Aquarium plants add beauty, color, and life to any fish tank, creating a lush and natural environment for your aquatic pets. While many aquarium enthusiasts use CO2 injection to enhance plant growth, not everyone wants to deal with the complexities and costs associated with this method. Fortunately, there are plenty of stunning aquatic plants that thrive without the need for CO2 supplementation.
In this article, we will explore a diverse selection of aquarium plants that can flourish in a CO2-free environment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these plants will bring vibrancy and vitality to your underwater world.
No Co2 Plants
Anubias
Anubias is a highly favored aquarium plant, particularly for those seeking low-maintenance options. It flourishes in low-light conditions and doesn’t require CO2 supplementation. This plant is characterized by its broad, dark green leaves, which are tough and resistant to nibbling fish. Anubias grows slowly, which reduces the risk of algae growth on its leaves.
It’s versatile in placement, often attached to driftwood or rocks rather than planted in substrate. Anubias is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, tolerating a wide range of water parameters, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts.
Anubias prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). Anubias is adaptable to soft to moderately hard water.
Java Fern
Java Fern is a staple in freshwater aquariums due to its simplicity in care and distinctive appearance. It thrives in low-light environments and does not require CO2. The plant has long, slender leaves that can create a lush green backdrop in an aquarium.
Java Fern is typically anchored to hardscape materials like rocks or driftwood. It’s adaptable to various water conditions and is tolerant of different temperature ranges. This plant is particularly resistant to fish that tend to nibble on greenery, making it a great addition to community tanks.
It thrives in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It can tolerate a wide range of water hardness.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne, commonly known as ‘Crypts,’ are cherished for their variety and adaptability. They come in different colors and sizes, making them a versatile choice for aquascaping. Crypts can thrive in low-light conditions without the need for added CO2, though they may benefit from it. They undergo an adjustment period known as ‘Crypt melt’ when first introduced to a new tank but recover well.
Crypts prefer a nutrient-rich substrate and are suitable for both foreground and midground planting. Their varying forms and sizes make them adaptable for different aquarium designs.
It does well in a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and a temperature between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). Crypts can adapt to soft to hard water conditions.
Amazon Swords
Amazon Swords are a popular choice for aquarists, known for their large, broad leaves that create a dense, vibrant green backdrop. They can grow in conditions without CO2 but flourish with supplementation, becoming fuller and more robust.
Amazon Swords require a nutrient-rich substrate and adequate lighting. They can grow quite large, making them suitable for the background in larger tanks. Though easy to care for, they need regular pruning to maintain shape and ensure the lower leaves receive sufficient light.
Amazon Swords prefers a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). They thrive in moderately hard water.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria, often referred to as ‘Val,’ is known for its long, ribbon-like leaves, creating a dynamic, flowing look in an aquarium. It’s a fast-growing plant that is perfect for filling the background. Vals are undemanding and grow well without CO2 supplementation.
They reproduce through runners, which makes them effective at covering large areas. These plants adapt easily to a variety of water conditions, making them a great choice for beginners.
Vallisneria grows best in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 and a temperature between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). Vals can adapt to a variety of water hardness levels.
Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
Water Wisteria is a popular aquarium plant, appreciated for its delicate, lace-like leaves. It’s versatile and can be grown planted in substrate or floating on the water’s surface. While it can survive without CO2, growth is enhanced with supplementation.
Water Wisteria is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions and is relatively easy to maintain. It’s a fast grower, excellent for absorbing excess nutrients, which helps in algae control. Regular pruning promotes a bushy growth pattern.
This aquarium plant likes a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). It can tolerate a wide range of water hardness.
Pennywort
Pennywort is a versatile plant known for its rapid growth and unique appearance, with round, bright green leaves spaced along creeping stems. It adapts well to various lighting conditions and doesn’t require CO2, though it benefits from supplementation.
Pennywort can be used fully submerged or as a floating plant. It’s excellent for absorbing excess nutrients in the water, contributing to a healthier aquarium environment. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it can be placed in different areas of the aquarium.
It is comfortable in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.8 and temperatures between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It adapts well to soft to hard water.
Duckweed
Duckweed is a small, floating plant known for its rapid spread across the water’s surface. Each plant consists of a few small leaves and a single root, creating a green carpet-like effect. Duckweed is incredibly hardy, requiring minimal care and thriving in a wide range of conditions without CO2.
It’s excellent for absorbing excess nutrients and can help in controlling algae. However, it can overgrow quickly and may require regular thinning to prevent it from covering the entire surface and blocking light to submerged plants.
Duckweed is adaptable to a wide range of pH values, typically between 5.0 to 9.0, and temperatures from 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C). It tolerates a variety of water hardness levels.
Hygrophila
Hygrophila is a diverse genus of aquatic plants, with species varying in size and leaf shape. They are generally hardy and can grow in a variety of water conditions. While they can grow without CO2, their growth and health are improved with it.
Hygrophila is often used in the background or midground of aquariums due to its height and dense foliage. Regular pruning is needed to keep it in shape and encourage bushier growth. It’s a good choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists due to its adaptability and attractive appearance.
It prefers a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). It can adapt to soft to moderately hard water.
Fontinalis Moss
Fontinalis Moss, or Willow Moss, is known for its fine, delicate texture and deep green color. It’s a slow-growing moss that does well in low-light conditions and doesn’t require CO2 supplementation. Fontinalis Moss is often used to create a natural, aged look in aquariums, as it can be attached to rocks and driftwood. It’s a great choice for creating a backdrop or covering unsightly equipment.
It does well in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). Prefers soft to moderately hard water.
Dwarf Sagittaria
Dwarf Sagittaria is a grass-like plant, ideal for creating a natural, lawn-like effect in the foreground of aquariums. It’s a hardy species that can thrive in a range of lighting conditions and doesn’t necessitate CO2 supplementation.
Dwarf Sagittaria spreads through runners, gradually covering the substrate. It’s a low-maintenance plant, suitable for beginners, and provides a beautiful, green carpet that’s also useful for hiding fish fry and small invertebrates.
Grows best in a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It can adapt to a range of water hardness.
Hornwort
Hornwort is a versatile, fast-growing plant known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including without CO2. It has a unique appearance, with long, thin, needle-like leaves. Hornwort can be planted in the substrate or left floating, where it provides shelter for fish and absorbs excess nutrients, helping to maintain water quality.
It’s an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists due to its ease of care and rapid growth.Grows best in a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It can adapt to a range of water hardness.
Marimo Moss Balls
Marimo Moss Balls are not true moss, but a unique form of algae that grows into spherical shapes. They are incredibly low-maintenance and do not require CO2. Marimo Balls are slow-growing and can live for many years with proper care. They prefer cooler temperatures and low to moderate lighting.
These moss balls are great for absorbing nutrients and providing a unique aesthetic to the aquarium. They are also believed to bring good luck in Japanese culture.
Marimo Moss Balls prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0. They can adapt to soft to moderately hard water.
Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria is a beautiful and versatile plant, known for its lace-like leaves and rapid growth. It can grow in a variety of water conditions, including without CO2, though it benefits from supplementation. Water Wisteria can be planted in the substrate or left floating.
It’s great for beginners due to its hardiness and ability to absorb excess nutrients, which helps in controlling algae. Regular pruning promotes lush, dense growth, making it a popular choice for aquascaping.
It prefers a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). It can tolerate soft to moderately hard water.