Starting a planted aquarium doesn’t mean you need to dive headfirst into CO₂ systems, special substrates, or advanced lighting. If you're new to aquascaping or just looking to add some life to your tank, there are plenty of beginner-friendly aquarium plants that offer beauty without overwhelming your setup.
At WetPlants.com, we help hobbyists of all experience levels find the right plants to match their tanks. Whether you’re keeping bettas, shrimp, community fish, or just exploring the planted tank world. These beginner options are perfect for getting started.
🌿 1. Anubias (nana, barteri, petite, etc.)
Anubias is one of the most approachable plants you can add to an aquarium. It grows slowly, has attractive dark green leaves, and doesn’t require substrate at all. Simply attach it to driftwood or rock using thread or glue.
- Light requirement: Low
- Growth style: Rhizome-based; slow and compact
- Best for: Small tanks, betta setups, or shaded corners
- Pro tip: Avoid burying the rhizome! The plant will rot if buried in a substrate. Instead, let it breathe on a hardscape.
🌱 2. Cryptocoryne wendtii
Crypts are great for beginners because they offer a full, bushy appearance without demanding care. Crypt wendtii is one of the most forgiving types, and it comes in shades of green, bronze, and even red under the right conditions.
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Growth style: Rosette-forming; spreads slowly
- Best for: Foreground to midground in community tanks
- Watch out: Its not uncommon for leaves to melt when first planted in a new set-up. We call this "Crypt Melt." Don't disturb the plant! Most times new growth will appear in a couple weeks.
➡️ Explore Crypts at WetPlants.com
🍃 3. Watersprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides)
Water Sprite is a soft, feathery plant that’s perfect for creating a lush background or floating canopy. It grows quickly and adapts to both planted and floating setups. It also does a heck of a job keeping your water clean as it east nitrates for breakfast!
- Light requirement: Moderate
- Growth style: Rooted or floating
- Best for: Quick coverage, algae control, shrimp tanks
- Bonus: Great for baby fish to hide in
🌾 4. Vallisneria Italian
If you're after that classic underwater "grass" look, Vallisneria Italian is a perfect fit. It sends out runners quickly and can fill the background with tall, waving blades.
- Light requirement: Moderate
- Growth style: Rooted runner
- Best for: Background in mid-to-large aquariums
- Low effort: Doesn’t need special substrate or fertilizer
☘️ 5. Floating Plants (Frogbit, Red Root Floater, Salvinia)
Floating plants are excellent for beginners because they don’t need planting at all—just drop them on the surface and watch them grow (often times quickly!). They provide shade, reduce algae, clean your water, and create a more natural look.
- Light requirement: Medium to high
- Growth style: Floating
- Best for: Betta tanks, low-tech setups, shrimp tanks
- Note: Avoid strong surface agitation. Floaters prefer still water. Persistent surface agitation can stunt growth.
➡️ Check Out Our Floating Plants
💡 Bonus: Why Start Simple?
If you’re new to planted tanks, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But starting with low-maintenance, adaptable plants lets you:
- Build confidence with plant care.
- Reduce algae through natural competition.
- Improve fish health by mimicking natural habitats.
- Get the lush look without needing fancy gear!
These plants don’t require special substrate, fertilizer, or advanced lighting, and most will thrive in standard gravel or sand with basic aquarium LEDs.
🌟 Start Easy, Grow Confident
A beautiful planted tank doesn’t have to be complicated. With beginner-friendly plants like Anubias, Crypts, Watersprite, and floating varieties, you can enjoy a lush, low-maintenance aquascape while keeping your fish healthy and happy.
At WetPlants.com, we ship healthy, hand-selected aquarium plants with detailed care info and beginner support.