Floating plants are aquatic plants that can be attached to any hard surface or sunk beneath the substrate.
If you want your tank to look like a natural habitat, including live plant life, then floating plants are suggested because they act as replacements for free-floating aquatic vegetation in ponds and lakes where fishes live. They provide shelter, support, and food for fish and other aquatic animals.
Uses Of Floating Plants
There are different types of floating plants which you can use to give your aquarium a natural appearance. They usually come in the bunched form and vary according to size, shape, structure, and color. They act as an oxygenating plant for the water body.
There are types of plants that can be used as (or considered as) floating plants, such as duckweed, water hyacinths, hornwort, tape grass, and tropical moss balls.
They also serve the function of hiding equipment in the tank-like filters and heaters, and in some cases, they can even reduce algae growth.
List Of 15 Best Floating Plants For Tanks
Given below is a list of the best floating plants that you can buy online for your tank.
1. Water Lettuce
Water lettuce is a type of floating plant that has shiny, green leaves. It is also known as “pistia” in some regions. It does well even in low light conditions.
- 1 Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), each plant is about 3"-5" in diameter and...
- Live floating plant for fresh water pond
- Easy to grow and maintenance
Water Lettuce can grow up to 12 inches in diameter and can be easily propagated by dividing the plant into numerous small pieces. It looks best when it is used alone and not with other plants.
It is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any tank, and it can be used to provide cover for fish. It also helps to reduce algae growth in the aquarium.
2. Hornwort
Hornwort is a type of floating plant that is very easy to grow. It has long, thin leaves and does well in low light conditions. It can grow up to 12 inches in length and can be easily propagated by dividing the plant into numerous small pieces.
It helps to provide breeding places for fish, helps reduce algae growth in the aquarium, and makes a great addition to any tank. It costs around $1-$4.
Hornwort is a great choice for beginners because it is very easy to grow. It is also a great plant for fish because it shelters them and reduces algae growth in the tank.
3. Water Sprite
Water sprite is a type of floating plant that has broad, green leaves. It does well in medium to high light conditions and can grow up to 18 inches in height. It can be easily propagated by dividing the plant into numerous small pieces.
- You will get 1 bundle, each bundle contains 6 stems
- The plants will be similar to the one that you see on the picture of the listing
- I will also include a mystery plant of my choosing with each order
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Water sprite is a great choice for any tank and is especially good for tanks with live fish. It can be used to provide cover for fish and reduce algae growth in the tank.
Water sprite is a great plant for any aquarium because it is very easy to maintain, looks beautiful when fully grown, and provides various functions that are beneficial to the health of the fish in the tank.
4. Brazilian Pennywort
Brazilian pennywort is a type of floating plant that has small, round leaves. It does well in medium to high light conditions and can grow up to 12 inches in height. It is easily propagated by dividing the plant into small, single leaves.
Brazilian pennywort is a great choice for any tank because it does well in low to medium light conditions and can help reduce algae growth in the aquarium. It also helps shelter fish when they need protection.
Brazilian pennywort is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any tank. It can be used to provide cover for fish and reduce algae growth in the aquarium.
5. Floating Water Primrose
Floating water primrose is a plant that looks beautiful in the aquarium when it is fully grown. It does well in high to very bright light conditions and can grow up to 12 inches in height. It is easily propagated by dividing the plant into small, single leaves.
It is found in most pet stores and can be purchased for around $5-$10. Floating water primrose is a great choice for any tank because it does well in high light conditions, helps reduce algae growth in the aquarium, and makes a great addition to any tank.
Floating water primrose provides various functions that are beneficial for the health of fishes in the tank, such as providing shelter for fish, reducing algae growth, and oxygenating the water. It is a great choice for any tank and can be used to provide cover for fish.
Also Read: 18 Best Fish For 5 Gallon Tanks
6. Water Hyacinths
Water hyacinths are a type of floating plant that has beautiful purple flowers. They do well in high light conditions and can grow up to 10 inches in height. They can be easily propagated by dividing the plant into small pieces.
- IMPORTANT: Please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will...
- You get 3 plants of about 3-5 inches in diameter. These are grown plants, ready...
- They serve as natural biofilters to your pond, helping clear the water...
- Please note this plant ships with trimmed roots as sometimes they tend to fall...
Water hyacinths look beautiful when they are fully grown and provide various functions that are beneficial for the health of fish in the tank, such as providing shelter, reducing algae growth, and oxygenating the water. It is a great choice for any tank.
Water hyacinths are a great choice for any tank because they look beautiful when fully grown, reduce algae growth in the aquarium, and provide functions that are beneficial to the health of fish in the tank.
7. Dwarf Water Lettuce
Dwarf water lettuce is a type of floating plant that has small, green leaves. It does well in low to medium light conditions and can grow up to 6 inches in height. It is easily propagated by dividing the plant into small pieces.
Dwarf water lettuce is a great choice for any tank because it does well in low light conditions, helps reduce algae growth in the aquarium, and makes a great addition to any tank.
Dwarf water lettuce provides various functions that are beneficial for the health of fishes in the tank, such as providing cover for fish, reducing algae growth, and oxygenating the water. It is a great choice for any tank and can be used to provide cover for fish.
8. Water Lilies
Water lilies are a type of floating plant that has beautiful, large flowers. They do well in high light conditions and can grow up to 24 inches in height. Water lilies are found in most pet stores and can be purchased for around $10-$20.
- 4 Pre-grown hardy water lilies awarded by IWGS. (The International Waterlily &...
- Enhance plant color and health with fertilizer tablets (while supplies last)
- 100% Live Arrival Guaranteed. You will receive all rhizome superb health.
- Aquatic plants will produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide to enhance water...
Water lilies are a great choice for any tank because they do well in high light conditions, provide a great source of oxygenation, and make a great addition to any tank.
They look beautiful when fully grown, reduce algae growth in the aquarium, and provide functions that are beneficial to the health of fish in the tank.
9. Frogbit
Frogbit is a type of floating plant that has small, green leaves. It has long, thin stems that grow underneath the water’s surface, and it floats on the top.
Frogbit does well in low to medium light conditions and can grow up to 12 inches in height. It is easily propagated by planting small pieces of the stem under the surface of the water or by dividing larger plants into smaller pieces.
Frogbit is a great choice for any tank because it is easily propagated, reduces algae growth in the aquarium, and makes a great addition to any tank.
It also provides various functions that are beneficial for the health of fishes in the tank, such as providing cover for fish, reducing algae growth, and oxygenating the water.
10. Amazon Frogbit
Amazon frogbit looks similar to frogbit, but it has larger leaves and is a bit harder to propagate. It does well in medium to high light conditions and can grow up to 18 inches in height.
Amazon frogbit is preferred by some aquarists because it is a bit harder to propagate, has larger leaves, and does well in medium to high light conditions.
It also provides various functions that are beneficial for the health of fishes in the tank, such as providing cover for fish, reducing algae growth, and oxygenating the water.
Also Read: Best Types of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish
11. Duckweed
Duckweed is a type of floating plant that has small, round leaves. They are found in most pet stores and can be purchased for around $10-$20. Duckweed does well in low light conditions and can grow up to 2 inches in height.
- Live Duckweed (Lemna Minor) Plants
- Great Source of Protein (Up to 40% protein content)
- Great Organic food for Koi, Tilapia, Goldfish, Livestock such as chickens and...
- Aquatic Free Floating Plant Removes excess nutrients from water column and can...
Duckweed is preferred when a low-maintenance plant is desired because it does well in low light conditions, grows quickly, and does not require much attention. It is a great choice for any tank and can be used to provide cover for fish.
12. Tropical Moss Balls
Tropical moss balls look like small green spheres that are found on rocks and driftwood in aquariums. They do well in medium light conditions and can grow up to 2 inches in height.
Tropical moss balls are easily propagated by cutting them into smaller pieces or separating them from the main ball.
Tropical moss balls have a great appearance, propagate easily, and do well in medium light conditions.
They are also beneficial to the health of fish in the tank because they provide cover for fish, reduce algae growth, and oxygenate the water.
13. Java Moss
Java moss is a type of moss that is found on rocks and driftwood in aquariums. It does well in low to medium light conditions and can grow up to 12 inches in height.
- Hand Selected All Green and Healthy
Java moss is propagated by dividing the plants into smaller pieces or taking cuttings from the main plant.
Java moss looks great in the aquarium, is similar to Anubias, and is easily propagated. It does well in low to medium light conditions and provides various benefits to the health of fishes in the tank.
14. Cabomba
Cabomba is usually found in waters with a lot of nutrients and a pH that is higher than 7.0. It does well in high light conditions and can grow up to 24 inches in height.
- 1 Green Cabomba Plant
- Live Arrival and Satisfaction Guaranteed
Cabomba has beautiful feather-shaped leaves that provide shade for fish, reduce the rate of algae growth, and increase oxygen levels in the water. It is usually found in waters that are nutrient-rich and have a pH value of 7.0 or higher.
15. Dwarf Water Lily
Dwarf water lilies are easy to grow because they need medium light conditions, do well in low to medium nutrient conditions, and attach themselves to rocks and driftwood. They can grow up to 12 inches in height.
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 1 Loose of Nymphaea Rubra Bulb (May not have leaf)
- SIZE - 2"+ length (Slightly different, May var) 100% guaranteed free from algae,...
- FREE ICE OR HEAT pack - Due to extremely weather, Ice and heat pack is available...
- 7 DAYS STAY ALIVE GUARANTEED - We stand behind our products. For some reasons if...
Dwarf water lilies are a type of plant that is easy to grow and does well in medium light conditions.
They attach themselves to rocks and driftwood, do not require much maintenance, and can grow up to 12 inches in height.
Also Read: Goldfish Tank Mates List: Friends & Enemies
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best floating plants for your aquarium, then the plants listed above are a good place to start.
These plants can provide various benefits to the health of your fish and are easy to maintain. So, if you are looking for a beautiful and healthy aquarium, then consider adding some of these floating plants to your tank!
