It may seem like a simple task, but choosing aquarium plants isn't as easy as it seems! Not every plant is suitable for every aquarium. Some plants can even be harmful to the rest of your aquarium, yet they're often sold anyway. Paludarium plants, in particular, are sometimes mistakenly presented as aquarium plants. They're actually intended for a paludarium or humid terrarium, and can cause problems in your aquarium, for example, by dying after a few weeks.

Why real aquarium plants are important

Many beginners make the mistake of not having enough plants in their aquarium. This can lead to algae infestations and other unwanted problems. Plants are crucial for a healthy aquarium! They provide shelter for fish, serve as a food source, help reduce nitrates and phosphates, and increase oxygen levels in the water through photosynthesis. So make sure you have enough plants to create a healthy, balanced aquarium for your fish!

Pay attention when choosing aquarium plants

When looking for new plants, it's important to avoid buying paludarium or terrarium plants, as they can disrupt the biological balance in your aquarium. Shop at specialty stores that offer sound advice! It can be tempting to use those beautiful, decorative paludarium plants, but your fish will thank you if you make the right choice. Learn how to recognize these plants and distinguish them from true aquarium plants.

How do you recognize the wrong aquarium plants?

Here are some problems that can arise when adding paludarium or terrarium plants to your aquarium:

The plant does not grow well or hardly at all, because it is not adapted to the water conditions.
Some plants, such as Fittonia, can secrete toxins that are harmful to your fish.
If these plants rot in the water, they produce too much waste, which leads to algae problems and a weakened immune system in your fish.

So choose your plants carefully and make sure they're suitable for underwater use. Plants specifically adapted to aquariums usually grow better and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Avoid these paludarium plants in your aquarium

Here's a handy list of plants to avoid in your aquarium:

Fittonia species
Acorus gramineus pussilus and Acorus gramineus variegatus
Alternanthera bettzickiana
Chamaedora (palm)
Chlorophytum bichetii
Cordyline red edge
Dracaena sandriana and Dracaena marginata
Ophiopogon species (the tuberous species)

Remember that your choice of plants also depends on your specific aquarium conditions. Ask your local aquarium shop for advice to make the right choices. The plants on this list above are definitely paludarium plants, so you can be sure you can't submerge them! As you can see in our online paludarium plant shop >

Quality of aquarium plants in stores

When buying aquarium plants from pet stores, the quality often varies considerably. Remember, it's not just the price that matters; it's the quality, knowledge, and advice you receive. Cheap, quickly delivered plants may seem attractive, but they're often of inferior quality. Ultimately, you don't want your plants to die after a few weeks! Invest in quality plants and you'll notice your aquarium becoming healthier and more beautiful.

Cheap, fast-delivered plants: good for the seller, bad for the buyer

At Aquania, we've learned that investing in quality is key. We used to sell cheaper plants, but we discovered that customers value plants that thrive in their aquariums much more. Better quality plants make all the difference. They flourish, and you don't have to lose them after just a few weeks. This keeps your aquarium healthy and gives you much more enjoyment!

Do you have any questions or would you like to share your experiences? Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp >

Is exchanging plants even possible?

Swapping plants can be a fun and inexpensive way to acquire new species! You can get plants cheaply or even for free, and you'll also learn a lot from other aquarium enthusiasts. However, be aware that you run the risk of introducing snails, diseases, or parasites. Always check the origin of the plants and quarantine them before adding them to your aquarium.

Ordering aquarium plants online is also an option! You'll have access to a wide variety of plants and information. Just be sure to pay close attention to the quality and reliability of the seller. Read reviews and choose a store that packages the plants well to minimize damage during transport.

At Aquania, we offer a wide range of aquarium plants that you can browse at your own pace. We ensure the plants are of high quality and offer fast home delivery.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to send us a message via WhatsApp >