Aquatic plants not only make an aquarium look more attractive, but serve a number of useful functions:  They oxygenate the water through the process of photosynthesis, contribute to the maintenance of water quality through their absorption of certain chemical compounds, serve as additional sites for the colonisation of nitrifying bacteria and provide hiding places for fish.

Like houseplants, aquatic plants require the right amount of light and nutrients to stay healthy and grow abundantly.

How you can help the plants in your aquarium thrive:

• Clean newly acquired plants thoroughly before you place them in the aquarium. Rinse them in clean water to remove undesirable elements like snails, worms and other organisms, and remove damaged or decaying leaves, stems and roots.

Insert rooted plants into the substrate only up to the part where the leaves meet the roots. If the plant is mature and has a healthy root system, you could trim off a third of it (particularly the old and dying parts).


• Aquatic plants generally require 10 to 12 hours of direct light daily (do not leave the lights on all the time as this encourages excessive algae growth and wastes electricity). 

Some species of plants have more specific needs, so try to learn more about the ones you intend to use. For example, some red-leafed and fine-leafed species require bright light, so you’ll need to install sufficient fluorescent lighting to meet their needs.

A standard aquarium hood with a single light tube may not be adequate for most plants. Besides increasing light supply, consider using aluminum reflectors behind the light source, and keep the aquarium glass cover clean and clear.


• You may also need to use fertilisers or nutrient supplements, and increase the supply of CO2 if you wish to create a lush planted aquarium.

However, be cautious when using fertilisers as their chemical ingredients can adversely affect water quality. Always follow the instructions given for their delivery and frequency of application.


• Prune tall background plants, and thin out those in the middle and foreground regularly to maintain an orderly setting.

If a cluster of plants overgrows its space, you can pull up a portion of it by the roots and replant that portion within the same grouping to achieve a fuller look, or relocate it.