THE Aquarium Plant Encyclopedia

THE Aquarium Plant Encyclopedia

The Aquascaper's Bible: 250+ Plants That Won't Betray You

🌿 The Only Plant Database That Won't Gaslight You About "Easy Care"

250+ species. Lab-tested parameters. Zero "just add CO2 lol" advice.

260+ Species (Including the ones your LFS lies about)
🔬 Lab-Verified Parameters (Not "works in my tank")
100% Honesty About What Actually Kills Plants
0 Times We'll Tell You "It Depends"

🎣 Before You Dive In: Hidden Gems You Didn't Know Existed

Think you know aquatic plants? Prepare to have your mind blown by species that shouldn't exist but do...

🔥
The "Impossible" Plants

We've got 15+ Eriocaulon species that thrive in conditions your water test kit says are lethal. Science? Nah. Magic? Maybe.

🦄
Bucephalandra: The Plant Pokémon

40+ cultivars that collectors trade like limited-edition sneakers. Some cost more than your filter. Worth it? Absolutely.

💀
The "Beginner Friendly" Liars

You know those plants marked "easy"? We expose the 7 species that kill faster than forgetting to dechlorinate.

🧪
Lab-Tested Receipts

Every parameter backed by actual science. Not "some guy on a forum said." Actual. Peer-reviewed. Data.

🎯
The Indestructible 5

Plants so hardy they survived our "what if we forget to maintain this for 6 months" experiment. Your goldfish can't kill these.

🌊
Crypts: The Loyalty Test

25+ species that melt on you just for looking at them wrong. But once they trust you? Unstoppable. Like dating, but plants.

🎮 Filter Like a Pro (Or Just Type the Plant You Killed Last Week)

🌱

Beginner Plants: The "Please God Just Stay Green" Tier

If you kill these, take up fishless cycling as a hobby instead

Java Moss

Taxiphyllum barbieri

💬 "Survives everything except being thrown in the garbage... and even then, probably not"
Temp: 18-30°C
pH: 5.0-8.0
Light: Low-High
CO2: Lol No
Lab-Verified: Indestructible
Shrimp Heaven Aquascaping Glue Guilt-Free

The cockroach of aquarium plants. Grows on literally anything. Wood, rocks, your filter intake, that decoration you forgot about. Will outlive your tank, your house, possibly civilization itself.

Anubias Nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

💬 "The plant that judges you for having CO2 injection. 'I don't need your fancy gases, human.'"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: What's That?
Lab-Verified: Algae-Resistant Champion
Slow Grower Epiphyte Set & Forget

Grows slower than continental drift. Perfect for people who forget they have plants. Pro tip: DON'T bury the rhizome unless you enjoy dead plants.

Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

💬 "That weird kid in class who ate paste but somehow got straight A's"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Bulletproof Biology
Baby Plantlets Propagation Machine Hardy AF

Makes baby plants on its leaves like some kind of botanical miracle. Don't bury the rhizome (yes, we're saying it again). Literally perfect for beginners unless you enjoy killing plants on purpose.

Marimo Moss Ball

Aegagropila linnaei

💬 "The pet rock of the plant world, except it's actually alive. Somehow."
Temp: 5-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Any
CO2: LOL
Lab-Verified: Immortal Sphere
Shrimp Toy Zero Effort Meme Status

It's algae. Shaped like a ball. That's it. That's the plant. Roll it once a month so it stays round. If you kill this, please consider fake plants.

Amazon Sword

Echinodorus grisebachii

💬 "The only sword that wins battles through aggressive photosynthesis"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Root Tab Addict
Centerpiece Plant Heavy Root Feeder Big Boi

Feed it root tabs and watch it CONSUME YOUR TANK. Grows like it's training for a marathon. Will block all your light unless pruned. Perfect background plant for lazy aquascapers.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii

💬 "Will melt if you: move it, look at it wrong, change your water brand, sneeze near the tank"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nah
Lab-Verified: Crypt Melt Survivor
Drama Queen Actually Hardy Color Morph

Melts when you first plant it. Comes back. Melts if you change water. Comes back. Eventually gives up dying and becomes immortal. Available in brown, bronze, green, and 'I can't tell the difference'.

Hornwort

Ceratophyllum demersum

💬 "The plant equivalent of that friend who shows up uninvited and won't leave"
Temp: 15-30°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: No Thanks
Lab-Verified: Algae Destroyer
Fast Grower Floating/Planted Needles Everywhere

Grows so fast it makes stem plants jealous. Sheds needles everywhere like a Christmas tree with anxiety. Great for soaking up nutrients and making your filter cry. No roots. Just chaos.

Water Sprite

Ceratopteris thalictroides

💬 "Can't decide if it wants to be planted or floating, so it does both. Overachiever."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Versatility King
Planted OR Floating Baby Plantlets Nitrate Vacuum

The Swiss Army knife of beginner plants. Float it, plant it, use it as a backdrop, throw it in a bucket—it'll grow. Makes babies constantly. Perfect for fry tanks and newbie mistakes.

Anubias Barteri

Anubias barteri

💬 "Big brother to Nana. Same attitude, bigger leaves, still judges your equipment choices."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Tank Tested Tough
Larger Anubias Epiphyte Bulletproof

Everything you love about Anubias Nana but bigger. Perfect for larger tanks. Grows even slower somehow. Great for people who want plants but hate pruning.

Duckweed

Lemna minor

💬 "The herpes of the aquarium world. Once you have it, you HAVE IT. Forever."
Temp: 15-30°C
pH: 5.0-9.0
Light: Any
CO2: HAHA No
Lab-Verified: Unstoppable Force
Spreads Aggressively Nitrate Absorber You've Been Warned

Will take over your tank. Then your other tanks. Then your neighbor's tanks. Multiplies like it's in a sci-fi movie. Great for nutrients, terrible for your sanity.

Vallisneria Spiralis

Vallisneria spiralis

💬 "Grows so tall it thinks it's bamboo. Loves hard water. Basically aquatic grass on steroids."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Not Needed
Lab-Verified: Hard Water Champion
Tall Background Runners Easy Care

Perfect for hard water tanks. Sends runners everywhere. Grows tall enough to touch the surface. Great for creating jungle vibes without the jungle maintenance.

Elodea (Anacharis)

Egeria densa

💬 "The plant your science teacher used in biology class. Still can't kill it."
Temp: 10-26°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Nah
Lab-Verified: Classroom Survivor
Fast Growth Oxygenator Beginner Proof

Survives everything including being forgotten in a closet for weeks. Great for goldfish tanks. Produces oxygen like it's getting paid for it. Trim weekly or it takes over.

Cryptocoryne Lucens

Cryptocoryne lucens

💬 "The Crypt that actually forgot how to melt. Someone tell the others."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Melt-Resistant
Bright Green Compact Low Maintenance

One of the few Crypts that doesn't throw a tantrum when planted. Bright green leaves. Great for nano tanks. Actually stays the size you want.

African Water Fern (Bolbitis)

Bolbitis heudelotii

💬 "Java Fern's cooler African cousin. Same vibes, darker leaves, still can't be killed."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Flow Lover
Dark Green Epiphyte Elegant

Loves water flow. Darker, more delicate looking than Java Fern. Perfect for river tank setups. Don't bury the rhizome (yes, again).

Christmas Moss

Vesicularia montagnei

💬 "Grows in triangles like tiny Christmas trees. Ho ho no effort required."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Triangle Growth
Unique Pattern Shrimp Safe Easy

Branches form triangle shapes. Looks festive year-round. Slower growing than Java moss, which is a blessing. Great for hardscape.

Dwarf Sagittaria

Sagittaria subulata

💬 "Tiny grass that actually carpets without making you cry. Revolutionary concept."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Beginner Carpet
Grass-Like Runners Forgiving

The only carpet plant beginners can actually grow. Sends runners everywhere. Looks like tiny grass. CO2 makes it spread faster but isn't required.

Amazon Frogbit

Limnobium laevigatum

💬 "Tiny lily pads that multiply like tribbles. Adorable until it covers everything."
Temp: 18-30°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Lol
Lab-Verified: Nitrate Destroyer
Long Roots Fast Spreader Shrimp Love

Mini lily pads with impressive root systems. Great for shrimp to graze on. Multiplies rapidly. Perfect for soaking up excess nutrients.

Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'

💬 "Regular Anubias Nana asked 'can you make me cuter?' This is the result."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Nano Tank Star
Tiny Leaves Hardscape Perfect Slow Grower

All the Anubias toughness in an adorable tiny package. Perfect for nano tanks and detailed hardscapes. Grows even slower than regular Nana. Shrimp think it's furniture.

Cryptocoryne Parva

Cryptocoryne parva

💬 "The smallest Crypt. Grows so slow you'll think it's fake. It's not. Just patient."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helps
Lab-Verified: Slowest Crypt
Tiny Foreground Patience Test

Smallest Cryptocoryne species. Perfect for nano foregrounds. Grows slower than your retirement fund. Once established though? Worth the wait.

Peacock Moss

Taxiphyllum sp.

💬 "Spreads like a peacock's tail. Doesn't require the attitude maintenance though."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Fan Pattern
Unique Spread Beautiful Easy

Grows in beautiful fan-shaped patterns. More organized than Java moss. Great for creating texture on hardscape. Relatively slow growing.

Water Wisteria

Hygrophila difformis

💬 "Changes leaf shape based on mood. Aquatic shapeshifter vibes."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Adaptive Growth
Variable Leaves Fast Growth Beginner Friendly

Leaves change shape depending on light. High light = lacy leaves. Low light = broad leaves. Grows fast. Great for filling space quickly.

Red Root Floater

Phyllanthus fluitans

💬 "Turns red under high light like it's blushing. Those roots though... *chef's kiss*"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: High
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: High Light Reward
Red Coloration Beautiful Roots Instagram Famous

Stunning red undersides under high light. Deep red roots. Spreads moderately. Perfect for adding color to the surface without going full CO2.

Cabomba

Cabomba caroliniana

💬 "Feathery and fast. Like a green firework that never stops exploding."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Fast Grower
Feathery Fast Background

Fan-shaped feathery leaves. Grows fast. Great for filling background quickly. Goldfish love eating it. You've been warned.

Cryptocoryne Willisii

Cryptocoryne × willisii

💬 "Will is strong with this one. Won't die easily."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Hardy Hybrid
Small Compact Resilient

Small, narrow leaves. Hardy hybrid. Great for foreground. One of the more forgiving Crypts. Actually tolerates hard water.

Salvinia

Salvinia natans

💬 "Tiny floater with hair on leaves. Because plants can have bad hair days too."
Temp: 20-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Any
CO2: Lol No
Lab-Verified: Surface Coverage
Hairy Leaves Fast Spreader Easy

Fuzzy leaves repel water. Multiplies rapidly. Great for shading aggressive algae. Easy to control compared to duckweed.

Anubias Gracilis

Anubias gracilis

💬 "Graceful and gracious about your terrible water parameters"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Narrow Beauty
Narrow Leaves Epiphyte Hardy

Narrow, graceful leaves. Taller than Nana. Same bulletproof reliability. Perfect for adding vertical interest to low-tech tanks.

Rotala Green

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

💬 "Rotala for people who aren't ready for the red version's attitude"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Forgiving Variant
Bright Green Fast Growth Beginner Friendly

Stays green without CO2. Less demanding than colored varieties. Fast growing. Great for learning stem plant trimming techniques.

Cryptocoryne Undulata

Cryptocoryne undulata

💬 "Wavy leaves like it's riding gentle ocean waves. Actually quite chill."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Undulating Beauty
Wavy Edges Green/Brown Forgiving

Hammered wavy leaves. Color varies from green to brown. Hardy once established. Tolerates wider range of conditions than most Crypts.

Dwarf Sagittaria

Sagittaria subulata

💬 "Sends runners like it's training for a marathon. Carpets without the drama."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Beginner Carpet
Grass-Like Runners Easy

Thin grass-like leaves. Sends runners everywhere. The only carpet plant beginners reliably succeed with. Can grow tall in low light.

Guppy Grass

Najas guadalupensis

💬 "Named for guppies. Multiplies as fast as guppies. Coincidence? Nope."
Temp: 18-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Breeding Tank MVP
Fast Growth Fry Safe Bulletproof

Grows insanely fast. Perfect for breeding tanks. Creates dense cover for fry. Basically unkillable. Trim constantly or it takes over.

Taiwan Moss

Taxiphyllum alternans

💬 "Branchy moss that looks fancy. Isn't fancy about requirements though."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Triangle Branching
Branching Dense Easy

Forms neat triangular branches. Denser than Java moss. Slower growing. Great for creating detailed hardscape coverage.

Temple Plant

Hygrophila corymbosa

💬 "Grows like it's worshiping the aquarium gods. Which are you, apparently."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Beginner Stem
Large Leaves Fast Growth Background

Large oval leaves. Grows quickly. Can reach the surface. Great for filling background space. Handles neglect surprisingly well.

Hornwort (Soft)

Ceratophyllum submersum

💬 "Softer than regular hornwort. Still sheds everywhere. No escaping the needles."
Temp: 15-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Algae Fighter
Soft Texture Fast No Roots

Softer texture than regular hornwort. Still sheds needles. Still grows insanely fast. Still great for nutrient control.

Cryptocoryne Retrospiralis

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis

💬 "Spirals backwards. Like looking back at your aquascaping mistakes."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Hard Water Tolerant
Long Leaves Twisted Hardy

Long, twisted ribbon-like leaves. One of the few Crypts that tolerates hard water. Can grow quite tall. Great background plant.

Najas Grass

Najas indica

💬 "Like guppy grass but slightly more sophisticated. Still grows like weeds."
Temp: 20-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Rapid Growth
Fast Hardy Background

Thin, bushy growth. Grows extremely fast. Great for nutrient control. Perfect for breeding tanks. Trim weekly minimum.

Ludwigia Palustris

Ludwigia palustris

💬 "Green on top, red underneath. Two-faced but in a good way."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Color Without Demands
Red Undersides Hardy Beginner Color

Green tops, red undersides. Gets redder with more light but doesn't demand it. Fast growing. Great intro to colored stems.

Anubias Hastifolia

Anubias hastifolia

💬 "The giant Anubias. Slowly but surely takes over your tank."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Giant Variant
Large Arrow Leaves Hardy

Largest Anubias species. Arrow-shaped leaves. Can reach 40cm+. Perfect for large tanks. Same unkillable DNA as smaller cousins.

Rotala Singapore

Rotala rotundifolia 'Singapore'

💬 "From Singapore. Handles heat like a tropical boss."
Temp: 22-30°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Heat Tolerant
Compact Warm Water Easy

Compact Rotala variant. Tolerates warmer water. Gets orange tones in high light without being demanding. Great beginner stem.

Cryptocoryne Affinis

Cryptocoryne affinis

💬 "Has an affinity for not dying. Refreshing in the Crypt family."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Reliable Crypt
Hammer Texture Hardy Variable Color

Hammered leaves with brown-green coloration. One of the hardier Crypts. Color varies with light. Good for beginners learning Crypts.

Java Fern Narrow Leaf

Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'

💬 "Java Fern went on a diet. Still can't be killed."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Narrow Variant
Narrow Leaves Elegant Hardy

Thinner, more elegant leaves than regular Java Fern. Same bulletproof nature. Creates flowing effect. Perfect for hardscape.

Micro Sword

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

💬 "Tiny swords for tiny warriors (shrimp)"
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Beginner Grass
Grass-Like Foreground Slow Spread

Small grass-like plant. Spreads via runners but slowly. Good beginner foreground plant. More forgiving than hairgrass.

String Moss

Leptodictyum riparium

💬 "Grows in strings. Attach to hardscape or let it dangle. Your choice."
Temp: 15-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Stringy Growth
Stringy Easy Unique

Forms long strings of growth. Can hang vertically or attach horizontally. Easy care. Creates interesting texture.

Moneywort

Bacopa monnieri

💬 "Won't make you money, but won't cost you much effort either"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Reliable Stem
Round Leaves Fast Growth Easy

Small round leaves in pairs. Grows quickly. Can grow emersed. Very forgiving. Great for beginners learning stem plants.

Cryptocoryne Beckettii

Cryptocoryne beckettii

💬 "Named after someone. Still melts. But comes back like a champ."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Hardy Variety
Brown-Green Compact Reliable

Olive-green with brown tones. Hardy and reliable. Will melt initially but recovers. Good beginner Crypt for learning melt recovery.

Anubias Congensis

Anubias congensis

💬 "From Congo. Tough as the rainforest it comes from."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Rainforest Hardy
Elongated Leaves Epiphyte Tough

Longer, narrower leaves than Barteri. Same indestructible nature. Great for adding variety to Anubias collection without added difficulty.

Salvinia Minima

Salvinia minima

💬 "Minimal effort required. Maximal surface coverage achieved."
Temp: 20-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Any
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Easy Floater
Small Fast Low Maintenance

Smaller than regular Salvinia. Spreads quickly. Fuzzy water-repellent leaves. Easy to control. Great for shading.

Parrot Feather

Myriophyllum aquaticum

💬 "Feathery like a parrot. Doesn't squawk when you forget to dose though."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Emersed Champion
Feathery Emersed Growth Hardy

Bright green feathery foliage. Can grow above water. Fast growing. Forgiving of parameters. Great for paludariums too.

Anubias Lanceolata

Anubias lanceolata

💬 "Lance-shaped leaves. Lances your algae problems. Metaphorically."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Lance Leaf
Lance Leaves Large Bulletproof

Long, narrow lance-shaped leaves. Larger variety. Same Anubias toughness. Great for creating vertical lines in aquascapes.

Riccia Fluitans

Riccia fluitans

💬 "Floats naturally. Attach to rocks for carpet. Identity confused but we love it anyway."
Temp: 18-30°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Versatile Liverwort
Floating/Carpet Bright Green Pearling Machine

Technically a liverwort. Floats or can be tied down. Pearls beautifully with CO2. Bright green. Requires tying to keep submerged.

Dwarf Hygro

Hygrophila polysperma

💬 "Grows so fast it makes other stems look lazy. Basically aquatic bamboo."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Speed Demon
Super Fast Easy Propagation Hardy

Grows incredibly fast. Small oval leaves. Great for soaking up nutrients. Easy to propagate from cuttings. Trim constantly.

Cryptocoryne Lutea

Cryptocoryne × lutea

💬 "Yellow-green hybrid. Less drama than purebred Crypts."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Hybrid Vigor
Yellow-Green Hardy Compact

Hybrid with yellowish-green leaves. Hardier than many pure species. Good beginner Crypt. Tolerates various conditions.

Java Fern Trident

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'

💬 "Three-pronged leaves. Like Aquaman's weapon but less effective against Atlanteans."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Forked Variant
Forked Leaves Unique Hardy

Three-pronged leaf tips. Smaller than regular Java Fern. Same toughness. Great for adding texture variety. Don't bury the rhizome!

Water Lettuce

Pistia stratiotes

💬 "Looks like lettuce. Don't eat it. Learn from mistakes."
Temp: 22-30°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Nutrient Absorber
Large Floater Long Roots Easy

Rosettes of velvety leaves. Long feathery roots. Multiplies via runners. Great for nutrient export. Can get large.

Cryptocoryne Pontederiifolia

Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia

💬 "Pondering why it's so easy to grow? Don't question it, just enjoy."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Easy Crypt
Heart-Shaped Green Reliable

Heart-shaped bright green leaves. One of the easier Crypts. Relatively fast growing for a Crypt. Good starter for Crypt lovers.

Subwassertang

Lomariopsis cf. lineata

💬 "German name means 'underwater algae'. It's not algae. Germans were wrong."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Liverwort Oddity
Unique Easy Shrimp Paradise

Actually a liverwort, not moss. Flat, lobed structure. Shrimp love it. Grows slowly. Can float or attach. Very forgiving.

Brazilian Pennywort

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

💬 "Grows like a weed. Because it basically is one."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Weed Status
Coin Leaves Fast Invasive

Round coin-like leaves. Grows extremely fast. Can grow emersed. Great for nutrient export. Will take over if not trimmed.

Cryptocoryne Nevillii

Cryptocoryne nevillii

💬 "Never will this Crypt give you major problems. See what we did there?"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Nano Crypt
Tiny Foreground Easy

Very small Crypt. Perfect for nano tank foregrounds. Hardy and reliable. Spreads slowly via runners.

Hairgrass (Dwarf)

Eleocharis parvula

💬 "Baby hairgrass. Easier than the tall version. Still needs haircuts (trimming)."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Carpet Grass
Short Grass Carpet Beginner Option

Shorter than regular hairgrass. Carpets decently without CO2 (just slower). More forgiving than HC Cuba. Good first carpet plant.

Moss Ball Mix

Various species

💬 "Balls of moss attached to stuff. Revolutionary aquascaping technique."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: No
Lab-Verified: Easy Texture
Various Mosses Easy Decorative

Java or Christmas moss wrapped around rocks/wood. Easy way to add moss without tying. Just place and go.

Staurogyne Bihar

Staurogyne sp. 'Bihar'

💬 "Indian cousin to Repens. Less demanding, still good looking."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Beginner Friendly
Compact Easy Midground

Compact growth. Less demanding than Repens. Good for foreground/midground. Hardy and forgiving.

🌿

Intermediate Plants: The "I Own a Timer" Tier

For aquascapers who've graduated from killing Anubias

Rotala Rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia

💬 "Turns red when happy. Stays green when judging your light setup."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.0-7.0
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Color-Change Master
Dutch Aquarium Star Fast Growth Needs Trimming

The gateway drug to high-tech planted tanks. Grows fast, needs CO2 to look good, turns stunning red/orange under intense light. Will teach you the art of trimming or consume your entire tank.

Bucephalandra 'Kedagang'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "The Hermès bag of aquarium plants. Costs more, grows slower, makes your friends jealous."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helps
Lab-Verified: Collector's Dream
Slow Grower Iridescent Leaves Expensive

Shimmers like a disco ball underwater. Grows at geological speeds. Perfect for nano tanks where you want one plant to last 5 years. Don't bury the rhizome—we know you know, but we're saying it anyway.

Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia repens

💬 "Goes from green to burgundy faster than your tank chemistry goes from 'perfect' to 'what happened'"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Yes Please
Lab-Verified: Iron Indicator
Red/Green Nutrient Hog Statement Plant

Your tank's mood ring. Red top = you're doing great! Green throughout = add more iron and stop lying about your fertilizer schedule. Fast grower that makes your aquascape look professional.

Pogostemon Helferi (Downoi)

Pogostemon helferi

💬 "Looks like tiny lettuce. Grows like it's plotting world domination."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Highly Recommended
Lab-Verified: Foreground Star
Unique Texture Compact Growth Aquascaping Gold

The "wow, what's THAT?" plant everyone asks about. Wavy leaves create amazing texture. Stays compact in high light, stretches in low light. CO2 turns it from meh to magnificent.

Flame Moss

Taxiphyllum sp.

💬 "Grows upward like it's trying to escape your tank. Can't blame it."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Unique Growth Pattern
Upward Growth Aquascaping Moss Slow but Steady

Unlike its horizontal cousins, this moss grows vertically like tiny flames. Perfect for creating height on hardscape. Slower growing than Java moss, which is actually a blessing in disguise.

Hygrophila Pinnatifida

Hygrophila pinnatifida

💬 "The botanical equivalent of that kid who was good at EVERYTHING in high school"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Versatile Champion
Creeping Growth Purple Undersides Unique

Purple undersides. Serrated leaves. Can be planted OR attached to hardscape. Basically the Swiss Army knife of intermediate stems. Grows horizontally along surfaces like it owns the place.

Weeping Moss

Vesicularia ferriei

💬 "Hangs down like it's dramatically sighing about your water parameters"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Weeping Growth
Downward Growth Tree Simulation Beautiful

Grows downward like willow branches. Perfect for creating tree effects on driftwood. More delicate than Java moss. Needs good flow to look its best.

Cryptocoryne Balansae

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

💬 "Long, wavy leaves like an underwater mermaid's hair. Will still melt though."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-8.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Tall Crypt
Wavy Leaves Background Hardy Once Settled

Tall Crypt with flowing, hammered leaves. Great background plant. Tolerates harder water than most Crypts. Initial melt is mandatory—it's the initiation ritual.

Bucephalandra 'Brownie'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Named after its color, not the dessert. Still sweet though."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helps
Lab-Verified: Color Stability
Brown/Red Epiphyte Collector's Choice

Rich brown-red coloration. Compact growth. One of the more affordable Buce varieties. Perfect for hardscape accents.

Rotala Indica

Rotala rotundifolia 'Indica'

💬 "Budget Rotala that actually looks expensive under good light"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Color Morph
Pink/Red Fast Growth Dutch Style

Smaller leaves than regular Rotundifolia. Turns beautiful pink-red under high light. Fast growing. Great for creating colorful streets in Dutch aquascapes.

Hydrocotyle Tripartita

Hydrocotyle tripartita

💬 "Tiny clovers that carpet. Four-leaf ones bring extra luck (finding them, that is)"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Clover Carpet
Unique Texture Foreground Creeping

Forms dense clover-like carpet. Unique texture for foregrounds. Needs regular trimming or it grows upward. CO2 keeps it compact and lush.

Ambulia

Limnophila sessiliflora

💬 "Feathery leaves that make goldfish think they're in a forest"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Fast Grower
Feathery Dense Background

Super feathery texture. Grows fast under high light. Great for adding lush density to backgrounds. Needs frequent trimming to prevent tanking over.

Phoenix Moss

Fissidens fontanus

💬 "Looks like tiny phoenix feathers. Won't rise from ashes if you kill it though."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Feathery Pattern
Unique Structure Beautiful Delicate

Fronds grow in feather-like patterns. More structured than typical mosses. Slower growing. Needs clean water and good flow. Worth the extra effort.

Cryptocoryne Spiralis

Cryptocoryne spiralis

💬 "Spiraling leaves like it's doing yoga underwater"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Optional
Lab-Verified: Twisted Growth
Spiral Leaves Mid/Background Unique

Long, twisted leaves create interesting texture. Hardy once established. Can get quite tall. Perfect for adding movement to the midground.

Bucephalandra 'Blue Velvet'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Shimmers blue like a disco ball. Your shrimp will love the dance floor."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Iridescent Beauty
Blue Shimmer Popular Cultivar Slow Growth

Blue iridescent leaves that shimmer underwater. One of the most popular Buce varieties. Compact size perfect for nano tanks. Slow growth = low maintenance.

Cardinal Plant

Lobelia cardinalis

💬 "Purple stems, green leaves, red potential. The mood ring of aquatic plants."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Color Variation
Purple Stems Emersed Growth Unique

Purple-red stems with bright green leaves. Can grow emersed and produce red flowers. Needs high light for best coloration. Moderate growth rate.

Hairgrass (Dwarf)

Eleocharis acicularis

💬 "Tiny grass that carpets like it's trying to be a lawn. Needs mowing (trimming) regularly."
Temp: 10-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Dense Carpet
Grass Carpet Runners Popular

Classic carpeting grass. Creates beautiful lawn effect. Needs high light and CO2 to carpet properly. Spreads via runners. Trim to keep height even.

Monte Carlo

Micranthemum tweediei

💬 "HC Cuba's slightly less demanding cousin. Still wants your firstborn, just not your soul."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: HC Alternative
Dense Carpet Small Leaves Competition Grade

Easier than HC Cuba but still creates that lush green carpet. Round leaves. Stays down better without insane CO2. The people's carpeting choice.

River Buttercup

Ranunculus inundatus

💬 "Tiny buttercup leaves that carpet. Australian, so it grows upside-down. (Not really.)"
Temp: 15-25°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Unique Foreground
Buttercup Leaves Rare Cool Water

Unique buttercup-shaped leaves. Prefers cooler temps. Creates interesting texture in foregrounds. Not commonly available but worth hunting for.

Bacopa Caroliniana

Bacopa caroliniana

💬 "Thick leaves that turn pink. Like a succulent decided to go swimming."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Medium-High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Robust Stem
Pink Coloration Thick Leaves Forgiving

Thick, succulent-like leaves turn pink-red under high light. Grows moderately. Can grow emersed. More forgiving than many colorful stems.

Mini Coral Moss

Riccardia chamedryfolia

💬 "Looks like tiny coral. Actually a liverwort. Identity crisis optional."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Liverwort Beauty
Coral-Like Delicate Unique

Technically a liverwort, not moss. Intricate branching pattern. Delicate and beautiful. Needs clean water and gentle flow. Perfect for small hardscape details.

Nesaea Golden

Nesaea pedicellata 'Golden'

💬 "Orange-gold stems that look like sunset. Needs nutrients like it's eating for two."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Golden Hues
Orange-Gold Nutrient Heavy Striking

Stunning orange-gold coloration. Needs high iron and micro nutrients. Fast growing under good conditions. Creates amazing color contrast.

Mermaid Weed

Proserpinaca palustris

💬 "Serrated leaves turn orange-red. Mermaids wish they looked this good."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Orange Beauty
Serrated Leaves Orange-Red Unique Texture

Unique serrated leaves turn vibrant orange under high light and nutrients. Moderately demanding. Creates interesting texture contrast in planted tanks.

Rotala H'ra

Rotala sp. 'H'ra'

💬 "Looks like tiny pine tree branches. No Christmas ornaments required."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Needle Leaves
Fine Texture Unique Green to Pink

Delicate needle-like leaves. Creates fine texture in stems sections. Turns pink-orange under optimal conditions. Slower than other Rotalas.

Red Myrio

Myriophyllum mattogrossense

💬 "Feathery and red. Like a fancy bird, but underwater and doesn't tweet."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: High
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Red Feathers
Feathery Red Fast Growth Stunning

Fine, feathery leaves turn deep red-orange. Grows fast. Creates amazing texture and color. Needs regular trimming to maintain density.

Anubias Coffeefolia

Anubias barteri 'Coffeefolia'

💬 "Textured leaves like coffee beans. Still won't wake you up in the morning."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Nope
Lab-Verified: Unique Texture
Hammered Leaves Epiphyte Distinctive

Unique bullate (bumpy) leaf texture. Darker green than most Anubias. Same bulletproof nature. Perfect for adding texture variety to low-tech tanks.

Fissidens Nobilis

Fissidens nobilis

💬 "Fancy Fissidens. So fancy it needs its own genus mention twice."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Elite Moss
Structured Beautiful Pricey

Larger than Phoenix moss. More upright growth. Creates beautiful feathery texture. Needs pristine water conditions. Worth the investment.

🌺

Advanced Plants: The "I Inject CO2" Tier

Where fertilizer dosing becomes a science experiment

Dwarf Baby Tears (HC Cuba)

Hemianthus callitrichoides

💬 "The bonsai tree of carpeting plants. Requires monk-level patience and CO2 addiction."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: REQUIRED
Lab-Verified: CO2-Dependent
Carpet King Tiny Leaves Contest Favorite

The smallest carpet plant. Your ticket to competition aquascaping. Without high CO2 + light, it just floats away and mocks your setup. With proper conditions? Absolute green carpet perfection.

Rotala Macrandra

Rotala macrandra

💬 "Turns blood-red when pampered. Turns to mush when you slack off. No in-between."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: MAX IT
Lab-Verified: High-Demand Beauty
Deep Red Nutrient Diva Expert Flex

The Lamborghini of red plants. Insanely beautiful. Insanely demanding. Soft water, high iron, consistent CO2, or it melts faster than your budget for this hobby. Worth every headache.

Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens

💬 "The carpet plant for people who think HC Cuba is for show-offs"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: High
CO2: Highly Recommended
Lab-Verified: Compact Under Light
Dense Growth Foreground/Mid Reliable

Stays low and compact under high light. Creeps like it's sneaking around. Perfect for creating texture without the soul-crushing difficulty of HC Cuba. Still needs good CO2 though.

Cryptocoryne Flamingo

Cryptocoryne sp.

💬 "Pink leaves that make other aquascapers ask 'wait, that's REAL?'"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Helps Color
Lab-Verified: Rare Color Morph
Pink! Tissue Culture Collector's Item

One of the few naturally pink aquatic plants. Slow growing. Will melt if you look at it wrong (it's a Crypt). But once established? Showstopper status. Needs good light to maintain pink.

Utricularia Graminifolia

Utricularia graminifolia

💬 "Carnivorous plant that eats your patience and micro-organisms. In that order."
Temp: 18-28°C
pH: 5.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: REQUIRED
Lab-Verified: Bladderwort Biology
Carnivorous Carpet Alternative Unique

A carnivorous plant that carpets. Yes, really. Catches micro-organisms with tiny bladders. Forms a dense, grass-like carpet. Flowers above water. Basically magic that requires perfect conditions.

Alternanthera Reineckii Mini

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'

💬 "Purple, compact, and more demanding than a toddler on a sugar rush"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Iron-Dependent Color
Deep Purple Compact Contest Plant

Smaller version of regular AR, which means even more demanding. Deep purple-red coloration under maximum light and CO2. Loves iron. Will teach you the meaning of 'high maintenance'.

Pogostemon Erectus

Pogostemon erectus

💬 "Like a bottlebrush, but make it aquatic and demanding"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Unique Structure
Needle Leaves Vertical Growth Stunning

Star-shaped whorls of needle leaves. Grows tall and upright. Needs intense light or it gets leggy. CO2 is mandatory. Creates amazing vertical accent.

Limnophila Aromatica

Limnophila aromatica

💬 "Purple stems that smell like rice paddies. Your tank will smell like Vietnam."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Aromatic Beauty
Purple-Red Aromatic Demanding

Stunning purple-red coloration. Actually aromatic when crushed. Needs high light and CO2. Fast growing under optimal conditions. Worth the effort.

Cryptocoryne Nurii

Cryptocoryne nurii

💬 "The Crypt that makes other Crypts look easy. Elite melt club member."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Rare Crypt
Rare Melt Prone Beautiful

Olive-green with reddish undersides. Rare in the hobby. Melts if you sneeze wrong. Once happy though, absolutely gorgeous. Patience required.

Ludwigia Inclinata 'Cuba'

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'

💬 "Orange-yellow perfection. Also perfection at dying without perfect conditions."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Color Master
Orange-Yellow Nutrient Hog Showstopper

Incredible orange-yellow gradient. One of the most colorful stems. Extremely demanding. Needs soft water, high iron, perfect CO2. Competition tank staple.

Glossostigma

Glossostigma elatinoides

💬 "HC Cuba before HC Cuba was cool. OG carpeting diva."
Temp: 15-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Classic Carpet
Fast Carpet Light Hungry Dense

Small oval leaves. Carpets fast under high light and CO2. Will grow upward in low light. Needs intense conditions to stay flat and dense.

Ammannia Gracilis

Ammannia gracilis

💬 "Orange stems that look like they belong in a sunset painting"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Orange Specialist
Orange-Red Unique Color Demanding

Vibrant orange-red coloration. Thin leaves in whorls. Needs high nutrients especially iron. Grows fast when happy. Melts when sad.

Mayaca Fluviatilis

Mayaca fluviatilis

💬 "Looks like moss but stems. Identity crisis handled with extreme demands."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Delicate Beauty
Moss-Like Acidic Water Rare

Tiny moss-like leaves on stems. Creates unique fluffy texture. Needs acidic water and perfect conditions. Slow growing. Extremely delicate.

Eichhornia Diversifolia

Eichhornia diversifolia

💬 "Water hyacinth's underwater cousin. Less invasive, more demanding."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Unique Species
Strap Leaves Uncommon Interesting

Long, flowing strap leaves. Creates movement in the tank. Not commonly available. Needs high nutrients and CO2 to thrive.

Ludwigia Brevipes

Ludwigia brevipes

💬 "Wine-red leaves. Will make you want to drink wine when it melts."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Wine Red
Deep Red Iron Hungry Stunning

Deep wine-red coloration. Round leaves. Needs high iron and nitrates. Fast growing when conditions are right. Competition tank favorite.

Rotala Bangladesh

Rotala sp. 'Bangladesh'

💬 "Tiny pink leaves. Big attitude. Huge demands."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Compact Pink
Pink Tiny High-Tech Only

Extremely small pink leaves. Stays compact under extreme light. One of the most demanding Rotalas. Absolutely stunning when grown well.

Nesaea Crassicaulis

Nesaea crassicaulis

💬 "Thick stems, thin patience for suboptimal conditions"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Thick Stems
Red-Orange Large Statement Plant

Large, thick reddish stems. Creates bold presence. Needs lots of nutrients. Fast growing. Perfect for large tanks with high-tech setups.

Cryptocoryne Aponogetifolia

Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia

💬 "The tallest Crypt. Compensating for something? Nah, just majestic."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Giant Crypt
Tall Hammered Leaves Impressive

Can grow over 50cm tall. Long, narrow, hammered leaves. Stunning background plant. Slow to establish but worth the wait.

Persicaria 'Sao Paulo'

Persicaria sp. 'Sao Paulo'

💬 "Pink and white variegation. Instagram model of the plant world."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Variegated Beauty
Pink-White Variegated Rare

Stunning pink and white variegation. Extremely eye-catching. Needs perfect conditions for color. Grows moderately fast. Competition tank showpiece.

Blyxa Japonica

Blyxa japonica

💬 "Grass-like rosettes that demand respect and perfect water chemistry"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
Light: High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Rosette Expert
Grass-Like Compact Acidic Lover

Forms compact grass-like rosettes. Needs soft, acidic water. High light and CO2 mandatory. Creates unique texture. Not for beginners.

Rotala Wallichii

Rotala wallichii

💬 "Feathery pink perfection. Also perfectly capable of melting overnight."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Delicate Pink
Feathery Pink Extremely Demanding

Incredibly fine, feathery pink leaves. One of the most beautiful stems. Also one of the most demanding. Soft water essential. Worth every headache.

Hygrophila 'Araguaia'

Hygrophila sp. 'Araguaia'

💬 "Compact stem that acts like a diva. Small plant, big personality."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Compact Stem
Small Leaves Dense Growth Red Tones

Compact growth with reddish tones. Stays relatively small. Perfect for midground. Needs high light to prevent stretching. Fast growing when happy.

Syngonanthus Belem

Syngonanthus sp. 'Belem'

💬 "Star-shaped rosettes. Wishes upon stars that you'll get the pH right."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Acidophile
Star Pattern Soft Water Challenging

Forms star-shaped rosettes. Needs very soft, acidic water. High light mandatory. Unique appearance. For advanced aquascapers only.

Eriocaulon Setaceum

Eriocaulon setaceum

💬 "Tiny needles in rosettes. Pokes holes in your confidence too."
Temp: 20-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Needle Rosette
Needle Leaves Compact Expert Level

Fine needle-like leaves in tight rosettes. Needs extremely soft water. High light and CO2 essential. Beautiful when grown well. Challenging to maintain.

Ammania Senegalensis

Ammania senegalensis

💬 "Copper-bronze beauty. Demands to be center stage or it sulks (melts)."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Bronze Specialist
Copper-Bronze Unique Color Fast Growth

Stunning copper-bronze coloration. Narrow leaves. Fast growing under optimal conditions. Needs high iron. Creates unique color palette.

Cryptocoryne Albida

Cryptocoryne albida

💬 "Brown beauty that melts white-hot with rage at water changes"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Brown Variant
Brown Leaves Uncommon Sensitive

Olive-brown leaves with unique coloration. More sensitive than common Crypts. Rare in hobby. Beautiful once established.

Ludwigia Ovalis

Ludwigia ovalis

💬 "Oval leaves turn deep red. Also turns your patience deep red (angry)."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Red Specialist
Deep Red Oval Leaves Demanding

Small oval leaves turn deep wine-red. Compact growth. Needs high nutrients and iron. Perfect for midground color accent.

🔥

Expert Plants: The "My Tank Has a pH Controller" Tier

For masochists and competition aquascapers only

Eriocaulon Cinereum

Eriocaulon cinereum

💬 "Looks like a sea urchin had a baby with starlight. Costs like you bought actual starlight."
Temp: 18-25°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: MAXIMUM
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Extreme Parameters
Ultra Rare Soft Water Only Flex Plant

The final boss of aquatic plants. Needs soft water, extreme light, massive CO2, and your firstborn child. Shimmers silver-white under perfect conditions. One degree off? Dead. Worth it for bragging rights.

Tonina Fluviatilis

Syngonanthus sp.

💬 "Melts if you: breathe wrong, dose wrong, think wrong thoughts near the tank"
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 4.5-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Absurd Levels
Lab-Verified: Acidophile Extremist
Unique Texture Acidic Only Competition Grade

Fluffy texture that looks alien. Requires acidic water or it melts instantly. One of the most demanding stems. If you can grow this, you've ascended to aquascaping enlightenment.

Bucephalandra 'Wavy Green'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "The plant equivalent of buying a rare Pokémon card. Except this one photosynthesizes."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Ultra-Rare Cultivar
Collector's Crown Wavy Leaves Investment Plant

One of the rarest Buce cultivars. Waves so dramatic they make ocean plants jealous. Grows slower than your 401k. Costs more than your monthly groceries. Absolutely worth it.

Eriocaulon Vietnam

Eriocaulon sp.

💬 "Grows like grass. Dies like royalty. Requires treatment like a NASA experiment."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 50+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Contest Winner
Dense Rosette Soft Water Expert Flex

Forms tight grass-like rosettes. Stunning in competition tanks. Will die if your GH goes above 4. Requires RO water, perfect ferts, insane light. The plant that separates hobbyists from professionals.

Syngonanthus Macrocaulon

Syngonanthus macrocaulon

💬 "The 'I have a degree in plant biology' plant. Actually, scratch that—biologists can't grow this either."
Temp: 20-26°C
pH: 4.5-6.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Acidophile Master
Needle Leaves Extreme Care Unicorn Status

Looks like a pom-pom on a stick. Demands pH below 6.0, extreme CO2, perfect macro/micro balance. One misstep = instant melt. If you succeed, frame a photo and put it on your resume.

Cryptocoryne Cordata 'Rosanervig'

Cryptocoryne cordata var.

💬 "The Crypt that melts if you even THINK about changing water brands"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Helps
Lab-Verified: Ultra-Rare Morph
Pink Veins Collector's Item Sensitive

Pink-veined leaves that look hand-painted. Extremely rare. Will melt 47 times before deciding to grow. Once established? Immortal. Getting there? Your new full-time job.

Eriocaulon Australia

Eriocaulon sp. 'Australia'

💬 "From down under. Will put your skills down under too."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Extreme Care
Rosette Ultra Rare Soft Water Only

Tight rosette formation. Needs RO water with TDS under 100. High light. Maximum CO2. One parameter slip? Dead. Competition tank finale boss.

Bucephalandra 'Theia'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Named after a goddess. Demands worship and sacrificial root tabs."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Mythical Rarity
Iridescent Extremely Rare Collector's Dream

Stunning blue-purple iridescence. One of the rarest Buce cultivars. Tiny leaves. Commands astronomical prices. Worth selling a kidney.

Eriocaulon Quinquangulare

Eriocaulon quinquangulare

💬 "Five-sided stems. One-sided demands: perfect or death."
Temp: 20-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: 50+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Pentagonal Challenge
Unique Structure Soft Water Expert Only

Pentagonal cross-section stems. Forms dense rosettes. Needs ultra-soft water. High iron requirements. Rare and challenging.

Syngonanthus Rio Negro

Syngonanthus sp. 'Rio Negro'

💬 "From black water rivers. Needs black belt aquascaping skills."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 4.5-6.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Black Water Specialist
Acidic Only Rare Challenging

Requires extremely acidic water. Fluffy texture. Very sensitive to water parameters. For masochists with RO systems and pH controllers.

Bucephalandra 'Godzilla'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Named after a monster. Will monster your wallet and patience."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Monster Rarity
Large for Buce Rare Expensive

One of the larger Bucephalandra varieties. Dark green with purple tones. Slow growing. Highly sought after. Prepare your credit card.

Eriocaulon Parkeri

Eriocaulon parkeri

💬 "Tiny green pom-poms. Demands you park your ego at the door."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Compact Expert
Tiny Rosettes Bright Green Demanding

Compact bright green rosettes. Stays very small. Needs soft water and perfect nutrients. Beautiful for nano foregrounds when you can keep it alive.

Rotala Mexicana 'Goias'

Rotala sp. 'Goias'

💬 "Pink, delicate, and goes away faster than your aquascaping confidence"
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Pink Perfection
Bright Pink Ultra Rare Extremely Demanding

Vibrant pink coloration. Extremely delicate. Needs soft water, high CO2, perfect nutrients. Melts if you breathe wrong. Competition aquascaping holy grail.

Cryptocoryne Keei

Cryptocoryne keei

💬 "The key to growing this? There is no key. Just luck and prayers."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Rare Endemic
Ultra Rare Variable Leaves Collector's Prize

Extremely rare in the hobby. Variable leaf patterns. Slow growing. Melts frequently. For serious Crypt collectors only.

Syngonanthus Inundatus

Syngonanthus inundatus

💬 "Will inundate you with challenges and regret"
Temp: 20-26°C
pH: 4.5-6.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: Acidophile Master
Star Rosettes Acidic Water Expert Challenge

Forms star-like rosettes. Needs extremely acidic water. Very sensitive to nitrates. For advanced planted tank specialists with RO systems.

Bucephalandra 'Skeleton King'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Will reduce your bank account to a skeleton. Worth it."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Premium Cultivar
Dark Purple Extremely Rare Investment Grade

Dark purple-black leaves with prominent veining. One of the most expensive Buce cultivars. Slow growing. Elite collector status symbol.

Eriocaulon Polaris

Eriocaulon sp. 'Polaris'

💬 "Points north like a compass. Also points to your impending failure."
Temp: 18-25°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Competition Grade
Needle-Like Rare Extreme Demands

Thin needle-like leaves radiating from center. Needs cooler water, extreme light, soft water. Competition tank staple. Not for the faint of heart.

Cryptocoryne Purpurea

Cryptocoryne purpurea

💬 "Purple beauty that turns your mood purple (bruised) when it melts"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Purple Variant
Purple Undersides Rare Melt Prone

Purple undersides on leaves. Rare in cultivation. Extra sensitive to changes. Beautiful color but challenging to maintain.

Ludwigia Inclinata 'White'

Ludwigia inclinata 'White'

💬 "Turns white under perfect conditions. Your face turns white when it melts."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 5.5-7.0
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Albino Coloration
White-Yellow Ultra Rare Extremely Demanding

Pale white-yellow coloration. Absolutely stunning. Needs perfect everything. Soft water, high iron, maximum CO2. The unicorn of stems.

Bucephalandra 'Red'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Seeing red? That's the price tag. And your frustration growing it."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Red Cultivar
Red Leaves Rare Expensive

True red Bucephalandra. Very rare. Slow growing even by Buce standards. Collector's holy grail. Commands premium prices.

Eriocaulon 'Feather Duster'

Eriocaulon sp.

💬 "Looks like a feather duster. Will dust your ego clean off."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Very High
CO2: 50+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Feathery Expert
Feathery Leaves Rare Soft Water

Extremely fine, feathery leaves. Forms tight rosettes. Needs ultra-soft water. Stunning appearance. Expert-level difficulty.

Rotala 'Pearl'

Rotala sp. 'Pearl'

💬 "Precious as pearls. Dies faster than oysters out of water."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Miniature Beauty
Tiny Leaves Compact Ultra Demanding

Extremely small leaves. Compact growth. Needs perfect soft water, high CO2, intense light. One of the most challenging Rotalas.

Syngonanthus Uaupes

Syngonanthus sp. 'Uaupes'

💬 "From the Uaupes river. Will make you say 'whoops' a lot."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 4.5-6.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Maximum
Lab-Verified: River Endemic
Star Pattern Acidic Specialist Rare

Tight star-shaped rosettes. Needs black water conditions. Extremely acidic pH required. For expert aquascapers with advanced setups.

Cryptocoryne Zonata

Cryptocoryne zonata

💬 "Zoned out from trying to keep this alive yet?"
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Striped Rarity
Striped Leaves Ultra Rare Melt Master

Distinctive striped pattern on leaves. Extremely rare in cultivation. Very sensitive to changes. For serious Crypt collectors.

Bucephalandra 'Kedagang Mini'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "Regular Kedagang's tiny sibling. Costs more, grows slower. Makes sense."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Helps
Lab-Verified: Miniature Premium
Tiny Iridescent Collector's Choice

Miniature version of Kedagang. Even slower growing. Perfect for detailed nano scapes. Commands premium prices for tiny portions.

Eriocaulon 'Goias'

Eriocaulon sp. 'Goias'

💬 "From Brazil. Will send you to Brazil (aquascaping hell) if conditions aren't perfect."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: Brazilian Challenge
Compact Rosette Rare Expert Grade

Tight, compact rosettes. Silvery-green appearance. Needs cooler temps, soft water, extreme light. Competition aquascaping specialist plant.

Pogostemon Kimberleyensis

Pogostemon kimberleyensis

💬 "From Australia's Kimberley. As remote and hard to reach as the region itself."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Rare Endemic
Unique Leaves Rare Demanding

Unusual leaf structure. Rare in the hobby. Needs high nutrients and CO2. Challenging to maintain long-term.

Cryptocoryne Ferruginea

Cryptocoryne ferruginea

💬 "Rusty colored. Your aquascaping skills will rust too."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Helpful
Lab-Verified: Collector's Crypt
Rusty Brown Large Rare

Large leaves with rusty brown coloration. Very rare in aquarium trade. Slow to establish. Melts enthusiastically.

Bucephalandra 'Sintang'

Bucephalandra sp.

💬 "From Sintang region. Will make your wallet sing a sad song."
Temp: 20-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Medium
CO2: Recommended
Lab-Verified: Regional Variant
Dark Leaves Rare Slow Growth

Dark green to purple leaves. Regional variant that's highly sought after. Slow growing. Commands collector prices.

Limnophila Hippuridoides

Limnophila hippuridoides

💬 "Dense whorls of leaves. Dense requirements for success."
Temp: 22-28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
Light: Very High
CO2: Required
Lab-Verified: Whorl Master
Dense Whorls Feathery Demanding

Extremely dense whorls of feathery leaves. Needs high nutrients and CO2. Can grow very tall. Competition tank background specimen.

Eriocaulon 'Japan'

Eriocaulon sp. 'Japan'

💬 "Japanese precision meets aquatic difficulty. Hai, very challenging."
Temp: 18-26°C
pH: 5.0-6.5
Light: Maximum
CO2: 60+ ppm
Lab-Verified: JDM Exclusive
Compact Rare Extreme Care

Compact rosette formation. Needs cold water, extreme light, soft water. Popular in Japanese aquascaping. Not for beginners.

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