Low-Maintenance Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Starting a planted aquarium is one of the best ways to create a natural, healthy and visually stunning aquascape — even if you’re a complete beginner. The good news? You don’t need expensive lights, CO₂ systems or advanced fertilizers to enjoy lush greenery. Many aquatic plants are hardy, adaptable and extremely low-maintenance.

At Blessings Aquarium, we recommend the following beginner-friendly plants that thrive with minimal care and make your aquarium more stable, beautiful and fish-friendly.

Why Choose Low-Maintenance Plants?

Live plants offer powerful benefits:

• Improve water quality by absorbing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate

• Provide oxygen and natural shelter for fish

• Help reduce algae growth

• Give your tank a natural, vibrant look

• Require little care compared to artificial décor

For beginners, the key is choosing hardy species that grow well in normal aquarium conditions and don’t demand special equipment.

Top Low-Maintenance Plants for Beginners

1. Anubias (Anubias Nana / Barteri)

Why it's perfect for beginners:

• Extremely hardy

• Grows in low light

• Slow-growing, minimal trimming

• Doesn’t need substrate — attach to wood or rocks

Care Tip:Never bury the rhizome. Tie it gently to driftwood using thread or glue.

2. Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus)

Beginner-friendly because:

• Very tough, grows even in low light

• Fish like cichlids won’t eat it

• Can be tied to rocks, wood or kept free-floating

• Survives a wide temperature range

Care Tip:Like Anubias, do not bury its rhizome in substrate.

3. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus Bleheri)

Why beginners love it:

• Strong and fast-growing

• Great background plant

• Creates a lush, dense look

• Excellent for oxygenation

Care Tip:Place in substrate and add root tabs once a month for healthy growth.

4. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum Barbieri)

Ideal for first-time aquascapers:

• Almost impossible to kill

• Grows in low light

• Perfect for shrimp tanks

• Provides hiding spots for fry (baby fish)

• Can be shaped or allowed to grow freely

Care Tip: Trim occasionally to prevent it from overtaking the tank.

5. Vallisneria (Vallisneria Spiralis / Jungle Val)

Why it's a great choice:

• Fast-growing and tall

• Creates a grass-like curtain effect

• Helps oxygenate the water

• Spreads easily with runners

Care Tip:Provide moderate light for best growth; thrives in almost any water condition.

6. Hygrophila Polysperma

A strong beginner plant with:

• Fast growth

• Wide adaptability

• Excellent nutrient absorption

• Soft stems that fish love to swim through

Care Tip: Trim weekly to maintain shape and prevent crowding.

7. Moneywort (Bacopa Monnieri)

Benefits:

• Easy-growing stem plant

• Low to moderate light

• Adds height and texture

• Bright green leaves enhance natural appearance

Care Tip:Replant trimmed tops to grow new stems.

General Care Tips for Beginner Plants

To keep your low-maintenance plants thriving:

✔ Use basic lighting

Most beginner plants thrive under normal LED aquarium lights.

✔ Add liquid fertilizer once or twice a week

This helps boost growth and colour.

✔ Maintain regular water changes

Clean water = happy plants and fish.

✔ Avoid burying rhizomes

(For Anubias and Java fern.)

✔ Be patient

Plants usually take 2–4 weeks to settle and show active new growth.

Why Buy Plants from Blessings Aquarium?

At Blessings Aquarium, you get:

• Fresh, healthy and pest-free plants

• Guidance on correct placement and care

• Packs suitable for beginners

• Affordable plant bundles

• Support for aquascaping and layout planning

A strong start with the right plants makes your aquarium stable, green and gorgeous with very little effort.