When it comes to creating a stunning fish tank, non-submersible plants provide an exciting alternative to traditional aquatic vegetation. While Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) has been a popular choice, there are numerous other plant options that bring both beauty and functionality to your underwater oasis.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 remarkable non-submersible plants, including the addition of Avocado, that serve as excellent alternatives to Pothos. Each plant offers unique characteristics and benefits that contribute to a thriving and visually captivating fish tank. Let’s dive in!
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are cherished for their elegant arching foliage and striking variegated leaves. They create a visually captivating backdrop, and their ability to absorb toxins and release oxygen helps maintain water quality.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Arrowhead Plants feature attractive arrow-shaped leaves with various color patterns, making them an eye-catching addition. Their partially submerged roots aid in water quality maintenance and provide cover for fish.
Fittonia (Fittonia spp.)
Fittonia, or nerve plants, offer vibrant leaves with intricate veining in different hues. They thrive in high humidity environments and act as natural air purifiers, creating a lush and visually appealing environment.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s Tears create a delightful carpet-like effect with their tiny, round leaves. These delicate plants provide shelter for fish fry, assist in water oxygenation, and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the tank.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are renowned for their attractive foliage and ease of care. With a wide range of leaf shapes and sizes, they offer versatility in fish tank setups. Philodendrons contribute to water oxygenation and act as natural filters by absorbing excess nutrients.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Wandering Jew plants feature striking purple and silver-striped leaves, creating a captivating visual display. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, contributing to a balanced ecosystem for fish.
Pilea (Pilea spp.)
Pilea plants, also known as Chinese Money Plants or Friendship Plants, boast round, coin-shaped leaves. These compact plants add a touch of freshness and vitality to the underwater environment, thriving with their roots partially submerged.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants exhibit long, arching leaves with distinct patterns, bringing a tropical touch to fish tanks. Their partially submerged roots contribute to water oxygenation and act as natural filters, enhancing water quality and creating a serene ambiance.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias offer a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors, making them versatile additions to fish tanks. These compact plants tolerate the humid conditions of fish tanks, adding aesthetic appeal and contributing to a well-balanced aquatic ecosystem.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The Polka Dot Plant boasts speckled leaves in various colors, injecting a playful and lively atmosphere into fish tanks. Besides its aesthetic charm, it contributes to water oxygenation and provides visual interest to the tank.
Maranta (Maranta spp.)
Maranta plants, also known as Prayer Plants, possess attractive patterned leaves that fold up at night, adding dynamic visual interest to fish tanks. They thrive in high humidity environments and assist in water oxygenation while creating a serene ambiance.
5 Bonus plants
Cyprus (Cyperus spp.)
Cyprus plants, also referred to as umbrella grass or papyrus, bring an elegant and distinctive look to fish tanks. Their tall, slender stems and delicate, umbrella-like foliage create a visually captivating effect. Cyprus plants provide shade, shelter, and sophistication for fish, transforming the tank into an aquatic paradise.
Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.)
Mangrove trees offer a unique and naturalistic addition to fish tanks. While miniature versions are suitable for aquariums, they add unparalleled aesthetic appeal. Mangroves boast complex root systems that aid in water oxygenation, serve as nursery areas for fish fry, and act as natural filters, maintaining water quality.
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Sweet potato vines bring a trailing beauty to fish tanks, with heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green. These plants thrive in the humid conditions of fish tanks, providing overall aesthetic appeal, oxygenating the water, and creating a naturalistic environment for fish.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Bamboo is renowned for its calming and serene effect. Its tall, slender stalks and vibrant green foliage create an atmosphere of tranquility within fish tanks. Bamboo, partially submerged, provides additional hiding spots for fish andcontributes to the overall visual appeal of the tank.
Avocado (Persea americana)
Avocado plants, particularly dwarf or miniature varieties, can be an intriguing addition to fish tanks. Their glossy, dark green leaves and compact growth habit make them visually appealing. While not significant contributors to water filtration, Avocado plants add a touch of elegance and tropical vibes to your aquatic environment.
Avocado plants can tolerate the humid conditions of fish tanks, providing shade and creating a naturalistic habitat for fish. While it’s unlikely that avocados will produce fruits in a fish tank setting, their presence adds a unique aesthetic element to your underwater masterpiece.
When it comes to selecting non-submersible plants for fish tanks, the options are diverse and exciting. Each plant, including the new addition of Avocado, brings its own set of benefits to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your aquatic environment. From the graceful Spider Plant to the tranquil Bamboo, you can create a captivating underwater oasis that not only pleases the eye but also provides a healthy and thriving habitat for your fish. Choose the plants that align with your preferences, care requirements, and tank size to create a unique and beautiful fish tank that you and your fish will enjoy for years to come.