When setting up a beautiful and healthy aquarium, many new fish keepers ask the same question: What are the best beginner plants for a betta tank? Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are stunning, hardy, and full of personality. But to keep them happy, a natural environment with live plants makes all the difference. This guide will walk you through why plants matter, the easiest beginner options, care tips, and how to avoid common mistakes when introducing plants to your betta’s home.
Why Choose Live Plants for a Betta Tank?
Before we dive into the list of beginner plants for betta tank setups, it’s important to understand why live plants are beneficial.
- Oxygen production — Plants naturally oxygenate the water during the day.
- Waste absorption — They use ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates as nutrients, helping maintain better water quality.
- Stress reduction — Bettas love hiding and resting among leaves. Plants mimic their natural habitat.
- Algae control — Healthy plants outcompete algae for nutrients, keeping your tank cleaner.
- Aesthetics — Live greenery adds vibrancy and makes your tank look like a slice of nature.
For beginners, choosing hardy, low-maintenance plants ensures both you and your betta have a stress-free experience.
Top 10 Beginner Plants for Betta Tank
Here are the best beginner plants for betta tank setups, perfect for first-time aquarists:
1. Anubias
- Light needs: Low to medium
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Midground or attached to driftwood/rocks
Anubias has broad leaves that bettas love to rest on. It’s one of the hardiest plants, growing slowly but steadily without much fuss.
2. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
- Light needs: Low
- Care level: Very easy
- Placement: Background or attached to decorations
Java ferns are nearly indestructible and thrive even in low-tech tanks. Just tie the rhizome to wood or rock — never bury it in the substrate.
3. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)
- Light needs: Medium
- Care level: Moderate-easy
- Placement: Background
This plant grows tall and creates a lush jungle effect. It’s a favorite among betta keepers, though it requires more root nutrition than some other beginner plants.
4. Java Moss
- Light needs: Low
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Foreground, rocks, or decorations
A soft carpet-like plant that bettas love exploring. It’s one of the easiest mosses to grow and doesn’t require CO₂ or heavy lighting.
5. Marimo Moss Ball
- Light needs: Low
- Care level: Easiest possible
- Placement: Free-floating or resting on substrate
Marimo balls are beginner favorites. They’re actually algae, not plants, but they absorb nitrates, prevent algae growth, and make a fun toy for bettas.
6. Cryptocoryne (Crypts)
- Light needs: Low to medium
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Midground or background
Crypts are hardy, slow-growing plants with different leaf colors and textures. They may “melt” when first introduced but usually regrow quickly.
7. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
- Light needs: Medium
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Floating or background
Hornwort is a fast-growing plant that soaks up nitrates and provides great cover. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating.
8. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
- Light needs: Medium
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Background
This stem plant grows quickly, helps control algae, and can be trimmed regularly. Bettas enjoy weaving through its delicate leaves.
9. Duckweed
- Light needs: Medium to high
- Care level: Easy, but needs control
- Placement: Floating
Duckweed provides shade and reduces light penetration, which bettas love. However, it grows very quickly and must be managed to avoid covering the entire surface.
10. Floating Water Lettuce
- Light needs: Medium
- Care level: Easy
- Placement: Floating
This plant creates natural cover and dangling roots where bettas can hide and rest. Keep an eye on light availability for plants beneath it.
Beginner Plants for Betta Tank — Care Tips
To keep your plants thriving, follow these care essentials:
- Lighting: Most beginner plants for betta tank setups do well with standard LED aquarium lights. Avoid overly strong lighting that encourages algae.
- Substrate: Plants like Amazon Sword and Crypts need a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Others (Anubias, Java Fern) don’t need soil and can be attached to hardscape.
- Fertilizers: A liquid fertilizer once a week helps plants stay green and healthy.
- Water conditions: Maintain stable pH (6.5–7.5), temperature (76–82°F), and regular water changes.
- Pruning: Trim dead or decaying leaves to prevent ammonia spikes.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
When adding beginner plants for betta tank, avoid these errors:
- Burying rhizomes: Plants like Java Fern and Anubias should never be buried — their rhizomes will rot.
- Skipping acclimation: Some plants melt before adjusting; give them time.
- Too much fertilizer: Overfertilization can harm your betta and fuel algae growth.
- Choosing fake plants: Plastic plants may tear delicate betta fins — stick to silk or live plants.
Plant Arrangement Ideas for Betta Tanks
- Foreground: Marimo moss balls, Java moss, Crypts
- Midground: Anubias, Cryptocoryne
- Background: Amazon sword, Water wisteria, Hornwort
- Floating layer: Duckweed, Water lettuce
This layered approach mimics a natural habitat and gives your betta places to hide, explore, and rest.
FAQ — Beginner Plants for Betta Tank
While not strictly necessary, live plants improve water quality, reduce stress, and provide enrichment.
Yes! Most beginner plants for betta tank setups thrive without CO₂, as long as they get decent lighting.
Around 4–6 small plants (plus floating options) is ideal. Just leave enough swimming space.
Java Fern, Anubias, and Marimo Moss Balls are virtually fail-proof.
No. Bettas breathe atmospheric oxygen via their labyrinth organ, but plants improve overall water quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right beginner plants for betta tank setups makes fishkeeping easier and more rewarding. Not only do live plants improve water quality and reduce stress, but they also create a natural, lush environment for your betta to thrive. Start with hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Marimo Moss Balls, and expand your collection as you gain confidence.
With just a little attention, you can create a thriving aquascape where both plants and your betta fish flourish.