5 Aquarium Plants That Are Impossible to Kill

Adding live plants to your aquarium doesn’t just make it more beautiful—it creates a healthier environment for your fish by absorbing nitrates, providing oxygen, and offering natural hiding spots. But if you’ve ever killed a houseplant (haven’t we all?), you might be hesitant to try aquatic plants.

Good news: these five plants are virtually indestructible and will thrive even if you don’t have a green thumb!

1. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Difficulty: Beginner | Lighting: Low to Medium | Growth Rate: Slow

Java Fern is the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant. Native to Southeast Asia, this hardy fern attaches to rocks and driftwood rather than being planted in substrate.

Why it’s bulletproof:

Thrives in low light conditions
Doesn’t need CO2 injection
Fish and snails usually don’t eat it
Can grow in a wide temperature range (68-82°F)

Pro tip: Never bury the rhizome (horizontal stem) in substrate—it will rot. Attach it to hardscape with fishing line or super glue gel instead.

2. Anubias (Anubias barteri varieties)

Difficulty: Beginner | Lighting: Low to Medium | Growth Rate: Very Slow

Anubias is another rhizome plant that’s perfect for beginners. With its thick, dark green leaves, it looks great attached to driftwood or rocks.

Why it’s bulletproof:

Grows incredibly slowly, so minimal maintenance
Thrives in low light
Most fish won’t eat it due to tough leaves
Can grow both submerged and emersed

Popular varieties:

Anubias Nana: Compact, perfect for foreground
Anubias Barteri: Larger, great for midground
Anubias Nana Petite: Tiny leaves for nano tanks

3. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)

Difficulty: Beginner | Lighting: Medium | Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

If you want a plant that makes a statement, Amazon Sword is your answer. These plants can grow quite large (up to 20 inches) and create a stunning focal point.

Why it’s bulletproof:

Tolerates a wide range of water conditions
Root feeder—benefits from root tabs but doesn’t require them
Produces baby plants (runners) for easy propagation
Hardy enough for cichlid tanks

Care tip: Plant the roots in substrate but keep the crown (where leaves meet roots) above the gravel. Supplement with root tabs every 3-4 months for best growth.

4. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Difficulty: Beginner | Lighting: Low to High | Growth Rate: Fast

Java Moss is the perfect plant for creating a lush, carpeted look or providing cover for baby fish and shrimp. It’s incredibly versatile and forgiving.

Why it’s bulletproof:

Grows in any lighting condition
No substrate needed—can attach to anything
Provides excellent cover for fry and shrimp
Helps reduce algae by competing for nutrients

Creative uses:

Carpet the bottom of your tank
Attach to driftwood for a “tree” effect
Create moss walls using plastic mesh
Protect eggs during breeding

5. Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendtii)

Difficulty: Beginner | Lighting: Low to Medium | Growth Rate: Moderate

Crypts are beautiful leafy plants that come in various colors from bright green to deep bronze. They’re perfect for foreground or midground placement.

Why it’s bulletproof:

Thrives in low-tech setups (no CO2 needed)
Once established, extremely hardy
Available in many colors and sizes
Tolerates lower light than most plants

The “Crypt Melt” phenomenon: Don’t panic if your crypt loses its leaves after planting! This is normal—new crypt-optimized leaves will grow back within a few weeks.

Getting Started with Plants

Equipment You’ll Need:

Plant-specific substrate (optional but helpful): Flourite, Eco-Complete, or gravel with root tabs
LED lighting: Look for lights with 6500K color temperature
Aquarium-safe scissors: For trimming and propagation
Tweezers: For precise planting

Basic Plant Care:

Lighting: 8-10 hours daily for most plants
Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer weekly (Easy Green, Flourish)
Water changes: 25% weekly to remove excess nutrients
Pruning: Remove dead leaves to prevent decay

Benefits of Live Plants

For your fish:

Natural filtration (absorb ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate)
Oxygen production
Hiding spots reduce stress
Natural food source (algae and microorganisms)

For you:

Reduced algae growth
More stable water parameters
Stunning natural aesthetics
Something new to learn and enjoy

Where to Buy

Local fish stores: See the plants in person, support local business
Online retailers: Better selection, often cheaper
Other hobbyists: Buy trimmings for cheap, join local aquarium clubs
Pet store chains: Check plant quality carefully

Final Thoughts

Starting with easy plants builds your confidence and teaches you the basics before moving on to more demanding species. All five plants on this list will reward you with beautiful growth while being forgiving of beginner mistakes.

Remember: a tank with thriving plants is a tank with healthy fish. The two go hand in hand!

Want to learn more about aquascaping? Read our aquascaping principles guide to create stunning underwater landscapes.