Best Live Aquarium Water Plants For Guppies

Aquatic plants in a guppy tank aren't just a pretty addition; they create a natural, healthy, and enriching environment for your fish. Most experienced aquarists will tell you that choosing the right plants is as important as choosing the right tank. Whether you're looking to enhance an existing guppy aquarium or starting a new one, here's a helpful list of the best aquarium plants to help you create the perfect home for your guppies!

Java Moss

Java Moss is a versatile and low-maintenance aquarium plant that forms a dense, carpet-like mat. Its vibrant green colour and delicate texture add a touch of natural beauty to any set up.

Why it’s good:

• Provides excellent hiding spots and cover for guppy fry and adults.
• Helps to naturally control algae growth by competing for nutrients.
• Improves water quality by absorbing excess nitrates and other pollutants.

Maintenance Tips:

• Java Moss thrives in low to moderate lighting conditions.
• It can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other surfaces using a fishing line or glue.
• Prune regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from overgrowing the tank.

Frogbit

Frogbit is one of the best free-floating plants that adds a touch of whimsy to your guppy tank. Its small, round leaves create a beautiful green carpet on the water's surface.

Why it’s good:

• Provides shade and cover for guppies, especially fry and shy individuals.
• Helps to reduce algae growth by limiting light penetration.
• Its roots provide a natural foraging ground for infusoria, a valuable food source for fry.

Maintenance Tips:

• Frogbit prefers moderate to high lighting conditions.
• It can reproduce quickly, so occasional trimming may be necessary.
• Ensure adequate water flow to prevent stagnant areas from forming under the leaves.

Guppy Grass

As the name suggests, Guppy Grass is an excellent choice for guppy aquariums. This fast-growing, feathery plant creates a lush underwater meadow that will keep your guppies happy, making it one of the best aquarium plants for the breed.

Why it’s good:

• Offers plenty of hiding places and visual barriers for guppies.
• Helps to oxygenate the water and enhance water quality.
• Its dense growth provides ideal conditions for guppy fry to thrive.

Maintenance Tips:

• Guppy Grass thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions.
• It can grow quite tall, so regular trimming is recommended.
• Ensure adequate water flow to prevent the plant from becoming matted or tangled.

Water Sprite

Water Sprite is a beautiful and adaptable plant that can be grown either rooted or floating. Its delicate, fern-like leaves add a touch of elegance to any aquarium.

Why it’s good:

• Provides excellent cover and hiding spots for guppies of all ages.
• Helps to enhance water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
• Its fast growth can help to outcompete algae.

Maintenance Tips:

• Water Sprite prefers moderate to high lighting conditions.
• It can grow quite large, so regular trimming is necessary.
• When grown rooted, ensure the roots are not buried too deeply.

Pearl Weed

Pearl Weed is a popular carpeting aquatic plant for guppies that creates a dense, lush green carpet on the aquarium floor. Its small, round leaves provide a beautiful contrast to other plants and decorations.

Why it’s good:

• Creates a natural-looking foreground and adds depth to your aquarium.
• Provides hiding spots and visual barriers for guppies.
• Helps to oxygenate the water and enhance water quality.

Maintenance Tips:

• Pearl Weed requires high lighting conditions and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth.
• Regular trimming is necessary to maintain its carpet-like appearance.

Anacharis

Also known as Elodea, Anacharis is a classic aquatic plant for guppies that’s easy to grow and maintain. Its long, flowing stems and bright green leaves create a beautiful underwater forest that’s sure to make your guppies happy.

Why it’s good:

• Provides ample cover and hiding spots for guppies.
• Helps to oxygenate the water and enhance water quality.
• Its fast growth can help to outcompete algae.

Maintenance Tips:

• Anacharis thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions.
• It can grow very quickly, so regular trimming is essential.
• It can be grown either rooted or floating, depending on your preference.

Hornwort

Hornwort, one of the best aquarium plants for first-time guppy keepers, is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can be grown either rooted or floating. Its feathery, dark green foliage adds a touch of natural beauty to any aquarium.

Why it’s good:

• Provides excellent cover and hiding spots for guppies.
• Helps to oxygenate the water and enhance water quality.
• Its fast growth can help to outcompete algae.

Maintenance Tips:

• Hornwort thrives in a wide range of lighting conditions.
• It can grow quite quickly, so regular trimming is recommended.
• When grown rooted, ensure the roots are not buried too deeply.

Bolbitis Fern

Bolbitis Fern is one of the best water plants for guppy rearers looking to enhance the look of their tank, as it is a unique plant that has an exotic look. Its dark green, deeply lobed leaves create a striking visual contrast with other plants.

Why it’s good:

• Provides a natural-looking anchor point for other plants to grow around.
• Its rhizomes (the horizontal stem that grows underground) offer hiding spots and visual barriers for guppies.
• Adds visual interest and texture to your set up.

Maintenance Tips:

• Bolbitis Fern prefers low to moderate lighting conditions.
• It grows slowly, so it requires minimal trimming.
• Attach it to driftwood or rocks using a fishing line or glue, ensuring the rhizome is not buried.

Anubias

Anubias, one of the best aquarium plants for guppies, is a hardy and adaptable plant that's perfect for beginners. Its broad, dark green leaves create a beautiful backdrop for your guppies.

Why it’s good:

• Provides cover and shade for guppies.
• Its strong leaves are resistant to nibbling by fish.
• It can be attached to driftwood or rocks, adding visual interest.

Maintenance Tips:

• Anubias thrives in low to moderate lighting conditions.
• It grows slowly, so it requires minimal trimming.
• Ensure the rhizome is not buried when planting.

Amazon Sword

Considered one of the best-looking water plants for guppies, the Amazon Sword is a classic aquarium plant that adds a majestic presence to larger guppy tanks. Its long, sword-shaped leaves create a stunning focal point.

Why it’s good:

• Provides ample cover and hiding spots for guppies.
• Its large leaves create a sense of security for fish.
• Adds a dramatic and elegant look to your aquarium.

Maintenance Tips:

• The Amazon Sword prefers moderate to high lighting conditions.
• It can grow quite large, so ensure adequate space in your tank.
• Ensure the roots are not buried too deeply when planting.

Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Japan'

Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Japan', also known as Japanese Pennywort, is a versatile and fast-growing plant that works great as a foreground or midground plant. Its small, clover-like leaves create a dense, vibrant green carpet.

Why it’s good:

• Creates a beautiful foreground or midground carpet.
• Provides hiding spots and visual barriers for guppies.
• Its fast growth can help to outcompete algae.

Maintenance Tips:

• Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Japan' prefers moderate to high lighting conditions.
• Regular trimming is needed to maintain your desired shape and size.
• It can be grown either rooted or floating, depending on your preference.

Benefits of Including Live Water Plants for Your Guppies

Aquatic plants offer numerous benefits for your guppies, enhancing their overall health and well-being. They:

• Stabilise water chemistry: by absorbing excess nutrients and releasing oxygen.
• Provide cover: offering hiding spots and visual barriers, reducing stress and promoting natural behaviours.
• Generate oxygen: improving water quality and creating a healthier environment.
• Facilitate breeding: providing ideal conditions for guppy fry to thrive and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Plants for Guppies

Can guppies live without plants?

Technically, guppies can survive in an aquarium without live plants. However, aquatic plants contribute significantly to a healthy and thriving environment for your fish. If you choose not to include live plants, it becomes even more important to know how to control ammonia in a fish tank, such as regular water changes and careful monitoring of your aquarium's bioload.

What to do before introducing a new plant into my guppy fish tank?

Before adding any new plants to your tank, it is important to quarantine and sanitise them to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, or unwanted algae. You can do this by soaking the plants in a mild bleach solution or a commercially available plant sterilising solution. When getting started with live plants, it's also crucial to research the specific needs of each plant to ensure you get the best live aquarium plants for your guppies and aquarium setup.

Do guppies prefer fake or real plants?

While fake plants can provide some visual appeal and hiding spots, guppies generally prefer real plants. Live plants offer a more natural and enriching environment, providing oxygen, improving water quality, and creating a safe environment for your fish.

Do guppies destroy aquarium plants?

Guppies may occasionally nibble on delicate or new leaves. However, they are unlikely to cause major damage to most aquatic plants. Choosing hardy, fast-growing plants or those with tougher leaves can help minimise any potential nibbling. Additionally, providing your guppies with a varied and balanced diet will discourage them from snacking on your plants.