To mimic their native habitat and to provide hiding places and resting spots, betta fish require plants. Despite their fighter fish nickname, betta fish are typically quite timid and shy. In order to provide protection and reduce stress, plants are especially crucial in community tanks and divided tanks. Do Betta Fish Need Live Plants?
Your bettas’ environment will feel more lively and vibrant with plants. Not only do plants look nice in aquariums, but they also give your betta clean water and oxygen by absorbing its waste.
Live plants best provide the aquarium enrichment that betta fish require. So, it would be good to have a live plant in your betta fish tank.
You may aquascape your betta’s tank and build a healthy ecosystem that you and your betta can enjoy by placing live plants inside it.
Before putting this decoration in your betta fish environment, please read on to learn a few important key aspects to remember.
| Image | Plants for aquarium | Link |
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Java Moss |  |
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Amazon Sword | |
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Hornwort | |
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Java Fern | |
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Anubias Petite | |
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Ludwigia Repens | |
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Anacharis | |
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Brazilian Pennywort | |
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Christmas Moss | |
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Cryptocoryne Wendtii | |
Why Have Live Plants For Betta?
Live plants can actually aid in maintaining the water quality in your betta aquarium in addition to just adding to its amazing appearance! Therefore, live plants will make a betta feel right at home. In the wild, bettas would seek refuge in plants and occasionally construct a bubble nest around them.
Bettas enjoy taking naps as well. Occasionally, they’ll do it on an ornament or the tank floor, but more frequently, they’ll perch on a leaf of a plant. Your betta will have the ideal place to relax if you add plants to your aquarium.
Are Live Plants Safe For Betta?
The majority of fish, including bettas, may safely take plants. Your betta’s surroundings can be enhanced by live plants by giving them areas to explore, hang out, and hide in. Ensure that you only use aquarium-specific plants. Some living plants can be poisonous to fish, especially if they eat them. Thankfully, betta fishes are more interested in plants than they are in eating them.
In an aquarium, live plants can be found in a wide variety and develop to various heights. When making their bubble nests, male betta fish may use floating plants, such as duckweed, Salvinia, and Frogbit, which offer surface contrast.
Betta fishes require access to the top of the water for air-breathing, making sure the plants are not entirely covering the water’s surface.
The Java moss is a superb example of an aquatic plant that grows low to the substrate and is ideal for filling in the space beneath the aquarium’s swimming area. Along the back of the tank, tall plants like Vallisneria and sword plants look excellent. Make sure none of the plants are too bushy or too spiky to interfere with the betta’s ability to swim.
If any live plants have been housed with fish in the past, they must be quarantined separately for at least two weeks. Take advantage of the opportunity to boost them with some liquid aquarium plant fertilizer.
Are Live Plants Better For Betta?
That’s up to you in terms of aesthetics. You might prefer the appearance of artificial plants to real ones.
Generally speaking, live plants provide an aquarium with more life, color, and a more natural environment for your fish. Live plants are more beneficial to the health of your fish, and some can even help regulate the water’s quality.
Artificial plants plainly do not require essential water conditions or overhead aquarium lighting because they are not even living. There are some living aquarium plants that are quite simple to maintain, so don’t let the maintenance part of live plants turn you off.
Are There Any Issues With Keeping Live Plants?
Only when you have an aquarium light hanging above the tank, like an LED or UV light, should you maintain plants in it. However, certain plants can survive without artificial light. Most plants can thrive in the presence of light. Since photosynthesis depends on light, light is crucial to a plant’s health.
Artificial or fake plants are an excellent choice if you do not have an aquarium light or do not want to add one to your setup.
Aquatic Plants Vs. Semi-Submersible Plants
Perhaps you’ve seen aquarium setups where plants appear to be emerging from the tank. A water garden rather than an aquarium is what is often created when an aquarium is cultivated in this way by professionals.
Growing semi-submerged bamboo in an aquarium is a common practice among betta owners. The risks of cultivating bamboo that is partially submerged are discussed in more detail below.
CO2 Injection And Fertilizer
Don’t FREAK OUT! The recommended plants on the list below do not require fertilizer or CO2(Carbon Dioxide) injection, despite the fact that the title may sound ominous. Only true enthusiasts who want to keep delicate plants in their aquariums should do this.
You could see these things mentioned when looking for plants for your betta fish, but if you’re a novice or just want some basic, low-maintenance plants, you don’t need to bother about CO2 injection and fertilizer.
Live Betta Fish Plants
Live plants, as opposed to artificial ones, can offer a variety of additional advantages while requiring varying amounts of maintenance. Putting live plants in betta fish aquariums can improve the water’s oxygen content and lower dangerous levels of ammonia and nitrate, which can stress or even kill your betta. Similar to imitation plants, they offer places for hiding and relaxing and can prevent betta fish from becoming bored. Fin biting and other undesirable consequences might result from boredom.
If they are treated well and multiplied, live plants might also end up being less expensive over time. A separate tank made up exclusively of living plants may even be kept by more experienced fish keepers to support their community aquariums or just to admire the lovely aquascapes. To encourage new development, propagated plants can be transferred into other tanks or moved around the tank.
Things to remember: Always thoroughly examine live plants for rotting, discoloration, and general health when purchasing them in person. If a plant appears to be dying, do not purchase it.
Likewise, exercise caution when buying plants for your betta fish from tanks that are shared by other people (not recommended). These living plants have the potential—and frequently do carry widespread aquatic pathogens that can afflict or even kill bettas. Before being introduced, they must be quarantined. The directions on the label should be followed for single-tubed and packed live plants (sold online or in stores).
Advantages Of Keeping Live Plants In Betta Fish Tank
- They will generate more oxygen throughout the day and absorb more CO2 during that time. And although your betta, who can breathe from the surface, doesn’t need to worry about this as much, it’s still crucial. It takes oxygen for all the bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrates. Additionally, they will be more effective at dissolving it the more oxygen there is in the tank.
- Furthermore, regarding microorganisms Additionally, living plants make it much easier for beneficial bacteria to flourish. The faster ammonia can be broken down in your tank, of course, the more beneficial bacteria there are in there.
- Live plants can potentially be the answer to your algae problems. Most frequently, an excessive amount of nitrate in the tank will result in algae. Fewer nitrates will be available for algae to feed on if there are more bacteria in the tank. Additionally, the majority of it will be consumed by the plants!
- It should go without saying that real plants will do a much better job of simulating a betta’s natural habitat than artificial ones ever could. They’ll help your betta feel more at home.
Disadvantages Of Keeping Live Plants In Betta Fish Tank
- They never stop expanding. To ensure that they are not engulfing your tank, you will need to put in more effort. Even while your betta will like swimming between the plants, you must still give him enough area to move about. When it comes to floating plants, this is very significant. Your betta can have trouble rising to the surface for air if they become too out of control.
- Additionally, living plants, in general, will need more maintenance than artificial plants. You’ll need to develop your plant-care skills and become familiar with providing the right lighting and water conditions for your plants.
- More decomposing material will be added to your tank by them. Your aquarium plant will ultimately lose some of its parts, just like any other plant. If you don’t clean frequently, the decay will encourage the growth of bacteria in your tank. This can be avoided by regularly vacuuming your gravel and eliminating any plants that appear to be dying.
- Some plants in your tank will need high lighting to survive if you wish to keep them there. As a result, you’ll need to think carefully while choosing plants to buy.
- Last but not least, while actual plants produce a great deal more oxygen during the day, they also consume a great deal more oxygen at night. You risk depriving the water in your aquarium of oxygen if you put too many living plants in there. This problem can be resolved by adding some air stones to your tank at night.
10 Best Betta Fish Plants
The choices below are all reasonable, excellent for a betta fish habitat, and able to survive in similar water and temperature conditions (e.g., pH). Some only need light care, while others need considerable attention, light, and food.
Some plant species, like the Amazon Sword or Hornwort below, have a very quick rate of growth. Always keep an eye on the growth of live plants to ensure that there is enough room for swimming, eating, and the ability to easily surface for oxygen.
Amazon Sword
Growing and maintaining the Amazon Sword is simple. Because of their beauty and toughness, they are regarded as a standard in many aquariums and betta fish tanks. Despite the fact that Amazon Sword plants come in dozens of different types, they are all sold under the same label in the majority of pet shops.
The best tank sizes for Amazon Swords are those with more space for them to grow, which makes them very low maintenance. Although it needs to be trimmed to keep from taking over the tank, the plant is great for smaller tanks. Just a little light is necessary for them.
Amazon Swords can reach a height of around 12 inches when left alone, but under the right circumstances, they can reach twice that height. Although it’s advised to use soil substrate (3–4 inches deep), it’s also feasible to bury the roots beneath aquarium gravel.
Scientific name: Echinodorus amazonicus
Placement: Background
Java Fern and Java Moss
Java ferns may flourish in a range of conditions and need little maintenance (no fertilizer and low light) to flourish in freshwater tanks. Furthermore, Java ferns may also grow completely or partially immersed in tank water and don’t need soil or gravel to grow. Maintain the rhizome exposed at all times.
Similar to ferns, Java moss is quite tolerant of low to moderate light levels as well as hot or cold water temperatures in the tank. The temperature of your betta fish, on the other hand, should be kept steady and tropical with little variation.
Due to its realistic ecosystem appearance, java moss is popular among fish keepers and forms excellent carpeting on rocks and driftwood. Both plants are simple to grow from seed. Java fern juveniles separate from the parent plant, float around and then adhere to a different part of the tank. Java moss can be multiplied by simply dividing an existing plant.
Scientific Names: Microsorum pteropus/Vesicularia dubyana
Placement: Mid-ground
Anacharis
Anacharis is a wonderful aquarium plant for beginners and is relatively simple to care for, much like the Amazon Sword. The plant can be left floating in the tank or tethered to a particular area because it doesn’t truly have any roots or a foot structure.
In addition, the Anacharis thrives in low light and doesn’t need any particular soils or fertilizers. By picking off a chute, it might spread quickly as well. It works best for them to be planted in groups, and they have a variety of hidden maintenance weapons.
By secreting a substance to halt their spread, the plant aids in preventing the growth of glue-green algae. It is an excellent way to oxygenate tank water because it also eliminates ammonia from the water and grows quickly. For a healthy betta fish, both of these are crucial. Betta fish can also find enough deep cover to bury themselves in on Anacharis.
Common Name: Water weeds
Scientific name: Elodea
Placement: Background
Anubias
Anubias is a living plant that is suitable for bettas and is low maintenance. It may flourish in freshwater community tanks of any size and can grow in a range of conditions. They enjoy tidy aquariums and low light levels. Their rhizomes, the thick portion above the roots, should not be covered; otherwise, they will rot.
Anubias can grow floating, anchored in aquarium gravel, or attached to a piece of decor (like driftwood) or rock. Although it is not necessary, fertilization can enhance their well-being and rate of growth. Anubias plants typically develop slowly, and as they get bigger, you can also divide them into additional individual plants in the same tank or others. They can also bloom while submerged in water.
Anubias are good candidates for the growth of algae because of their thick, leatherette leaves. The plant should be positioned in an area with water circulation or in the shade of a larger plant to reduce the risk of algae growth. Considering that an Anacharis can help reduce algae growth, adding one to the tank is also not a terrible idea.
Common Name: Anubias nana
Scientific name: Anubias barteri
Placement: Foreground
Marimo Moss Ball
These adorable small moss balls are perfect for betta fish and aquariums of all sizes. They have a lifespan of more than 100 years. Did you know that? They are even kept by some individuals as pets in terrariums.
Not only that, but they are perfect for betta fish because they take in nitrates and function as natural filters, removing ammonia and other toxic phosphates from the tank that your betta fish needs to survive. Low to medium and indirect light is sufficient for Marimo moss balls, although they do need to be rinsed and washed occasionally.
These adorable little moss balls are beloved by betta fish for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they can be rolled around like a toy or actual ball. Betta fish can also rest on them, hide around them, and chew on them if they so choose. They are also a favorite of the ghost shrimp, making them a great choice for betta fish tank companions.
Common Name: Moss ball, Lake ball, Mossimo, Seaweed ball
Scientific Name: Aegagropila linnaei / Chladophora aegagropila
Placement: Foreground
Hygrophila
Hygrophila is a nice addition to betta aquariums and is a reasonably simple plant to care for. It has dense, emerald-green leaves that can reach a height of 24 inches and provide good protection for tank apparatus. Hygrophila will need to be watched closely and pruned to prevent a tank takeover, just like the Hornwort plant did.
The plant can obtain the minerals it needs from betta feces, particularly iron, to help it keep a healthy and colorful appearance. They grow readily by cutting off a stem, do well in low light, and have a good substrate.
One of hygrophila’s main advantages for betta fish is that it develops remarkably well in environments where betta fish also flourish. Because of this, a very content plant is probably also a very content betta fish!
Common Name: Swampweeds
Scientific Name: Hygrophila corymbosa
Placement: Background
Hornwort
A fantastic living plant for betta fish owners, another one that is simple to maintain. This hardy plant, which is distinguished by its dark green leaves, excels at oxygenating the water and consuming ammonia. However, it can be unpleasant because it sheds nettles that can decay and need to be drained off. Fertilizer is also advised because it is so effective at eliminating nitrates.
The hornwort spreads quickly and creates excellent hiding places for adult bettas in communal tanks, as well as for newborn fry. Due to its rapid development, it is essential to keep an eye on this live plant to prevent a complete takeover of the tank. Hornwort doesn’t have roots either and does well in dim to average illumination.
Hornwort is a plant that bettas typically like. But because it requires a lot of maintenance to prevent it from spreading, it’s best left to individuals who have the time to commit to the requirements of the plant.
Common Name: Coontail
Scientific Name: Ceratophyllum demersum
Placement: Background
Amazon Frogbit
The Amazon Frogbit is ideal for betta fish because it provides them with cover, shade, and thick root growths they may hide under to help them feel protected. It also gives your tank some fantastic flair and variety.
This plant is excellent for shielding bubble nests and young betta fish if you intend to mate and breed them (babies). The Amazon Frogbit spreads quickly and multiplies! This is fantastic because it’s simple to maintain, but it also means you have to keep an eye on its spread.
In the course of routine maintenance, only trim and eliminate extra growths. When the tops of the leaves are dry, this plant thrives when kept away from filters. Limit the development of this plant so that light can reach other plants below and that your betta may reach the surface for food and oxygen.
Common Name: West Indian spongeplant, South American spongeplant
Scientific Name: Limnobium Laevigatum
Placement: Surface
Vallisneria
One of the simplest living plants to maintain is this one. It thrives in environments with moderate to high light levels, although it can also survive in low light with slowed growth rates.
It creates lots of hiding places that are rapid to grow and ideal for betta fish. Not only that, but it is an elegant plant with dense leaf growth. One thing to watch out for is burying their roots too deeply, as this will be bad for their health. Keep the crown visible above the substrate at all times.
If left unchecked, Vallisneria can take over the tank and its water’s surface since it reproduces by sending out runners from the mother plant. To maintain control, take out the runners or keep the Vallis trimmed.
Common Name: Eelgrass, Tape grass, Vallis
Scientific Name: Vallisneria tortifolia/spiralis
Placement: Background or sides
Wisteria
The wisteria is a distinctive and low-maintenance aquarium plant that does well with infrequent fertilization and low light levels. The shapes of the leaves also vary according to temperature and water levels.
As it differs from the majority of the other suggested plants and can add intricacy to your tank, water wisteria is also a wonderful contrast plant. It can be floated, but rooting is the key to its success. Betta fish enjoy hiding there as well.
Roots will begin to emerge from exposed nodes and can be readily propagated by trims. Frequent trimming is a necessary aspect of routine maintenance due to its rapid growth rate.
Common Name: Water Wisteria Plant
Scientific Name: Hygrophila difformis
Placement: Background or sides
There are a few additional live plants that can be kept in betta tanks.
Cryptocoryne Petchii
There is another plant that can grow without a substrate. The Petchii uses its roots to cling to rocks, driftwood, etc. to anchor itself. Given that it prefers low light levels, it can thrive successfully without an overhead light in an aquarium.
It is suitable for a betta nano aquarium since it can thrive in either soft or hard water and because its maximum height is only 15 cm.
Pogostemon Helferi
Pogostemon Helferi is native to Thailand, just like bettas. Therefore, your betta will feel right at home with this plant in its tank. This little plant doesn’t grow very big and doesn’t necessarily need gravel or substrate, making it ideal for a betta nano aquarium. The plant has the ability to cling to rocks.
This plant’s demand for proper aquarium lighting and water fertilizer is the only reason it isn’t higher on the list. Divide the pot into 4-5 smaller pieces before planting, and space the pieces 3–4 cm apart. Pogostemon Helferi will eventually grow into a thick carpet.
For a wonderful look, you could also plant between pieces of wood or rock. To ensure that the plant has the greatest possible start, remove any leaves that are dead or decaying.
It’s important to keep in mind that this plant might occasionally be temperamental. Try boosting the water’s nutrition content if you notice yellow leaves. It’s a very attractive plant with an intriguing shape and vivid green coloring.
The aesthetic reward will undoubtedly make it worthwhile if you can properly take care of this aquarium plant.
What Live Plants Should Be Avoided In Betta Tank?
Plants that can harm a betta’s fins must be kept out of the tank. The tears from things in their environment are the main causes of “fin rot” in bettas. Depending on their design and exposed roots, fake and real plants may both contribute to this. Fin damage can easily occur when aquariums are overly planted, and bettas are forced to navigate through a maze of branches. To make sure your betta has enough space to swim comfortably, you might need to limit the number of decorations, depending on the size and form of your tank.
The best way to check if your new plant has pointed portions is to run your hand or a piece of tissue paper over its surface. A betta cannot handle something that is excessively sharp if it tears the paper or if you can feel the edges on your skin. With a pair of nail clippers, pointy structural components, such as stems, can be easily clipped. Aquarium-safe silicone can be used to cover problematic attachment points.
Bamboo For A Betta Fish Aquarium: Things That You Should Know
“Bamboo? That is not a plant for an aquarium. – This could be your first thought when someone proposes the concept.
And, no, it’s not; it’s more of a potting plant. Nevertheless, it’s a plant that devoted betta-keeping hobbyists like to use. You may have seen various arrangements where betta fish are kept in water with bamboo plants. This works perfectly. However, BE AWARE OF MISTAKES. Although bamboo is resilient in and out of the water, it is not regarded as an aquarium plant. This means that in order for this plant to develop happily and healthily, you will need a specialized setup.
When growing bamboo in an aquarium, keep the following in mind:
Avoid Overall Immersion
Avoid immersing the plant completely. An adult Lucky Bamboo Plant has leaves that grow from the top if you look at one. It is not advisable to immerse the bamboo’s top or any leafy sprouting areas in the water. As a result, the bamboo will perish. To grow this plant in a betta tank, you’d need a unique setup for that reason.
To begin with, you’ll need an aquarium with an open top, so the bamboo sprout may sit OUT of the water. Bettas are capable of jumping out of the water and may strive to do so if the opportunity arises. You’ll need to devise a method for keeping the betta inside and the bamboo outside.
Some keepers of open betta aquariums claim that their bettas never jump out, but who is to say that your betta behaves the same way as theirs? Even if you design the ideal bamboo/betta aquarium, the betta can decide to make a life-or-death leap if conditions change.
Establish Thick Foundation
A solid, thick foundation, as well as some sand or light gravel, are also required. The roots must securely anchor in the aquarium’s bottom. Make sure they won’t reach the roots and devour them if you plan to keep any other fish with your betta. The bamboo will perish as a result of this. The roots wouldn’t be nibbled by bettas because they are carnivores, but keep in mind that other animals might (especially aquarium snails).
The aquarium will look wonderful if you can make it out of bamboo.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ
What Actually Is A Betta Bulb?
Answer: A betta bulb is essentially a tuber that, when submerged in water, sprouts an aquatic plant. They produce Aponogetons, a plant that resembles a water lily, but they have also been observed to produce other plant species, some totally aquatic and some semiaquatic.
What Is Aquascaping?
Answer: Aquascaping is the positioning of your aquatic plants and accessories.
Do I Need To Grow A Betta Bulb In A Separate Aquarium?
Answer: Yes, if you want to experiment with a betta bulb for your aquarium, we advise you to grow the bulb in a different tank or container and then move it to your betta aquarium once it sprouts and starts to grow.
What Are pH Level And Temperature Needed For Betta Tank?
Answer: Betta bulbs only require a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 72 °F to 82 °F.
Conclusion
Your betta will be happy with any plant you choose as long as it has no sharp edges. It is strongly recommended that you keep live plants in your aquarium, and I guarantee your friend betta fish agrees with you!