Top 10 Best Plants For Betta Fish Tank

If you are looking for the perfect way to take your betta fish tank up a notch, then live aquarium plants may be just what it takes. 

Not only will these aquatic plants improve water quality and provide an abundant natural environment for Bettas but also make their home feel more authentic than any artificial ones could ever do! 

In nature, wild Betta commonly inhabits thick vegetation of tropical marshes or rice paddy fields with lots of greenery in them! So in aquariums, plants give them a much more home-like feel.

The aquarium plants serve as excellent enrichment for your Betta to explore, obstacles he can push himself against in case of aggressiveness or territoriality. Moreover, some resting places will allow them to sleep at night after so much excitement day long!

So, do you want to know about some best plants for Betta fish tank? There are so many options! You’ll have a lot of life with whatever choice, but one thing is sure – they’re all going bring some vibrant color to your pet’s home. Keep reading!

Some Best Plants For Betta Fish Tanks

Choosing the best plants for your betta fish tank can be a challenging endeavor. The first thing to consider is that some plants are toxic and should never be used in an aquarium. Some other types of plants will grow too large or take up too much room in the tank, so it’s essential to think about what you want beforehand.

Also, different plant species need different amounts of light, water flow, nutrients, and CO2 – so make sure you read on before choosing your favorite plant!

Betta Bulb

Do you know what they say about the plants Bettas love the most? That’s right, betta bulbs! These plants can add life and color to your tank. They come in different shapes with colors ranging from light green to yellow-orange, making for an exciting look when growin’ em up at your Betta fish tank.

Betta bulbs are the perfect hiding place for a betta fish. With so many of them growing in one area and getting close together, it’s easy to create your very own ecosystem with these little guys!

Did you know that Bettas can become depressed? I’ve spent a lot of time looking at my little guy and noticed how much personality he has. Adding plants like betta bulbs will give him something like a natural jungle to explore! He’ll be entertained for hours in the process.

pH & Temperature:

They only need the right conditions to thrive. Keep their water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and temperature between 72 & 82°F with your Betta in an aquarium.

Light:

This tropical species can survive in low-intensity light and high-intensity lights, but if you use too much lighting, then be prepared – your Betta bulbs will get really long fast!

Ginormous tanks need bright, glowing lights to grow betta bulbs healthily. Smaller aquariums are perfect for low-light fixtures that still provide the right amount of artificial lighting.

Java Fern

Java ferns are one of the best plants for Bettas and are native to Southeast Asia. If you want to plant them in your Betta fish tank, just split their rhizome and plant them anywhere.

Aside from light and water quality, Java Ferns don’t require much in the way of maintenance. The only thing they need is a little care, and you can make sure they’re healthy. 

You can try fertilizing it with some plant food. This should keep the fern happy and healthy. Once you’ve gotten your java spout working, you’ll be able to care for it as well as your other aquarium plants.

pH & Temperature:

Java ferns are survivors! It can handle a pH that ranges from 6 to 7 and needs to be kept between 68-82°F.

Light:

Java Ferns grow best in shady areas or aquariums with low light. However, if they receive too much sunlight, their leaves may start to go translucent because of the excessive UV rays harmful to plants.

You can set a timer in aquariums to switch it on and off for 8 hours each day. This will help keep algae to a minimum. In addition, you can use a plant growth regulator to help maintain the optimum light intensity.

Anubias

The beautiful and diverse Anubias is one of the best plants for betta fish tanks. It can grow either fully or partially submerged, making it easy to maintain in any tank size! 

The common variety has narrow leaves that span two inches at their tallest point – perfect as background scenery while keeping your little guys hidden beneath them safety-wise if they want some privacy from everyone else swimming around.

These tough little guys can grow in any condition. They’re great for aquariums because of their hardiness, and ability to thrive even without much light (although high lighting helps!)

pH & Temperature:

Make sure it stays between 72-82°F (22–27 °C), which is the ideal temperature for Anubias, and also keep your tank water around 6 – 7 pH level.

Light:

It needs just moderate light to grow and thrive in its environment! But if you want it as beautiful as a flower garden with lush green leaves full of color, make sure adequate lighting. Mid-level or slightly intense lighting is needed for their optimal growth rate.

Cryptocoryne

Cryptocoryne plants are known for their ability to live in low-to-high light conditions. One of the most common types, Crypt Waiti, comes with many varieties such as green or bronze-colored leaves with wavy edges and can be found on the top or below broad leaf surfaces where betta fish often rest while taking a break; from swimming around aimlessly!

Cryptocoryne are plants that love the tropics. They can be found naturally growing in Sri Lanka, Sumatra, and Malaysia, among other places all over the Asia Pacific! These beautiful aquatic flowers prefer low-flow streams with varying light conditions.

Cryptocoryne wendtii is a great plant for beginners, but it’s not uncommon to see die-offs in the beginning. The leaves will often wither away and fall off once conditions change drastically – this isn’t always bad! You’ll want to check that your roots are still healthy because if they’re, then new leaves will appear shortly.

pH & Temperature:

Their delicate roots don’t do well with high temperatures or an alkaline pH level. The best way to keep them happy? Cryptocoryne does well in 68-80 °F temperature and pH between 6 -7.5, so keep your Betta fish tank water condition like that!

Light:

Cryptocoryne wendtii is a slow-growing plant that can take time to fill an aquarium with its tall, stately stems. It prefers low light conditions, and high lighting levels might cause the Cryptocoryne stress or even kill it! A T5/T8 fluorescent bulb works great for this kind of environment, while LED lights may also prove successful if you’re willing enough to try them out.

Read more: 15 Best Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates

Water Sprite

Water Sprite plants are a great way to give your betta fish some extra cover. They’re usually easy enough for beginners, and they grow quickly, producing lacy leaves in no time at all! Water Sprite is one of the most common aquarium plants. It’s sold under many names, including Water Fern and Indian Feat because its leaves resemble ferns.

The Water Sprite plant is a beautiful addition to any freshwater tank. They come in a bright green color and add life to any mid or background setting, floating or planted!

Water sprites are a fast-growing species, so it does the best job of absorbing toxic compounds from fish waste. If all nutrients in your water have been used up by this family member, then try adding some Easy Green fertilizer to keep them well fed!

pH & Temperature:

Water sprites are very sensitive to changes in temperature and pH, so they need to stay as close as possible. They do well with 68-82°F temperature and 6.0-7.5 pH levels, replicating their natural environment.

Light:

They love to grow in medium-to-high light conditions but will still survive with low lighting. Full-spectrum light is essential for these guys because it really helps their cells photosynthesize faster and better.

Java Moss

Java moss is a plant belonging to the Hypnaceae family and native only to Southeast Asia. It grows on rocks or riverbanks in wet tropical climates but doesn’t require much water quality, so it’s widely available for freshwater aquarists who prefer not to deal with the hassle.

So Java moss is the go-to plant for fish tanks! It can handle any conditions and come out on top. In fact, people have even taken this stuff out of their tank to let it dry only then did they find that it would grow again once rehydrated with water – they are almost impossible to kill! 

Java moss that grows underwater has bright green leaves much smaller in size than those on land. The plant uses rhizoids to attach itself, but they provide no nutrients for its survival. Instead, rhizoids serve only as connections between the parent stem and any object it touches – be it another leaf or piece of wood!

pH & Temperature:

Java Moss is a highly sought-after plant for its unique care requirements and ability to survive in any climate. The ideal temperature range is between 70-75° F, but you need not be discouraged because this tough moss can withstand temperatures up to 86°F! pH-wise, it doesn’t need much TLC either; Java Moss thrives at 5 – 8 on the acidic/basic scale. 

Light: 

Java Moss is a hardy plant that will grow under both low and high light. However, the type of lighting you use will affect the appearance, with lower levels producing lankier plants, while higher ones make denser ones. If there are too many lights in one area for your liking, algae may also grow due to its nutrient requirements being met more easily.

Hornwort

Hornwort is a plant that can grow up to 10 feet long! It’s invasive and requires more care, but if you have the right environment, it will look fantastic in your tank. I highly recommend adding this gorgeous aquatic plant to any home aquarium with 15 gallons of space, at least.

Read more: The 7 Best Betta Fish Tanks: Pick It In Your Way

A floaty or rooted Hornwort plant is an excellent choice for Betta aquariums. It can benefit both bare-bottom tanks and substrate installations, which gives you even more design flexibility when setting up your Betta fish tank!

Hornwort is a unique plant in that it lacks true roots. But certain leaves function to help anchor the Bloomer Tassels, and sometimes they grow rhizoids (hair-like roots) for the purpose. This means one stem can support many blooms, creating an appearance like there are multiple stems or even some kind of aggregate growth on top!

pH & Temperature:

Hornwort can survive in a wide variety of environments. In fact, as long as you keep the tank between 59-86°F, it will grow just fine! pH wise, its preferred habitat is anywhere between 6 – 7, with betta fish at an ideal setting of 7 being best for them to thrive happily together.

Light:

Hornwort needs high light to grow well, so be sure that your aquarium has plenty of lighting. If you place it in a low-light tank, then its growth will likely suffer and make the Hornwort look weak or mediocre at best!

Anacharis

Next up for your Betta tank is Anacharis. This plant has a reputation for being adaptable to just about any water condition and can even be found all over America! 

It originally came from certain parts of South America. But due to its hardiness, you’re able to find it everywhere now – which means there’s always one waiting in swamps before they grow into something ugly like me (just kidding).

In the wild, Anacharis plants grow in brackish water and have been found to thrive even when deprived of most nutrients for weeks at a time. That makes them one of the best types of aquarium plants for beginners because their care doesn’t require as much attention from you, so it’s easier, not frustrating too quickly!

With its easy growth rate and ability to either be planted or float, Anacharis is an excellent choice for your Betta tank.

pH & Temperature:

The Anacharis plant is a hardy fish that can thrive in different water conditions. For tanks with tropical environments, the ideal temperature range for this aquatic creature sits at 72 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit (although it’s also possible to find them in cooler conditions), and pH should ideally fall on harder sides between 6.5-7.5.

Light:

Anacharis plants do well under moderate light. So if you want to keep an Anacharis, it’s best not to place them in low-light tanks, as they can die there, and too intense light causes more algae growth overall! But if your tank has enough lighting for the type of plant (medium), this should be fine with most aquatic life items such as betta fish. 

Amazon Sword

Amazon sword is a great plant if you have the space for it. They can grow up to 20 inches long and provide your betta fish with plenty of hiding places, making them perfect as background or betta-friendly plants in larger tank sizes!

The Amazon Sword is an elegant plant with thick, waxy blade-like leaves. Despite its large size and bushy appearance, it’s pretty easy to care about; all you need are average water conditions for this type of lush!

The Amazon Sword plant is an attractive and easy to care for fish that will bring the forest effect into your tank, making it great for beginners or experienced aquarists alike. What’s even better? Their ability to reproduce in captivity means you can share this wonder with friends!

pH & Temperature:

Amazon sword is a hardy plant withstanding low pH levels and high temperatures. It can grow anywhere from 6 to 7 on the scale, but some have been known to survive in lower ranges! The ideal temperature for this creeper? 72 -82°F!

Light: 

Not only does this plant require intense lighting, but also lots of light throughout the day. Therefore, you should have a very bright spot in your tank for 8-12 hours so that this plant gets what sunlight it needs!

Vallisneria

There are a lot of plants that can create an underwater forest for Betta fish, but if you only have money for one plant? Then, Vallisneria is your best bet.

Vallisneria is a classical aquarium plant; it has given great pleasure to both veteran and novice aquarists for generations. It’s also one of the most popular plants in this hobby! The plant is lovely, and it can be used to introduce vertical accents in the background of planted tanks. Some varieties are meant for adorning mid-grounds as well.

It’s not just hardy; it thrives in various environments and sends out runners with baby plants every few days, so once they’re established in their new home, Vallisneria becomes spread quickly around the aquarium.

pH & Temperature:

Vallisneria is the perfect plant for a Betta aquarium! This aquatic greenery thrives in water with a pH range from 6.5 – 8 and temperatures of 59 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light:

Vallisneria plants are like any other aquatic plant – they need light to grow. However, these don’t require too intense lighting as long as it’s moderate for best results! Corkscrew Vallisneria in particular seems happier when exposed to brighter tones.

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Why Do Betta Fish Like Plants?

They love to hang out in plants. They will swim around and explore the leaves and get some shade just like any other animal would do when it feels tired! Plants are not only great for looking pretty but also provide a relaxed environment for your pet to enjoy. Wouldn’t you love to see your little friend feeling happy and comfortable under the safety of the plant cover?

Here are three primary reasons why Betta fish loves plants in their home.

Plants Provide Hiding Places

Bettas need a safe place to hide when they feel uncomfortable or tired, even though your tank is perfectly fine for them. This can be done by densely planting one side of their aquarium or adding plants and caves into the mix!

Being so well decorated, the Betta will find an abundance of hiding spots and interesting things to explore.

They Provide Entertaining Environments

Dense jungles are going to keep your Betta entertained. Not only will they find joy just swimming through all the different plants in his tank, but it’s also a great place for them to explore something new! They can discover new areas to ensure that there is always something fresh around every corner, so things don’t get boring too quickly!

Plants Mimic Betta’s Natural Habitats

A betta’s natural habitat is a place where they can live in close proximity to lots and plenty of plants. In fact, it gets rid of some sun rays for them while providing shade too! This means that if you had more plant life on your tank-the happier fish.

The more natural your tank feels the less stressed your Betta will be. So why not imitate this in yours?

Some More Betta Facts

• How Long Can Betta Fish Live in Cold Water?
• How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food On Vacation?
• Do Betta Fish Sleep? [know Amazing Facts]

Final Words

What do you get when the best of both worlds come together? A happy betta fish that’s safe from pesky algae and has plenty to explore with their own personal hideaways! 

There are many different ways out there, but I always recommend live plants because they provide more benefits than just plain old decoration. 

Although betta fish can live without an air pump, keeping live plants will add necessary oxygen to the tank. They also help remove waste products like ammonia which can lead your little darlings towards sickness if not leveled properly.

There are more, but I tried to present to you some of the top best plants for betta fish tanks! If you have any further queries, please ask me in the comment box below!