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If you want a tank that feels like a living painting, aquatic plants are the fast track. They add depth, natural filtration, and safe hiding places for fish and invertebrates, while softening hard edges the way a rug warms a room. Plants reduce nitrates, improve water chemistry, and create a calmer environment for your livestock — plus they just look beautiful. Whether you’re setting up a nano 5-gallon desktop tank or a room-filling 75-gallon display, the right plants can turn ordinary glass into a peaceful underwater world.
There are hundreds of aquatic plant species, but some staples keep popping up in successful tanks. If you’re starting out, focus on forgiving species that tolerate a range of conditions. If you’re more advanced, low-growing carpets and demanding rosette plants add that “wow” factor. Below are plants that fit most setups and where you’ll typically find them in U.S. stores.
Monte Carlo is a low-growing carpet plant that spreads horizontally to create a lush green carpet across the substrate. It usually stays under 1 to 2 inches tall, making it perfect for foreground coverage in tanks from small 5-gallon setups to large displays. Many hobbyists like Monte Carlo because it roots quickly into fine substrates and tolerates moderate light. You’ll commonly see potted Monte Carlo sold at big retailers, including a Potted Monte Carlo Micranthemum offered by West Coast Aquatics at Walmart.
Java Fern is a classic for good reason: it’s nearly indestructible. It prefers to be attached to wood or rock rather than buried in substrate, and it tolerates low light and a wide temperature range. Height varies by variety, with most staying under 6 to 10 inches, so it’s a great midground plant that doesn’t demand CO2 or fancy fertilizer tabs.
Anubias species are slow-growing, hardy plants that attach to driftwood and rock. Anubias Nana typically grows to about 3 to 6 inches tall and has thick, dark green leaves that resist most algae types. Because it likes low to moderate light and low nutrient demand, Anubias is a favorite for low-tech tanks and for adding vertical interest without fuss.
Amazon Swords are classic background plants for medium and large tanks. They can grow 10 to 20 inches tall, producing broad leaves that create a lush jungle feel. They prefer nutrient-rich substrate and benefit from root tabs and regular fertilization. In a 20-gallon or larger tank, a single Amazon Sword makes a dramatic focal point.
Vallisneria is a fast-growing background grass that sends up ribbon-like leaves that can reach several feet in large aquariums. In smaller tanks, it still grows tall and provides great vertical movement as leaves sway with the filter current. Vallisneria is easy-care and tolerates a variety of water chemistries, making it an excellent choice for beginners and community tanks.
Shopping for live plants has never been easier thanks to a wide range of retailers. From big-box stores to specialized online sellers and local fish stores, each option has pros and cons. Below I break down what you can expect from common sources so you can pick what fits your budget, shipping tolerance, and plant goals.
Walmart carries a selection of live aquarium plants both online and in some stores. One product you’ll find through Walmart is Potted Monte Carlo Micranthemum, sold by West Coast Aquatics. These potted plants come ready to place in the tank or to grow emersed for a short period before submerging. Walmart is often budget-friendly and convenient, especially if you want to pick up plants while doing other shopping.
Petco stocks live plants suitable for a variety of tanks, and their stores frequently have potted foregrounds, midground clumps, and large rosettes. Petco often carries both common species like Anubias and Java Fern and seasonal or limited plants that hobbyists look for. Their in-store selection can vary by region, so checking online inventory is smart before you head out.
PetSmart is another major chain with live plant offerings. Expect similar species to Petco — Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword, and mosses — with occasional specialty items. PetSmart’s advantage is the consistent availability across many locations and frequent promotions that make stocking a planted tank more affordable.
Aquarium Co-Op is a specialty retailer that’s respected in the hobby for plant quality and helpful care guides. They stock both tissue-cultured (TC) plants and potted forms and often have hard-to-find or premium variants. If you value high-quality stock and detailed product descriptions, Aquarium Co-Op is worth the extra price for peace of mind.
Amazon sells live plants from both small sellers and larger aquatic brands. You can find bulk carpeting plants and packs that are cost-effective for filling a tank. The downside is inconsistency in packing and shipping practices between sellers, so read reviews and choose vendors with strong feedback on live plant shipments.
Big home improvement stores sometimes carry aquatic plants in their garden departments, especially during spring and summer. You might find hardier species and potted options suitable for beginner setups. Availability varies widely, but locations near urban centers and areas with higher aquarium hobby interest tend to stock more diverse assortments.
Never underestimate your local fish store. LFS vendors curate stock based on local water and hobbyist trends, and they often offer plants that are grown locally or quarantined for pests. Buying from an LFS supports small business and usually gets you personalized advice — which can save weeks of troubleshooting later on.
Tank size dictates what plants will look proportional and thrive. Nano tanks under 10 gallons should favor small carpets and compact foreground species like Monte Carlo and Anubias Nana Petite. Mid-size tanks (10 to 29 gallons) can balance foreground carpets with midground Java Ferns and small swords. Tanks 30 gallons and up allow for a mix of background giants like Amazon Sword and tall Vallisneria, which can reach impressive heights in a 55-gallon or larger setup.
Plant choice and lighting go hand in hand. Low-light plants such as Anubias and Java Fern do well under modest LED fixtures rated at about 0.5 watts per gallon for older LED ratings, while medium-light species like Monte Carlo and some Cryptocoryne varieties perform best with roughly 1.0 watts per gallon equivalent or a dedicated plant LED. High-light plants and carpeting species may need stronger fixtures plus CO2 supplementation to prevent algae and ensure compact growth.
Root feeders like Amazon Sword prefer a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs placed 1 to 2 inches beneath the crown. Carpeting plants such as Monte Carlo do best on fine-grain substrates so runners can establish quickly; aim for a substrate layer of 1 to 2 inches for planted tanks. Hardscape-attached plants like Anubias and Java Fern should never be buried at the crown — tie them to wood or rock and leave the rhizome exposed.
CO2 makes a dramatic difference for demanding plants and dense carpets. For hobbyists chasing a bright, even carpet of Monte Carlo in a 20-gallon or larger tank, pressurized CO2 can speed growth and create tighter leaf spacing. For low-tech setups, regular liquid fertilizers and root tabs can support slow-growing species without CO2. If you’re experimenting, start with liquid dosing and step up to CO2 if plants look leggy or algae appears stubborn.
Healthy planted tanks thrive on routine. A weekly water change of 25% to 40% helps maintain nutrient balance and clarity. Trim fast-growing stems or cut back carpets to encourage denser growth — many hobbyists trim Monte Carlo every 2 to 4 weeks. Test water parameters regularly, add liquid fertilizers or root tabs as needed, and keep an eye on algae: it’s usually a sign your light, CO2, or nutrients are out of balance.
Buying live plants online can yield great results when you follow a few rules. First, buy from sellers with strong live-plant reviews and good photos. Second, prefer potted or tissue-cultured plants for better survival during shipping. Third, quarantine new plants in a separate tub or tank for a week to check for pests or hitchhikers. Lastly, consider overnight shipping during warm months to protect delicate specimens from heat exposure.
Choose plants that are grown for aquaria rather than wild-collected species, and avoid releasing any live plants into local waterways — this protects local ecosystems from invasive species. Supporting sellers who sustainably source and cultivate plants helps the hobby thrive long-term. If you’re unsure about a plant’s origin, ask the vendor or choose a tissue-cultured option, which is grown in sterile lab conditions and reduces the risk of pests and pathogens.
Yellowing leaves often point to nutrient deficiencies — iron and nitrogen are common suspects. Holes and shredded leaves typically indicate melting during adaptation; give plants time and stable water conditions. Algae blooms are usually linked to excess light or imbalanced nutrients: reduce photoperiod, check dosing, and consider introducing shrimp or algae-eating fish to help. If new plants don’t root, ensure substrate is suitable and provide gentle flow so debris doesn’t settle on leaves.
Start simple, pick plants that match your experience level and tank parameters, and grow gradually. Don’t try to carpet a 40-gallon tank with finicky species on day one — establish stability first. Learn from each planting cycle and enjoy the process: planted aquariums evolve over time, and each trimming or replanting is an opportunity to improve aesthetic and water quality.
Turning your tank into a lush planted display is a rewarding journey that’s about more than looks — it’s about creating balanced, healthy water chemistry and a comfortable home for aquatic life. Whether you buy a Potted Monte Carlo from a retailer like Walmart, pick up Anubias at your local Petco, order specialty tissue-cultured stock from Aquarium Co-Op, or shop packs on Amazon, there are reliable options across the US to suit every budget and skill level. Be mindful of lighting, substrate, and dosing, quarantine new plants, and choose sustainable sources to keep both your aquarium and the environment healthy. Happy planting!
| Aquatic Plants | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Potted Monte Carlo Micranthemum - Easy Carpet Aquarium Plant By West Coast Aquatics | $ 5,95 |
