15 Best Plants for Axolotl Tanks
Allow me to introduce you to the wonderful world of axolotl tanks, where I’ll share the Best Plants for Axolotl Tanks that I’ve handpicked from my years of experience in fish keeping. These plants will not only bring life and beauty to your tank but also provide essential hiding spots for your axolotls.
So, delve in and prepare to transform your aquatic haven!
Elodea
Elodea, commonly known as waterweed, is a fan-favorite when it comes to aquatic plants for axolotl tanks. This hardy and fast-growing plant can thrive in various conditions, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced fishkeepers alike. Elodea’s dense foliage provides ample cover for your axolotls, allowing them to feel secure and relaxed in their environment.
- Compatibility: 4.5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 50-79°F (10-26°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low
- Propagation Method: Cutting stems and replanting
- Substrate: Gravel or sand with root tabs
When adding Elodea into your axolotl tank, ensure proper trimming to prevent it from overcrowding, allowing your aquatic pets to continue enjoying their home with ease.
Hornwort
Hornwort is another top choice for axolotl tanks, thanks to its hardiness and ability to flourish in various aquarium conditions. Its unique, needle-like leaves not only create an appealing visual effect, but also enable axolotls to seek shelter and feel comfortable in their habitat.
- Compatibility: 5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 59-86°F (15-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to high
- Nutrient Requirements: Minimal
- Propagation Method: Cutting stems and floating or replanting
- Substrate: None required, can be planted or floated
Hornwort adds an exciting touch to your axolotl tank, and its versatility allows you to either anchor it to the substrate or let it float freely, offering your pets ample hiding places. Make sure to control its growth, as it can quickly take over the tank if left unchecked.
Anubias
Anubias is a stunning, slow-growing plant that adds elegance and charm to your axolotl tank. Its lush, broad leaves are perfect spots for your axolotls to rest, while the plant’s durability ensures it won’t be damaged by their exploratory behavior.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division
- Substrate: None required, best attached to driftwood or rocks
Anubias should be attached to hardscape elements in your tank, like driftwood or rocks, since burying the rhizome in the substrate can cause it to rot. It is a plant with a myriad of advantages for your axolotls – combining aesthetics, function, and durability – making it an excellent choice for your tank.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii, fondly known as “Wendt’s Crypto,” is a popular and versatile aquatic plant that introduces a delightful touch of nature to your axolotl tank. Boasting an array of leaf shapes and colors, this captivating plant can be securely rooted in the substrate, creating a cozy and visually appealing refuge for your axolotls.
- Compatibility: 4.5
- Care Level: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low to moderate
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division or adventitious plantlets
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate (if planted)
Cryptocoryne wendtii is an ideal selection for those looking to enhance their axolotl tank’s aesthetics and provide a natural, nurturing environment. Keep an eye on its growth and maintenance needs, ensuring that your axolotls continue to flourish in their enchanting aquatic home.
Java Fern
Java Fern is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in axolotl tanks, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits for your beloved pets. Its long, slender leaves create ideal hiding spots and a sense of security for your axolotls.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Temperature Range: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division
- Substrate: None required, best attached to driftwood or rocks
Similar to Anubias, Java Fern should be attached to hardscape elements in your tank to prevent rhizome rot. Given its ease of care and modest growth rate, it is a fantastic addition to your axolotl’s environment, requiring minimal attention while providing ample benefits.
Duckweed
Duckweed is a small, floating plant that can offer numerous benefits to your axolotl tank by providing natural shade, reducing algae growth, and absorbing harmful nitrates from the water.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 50-90°F (10-32°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high
- Nutrient Requirements: None required, feeds on nitrates from aquarium water
- Propagation Method: Self-spreading
- Substrate: None required, free-floating plant
However, Duckweed reproduces rapidly and can quickly cover the entire water surface if left unchecked, so it’s essential to regularly remove excess amounts to prevent oxygen depletion. Despite this minor drawback, Duckweed remains a wonderful option for enhancing your axolotl tank’s water quality and overall aesthetics.
Moss Balls
Moss Balls, also known as Marimo, are a fascinating, low-maintenance addition to axolotl tanks. These unique, round-shaped algae grow slowly and can offer several benefits for your axolotls like water purification, additional hiding spots, and even a soft place to lay their eggs.
- Compatibility: 4.5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Temperature Range: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low
- Propagation Method: Dividing and reshaping
- Substrate: None required, free-floating or anchored at the bottom
Moss Balls require minimal care and practically no special conditions, making them an excellent choice for novice fishkeepers. They can also be lightly anchored at the bottom of the tank to simulate a lush, moss-covered riverbed, enhancing the natural appearance of your axolotl’s habitat.
Frogbit
Frogbit, a floating aquatic plant, is another fantastic addition to your axolotl tank. Resembling small water lilies, Frogbit provides a delightful aesthetic, shade, and hiding spots for your axolotls, significantly contributing to their comfort and well-being.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Temperature Range: 64-84°F (18-29°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high
- Nutrient Requirements: None required, feeds on nitrates from aquarium water
- Propagation Method: Daughter plant separation
- Substrate: None required, free-floating plant
Due to its growth rate, Frogbit may need regular thinning to prevent it from covering the entire water surface, limiting light penetration and oxygen exchange. Nonetheless, Frogbit is a splendid choice for fishkeepers seeking an attractive and naturalistic touch for their axolotl tanks.
Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce is a fascinating floating plant that adds a touch of tropical charm to your axolotl tank. This plant’s long, feathery roots provide crucial shelter and hiding spots for your axolotls, which promotes their overall well-being.
- Compatibility: 3.5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 70-86°F (21-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high
- Nutrient Requirements: None required, feeds on nitrates from aquarium water
- Propagation Method: Daughter plant separation
- Substrate: None required, free-floating plant
Although Water Lettuce has excellent water cleansing capabilities, it is essential to regularly remove excess plants to prevent light and oxygen deprivation in your tank. Their unique appearance and ability to provide natural shelter make them an ideal choice for your axolotl environment.
Amazon Swords
Amazon Swords are striking aquatic plants that make a splendid centerpiece or background plant in your axolotl tank. Their impressive size and appealing leaf shape offer excellent refuge for your pets while lending an air of grandeur to the tank itself.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Moderate
- Propagation Method: Plantlet separation from mother plant
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate
While Amazon Swords require slightly more care due to their nutrient and lighting needs, with the right conditions, they can become a lovely addition to your axolotl tank. Just ensure to leave enough swimming space for your axolotls, given the plant’s rather large size.
Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria is a versatile and attractive aquatic plant that adds a splash of greenery to your axolotl tank, serving as an essential hiding spot and comforting retreat for your pets.
- Compatibility: 4
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high
- Nutrient Requirements: Moderate
- Propagation Method: Stem cutting and replanting
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate
Water Wisteria is adaptable, thriving in both planted or floating forms, offering you the flexibility to create a diverse and engaging environment for your axolotls. Due to its rapid growth rate, trim and maintain the plant regularly to prevent it from overtaking the tank and obstructing your axolotls’ swimming space.
Water Sprite
Water Sprite is a gracefully delicate aquatic plant that brings a soothing touch to your axolotl tank. This versatile plant can thrive both as a floating option or rooted in the substrate, providing hiding spots and security for your axolotls.
- Compatibility: 4.5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low to moderate
- Propagation Method: Stem cutting and replanting or allowing daughter plants to form
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate (if planted)
Water Sprite is an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their tank’s aesthetics and create a visually appealing, immersive environment for their axolotls. Keep an eye on its growth and trim as needed to ensure it remains a welcoming space for your aquatic pets.
Ruffled Aponogeton Haven
Ruffled Aponogeton, or Aponogeton Crispus, is an eye-catching aquatic plant known for its gracefully ruffled leaves and tall, elegant structure. This stunning plant can be rooted in the substrate, where it will sway gently in the water current, providing a serene and visually engaging atmosphere for your axolotls.
- Compatibility: 4.5
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Temperature Range: 64-82°F (18-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low to moderate
- Propagation Method: Tuber splitting or seeds
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate (if planted)
Both Cryptocoryne and Ruffled Aponogeton make for captivating additions to your axolotl tank, enriching its overall appearance and providing a natural, comfortable habitat. Be mindful of their growth and maintenance requirements, ensuring your axolotls continue to thrive in a well-balanced and captivating environment.
Pothos
Pothos, a popular houseplant, can be an unconventional yet highly effective addition to your axolotl tank. Its ability to absorb nitrates and improve water quality significantly contributes to a healthy living space for your aquatic companions.
- Compatibility: 3.5
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: Room temperature recommended
- Light Requirements: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Nutrient Requirements: None required, feeds on nitrates from aquarium water
- Propagation Method: Cutting stems and placing in water
- Substrate: None required, grow emersed with roots submerged in tank water
Pothos should be positioned with its roots submerged in the tank while the leaves remain above the water’s surface, which also adds a touch of greenery to your living space. This hardworking plant is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, water-cleansing addition to their axolotl tanks.
Water Lily
Water Lilies, with their mesmerizing blooms and delightful fragrance, bring unrivaled elegance and allure to your axolotl tank. Apart from their beauty, these plants also offer shade and reduce stress for your aquatic friends.
- Compatibility: 3
- Care Level: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Temperature Range: 64-79°F (18-26°C)
- Light Requirements: High
- Nutrient Requirements: Moderate
- Propagation Method: Separation of tubers or rhizomes
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or specialized aquatic plant substrate
Although Water Lilies require a little more attention and care than other plants on this list, the results are undoubtedly worth the effort. Choose the right variety according to the size of your tank, as some species can grow quite large. Adding these captivating plants to your axolotl environment will make it a true aquatic paradise.
Benefits of Aquarium Plants for Axolotl Tank
Aquatic plants in an Axolotl’s ecosystem play a markedly beneficial role. Being highly sensitive creatures, Axolotls thrive in environments that replicate their natural habitat in Mexican water bodies, and live plants play a huge part in it. In this section, you’ll find the advantages of aquarium plants for Axolotl tanks in detail.
Firstly, live plants help maintain optimum water conditions. They absorb excess nitrogenous waste like ammonia and nitrates, transforming them into nutrients. Consequently, these plants contribute to a stable and healthy water quality, which is vital for the Axolotls.
Furthermore, plants are essential in providing shelter and hiding spots. They make Axolotls feel secure and comfortable, reducing their stress levels. Especially for younger individuals, plants offer an essential refuge from potential threats.
Beyond security, these plants offer enrichment and stimulation to fulfill the Axolotls’ behavioral needs. As they explore their surroundings, an environment replete with aquatic plants offers seclusion and entertainment, significantly improving their overall wellbeing.
A natural aesthetic and vibrant atmosphere is another delightful aspect of a planted Axolotl tank. Aquarium plants undeniably give that visually appealing element, while also contributing to a healthier habitat. For dedicated fish keepers like me, it cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Lastly, plants can act as natural anchors for floating debris. Silt, uneaten food, and detritus tend to accumulate in Axolotl tanks, causing the water to appear murky. In a planted environment, however, debris often clings onto submerged plants; by merely cleaning the plants, you’ll ensure a clearer tank.
While it’s true that axolotls can live without aquatic plants, the benefits of introducing them into the tank are undeniable. Live plants contribute immensely to creating a natural and healthier environment, positively affecting your Axolotl’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
These best plants for axolotl tanks will truly elevate your aquatic haven, creating a healthy and visually stunning environment for your pets. What are your favorite plants for your axolotl tank? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
