Easy Aquarium Plants That Don’t Need Soil: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you looking for easy-to-care-for aquarium plants, but getting discouraged by all the ones that need soil? You’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 aquarium plants that don’t require any soil or substrate, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking to simplify their aquascaping.
These plants thrive by absorbing nutrients from the water, so while they may benefit from some liquid fertilizer, they won’t demand a substrate. Let’s jump right into the list of top 10 soil-free aquarium plants!

Anubias: A Hardy Beginner-Friendly Plant

Anubias is one of the most beginner-friendly plants you can find. It’s a rhizome plant, which means it has a thick root-like structure, and burying it in substrate can cause it to rot. This plant thrives with minimal care and is super easy to maintain.
The only issue you may encounter with Anubias is algae growth on its leaves. If algae get out of control, it can stunt the plant’s growth or even kill it. To prevent this, try reducing your tank’s light exposure or using other tall plants to help block out excessive light. A pro tip is to start with a large Anubias plant, as larger plants tend to resist algae better.

Java Fern: Another Rhizome Gem

Java Fern is another popular rhizome plant, much like Anubias, but with a completely different appearance. While Anubias grows its leaves outward, Java Fern sends its long green leaves upwards. Java Fern is highly resilient, making it a fantastic option for beginners.
Many fish keepers tie their Java Fern to driftwood or rocks. Over time, the roots will anchor themselves, but whether you attach it or leave it free-standing, it thrives in various conditions. However, Java Fern doesn’t like being moved frequently, as this can cause it to “melt,” where the leaves begin to break down. Leave it alone, and this plant will reward you with a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your tank.

Frogbit: The Floating Beauty

Next on the list is Frogbit, a floating plant that thrives in aquariums without algae. Frogbit’s long roots dangle beneath its floating leaves, making it ideal for fish breeders. It helps protect baby fish by providing a shelter with its roots.
However, Frogbit is sensitive to algae, which can attach to its roots and eventually kill the plant. It’s best to keep this plant separate from other aggressive floating plants, as they will compete for nutrients. Despite this, Frogbit is excellent at removing ammonia and nitrates, so a few Frogbit plants will work wonders in cleaning up your tank water.

Java Moss: Versatile and Low Maintenance

Java Moss is a fascinating plant because it doesn’t need to root in substrate. It can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or even ornaments in your tank. Over time, Java Moss will grow over the surfaces, creating a lush, green covering.
Java Moss is especially useful in breeding tanks because its bushy structure provides shelter for fry (baby fish). It’s also very popular in aquascaping, as it grows easily and can be shaped to fit any design. Be aware, though, that Java Moss grows quickly, and without regular trimming, it can take over your aquarium.

Bucephalandra: A Small but Mighty Plant

Bucephalandra, or Buce, is another rhizome plant that doesn’t need soil to thrive. Like Java Fern and Anubias, Buce is best attached to driftwood or rocks. This plant grows very slowly, producing only a few new leaves each month, but its small size makes it perfect for aquascaping.
Bucephalandra’s slow growth and compact nature make it a great choice for the foreground of your aquarium. Its leaves come in a variety of colors and textures, adding diversity to your tank’s appearance.

Hornwort: The Fast-Growing Plant

Hornwort is a stem plant that grows incredibly fast, sometimes up to several inches a week. One of the unique things about Hornwort is that it doesn’t grow roots like traditional plants. Instead, it can float freely or be anchored in the tank.
Hornwort is great for outdoor ponds as well, but be cautious if you plant it in substrate, as the bottom parts may rot due to lack of light. It thrives best when left floating, and its needle-like leaves are perfect for discouraging fish from nibbling on it. Keep in mind that while it grows fast, it may die just as quickly if tank conditions change suddenly.

Elodea: The Classic Aquatic Plant

Elodea, also known as Anacharis, is a classic aquarium plant often found in pet stores. It grows quickly and is easy to maintain without any soil. Elodea can float or be anchored in your tank, and its vibrant green leaves provide excellent shelter for fish.
This plant thrives in most conditions and requires very little care, making it ideal for beginners. Just give it some water and light, and you’ll have a lush, green plant in no time.

Duckweed: The Unstoppable Floater

Duckweed is a popular floating plant that can quickly cover the surface of your tank. Once you introduce Duckweed to your aquarium, it’s almost impossible to get rid of. It grows rapidly and doesn’t require much light, thriving in almost any condition.
While Duckweed doesn’t need much care, be mindful of its fast growth. It can block light from reaching other plants, so regular thinning may be necessary to keep it under control.

Guppy Grass: Perfect for Breeding Tanks

Guppy Grass is a fantastic plant for breeding tanks. It grows without substrate and can float freely in the water. Fish fry love hiding in Guppy Grass, and it’s easy to care for, making it a popular choice for shrimp and fish breeders.
Guppy Grass grows quickly, and with little maintenance, it can create a jungle-like appearance in your tank. Even in low-light conditions, Guppy Grass will flourish, providing ample cover for your aquarium’s inhabitants.

Salvinia: A Great Nutrient Absorber

The final plant on our list is Salvinia, another fast-growing floating plant. Like Duckweed, it absorbs ammonia and nitrates from the water, helping to keep your tank clean. While it grows quickly, it doesn’t spread as aggressively as Duckweed, making it easier to manage.
Salvinia thrives in most water conditions, but for optimal growth, a little liquid fertilizer will help. It’s an excellent plant for beginners who want something that looks great and helps maintain water quality.

Conclusion: Easy Aquarium Plants for Effortless Aquascaping

These 10 aquarium plants don’t need any soil or substrate, making them ideal for beginners or anyone looking for easy maintenance. From the hardy Anubias to the fast-growing Duckweed, these plants will thrive in your tank with minimal care. Most of them also help in cleaning your aquarium by absorbing harmful toxins like ammonia and nitrates.
For more information and tips on growing these plants, check out this helpful video: Beginner Aquarium Plants Without Soil: 10 Aquarium Plants That Don’t Need Soil. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in starting an easy and low-maintenance aquarium.