The Best Aquarium Plants for Beginners: No Substrate Needed!

Have you ever wanted to keep aquarium plants without the hassle of adding substrate? Well, you’re in luck! There are plenty of beautiful and low-maintenance plants that don’t require substrate to thrive. These plants are perfect for beginners who want a lush, green tank without the complexities of managing soil or gravel.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 aquarium plants that don’t need any substrate. These plants are not only easy to care for, but they can also grow better with the addition of liquid fertilizers as they absorb nutrients directly from the water. Let’s dive in!

Anubias: A Beginner’s Favorite

First on the list is Anubias, a sturdy and resilient plant that grows well without substrate. Anubias is a rhizome plant, meaning it has a thick root-like structure (the rhizome) that should not be buried in substrate. In fact, burying the roots can lead to rot.
This plant is incredibly hardy, making it a top choice for beginners. It primarily absorbs nutrients through its leaves and long white roots. The only thing you need to watch out for with Anubias is high lighting. Too much light can promote algae growth on its leaves, which can be harmful. To prevent algae, you can use other plants to block out excessive light or reduce the intensity of your tank’s lighting.

Hornwort: The Fast Grower

Next up is Hornwort, also known as Coontail. This plant grows extremely fast, sometimes up to four inches in a week! You can grow Hornwort floating in your aquarium, making it ideal for setups with fish like goldfish and cichlids, who tend to leave it alone. Its needle-like leaves deter most fish from nibbling on it.
One of Hornwort’s greatest strengths is its ability to absorb ammonia and nitrates from the water. These compounds are harmful to fish, so having Hornwort in your tank can help maintain a healthy environment. If you’re looking for a plant that can grow quickly and help purify your water, Hornwort is an excellent choice.

Floating Plants: The Surface Beauties

Floating plants, such as Salvinia, Frogbit, Duckweed, and Red Root Floaters, are fantastic for creating a natural and serene look at the top of your aquarium. As their name suggests, these plants float on the water surface, soaking up nutrients directly from the water.
Floating plants are especially useful in breeding tanks as they provide hiding places for baby fish with their long roots. Additionally, they help reduce excess nutrients in the water, which can prevent algae outbreaks. If you’re looking to add some cover to your tank and create a calm environment, floating plants are a must.

Java Moss: The Versatile Plant

Java Moss is a favorite for aquascaping enthusiasts due to its versatility. This moss can be attached to driftwood, rocks, and other decorations using super glue gel. Once established, it will grow over the surfaces, creating a lush, green covering.
Java Moss is also a great addition to breeding tanks, as its dense, bushy structure offers perfect hiding spots for baby fish. It can grow quickly, and because of its surface area, it supports a healthy population of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are essential for maintaining water quality, making Java Moss a valuable addition to any aquarium.

Water Wisteria: Aesthetic and Easy to Grow

Water Wisteria is an attractive plant known for its beautiful, lace-like leaves. It doesn’t require substrate and can either float or be placed in the tank with its roots dangling freely. It thrives in higher lighting conditions, which encourages faster growth.
One thing to note with Water Wisteria is that it may shed its old leaves when introduced to a new environment. Don’t worry; this is normal. The plant is adjusting to being submerged, and with proper lighting, new leaves will grow quickly.

Brazilian Pennywort: A Unique Beauty

Brazilian Pennywort is another plant that can grow without substrate. Its round leaves give it a distinct look, and the plant can grow both submerged in water and above the surface, making it ideal for paludariums. You can let Pennywort float or attach it to decorations for a natural, cascading effect in your tank.
One of the coolest features of Pennywort is that it can grow out of the tank, adding an interesting visual element to your aquarium. It’s a plant that’s both functional and beautiful, making it a great choice for aquarists of all levels.

Guppy Grass: The Ultimate Beginner Plant

Guppy Grass, also known as Najas, is a fast-growing plant that can quickly overrun your tank if left unchecked. It requires nothing more than water to thrive, and it’s perfect for tanks with shrimp or small fish. The dense structure of Guppy Grass offers plenty of hiding places for shrimp and fry, making it ideal for breeding tanks.
Its dark green color contrasts nicely with brightly colored fish and shrimp, creating a visually appealing environment. Plus, it grows so rapidly that you’ll need to trim it regularly, giving you the chance to propagate and share with fellow hobbyists.

Java Fern: A Timeless Favorite

Java Fern is similar to Anubias in that it’s a rhizome plant, which means it can be attached to hardscape elements like rocks and driftwood. Its tall, green leaves add height and visual interest to your aquarium.
Java Fern is slow-growing but can reach impressive sizes, with some plants growing over a foot tall. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in a wide range of water conditions, making it a perfect choice for beginners. Additionally, the dense leaves create excellent hiding spots for small fish.

Bacopa: The Root Hunter

Bacopa is a stem plant that doesn’t require substrate, making it versatile for floating or attaching to decorations. Its small, round leaves are quite charming, and as it grows, you’ll notice long white roots extending into the water, searching for nutrients.
This plant is easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of water conditions. As it grows, it adds a delicate touch to your aquascape and can help filter out excess nutrients in your tank.

Red Tiger Lotus: The Stunning Centerpiece

The final plant on our list is the Red Tiger Lotus, a bulb plant with striking red leaves. This plant can serve as the centerpiece of your aquarium due to its bold color and unique appearance. You can often find Red Tiger Lotus bulbs online, and they’re easy to grow—just place the bulb in water, and the leaves will start to sprout.
Although this plant is a bit more challenging to find, it’s worth the effort. Watching your Red Tiger Lotus grow from a small bulb into a fully grown plant is incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion: Easy Plants for Any Aquarium

Whether you’re new to aquariums or looking for low-maintenance options, these 10 plants are perfect for creating a lush, healthy tank without the need for substrate. From the hardy Anubias to the beautiful Red Tiger Lotus, these plants will thrive in any environment as long as you provide the right care.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out this helpful video: Top 10 No Substrate Beginner Aquarium Plants. It’s a great resource for aquarists looking to expand their knowledge and grow beautiful, thriving aquariums.