Aquatic plants ideal for betta fish must meet criteria like shade tolerance, easy maintenance, and non-harmful texture to the fish. Below is a comprehensive list of recommended plants along with pairing suggestions:
I. Recommended Aquatic Plant List
Anubias (Anubias Nana / Anubias Barteri)
Tolerates low light conditions. Its thick leaves are resistant to rotting, and its well-developed root system helps stabilize water quality. It needs to be tied to driftwood or rocks to prevent root rot.
Perfect for beginners, as it effectively absorbs harmful substances like ammonia.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Grows quickly and has strong water-purifying abilities. Its soft stems and leaves provide a comfortable resting spot for betta fish, but regular pruning is required to avoid excessive oxygen consumption.
Mosses (Java Moss / Christmas Moss)
Has a soft, non-abrasive texture. It can be attached to aquascaping materials (e.g., rocks, driftwood) and serves as an ideal spawning site for betta fish.
Floating Plants (Salvinia natans / Nymphaea lotus)
Their roots absorb nitrates and help replicate the betta’s natural habitat. However, their coverage area must be controlled (≤30%) to prevent blocking light in the tank.
Dwarf Bamboo
Boasts strong hardiness and can be kept either floating or planted. It protects fish eggs during the breeding season, making it a great choice for low-effort maintenance.
II. Pairing Schemes
Basic Setup: 30% Anubias + 40% Hornwort + 20% Moss + 10% Floating Plants.
Breeding Setup: Dwarf Bamboo + Floating Plants (e.g., Duckweed), which provides shelter for spawning.
III. Aquatic Plants to Avoid
Amazon Sword / Java Fern: Consumes large amounts of oxygen and is prone to causing water quality deterioration.
Plants with Dense Foliage or Sharp Edges: Hinder water circulation or risk scratching the betta’s fins.
IV. Maintenance Tips
Lighting: Prioritize shade-tolerant plants; avoid strong light, as it may cause stress to betta fish.
Density: Keep plant coverage ≤40% to leave ample swimming space for the fish.
Water Quality: Maintain ammonia concentration below 0.2mg/L and prune plants regularly to prevent rotting.