Aquarium Plant Enclyclopedia

This Aquarium Plant Encyclopedia is built on applied plant science.

Our evaluations draw from horticultural literature, aquatic plant research, and direct laboratory experience studying plant physiology, carbon limitation, nutrient uptake, and the biological causes of plant failure. That scientific foundation shapes how we assess each species — not just how it looks, but how it performs under real aquarium conditions.

Each entry provides clear, practical guidance on difficulty, growth rate, size, placement, lighting, water parameters, and CO₂ requirements. Whether a plant thrives in low-tech setups or responds dramatically to CO₂ injection and higher light is explained in straightforward terms.

But this is not an academic database. It’s written for aquarists.

The goal is to help you choose plants that match your system, avoid common pitfalls, and build healthier, more stable planted freshwater aquariums. Use the filters to explore by difficulty, growth habit, or CO₂ needs — and select species that fit your goals, not just your aesthetic.

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Hottonia palustris

Hottonia palustris is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Hydrocotyle verticillata is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila araguaia

Hygrophila araguaia brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila difformis

Water Wisteria

Hygrophila difformis is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila polysperma 'Rosanervig'

Hygrophila polysperma 'Rosanervig' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila polysperma 'rouge'

Hygrophila polysperma 'rouge' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. CO₂ really helps it shine and grow steadily.

Java Moss

Java Moss brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Kalimantan Fern

rare, unidentified aquatic fern

Kalimantan Fern is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. CO₂ really helps it shine and grow steadily.

Lindernia rotundifolia var. 'Green'

Round Leaf Green Lindernia

Lindernia rotundifolia var. 'Green' is a classic, adaptable plant that’s easy to fit into many setups, offering reliable growth and a clean, natural look. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hydrocotyle tripartita

Hydrocotyle tripartita is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

Brazilian Pennywort

Hydrocotyle leucocephala is a rewarding aquarium plant with distinct character and plenty of aquascaping potential—great for hobbyists who want something a little different. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia'

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia' is a rewarding aquarium plant with distinct character and plenty of aquascaping potential—great for hobbyists who want something a little different. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila polysperma 'Indian Red'

Hygrophila polysperma 'Indian Red' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila polysperma 'Sunset'

Hygrophila polysperma 'Sunset' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Hygrophila polysperma ‘tiger’

Hygrophila polysperma ‘tiger’ is a classic, adaptable plant that’s easy to fit into many setups, offering reliable growth and a clean, natural look. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Juncus repens

Dwarf Creeping Rush, Lesser Creeping Rush

Juncus repens is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Limnophila hippuridoides

Ambulia aromatica, Purple Ambulia

Limnophila hippuridoides is a classic, adaptable plant that’s easy to fit into many setups, offering reliable growth and a clean, natural look. It adapts well with or without CO₂.

Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis 'ABC' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.