A beautifully colored and versatile aquatic plant popular with aquascapers, Limnophila hippuroides as it is known in the hobby (actually L. aromatica) is best suited for a high light aquarium with CO2 injection and supplemental fertilization to maintain its vivid pink coloration and compact growth form.
A longtime planted aquarium favorite, Bacopa is a North American native plant found in a variety of habitat types. Fast growing, hardy, and lush, it makes an excellent background plant in most aquascapes. Bacopa will readily grow above the water’s surface if allowed to and tends to grow tall and sparsely under lower light conditions. With regular trimming and adequate lighting it will maintain its best color and growth form.
A relative of the popular Bacopa caroliniana originating in Southern Brazil, B. australis is a more compact growing plant better suited for tanks with moderate to high light. A fast growing and hardy mid- to background plant, its leaves will develop a reddish tint if kept in a higher light environment.
A longtime aquarium favorite, Cabomba forms huge, lush formations in the wild and will grow to fill most aquariums under good conditions. With its delicate lace-like leaves, fast growth, and vivid green coloration this plant is ideal for beginners looking to start with live plants as well as advanced aquascapers looking for a unique accent. This plant is also popular among fish and invertebrate breeders as the dense growth is a perfect egg-laying surface for fish or “nursery” for fry or baby shrimp. Green Cabomba will grow best under moderate light and with regular trimming, and the species is tolerant of subtropical temperatures.
Cardamine is a popular midground or accent plant which is typically found as an emergent in its native Japan. In the aquarium, this plant is fast growing and will grow towards the water’s surface for a unique and dramatic effect. Regular trimming will help the plant maintain large, robust leaves.
A longtime favorite among aquarists and water gardeners, Hornwort is widely distributed throughout North America and will thrive in a wide variety of conditions. Fast growing and with delicate, needle-like leaves, Hornwort will grow in dense stands under appropriate lighting and is popular as an oxygenating pond plant as well as with aquarium fish and invert breeders as it provides a perfect site for egg laying or cover for juvenile fish or shrimp. Hornwort can be planted like a stem plant or just left to float.
An extremely hardy large-leafed plant ideal for beginners, Hygrophila angustifolia or the Green Temple Plant is ideal for most planted aquariums. A large, fast growing species, it is ideal for background planting or to fill space in larger aquascapes.
A popular aquarium plant due to its hardy nature and vivid red leaves, Broad Lead Ludwigia is a relatively undemanding stem plant that will thrive in a wide variety of conditions. In order to keep the leaves as red as possible and growth form compact, moderate to strong lighting is necessary and supplemental fertilizer recommended.
A longtime planted aquarium favorite, Moneywort is a close relative to Bacopa caroliniana with a similar growth form but more rounded leaves. Hardy and fast growing in the aquarium, its growth pattern will depend partly on light levels and regular trimming.
A colorful and attractive accent or background plant popular among aquascapers, the Red Leaf Telanthera or Telanthera Roseafolia displays intense red and pink coloration when kept under ideal conditions in the aquarium. For best results, strong lighting, CO2 injection and supplemental fertilizers are recommended.
A distinctive and hardy plant ideal for background planting or larger aquascapes, Wisteria is a fast growing and versatile addition to nearly any planted tank. Wisteria will thrive in a wide variety of conditions, but for optimal compact growth moderate to high light and frequent trimming are recommended. This plant can grow as a stem plant as well as a floating rosette and makes excellent cover for shy or breeding fish as well as fry or juvenile invertebrates.
