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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Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'

Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis' 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.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' 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.

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Ocipus’

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Ocipus’ 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.

Anubias bateri var. 'Bonsai Nana Petite'

Anubias bateri var. 'Bonsai Nana Petite' is a classic, adaptable plant that’s easy to fit into many setups, offering reliable growth and a clean, natural look.

Bacopa australis

Bacopa australis 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.

Bacopa monnieri var. 'ABC'

Moneywort, Indian Pennywort, Water Hyssop,

Bacopa monnieri var. 'ABC' 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.

Ceratopteris cornuta

Lobed Water Sprite

Ceratopteris cornuta is a classic, adaptable plant that’s easy to fit into many setups, offering reliable growth and a clean, natural look.

Cryptocoryne lutea ‘hobbit’

Cryptocoryne lutea ‘hobbit’ 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.

Cryptocoryne spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis 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.

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Kompakt'

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Kompakt' 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.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina'

Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' 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.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia''

Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia'' 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.

Ambulia

Limnophila sessiliflora

Ambulia 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.

Anubias nana 'Pinto'

Anubias nana 'Pinto' is a great foreground option that can form tidy low growth and add texture, especially when given stable conditions and patience.

Bacopa caroliniana

red bacopa, lemon bacopa, water hyssop

Bacopa caroliniana 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.

Bucephalandra kedagang

Bucephalandra kedagang brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent.

Cryptocoryne lucens

Cryptocoryne lucens 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.

Cryptocoryne pygmaea

Cryptocoryne pygmaea 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.

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii 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.

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘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.