Do you ever have doubts? Do you go for that beautiful green jungle full of living plants, or do you prefer the convenience of artificial leaves that stay beautiful forever? I have to admit: my first tank looked more like a plastic LEGO landscape than a realistic biotope. But hey, the fish swam happily through it. The funny thing is: my guppies immediately dove into the real greenery as soon as I added living things, while my dwarf cichlids at the time simply treated the artificial plants as hiding places. In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of both options together—honestly, practically, and with a touch of humor.
Real plants improve water quality, produce oxygen, and consume waste products, but require care and lighting. Artificial plants are low-maintenance, safe for fish (provided you choose quality), and evergreen, but they don't provide any biological benefits. A clever mix of both can often yield the best results. For live options, check out our plant collection and plant food .
What exactly is the difference between real and fake aquarium plants?
Living plants do much more than just look pretty: they literally breathe with your tank. During the day, they produce oxygen and absorb nutrients like nitrate, keeping your water cleaner and more stable. They also provide natural hiding places and sometimes even a snack for fish and shrimp. Consider plenty of greenery from the plant collection , compact mosses , and floating plants like Salvinia and Limnobium . Looking for quick-filling background greenery? Elodea densa thrives almost anywhere.
Artificial plants also have their advantages: they're indestructible, last for years, and you never have to prune or add nutrients. All you need to do is rinse and brush occasionally. They provide structure and hiding places, but don't affect your water quality. Do opt for quality, though, because cheap artificial plants can have sharp edges or leak color. Unfortunately, we don't sell artificial aquarium plants, as we specialize in plants! So, I can only refer you to our aquarium plant shop page >
Our real plant growing rack 
Comparison: Real vs. Fake Plants
| Real plants | Fake plants | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Growing and changing, natural and alive | Always the same, stays tight and green |
| Water quality | Produces oxygen, absorbs nitrate, phosphate and other substances | No effect on your water values |
| Maintenance | Pruning, fertilizing, good lighting and sometimes CO₂ (see plant food ) | Just rinse, brush and put back |
| Lifespan | May die if not cared for properly | Good quality lasts for years |
| Safety | Always safe, unless fish eat them and some imports are sprayed. | Be aware of sharp or thin edges on cheap models, as these may come loose or cause damage. |
| Price | Depending on species, nutrition and lighting | One-time purchase, no further costs |
Tip for natural hiding places: combine plants with hardscape: wood (such as mangrove or spiderwood ) and stones (e.g., dragon stone , slate , mini landscape ). A soil/substrate helps with root nutrition and microbial life.
How do you make the right choice (or combine both)?
- Short on time? Choose artificial plants or a mix.
- Want a living ecosystem? Choose real plants and combine them with plant food .
- Do you have herbivores like goldfish? Then artificial plants are often safer.
- Want to minimize maintenance? Fill bare spots with artificial plants and use real plants where they really make a difference (choose easy-care varieties from our plant collection ).
- Want to get started? Try easy varieties like Anubias nana or a simple moss from the moss collection .
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
- Buy only cheap artificial plants: they can be dangerous. Choose safe, high-quality varieties.
- Live plants without light and nutrients: that's pointless. Ensure good basic lighting and fertilizer ( nutrient supply ).
- Leave rotten leaves behind: remove them immediately to keep your water healthy — or consciously create a natural look with botanicals (leaf litter/pods) if you choose.
Checklist
- Do I have time for maintenance or do I want convenience?
- Are my fish herbivores or peaceful dwellers?
- Is my lighting suitable for real plants?
- Do I choose real, fake or a mix?
- Am I going for quality and safety? (Start simple with easy plants and good soil .)
Conclusion
Real or artificial plants – there's no absolute "better." It all comes down to your needs, your fish, and how much time you have. Want convenience and perpetual greenery? Go for artificial. Want a living, natural system? Choose real. Or be smart and mix and match! This way, you can create a tank that looks beautiful and remains practical. Need help making the right choice? Contact us ; we're happy to help.
