CO2 and no fancy fertilizers.

In real-world use, the Anubias Nana shines when mounted on driftwood or rocks, where its rhizome can stay exposed and healthy. It grows about 4–6 inches tall, perfect for midground placement or nano tank accents, and spreads gradually through rhizome division. While it won’t explode into a jungle overnight, its slow pace means less pruning and zero risk of overshadowing smaller plants. That said, burying the rhizome in substrate is a death sentence, so proper planting technique is non-negotiable.

Compared to faster-growing options like Amazon Sword or stem plants, this Anubias is the low-maintenance minimalist’s dream—ideal for betta tanks, shrimp enclosures, or low-tech setups where stability trumps drama. It doesn’t compete with high-light plants in visual flair, but it wins in longevity and reliability. When stacked against other beginner plants, it offers better durability and fish-safe structure than most, even if it lacks the speed of Java Fern or the floating coverage of Water Spangle.

Dense, velvety texture meets volcanic edge—Christmas Moss on Lava Rock delivers a wild, natural aesthetic that few aquarium plants can match. The porous lava base acts as a living anchor, encouraging rapid moss colonization while adding a rugged, organic centerpiece to any aquascape. This combo is perfect for aquarists craving top coverage without the float-away hassle of loose moss, and it’s a shrimp paradise, offering microfauna endless grazing and hiding opportunities.

In testing, the moss established itself within 2–3 weeks, spreading slowly but surely across the rock’s surface when given moderate lighting and stable water parameters. The 2×2 inch size fits neatly in nano tanks or as a foreground accent in larger setups, and its immersed growth capability makes it ideal for paludariums or tank lids. While it doesn’t grow as fast as stem plants, it holds its shape well and resists algae better than many mosses—though poor water flow can lead to brown spots over time.

When compared to Java Moss on driftwood, this setup offers superior surface texture and grip, encouraging denser growth and better biofilm retention. It’s not as fast-spreading as a full Java Fern mat, but it wins in visual depth and hardscape integration. Ideal for nano tanks, breeding setups, or aquascapers chasing a wild, forest-floor vibe, it delivers more texture per square inch than most moss options—just don’t expect explosive growth without supplemental lighting.

Fast, fearless, and fish-approved—the CANTON AQUATICS Java Fern Mat is a growth machine built for beginners and breeders alike. With its tough, tear-resistant leaves and bare-root design, this fern establishes quickly when tied to hardscape, unfazed by low light or fluctuating nutrients. Its rapid rhizome expansion means you’ll see new growth within weeks, making it a top pick for aquarists who want quick visual impact without CO2 injection.

Real-world testing shows this Java Fern thrives in tanks 10 gallons and up, where its fronds can stretch to 6–8 inches and create dense vertical layers. It’s especially effective in shrimp tanks and fry nurseries, where its fine leaves offer cover and surface for microorganisms. While it can tolerate lower flow, stagnant zones may invite algae on older leaves—but a quick wipe fixes that. Unlike potted plants, the mat format allows custom placement and faster colonization.

Stacked against Anubias Nana, this Java Fern grows twice as fast with similar low-maintenance needs, though it lacks the same waxy durability against herbivorous fish. For aquarists who want fast coverage and natural filtration, it outperforms slow-growers like Christmas Moss while remaining easier than stem plants. It’s the best bang-for-buck when speed and shelter are priorities, especially in community or breeding tanks.

A jungle in a jar—this massive seed pack is the ultimate budget-friendly launchpad for aquascapers who want explosive greenery without breaking the bank. With 13,000+ non-GMO seeds across 8 varieties, it delivers a rainbow of textures and heights, from carpeting foreground plants to tall background fillers. Designed for effortless sprouting, it’s perfect for hobbyists tired of expensive, fragile live plants that arrive half-dead.

In practice, germination begins in 5–7 days under low to moderate lighting, with dense carpeting possible in 3–4 weeks if nutrients are stable. The seeds work best when sprinkled on fine substrate and lightly pressed, then left undisturbed. They thrive in established tanks where ammonia and algae aren’t rampant, but new tanks may see slower starts. While not every variety will dominate, the mix ensures something survives and spreads—ideal for trial-and-error growers.

Compared to live plant packs, this seed kit lacks immediate impact but wins in sheer volume and experimentation potential. It can’t match the instant structure of a Java Fern mat or Anubias, but for large tanks or aquascaping test beds, it offers unmatched coverage per dollar. It’s the smart choice for patient beginners or educators wanting to teach plant cycles—just know that results vary more than with mature plants.

Nature’s centerpiece, pre-assembled—this Cryptocoryne on driftwood delivers a museum-quality aquascape element straight out of the box. The richly textured wood base pairs with the plant’s pleated, olive-green leaves to create a living sculpture that instantly elevates any tank. It’s the best choice for aquarists chasing a natural, wild look, especially in blackwater or biotope setups where authenticity matters.

In real use, the Cryptocoryne adapts slowly but surely, often showing “melt” in the first week before rebounding with stronger, submerged-form leaves. Once settled, it grows 6–10 inches tall, perfect for midground or solo display, and handles low to moderate light with grace. The driftwood provides tannins that soothe fish and lower pH slightly, adding functional benefits beyond beauty. However, sudden water changes can trigger leaf loss, so stability is key.

Compared to potted Anubias or Java Fern, this piece offers more artistic impact and hardscape unity, though it’s less forgiving during acclimation. It doesn’t grow as fast as stem plants or moss, but it brings a mature, established vibe that younger plants can’t. For shrimp tanks, low-tech setups, or display aquaria, it’s a premium pick that blends form and function—just be patient during the melt phase.

The jungle giant of background plants—Amazon Sword brings dramatic verticality and lush green volume to larger tanks with minimal effort. With strap-like leaves reaching 20–50 cm, it forms a towering green wall that hides equipment and creates depth in aquascapes. It’s the best background plant for medium to large tanks, especially for beginners who want big impact without CO2 dependency.

In real-world use, Amazon Swords thrive in deep, nutrient-rich substrates, where their roots can anchor and feed. They grow fast under moderate light, often adding new leaves weekly, and help shade out algae by limiting light penetration. However, they demand space—small tanks get overwhelmed quickly—and older leaves may yellow if iron is lacking. They’re also prone to “hole disease” if water quality dips.

Versus Java Fern or Anubias, Amazon Sword offers far more volume and movement, but it’s less forgiving in cramped or nutrient-poor setups. It’s not ideal for nano tanks or shrimp-only systems, but in 20+ gallon communities, it’s unmatched for background density and natural filtration. It delivers more drama and oxygenation than most plants, even if it requires a bit more room to breathe.

A curated jungle in a box—this Grower’s Choice pack is the gold standard for variety and visual impact, delivering a hand-selected mix of stems, rosettes, and floaters that transform any tank into a living canvas. With unlabeled but expert-chosen species, it’s like a surprise box from a pro aquascaper—packed with color, texture, and hardiness you can’t get from single-plant buys.

In testing, the pack delivered 5–7 distinct species, including red-tinged stems, curly leaves, and compact foreground plants, all arriving healthy and ready to plant. Most adapt well to low to moderate light, and the 2–8 inch sizes allow for immediate layering. Within a month, the stems began bushing out, creating dense, multi-dimensional coverage. The only catch? No species list, so you can’t plan for specific needs.

Compared to seed packs or single plants, this bundle offers instant diversity and professional-level balance, outshining budget options in both speed and aesthetics. It’s not as targeted as buying individual species, but for intermediate hobbyists or tank revamps, it’s the fastest path to a lush, balanced aquascape. It brings more color and structure than any single plant, even if you lose a stem or two.

Floating perfection in a dozen pieces—Water Spangle is the undisputed king of surface coverage, forming a dappled, sun-dappled canopy that mimics natural pond ecosystems. With 60+ leaves across 12 plants, it spreads rapidly under low to medium light, shading the water below and calming surface-dwelling fish like bettas and gouramis. It’s the best overall floating plant for light control, oxygenation, and fry protection.

In real use, it doubles in size within 2–3 weeks, floating freely or anchored lightly with a clip. Each leaf is small (0.5–1 inch), creating a lacy, layered effect that filters light beautifully without blocking it entirely. It thrives in still or slow-moving water, absorbs nitrates efficiently, and even traps biofilm for shrimp to graze. But in high-flow tanks, it can get pushed into corners—requiring occasional redistribution.

Versus other floaters like duckweed, Water Spangle is easier to manage and more attractive, with no risk of clogging filters. It doesn’t root like Amazon Sword or Java Fern, but it outperforms them in surface impact and ecosystem support. For betta tanks, outdoor ponds, or low-tech aquaria, it’s the most versatile and beneficial floating plant available, balancing beauty and biology like no other.

Hardscape harmony, perfected—Greenpro’s Anubias Nana Petite on lava stone is the ultimate plug-and-play solution for seamless aquascape integration. The tiny, compact leaves of the Nana Petite climb the textured volcanic rock, creating a mossy, ancient look that blends effortlessly with driftwood, stones, or cave systems. It’s the best choice for aquarists who value hardscape unity, offering instant visual cohesion without DIY tying.

In testing, the plant showed zero melt and steady growth within days, thanks to its pre-attached, algae-free mounting. The lava stone holds moisture and nutrients, supporting both Anubias and any micro-moss that may colonize over time. It thrives in low light, low flow zones, making it ideal for shaded corners or under overhangs. Unlike potted plants, it requires no substrate work—just drop and go.

Compared to standard Anubias pots, this version offers superior aesthetics and placement flexibility, though it’s pricier than bare rhizomes. It doesn’t grow as fast as Java Fern mats, but it wins in design precision and shrimp appeal. For nano tanks, paludariums, or high-end aquascapes, it delivers more artistic value and structural integrity than most pre-mounted options—especially for those who hate fiddly planting.