Plants have a crucial role in the aquarium, they provide shelter for your fish, a place for them to breed and an overall healthy environment to live in.
But the biggest benefit of having live plants in your aquarium is the oxygen they produce for your fish. And just like humans, fish need oxygen to live too! Also, the plants absorb the carbon dioxide and ammonia that is generated by the fish, acting as a natural filter. This will help fish grow in a healthy manner and provide them with the basic necessities that are found in rivers and other underwater territories.
In this article we will talk about a brief list of aquarium plants that can be grown on wood. This will allow your aquarium inhabitants the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of aquatic plants, alongside the wonderful aesthetics of a natural river setting.
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
The Java Fern or Microsorum pteropus is a unique amphibious plant that is widely found in the southeast regions of Asia. These plants generally grow alongside swift water currents. They can also be seen submerged in, as well as on, the surface of the water.
One of the best traits about this plant is that they are very easy to maintain, while looking quite elegant under artificial light. This plant normally grows on broken pieces of driftwood in the wild, which makes it all the more easy to replicate and grow in your planted tank.
However, you might need an iron-based fertilizer at times, to prevent its rich green color from fading. This is one of the most low maintenance plants you will ever come across.
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
Java Moss is another member of the Java family and is the most popular mosses that are used in aquariums. Many aquarists love to grow this moss in the right aquatic settings. One of the major reasons for its popularity is that these plants require the least bit of maintenance. It’s also known to tolerate all kinds of aquatic conditions, making them the best choice for any aquarium.
Java moss can be found anywhere in the aquatic world. They usually grow on rocks and other driftwood pieces and are considered one of the most versatile underwater plants. It will also give your aquarium an aged look which is an aesthetic many aquascapers love.
Magenta Water Hedge (Alternanthera reineckii)
The Magenta Water Hedge belongs to a large family of almost 170 identified species of aquarium plants, in the specific genus of Alternanthera. These aquatic plants originate from the Amazon, and can still be found there with their mutated and evolved variants.
Alternanthera reineckii ”roseafolia” is by far the easiest species of this genus family to grow and maintain in an aquarium. Many aquarists love this plant only for its attractive magenta color. It is the easiest species of this genus to grow and maintain, perfect for a beginner aquascaper. These can grow on soil and wood as well, provided there is sufficient lighting and soft water with a decent supply of carbon dioxide.
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Red’
Cryptocoryne wendtii “Red” is an adaptable aquarium plant that originates from Southern Asia, specifically Sri Lanka. It has long leaves and a red-brownish leaf color. If there is sufficient lighting and fertilization, these plants can be used in any kind of aquarium setting. The growth of this plant depends on the lighting conditions; best case scenario they might grow 30-45 cms. They can be grown on wood, but soil can be prefered as well.
To Sum It Up
Aquatic plants that can be contained and grown in an aquarium-like condition are truly amazing. They add a new feel to the aquarium while giving the fish a natural feel of the wild. So, give your fish the aquarium they deserve and get yourself a few of these aquarium plants that grow on wood.
