Aquarium Plant Database

Rotala indica 'Bonsai' is best described as a compact, moderate growing version of Bacopa caroliniana. Plant it in small groups and trim it often. Cuttings may be re-planted in the group to achieve a more dense group.

Alisma gramineum is a small aquatic plant in the water-plantain family. It has several common names including narrowleaf water-plantain, ribbonleaf water-plantain or ribbon-leaved water-plantain and grass-leaved water-plantain.

Under good conditions L. sphaerocarpa will have a very compact growth with the top leaves stacked one on top of the other. The top most leaves are yellow to orange in color. Like many Ludwigia spp. it tends to grow at an angle with the substrate and produce a good amount of visible roots. However, unlike other Ludwigia spp. this plant does not branch so readily. One thing this plant needs is as much light as possible. If fertilization and light is not sufficient, the plant will start...

This plant is originally from India and is quite similar to a medium-sized, broad-leaved Cryptocoryne. It can be used in the aquarium like Cryptocorynes, but needs sufficient light to develop colours.

This miniature version of the well-known Alternanthera is characterized by compact growth and a slower growth rate. It is particularly suitable for small aquariums or as a foreground plant in larger aquascapes.

If Rotala wallichii is too hard, try this beautiful alternative.

A large water fern with dark transparent leaves.

A beautiful but demanding midground plant.

Cabomba furcata

This is a very versatile plant with lanceolate or elliptical leaves, up to 1cm long. The leaves have a slight transparency. The plants grow straight up if not trimmed and light is low. It can grow in aquariums without CO2 injection. The abundant branching leads nice, lush bushes suitable for the midground in nano aquariums. In larger aquariums it can also be used as foreground if trimmed frequently. The correct name for the plant commercially available is Hemianthus glomeratus. This was...

A beautiful water lily with green, red and black spotted leaves.

Sweet Sedge is a perennial herb, 30 to 100 cm tall. In habit it resembles the Iris. It consists of tufts of basal leaves that rise from a spreading rhizome. The leaves are erect yellowish-green, radical, with pink sheathing at their bases, sword-shap

This popular, small leafed plant is often shortened as ‘HC’ and is now a staple in the hobby. CO2 is by and large required. Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ will survive and grow slowly in non-CO2 injected aquarium if low /no competition for CO2 is present. Although this plant is not particularly demanding in terms of nutrients, nitrate levels and all macronutrients need to be added to the aquarium. If enough light and space is provided it has a creeping habit. However, when the carpet is...

Rotala macrandra is a very rewarding plant when it is grown under the proper conditions. The leaves are oval, opposite, very thin and delicate but have a deep red coloration. Unlike other Rotala species, this plant does not require nitrogen starvation or very intense light to reach a red coloration. However sub-optimal light will result in greener leaves. An individual stem may be up to 7cm in diameter, but 3-5cm are more common in planted aquariums. The plant branches easily and grows very...

This red myriophyllum variety has a fast growth rate and a suitable accent for many aquascapes.

An easy and fast grower that can also grow emersed to produce beautiful light purple flowers.

Under Construction

A species growing shorter and more compact than E. acicularis in submersed form. Previously, this plant was marketed as E. parvula but the naming was clarified by Kasselmann(2010). This plant is a light shade of green with hair-like leaves. It produces creeping runners with single or rosette-like leaves arranged. The root system is not very large but due to its growing habit it can easily be planted in most substrates. This plant should be treated like grass, to get a low and thick carpet...

Aciotis acuminifolia

Under Construction

If you want a robust green plant that remains low and forms a rich bush look no further.

Most hobbyist who had this plant agree that it does best in water with a low KH and low pH. While this plant shines at KH 0, it does not seem to be as particular about the GH values, ie Mg and Ca. CO2 supplementation is needed for optimal growth. It does not demand very strong light or high amounts of fertilizer; however, both should be targeted for difficult plants. If the conditions are not optimal the plant will start developing transparent spots in older leaves, ultimately leading to the...

Ludwigia arcuata has long fine leaves and is heavily ramified. The growth of this plant is rapid under sufficient light, nutrients and CO2. Micronutrients addition will help enhance the natural orange/red coloration. In general it is easier to get good coloration than with Rotala rotundifolia. This plant can be grown even in aquariums without CO2 injection. Regular trimming and thinning should be done on this plant to get a nice rich bush. As the plant ramifies easily, it can create quiet a...