Best Floating Plants for Planted Tanks & Their Benefits

Floating plants are one of the best additions to any planted tank. They look beautiful, provide shade, absorb excess nutrients, and create a natural environment for fish. But with so many options, which floating plants should you choose? Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll cover the best floating plants for aquariums and their amazing benefits.

Why Add Floating Plants to Your Aquarium? 

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why floating plants are a great choice for your planted tank:

• Improve water quality – Floating plants absorb excess nitrates, ammonia, and toxins.

• Prevent algae growth – By using up excess nutrients, they reduce algae problems.

• Provide shade & shelter – Fish like Bettas, Gouramis, and Tetras love hiding under them.

• Help oxygenate the tank – They release oxygen during the day, improving water quality.

• Reduce fish stress – Floating plants create a natural, calming environment.

• Easy to maintain – Most floating plants grow fast and require minimal care.

  

1. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)

Amazon Frogbit is a popular floating plant with round, lily pad-like leaves. It grows fast and absorbs tons of nutrients, keeping your tank clean.

✔ Grows quickly and covers the water surface.

✔ Great for bettas & shy fish - provides shade.

✔ Helps prevent algae growth by blocking light.

❌ Needs regular trimming - it can take over your tank fast.

2. Duckweed (Lemna minor)

Duckweed is a tiny, fast-growing floating plant. It’s great for absorbing waste and keeping water parameters stable.

✔ Super easy to grow – Perfect for beginners.

✔ Excellent at removing nitrates & ammonia.

✔ Provides a natural food source for some fish.

❌ Can take over your tank fast – Hard to remove completely once it spreads!

3. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Water Lettuce is a beautiful floating plant with soft, velvety leaves. It’s perfect for larger tanks where it can spread freely.

✔ Looks amazing and creates a natural vibe.

✔ Helps with water filtration by absorbing waste.

✔ Provides shade & hiding spots for fish.

❌ Not ideal for small tanks - it grows big.

4. Salvinia (Salvinia natans)

Salvinia is an excellent floating plant that’s easy to manage. It has soft, fuzzy leaves that float on the water.

✔ Slower growth compared to Duckweed.

✔ Great for bettas & small fish.

✔ Absorbs nitrates & improves water quality.

❌ Needs good water circulation - can block light if left unchecked.

5. Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans)

Red Root Floater is a stunning plant with red-colored roots that add a unique touch to your aquarium.

✔ Turns red under high light, making your tank look beautiful.

✔ Provides great shade & hiding spots.

✔ Helps maintain water stability.

❌ Requires good lighting to achieve its best color.

6. Water Spangles (Salvinia minima)

Water Spangles are small floating plants that grow in clusters. They are easy to care for and work well in almost any tank.

✔ Absorbs extra nutrients and prevents algae.

✔ Looks great in planted tanks.

✔ Great for shrimp and small fish tanks.

❌ Can spread quickly if not maintained.

Which Floating Plant is Best for Your Tank? 

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

For Betta & Gourami Tanks → Amazon Frogbit, Salvinia, Red Root Floater.

For Community Tanks → Water Lettuce, Water Spangles, Frogbit.

For Shrimp Tanks → Duckweed, Salvinia minima, Red Root Floater.

For Algae Control → Duckweed, Water Spangles, Frogbit.

How to Care for Floating Plants? 

Floating plants are easy to grow, but here are some quick tips to keep them healthy:

✔ Trim them regularly – Some grow fast and can block light for other plants.

✔ Use gentle water flow – Strong currents can push them around too much.

✔ Provide good lighting – Some floating plants turn red under high light.

✔ Check for nutrient deficiency – If leaves turn yellow, add liquid fertilizers.

✔ Remove excess plants – Overgrowth can reduce oxygen levels at night.

Floating plants are a fantastic choice for any planted tank! They help keep your water clean, provide shade, and create a natural habitat for fish.

Best for beginners → Amazon Frogbit, Salvinia.

Best for water quality? → Duckweed, Water Spangles.

Best for aesthetics? → Red Root Floater.