Betta fish are commonly considered one of the best species for beginners with aquarium plants but just because they’re relatively easy to keep doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a healthy and attractive aquarium environment. Adding live plants to your betta tank will take the aesthetics up a notch with the added benefit of offering enrichment for your fish.
Here are some of the best live plants for betta fish (and some simple tips for keeping them in your aquarium).
1. Dwarf Water Lettuce (Pista stratiotes)
Betta fish often like to hang out toward the top of the tank, so floating plants like dwarf water lettuce are an excellent option. This plant provides shade for fish and the roots will grow long, giving your betta something to explore.
Dwarf water lettuce is a relatively undemanding plant that tends to grow quickly. This makes it great for absorbing excess nutrients but it’s important to monitor growth and remove some as needed so your betta can still breathe from the surface. Like your betta fish, this plant prefers a tank without a lot of surface agitation.
2. Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)
Another floating plant, this species can add some color to your betta aquarium. Like dwarf water lettuce, red root floaters will spread across the surface of the tank while the roots grow downward into the water column. With adequate light and nutrition, this plant can become quite vibrant.
As with any floating plant, red root floaters may need to be removed from time to time to keep them from taking over the tank’s surface. It’s also worth noting that this plant in particular doesn’t tolerate wetness on top of the leaves. It might not be the best choice for lidded tanks, as the lid might increase condensation that drips down onto the plants.
3. Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides)
This long-stemmed plant can be rooted in substrate or left free to float. For a betta aquarium, it’s best to use it as a floating plant so your fish can swim through it. Keep in mind, however, that water sprite grows quickly—regular pruning is required to keep it from growing too thick for your betta to navigate.
Water sprite is a very beginner-friendly plant that does well in low to medium lighting. It’s a great nitrate-absorber and can be used to help keep algae growth to a minimum.
4. Anubias
A group of rhizome plants, Anubias come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some Anubias aquarium plants grow large, wide leaves that make great resting spots for betta fish. Others remain very small, making them ideal for nano fish tanks with limited space for expansion.
Anubias aquarium plants don’t require substrate, but they do best when anchored to driftwood or hardscape. Try tying your Anubias down with a fishing line or use an aquarium-safe superglue (look for the active ingredient cyanoacrylate).
5. Sword Plants
If you prefer rooted plants, sword plants are a low-maintenance option for betta tanks. What makes these plants great for bettas is that they grow long, wide leaves that some betta fish will rest on. Sword plants can also be easily propagated.
Keep in mind that there are many varieties of sword plant, and some might not be appropriate for smaller betta tanks, one of them being micro sword. Sword plants absorb nutrients through their roots, so they’ll also need to be planted in some kind of nutrient-rich substrate or fertilized with root tabs.
6. Cryptocoryne
Sometimes known simply as crypts, cryptocoryne plants come in an array of colors. They’re known for being pretty undemanding, capable of thriving in low or high light conditions. Like sword plants, crypts draw nutrients up through their roots, so they require a nutrient-rich substrate or fertilization with root tabs.
One of the benefits crypts offer specifically for betta tanks is that they grow long leaves good for resting on. These plants also tend to stay smaller than many sword plants. Look for cryptocoryne plants in different colors (like bronze or red) or with unique leaf textures to add some intrigue to your betta tank.
7. Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata)
If you want to create a carpet on the bottom of your betta tank, dwarf sagittaria is a fairly low-maintenance option. This plant grows in thick blades and can easily be trimmed to the desired height. It can survive with low to medium lighting, but it tends to spread better with medium to high lighting (it will grow taller with low lighting).
The key to growing a thick carpet of dwarf sagittaria is to start with a nutrient-rich substrate. Plant small clumps close together and trim the plants regularly to encourage them to spread.
8. Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)
Another carpeting plant, dwarf hairgrass spreads by sending out runners. It can be used to create a stunning lawn on the bottom of your betta tank but the grass-like leaves grow tall enough to give your betta something to swim through.
Though thoroughly stunning when grown successfully, dwarf hairgrass can be a little tricky. It requires medium to high lighting and may not spread enough to create a fully carpeted look without CO2 supplementation. Regular fertilization is also recommended to keep the plant from melting or losing color.
9. Marimo Moss Balls
If you’re simply looking to add some green to your betta tank, Marimo moss balls are an unintimidating option. They’re not a type of plant but an algae that grows in fuzzy round orbs. You don’t even need to plant them—just drop them into the tank and let them roll around on the bottom.
So, if you want your betta to live in surroundings that resemble its natural habitat, it’s high time you get one of the best live plants for betta fish in our freshwater fish store! Contact us today and make your betta happy!