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Aquarium plants that don't need substrate are an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, beautiful, and biologically beneficial tank. These resilient plants thrive by attaching to hardscapes or floating, which simplifies setup and cleaning for both new and experienced aquarists.

Java Fern Windelov (Microsorum Pteropus “Windelov”)

While sharing the same care requirements as the standard Java Fern, the "Windelov" variety looks entirely different. Its leaves split into finer sections, creating a unique, variegated appearance in the aquarium.

This similarity in care makes it a win-win for aquarists. You can enjoy two distinct looks with the same conditions for temperature, pH, and lighting. We highly recommend keeping both if you are a beginner.

Simply glue the plants to a rock or driftwood and supplement with liquid fertilizer. In a few weeks, they will creatively transform your tank's look, giving it a lush, green, and beautiful appearance.

Water Sprite (Ceratopteris Thalictroides)

• Light: Low to medium

• Growth Rate: Fast

Water sprite is a versatile plant that can be either floated at the surface or anchored down with plant weights.

When left floating, it grows extremely fast. This provides excellent shade and shelter for fish and shrimp, making it a functional and decorative addition.

Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila Linnaei)

• Light: Low

• Growth Rate: Very slow

Despite their name, Marimo is not a type of moss. They are a unique form of algae that naturally grows into soft, green spheres.

These charming balls require almost no care and are perfect as foreground decorations. Their slow growth and simple needs make them a favorite for aquarists of all levels.

Benefits of an Aquarium Without Substrate

Opting for an aquarium without substrate offers several distinct advantages. It provides a flexible and easy-to-maintain environment ideal for various aquatic species.

• Simplified Maintenance: A bare-bottom tank is significantly easier to clean as waste and debris have nowhere to hide, eliminating the need to vacuum gravel or sand.

• Improved Water Quality: Certain plants thrive by absorbing excess nutrients like nitrates and ammonia directly from the water column, helping to maintain a healthier aquatic environment.

• Perfect for Epiphytic Plants: It is an ideal setup for plants that attach naturally to rocks and driftwood. These species grow easily in a variety of setups and can survive and thrive in bare-bottom aquariums.

• Adaptable to Lighting: Many plants suitable for this setup thrive in low or medium light, making them versatile for different tank configurations without requiring specialized equipment.

• Flexible Aquascaping: Allows for dynamic and straightforward rearrangement of plants attached to hardscapes, offering creative freedom without disturbing a substrate bed.

• Ideal for Digging Fish: Prevents plant uprooting by fish species that are prone to digging, ensuring your aquascape remains intact.

• Natural Shelter: Floating plants or those attached to decor provide excellent hiding spots for fry and shrimp while aiding in natural algae control.

Key Considerations for a No-Substrate Aquarium Setup

A thriving no-substrate aquarium setup requires attention to a few key areas to compensate for the lack of a nutrient-rich base.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes are essential to stabilize parameters and remove toxins.

• Fertilization: Consistent use of a balanced liquid fertilizer is necessary, as these plants draw nutrients primarily from the water column. Ensure an adequate supply of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).

• Lighting: Full-spectrum LED lights, managed with a timer, support healthy photosynthesis without significantly raising water temperature.

• Plant Attachment: Many aquatic plants without substrate must be securely attached to hardscapes using string or glue to prevent them from floating away.

A thriving no-substrate aquarium requires careful water quality management.

Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus) for No Substrate Aquariums

Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus) is a popular and resilient choice among aquarium plants that don't need substrate. This hardy plant anchors itself to rocks or driftwood, making it perfect for a no substrate aquarium. Its rhizome—the creeping stem from which roots and leaves grow—must remain exposed to avoid rot.

Java Fern tolerates a wide range of water parameters and low-to-medium light conditions. Propagation is simple, as new plantlets form on leaf tips, or the rhizome can be divided.

Java Fern Requirements

• Light: Low to medium lighting.

• Temperature: 15.5 to 28 degrees Celsius.

• pH: 6.0-7.5.

• Propagation: Tiny plantlets form on the leaf tips of the main plant. These can be separated and replanted. It's best to anchor the baby plants properly and let them become sturdy before moving them.

• Other requirements: The rhizomes must never be buried in the substrate, as this will cause them to rot. Instead, attach the Java Fern to driftwood or rocks. This method also allows you to easily move the plant to different locations in your tank.

Popular Java Fern Variants

Several Java Fern variants offer diverse aesthetics for your no substrate aquarium:

• Needle Leaf: Features long, thin leaves that can exceed 40cm, creating a graceful look.

• Philippine: Has shorter, compact leaves, typically under 15cm, ideal for smaller tanks.

• 'Windelov': Known for its unique branched, frilly leaf tips that add intricate texture.

• Narrow Leaf: Similar to the Philippine variant with shorter leaves but a narrower profile.

• 'Trident': Recognized by its multi-lobed leaves that resemble a trident.

Anubias: A Hardy No-Substrate Plant

Anubias is a highly resilient aquarium plant ideal for no-substrate setups. This rhizome plant has thick, sturdy leaves and thrives when attached to hardscapes. Crucially, its rhizome must not be buried, as this will cause it to decay; instead, keep it partially or fully submerged above the substrate. Anubias absorbs nutrients directly from the water column and performs best under low to medium light, as high light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.

For optimal growth, maintain a temperature between 22 to 28 degrees Celsius and a pH of 5.5 to 7. Propagation is achieved by cutting the rhizome, ensuring each new section has at least 2-3 leaves. Its robust nature makes it suitable for tanks with larger fish, and it is often used to conceal equipment.

Types of Anubias for Your Tank

Popular Anubias types offer unique visuals for diverse no substrate aquarium designs.

• Anubias barteri 'nana' is a hardy favorite, often sold pre-attached to driftwood for easy setup.

• Anubias 'petite' has leaves about the size of a fingernail.

• Anubias 'pangolino' boasts even tinier foliage, roughly half the size of 'petite'. Smaller varietals are typically more expensive but are perfect for adding detail to nano tanks.

Various Anubias species add unique textures to any aquarium design.

Bucephalandra: A Beautiful No-Substrate Choice

Bucephalandra, or "Buce," is a popular aquarium plant that doesn't need substrate, similar to Anubias but with more variety in texture and color. These plants thrive when attached to hardscapes like rocks or driftwood, where they will anchor and begin to grow, enhancing the aesthetics of your aquarium. They are well-suited for low-light conditions and tolerate a wide range of water parameters, with a temperature of 21–28°C and a pH of 6-8 being ideal.

As slow growers, Bucephalandra are low-maintenance, though some exotic variants require more stable conditions. While CO2 is not needed, its addition can hasten growth and bring out more vibrant purples and reds. Propagation is straightforward and can be done by simply cutting the rhizomes at their natural bends.

Aquarium Mosses: Versatile Plants That Don't Need Substrate

Aquarium mosses are exceptionally versatile aquarium plants that don't need substrate. They readily attach to hardscapes or float freely, absorbing nutrients from the water. Mosses are easy to propagate and provide vital shelter for fish fry and shrimp. They also offer a large surface area for beneficial bacteria, supporting the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.

Several varieties are particularly popular for no-substrate aquarium setups, each offering a unique aesthetic for your aquascape:

• Flame Moss: Just as the name suggests, this moss looks like flames coming from a fire, giving a picturesque effect to the tank.

• Phoenix Moss: It’s a slow-growing moss but looks aesthetically pleasing with its delicate, feathery, dark green features.

• Willow Moss: Even though it looks a lot like Java Moss, it is named Willow Moss for its close resemblance to the Willow tree.

• Weeping Moss: This moss is named so due to its close resemblance to the branches and leaves of weeping willow trees.

Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Java Moss is one of the most common aquarium plants that doesn't require substrate due to its hardiness. It adheres to rocks and driftwood, creating a natural aesthetic. Its bushy growth is great for breeding tanks but requires regular trimming to prevent it from overrunning the aquascape.

For optimal growth, maintain a temperature between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius with a pH level of 5 to 8. It thrives in medium to high light conditions; providing high brightness will encourage dense, carpet-like growth. Propagation is simple and done by division—just break off pieces from the main plant and attach them to new surfaces.

You can use a fishing line or thread to attach the moss initially. While these may be visible at first, the moss will eventually spread and conceal them. Alternatively, a cotton thread can be used, which will dissolve and disappear over time.

All in all, Java Moss is not only easy to grow but also offers multiple benefits. It enhances the tank’s aesthetics with a picturesque effect, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)

Christmas Moss is another favored option among aquatic plants that don't need substrate. Its fronds branch out in a pattern resembling tiny Christmas trees, adding unique texture and depth to hardscapes. It offers the same ecological benefits as other mosses.

Hornwort (Coontail): A Fast-Growing Aquatic Plant Without Substrate

Hornwort, or Coontail, is a fast-growing aquatic plant without substrate that thrives as a free-floating species. Its dense, needle-like leaves are unappealing to most cichlids and goldfish. Hornwort is excellent at absorbing ammonia and nitrates from the water, growing several inches per week under higher light conditions. New plants readily develop from cuttings.

Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis): Easy No-Substrate Plant

Water Wisteria is an easy no-substrate plant known for its distinct, deeply lobed leaves. This aquarium plant that doesn't need substrate draws nutrients from the water and grows fastest under higher illumination. It may shed old leaves when transitioning from emersed to submerged conditions but will quickly produce new growth. Its leaves "close" at night and reopen with light.

Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis): A Great Option for No Substrate

Guppy Grass is one of the most effortless aquarium plants that don't need substrate. This resilient plant grows rapidly, requiring monthly trims to manage its spread. Its vigorous growth helps absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality. The dense structure of Guppy Grass provides excellent shelter for shrimp and baby fish, and its green color beautifully contrasts with guppy fish or betta fish.

Floating Aquatic Plants That Don't Need Substrate

Floating aquatic plants that don't need substrate offer many benefits for a no-substrate aquarium. They provide shelter for fish, create shade, and absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality and suppressing algae. Many propagate rapidly, drawing CO2 from the air. A floating ring made from a silicone tube can contain them and prevent filter obstruction.

Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Water Lettuce is a larger floating aquatic plant that doesn't need substrate, featuring robust, rosette-shaped leaves. It is well-suited for bigger tanks, providing substantial surface cover and nutrient absorption through its large root system. This plant thrives in full to partial sun exposure, with water temperatures between 26-33 degrees Celsius and a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5.

It proliferates easily through asexual reproduction. However, it's important to note that this plant's leaves are poisonous. If you have pets or children, it's better to avoid having water lettuce in the tank and consider alternatives like Amazon frogbit or duckweed.

Duckweed (Lemna minor)

Duckweed is a tiny, fast-multiplying aquatic plant that doesn't need substrate. It thrives in medium to high light, with an ideal temperature range of 20-30°C and a pH of 5.0–7.0, though it is highly adaptable to various conditions. The plant propagates asexually by forming chains of new stems from vegetative buds.

While excellent at absorbing nitrates and preventing algae growth, its rapid growth can quickly cover the entire water surface. This floating cover gives shy fish a sense of security, encouraging them to swim more openly. However, due to its profuse growth, you need to trim it regularly. It is extremely difficult to remove completely once introduced, making it less suitable for small tanks.

Duckweed is a fast-growing floating plant that covers the water surface.

Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)

Amazon Frogbit is a popular choice among aquarium plants that don't need substrate, featuring attractive, round, lily pad-like leaves. It provides excellent surface coverage and shelter. This plant thrives in moderate to high light with temperatures between 21 to 30 degrees Celsius and a pH of 6.0 – 7.5. It is important to keep the water hardness between 200 to 240 ppm.

A key to its care is keeping the top of the plant dry, as constant wetness can cause it to deteriorate. Since it can grow up to 20 inches and block light, regular trimming is advised to prevent oxygen depletion. Propagation is easily done through stem fragmentation or seeds. Do not confuse it with the Amazon Sword plant, which requires substrate.

Water Spangles (Salvinia natans)

Water Spangles (Salvinia natans) is a preferred floating aquatic plant that doesn't need a substrate, making it a favorite for many aquarists. The unique appearance of this plant makes it highly likable. The leaves are round to oval, featuring thin, root-like projections that are modified leaves, not actual roots. Its fine texture and ideal leaf size strike a balance between tiny Duckweed and larger Water Lettuce, making it easier to manage.

This plant offers significant benefits for a tank's ecosystem. Some of its filamentous leaves submerge, creating a network that is perfect for spawning and provides a safe place for young fry to hide and swim. To help it thrive, provide moderate to high light, a temperature between 22–26°C, and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Water Spangles prefers a gentle water flow, so keep surface agitation low. Since it's a floating plant, regular additions of liquid fertilizer are necessary. It propagates through spore production or stem fragmentation.

Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)

Red Root Floaters are distinctive aquatic plants that don't need substrate, known for developing vibrant red roots and leaves under high light. They add a beautiful splash of color to the water's surface while providing the same benefits as other floating plants.

Floating Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans)

Floating Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is an adaptable plant with a unique texture, often compared to aquarium mosses. It thrives in no substrate aquariums by absorbing nutrients directly from the water. Aquarists often attach it to hardscapes to create lush green accents or a foreground carpet. Regular trimming helps maintain its compact form.

Water Weeds (Elodea): Simple No-Substrate Option

Elodea, also known as water weeds, is a simple choice among aquarium plants that don't need substrate. Its rapid growth helps absorb excess nutrients and combat algae. Elodea propagates easily from cuttings. Simply group several stems and weigh them down. Its vigorous growth may require liquid fertilization to maintain.

Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)

Brazilian Pennywort is a versatile aquatic plant that doesn't need substrate, making it an exceptional choice for no substrate aquariums. Its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves can be left free-floating or anchored to hardscapes. The plant grows vigorously, especially once it reaches the surface, so regular trimming is essential to manage its spread.

Dwarf Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora)

Dwarf Ambulia is a lush green stem plant that excels in a no-substrate aquarium. As with many aquatic plants that don't need substrate, it draws nutrients directly from the water column and can be left to float freely. For a more structured aquascape, hobbyists often weigh it down or attach it to hardscapes.

Dwarf Hygro (Hygrophila Polysperma)

Dwarf Hygro is a great choice for those seeking aquarium plants that don't need substrate due to its vigorous growth. This lush green stem plant spreads quickly by creating new branches. To thrive in a no-substrate aquarium, it requires strong lighting and regular liquid fertilization to supply sufficient NPK in the water column.

Rotala Rotundifolia (Dwarf Rotala)

Rotala Rotundifolia, or Dwarf Rotala, is a popular stem plant for tanks with aquarium plants that don't need substrate. It thrives by absorbing nutrients from the water, making it excellent for no substrate aquarium setups. Aquarists often bundle multiple stems together and weigh them down to create a dense, bushy effect. Regular trimming encourages thicker growth.

Rotala Rotundifolia adds a vibrant bushy effect to no-substrate tanks.

Rotala Indica: A Popular Stem Plant

Rotala Indica is an appealing stem plant that adds vibrancy to aquariums, especially Dutch-style aquascapes. This aquatic plant without substrate absorbs nutrients from the water column, making it ideal for a no substrate aquarium. It can be anchored or left to float. Adequate lighting and liquid fertilization are recommended for optimal coloration.

How to Incorporate Non-Aquatic Plants in a No-Substrate Aquarium

Integrating non-aquatic houseplants like pothos or monstera offers a unique aesthetic and natural filtration. Healthy clippings can be placed with only their roots submerged in the tank water, where they will absorb nutrients from fish waste. Do not use rooting hormones, as they can harm aquatic life.

Plastic shower caddies with suction cups are a great way to suspend clippings at the tank's edge. This allows the roots to flourish in the water while keeping the leaves dry, enhancing water quality without traditional soil.

Tank Types Where These Plants Excel

No-substrate setups are versatile and particularly beneficial for specific types of aquariums. They allow easy maintenance while providing natural benefits to the aquatic environment.

• Bare-bottom breeding tanks: Ideal for guppies, bettas, and egg scatterers where cleanliness is key.

• Shrimp tanks: Mosses and Bucephalandra provide essential surfaces for biofilm to grow.

• Betta tanks: Frogbit and other floating plants help calm surface activity and create cover.

• Hospital tanks: Live plants provide oxygen and cover for recovering fish without substrate complications.

• Nano tanks: Non-substrate plants keep maintenance simple and manageable in smaller setups.

Compatibility and Care Considerations

While these plants are generally low-maintenance, a few key factors will ensure they thrive alongside your aquatic pets. Proper care prevents issues and promotes a healthy ecosystem.

• Floating plants require calm surface access, so avoid strong surface agitation.

• Goldfish may eat or uproot some plants; Hornwort is often a durable choice.

• Some plants grow very fast, requiring you to remove excess growth to maintain oxygen levels.

• Low-nutrient tanks may require occasional liquid fertilizer to support plant health.

• Most of these plants do well without CO₂ injection but will grow faster with it.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you succeed with your no-substrate planted tank from the start. Understanding these points ensures both your plants and fish remain healthy.

• Burying rhizomes: This will kill rhizome plants like Anubias and Java Fern.

• Using strong filter flow: High flow can disturb or damage floating plants.

• Letting roots clog filters: Ensure Frogbit roots and others do not get tangled in filter intakes.

• Leaving dead plant matter: Decaying leaves or stems can cause harmful ammonia spikes.

• Assuming “no substrate” means “no nutrients”: Plants still need food from fish waste or fertilizers.

Tips to Keep Your Aquarium Plants Healthy Without Substrate

Keeping aquarium plants that don't need substrate healthy requires a focus on the water environment.

• Excellent Water Quality: Perform regular water changes to remove toxins and refresh the environment.

• Consistent Fertilization: Use a balanced liquid aquatic plant fertilizer rich in NPK to provide essential nutrients directly in the water column.

• Appropriate Lighting: A full-spectrum LED system on a timer provides a consistent photoperiod, supporting photosynthesis and preventing algae.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Java Fern be planted in substrate?

No. Java Fern is a rhizome plant; burying the rhizome will cause it to rot. You should attach this aquarium plant that doesn't need substrate to hardscapes like rocks or driftwood, allowing it to absorb nutrients from the water.

Can Anubias be planted in substrate?

No, the rhizome of Anubias should not be buried in the substrate, as this will cause it to rot. Anubias absorbs most nutrients from the water column. For optimal health in a non-substrate aquarium, attach it securely to hardscapes.

The rhizome of an Anubias plant should never be buried in substrate.

Do you need substrate for aquarium plants?

No, a substrate is not required for all aquarium plants. Many species, including the aquarium plants that don't need substrate listed here, thrive by attaching to hardscapes or floating. This makes a non-substrate aquarium a versatile and low-maintenance option for 2025.

Aquarium plants that don't need substrate offer a fantastic solution for a low-maintenance, beautiful, and biologically rich tank. Species like Anubias, Java Fern, mosses, and various floating plants thrive by drawing nutrients directly from the water column. Their health depends on excellent water quality, proper lighting, and consistent liquid fertilization. Embracing aquatic plants that don't need substrate simplifies aquascaping while creating a lush, natural habitat—a philosophy supported by the resources and products at Betta USA Aquatic.Explore our selection of no-substrate plants today to start your easy-care aquarium!

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