Thinking about giving your betta’s tank a little makeover with live aquatic plants, but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place!
As betta lovers and aquarium nerds, we totally get it, those bare tanks can feel a little… empty. The good news? Bettas love a lush, planted setup, especially when your tank includes some floating plants that make it similar to betta’s natural environment. Even a small 5-gallon tank or bowl can come to life with a few low-maintenance plants rooted around the bottom. In this guide, we’ll share our favorite live plants for betta tanks and offer some easy tips to help you build a tank your betta will thrive in.
1. Java Fern
If you want an easy-to-care, friendly aquatic plant for your betta tank, Java Fern should be top 1 of this list. This plant is appropriate for beginners and betta tank, it doesn’t need fancy lighting, CO₂, and it grows well in normal conditions. Java Fern naturally thrives in low-lighting and can easily be attached to driftwood, rocks, or ornaments, it will be flexible for you to be creative in decorating your betta tank.
Bettas like Java Fern because its broad, textured leaves provide the perfect place to rest, explore, or hide when they need. Since bettas aren’t strong swimmers, they appreciate peaceful spaces with structure, and Java Fern creates just that. It helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing algae growth, and adding a natural touch to your setup. It’s the kind of plant that does its job quietly and reliably, while making your aquarium look lush and healthy.
2. Anubias
If you’re setting up a home for your betta and want a plant that looks great and doesn’t make you care too much, Anubias is a solid pick. It’s one of those plants that’s easy to grow, no need for strong lighting, CO₂ systems, or even special care routines. It grows slowly and steadily, and because it doesn’t need to be planted in the substrate, you can easily stick it to rocks, driftwood, or tank decor. That will be flexible for your creativity in building and decorating your aquarium tank
One of the best things about Anubias is how your betta reacts to it. The plant’s wide, sturdy leaves are perfect for lounging—bettas often nap on them like little leafy beds. It also creates calm spots in the tank, which is great since bettas aren’t fans of strong water flow. With Anubias, you’re giving your fish a peaceful, natural environment while adding a plant that’s easy to maintain and keeps your tank looking lush. It’s a win-win for both you and your betta.
3. Marimo Moss Ball
When you’re looking for the easiest plant you’ll ever add to a betta tank, Marimo Moss Balls are hard to beat. They’re a rare form of algae, but don’t worry – they’re the good kind! Marimos are soft, round, and super low-maintenance. They don’t need planting, trimming, or any special lighting. You just drop them into the tank, and they get to work soaking up excess nutrients while adding a fun, natural touch to the setup.
What makes them especially awesome for bettas is how interactive they are. Bettas love to gently push them around or rest beside them. Since Marimo Moss Balls are soft and slow-growing, they won’t overcrowd the tank or mess with your water flow. Plus, they help improve water quality by absorbing nitrates, which is a nice bonus for keeping your tank clean. They’re cute, helpful, and nearly impossible to kill – what more could you want?
4. Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne, or “Crypts” for short, is another great choice for you to choose. They’re also easy to grow, don’t need special lighting, and have a variety of colors and leaf shapes that can really elevate your aquascape. Just plant them in the substrate, give them some time, and they’ll settle in beautifully.
Bettas love the calm vibe crypts create. These aquatic plants grow in peace bush that gives great plants to hide and rest without taking over the tank. They’re perfect if you want a low-maintenance plant that looks lush and makes your betta feel safe and at home.
5. Sword Plant
You want a big plant for amazing visuals and give your betta feel more natural you can’t go wrong with a Sword Plant. Varieties like the Amazon Sword are known for their tall, broad leaves that make beautiful display and create a lush view in your tank. They’re relatively easy to care for, especially in tanks with lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate. While they do grow large, sword plants are slow to medium growers and easy to manage once they’re established.
Bettas love Sword Plants because the tall leaves provide excellent coverage and security. The leaves sway gently in the current and create shaded areas, which help your betta feel safe and less stressed, especially in taller tanks or more open layouts. Some bettas even rest on the larger leaves like hammocks! Sword plants don’t just look nice – they also help keep your tank clean by soaking up extra nutrients and making the water healthier for your betta.
Conclusion
Adding live aquatic plants to your betta tank is one of the easiest ways to make your fish feel at home. Plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Marimo Balls aren’t just pretty—they give your betta places to rest, explore, and feel safe. Even a small tank can come to life with just a few good plants. Mix a couple of your favorites, and your betta will love the upgrade.
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