Midground plants are a great way to balance your aquarium. Choosing the right plants allows you to make the foreground and background of your tank look realistic. They also give your fish interesting places to hide and explore.
If you’re new to owning fish and need inspiration, these reviews cover plastic and real plants to give your fish plenty of variety. They range from weighted artificial plants to real greenery that you can attach to your existing décor.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Penn-Plax Aquarium Plants
Vibrant colors
Six pack
Low maintenance
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Best Value
Otterly Pets Aquarium Plants
Low maintenance
Pack of eight
Non-metallic
Check Price
Premium Choice
Marineland Bamboo
Low maintenance
Plastic bamboo
Provides hideaways
Check Price
Current USA Fountain Grass
Various colors
Non-toxic
Natural movement
Check Price
Sporn Artificial Anemone
Realistic
Flexible
Non-toxic
Check Price
The 30 Best Midground Plants
As the focus of your aquarium, midground plants should be pretty without being gaudy. The Penn-Plax Aquarium Plants is a set of six plants in vibrant colors. As the best overall midground plants, they require little maintenance due to their plastic construction, while still offering the beauty of real foliage.
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
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Despite being artificial, Penn-Plax plants are designed for use in freshwater aquariums and are safe for Betta fish. Plastic plants also have the benefit of requiring less maintenance than real plants.
While these aquarium plants are more affordable than real alternatives, they’re cheaply made and don’t last as long as real plants.
Pros
Vibrant colors
Six pack
Look like real plants
Safe for Betta fish
Low maintenance
Cons
Cheap construction
Designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, the Otterly Pets Aquarium Plants are the best midground plants for the money. They come in a set of eight. All the plants have bright, vibrant colors and ceramic pedestals to prevent them from floating away. Due to their completely plastic construction, these plants are more low maintenance than their real counterparts. They’re non-toxic and non-metallic to keep your fish safe and prevent the risk of rusting.
Vibrant colors
Six pack
Look like real plants
Safe for Betta fish
Low maintenance
- Vibrant colors
- Six pack
- Look like real plants
- Safe for Betta fish
- Low maintenance
Cheap construction
- Cheap construction
Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Some users have noticed that these plants can be dusty due to their plastic construction. They need to be washed thoroughly before you add them to your aquarium.
Pros
Low maintenance
Pack of eight
Non-toxic
Non-metallic
Ceramic pedestals
Vibrant colors
Cons
Need to be washed thoroughly before use
Plants in the midground area of your aquarium can range between small and large. The Marineland Bamboo might be larger than some other midground plants, but it offers your fish plenty of hiding places.
Low maintenance
Pack of eight
Non-toxic
Non-metallic
Ceramic pedestals
Vibrant colors
- Low maintenance
- Pack of eight
- Non-toxic
- Non-metallic
- Ceramic pedestals
- Vibrant colors
Need to be washed thoroughly before use
- Need to be washed thoroughly before use
Although made from plastic, this bamboo is designed to look realistic and be easier to care for than real aquarium plants. The bamboo is 3 feet long to allow for plenty of coverage, while remaining skinny so it doesn’t clutter the entire tank.
Unlike other options, the Marineland Bamboo doesn’t have a weighted base. You’ll need to anchor it to your aquarium if you don’t want it to float.
Pros
Low maintenance
Plastic bamboo
Reduces stress
Provides hideaways
Looks realistic
Cons
Not weighted
- Current USA Fountain Grass Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
Available in light green, dark green, or green and orange, the Current USA Fountain Grass is a simple way to brighten up your aquarium without needing to resort to real plants. It’s made from non-toxic plastic for the safety of your fish and is designed to be flexible enough to move in the water, mimicking the movement of real plants.
Low maintenance
Plastic bamboo
Reduces stress
Provides hideaways
Looks realistic
- Low maintenance
- Plastic bamboo
- Reduces stress
- Provides hideaways
- Looks realistic
Not weighted
- Not weighted
Due to the plastic construction and the dyed nature of this product, the colors used in this aquarium plant fade over time. Unlike real plants that retain their vibrancy, this option may become washed out the longer that it’s left submerged.
Pros
Various colors
Non-toxic
Natural movement
Cons
Color fades
Designed to mimic real anemones with bright neon colors, the Sporn Artificial Anemone is made with non-toxic silicone. The flexible material enables it to sway with the water, similar to real plants. Along with the weighted base keeping it in place, this artificial plant comes in several colors so you can decide which one looks best in your aquarium. It glows in the dark under certain circumstances, to make your tank look more interesting.
Various colors
Non-toxic
Natural movement
- Various colors
- Non-toxic
- Natural movement
Color fades
- Color fades
Several users have found that the material that this plant is made from isn’t durable enough to withstand prolonged use. It doesn’t last as long as real plants.
Pros
Realistic
Flexible
Glows in the dark
Non-toxic
Various colors
Weighted base
Cons
Not durable
- Sporn Star Polyps Coral
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Secured in place with a weighted base, the Sporn Star Polyps Coral doesn’t need to be buried to prevent floating. Available in two color combinations — green and purple or orange and pink — the Sporn Star has a stylish, neon glow under blue LED tank lights. The flexible material gives it a realistic appearance and enables it to sway in the water.
Realistic
Flexible
Glows in the dark
Non-toxic
Various colors
Weighted base
- Realistic
- Flexible
- Glows in the dark
- Non-toxic
- Various colors
- Weighted base
Not durable
- Not durable
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It’s one of the smallest plants on this list, and several owners have mentioned that the size is smaller than they expected. Unlike some other, bigger plants, the Sporn Star might not be suitable for large aquariums.
Pros
Flexible
Realistic
Weighted base
Cons
Too small for large aquariums
- Current USA Mini Shrubs Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
Available in green or purple to match your existing aquarium décor or add color to a bland setup, the Current USA Mini Shrubs are made from non-toxic, soft plastic. Purchased in a set of three, each plant is attached to a stone base that will keep it in place at the bottom of your tank.
Flexible
Realistic
Weighted base
- Flexible
- Realistic
- Weighted base
Too small for large aquariums
- Too small for large aquariums
While the plastic plants are designed to look like real versions and are soft enough to be safe for fish, they’re generally stiffer and less flexible than real plants. Compared to real plants in your aquarium, these mini shrubs might be too rigid to look natural.
Pros
Weighted base
Non-toxic
Green or purple
Cons
Lacks movement
- Current USA Reed Grass
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
Pre-mounted on a weighted base to prevent the need to bury the plant in gravel, the Current USA Reed Grass is easy to install alongside existing foliage in your aquarium. The plastic material is non-toxic and flexible, enabling it to sway in the water similar to real plant matter for a more realistic appearance. Partnered with similar plants, the reeds are a good place for your fish to hide or to cover unsightly heaters that you need in your tank.
Weighted base
Non-toxic
Green or purple
- Weighted base
- Non-toxic
- Green or purple
Lacks movement
- Lacks movement
Although it’s advertised as 17 inches high, some buyers have received smaller plants
Pros
Lifelike
Weighted base
Non-toxic
Flexible
Cons
Smaller than advertised
- SunGrow Leaf Plant Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
Designed to look realistic, the SunGrow Leaf Plant saves you time with its plastic construction. While live plants require pruning to keep them at the right height for your midground, this artificial plant enables you to leave it where it is. Unlike other plastic plants, it’s made from silk, which is softer and more suitable for delicate fish like Bettas. It has a ceramic base to stop it from floating.
Lifelike
Weighted base
Non-toxic
Flexible
- Lifelike
- Weighted base
- Non-toxic
- Flexible
Smaller than advertised
- Smaller than advertised
Unfortunately, while it’s made to look as real as possible, the color fades the longer that it’s left in water. It may eventually start to look out of place in your vibrant midground.
Pros
Realistic
Silk leaves
Ceramic base
Cons
Color fades
- SubstrateSource Anubias Nana Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Real plants can be more difficult to care for, but they look more natural when added to your aquarium. The SubstrateSource Anubias Nana Aquarium Plant is a great option for midground decoration because it can be attached to driftwood or stone decorations.
Realistic
Silk leaves
Ceramic base
- Realistic
- Silk leaves
- Ceramic base
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Despite being real plants, they are slow-growing and don’t need much maintenance to keep them in shape. They also have low light and CO2 requirements. The company offers a complete DOA replacement in case the plants are dead on arrival.
While the single plants are relatively cheap, several users have complained about the expensive shipping.
Pros
No additional CO2 required
Likes driftwood or stones
100% DOA replacement
Minimal light
Cons
Expensive shipping
- GloFish Color Changing Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Changing the color of LED lights can only go so far in making your aquarium look interesting. The GloFish Color Changing Plant makes your midground look appealing by changing color based on the LED lights that it’s under. It looks best in a dark room, so your aquarium can draw attention during the evenings too.
No additional CO2 required
Likes driftwood or stones
100% DOA replacement
Minimal light
- No additional CO2 required
- Likes driftwood or stones
- 100% DOA replacement
- Minimal light
Expensive shipping
- Expensive shipping
Although it’s plastic, it helps create depth in your aquarium with the varying height of each part of the ornament. The flexible material also mimics live plants by swaying in the water.
Despite the realistic appearance, this plant is cheaply made and falls apart easily.
Pros
Realistic
Changes color under LED lights
Flexible
Cons
Cheap construction
The GloFish Plastic Aquarium Plant helps make your aquarium more attractive at night or in the middle of the day. Since it’s made from plastic, it needs less maintenance than real plant life.
Realistic
Changes color under LED lights
Flexible
- Realistic
- Changes color under LED lights
- Flexible
Made with flexible material, it mimics real plants by swaying in the water, and a weighted base keeps it at the bottom of your aquarium.
Several owners have struggled with this product due to the fragility of the cheap construction. It also traps debris floating in the tank and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Pros
Color changes under LED lighting
Flexible
Low maintenance
Weighted base
Cons
Needs regular cleaning
Cheap construction
- Aquatop Weighted Base Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Made to blend in with your tank’s existing décor, the Aquatop Weighted Base Aquarium Plant matches real and fake plants that you already have in your aquarium. Despite being plastic, the leafy structure provides plenty of hiding spots for fish to reduce their stress levels. It’s designed to be realistic, both in color and flexibility.
Color changes under LED lighting
Flexible
Low maintenance
Weighted base
- Color changes under LED lighting
- Flexible
- Low maintenance
- Weighted base
Needs regular cleaning
Cheap construction
- Needs regular cleaning
- Cheap construction
Although the weighted base makes the Aquatop easy to install in your aquarium, it’s too light to remain on the bottom of your tank and needs to be buried for security. As a tall plant, it’s too big for small tanks.
Pros
Matches existing décor
Realistic
Weighted base
Provides hideaways
Cons
Too tall for small tanks
Unstable
- Underwater Treasure Aquarium Ornament
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
The Underwater Treasure Aquarium Ornament is designed with non-toxic materials to be safe for saltwater and freshwater fish. Styled after real plants, the realistic structure offers plenty of leafy strands to hide your fish when they feel nervous. It’s flexible enough to sway in the water and blends in with any real plants that you have in your tank.
Matches existing décor
Realistic
Weighted base
Provides hideaways
- Matches existing décor
- Realistic
- Weighted base
- Provides hideaways
Too tall for small tanks
Unstable
- Too tall for small tanks
- Unstable
Like most plastic plants, the Underwater Treasure is glued to a weighted base. The glue can be visible in places, and the strands can break easily. While it’s suitable for large tanks, it might be too tall and bulky for small setups.
Pros
Realistic
Saltwater and freshwater
Non-toxic
Weighted base
Cons
Cheap construction
Too tall for small tanks
- Current USA Button Leaf Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Low
The midground of your aquarium is great for combining different plants with ornaments to create a unique setting. Small plants, like the Current USA Button Leaf Aquarium Plant, enable you to mix and match a variety of decorations to create a vibrant forest for your fish.
Realistic
Saltwater and freshwater
Non-toxic
Weighted base
- Realistic
- Saltwater and freshwater
- Non-toxic
- Weighted base
Cheap construction
Too tall for small tanks
- Cheap construction
- Too tall for small tanks
Available in non-fading light or dark green, the realistic texture of this plant can create an underwater world that looks real. Non-toxic plastic keeps your fish safe, and the plants are easy to install with their weighted bases.
Unfortunately, they are made with cheap materials and fall apart easily. They also don’t stand up on their own.
Pros
Doesn’t fade
Realistic
Weighted stone base
Non-toxic
Cons
Unstable
Cheap construction
- Java Fern Bare Root Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
The Java Fern Bare Root Aquarium Plant can be secured to the base of your aquarium or existing décor or allowed to float. Despite it being harder to look after than plastic aquarium plants, this option has a low level of care and maintenance. It doesn’t need much light and can be placed in shadier parts to give your fish more hiding places.
Doesn’t fade
Realistic
Weighted stone base
Non-toxic
- Doesn’t fade
- Realistic
- Weighted stone base
- Non-toxic
Unstable
Cheap construction
- Unstable
- Cheap construction
While this plant can be added to the existing foliage, it’s on the small side and might be unsuitable for large aquariums. It’s incredibly sensitive to temperature changes, particularly in too cold or too hot climates.
Pros
Attaches to existing tank decorations
Minimal light
Fish hideaways
Cons
Climate sensitive
Too small for big aquariums
- Greenpro Anubias Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Looking after fish and real plants in your aquarium can be a steep learning curve for new fish owners. The Greenpro Anubias Aquarium Plant is a beginner-friendly alternative to hard-to-care-for plants. With a strong root structure and small size, it’s easy to plant or attach to aquarium ornaments and is suitable for small tanks. Real plants also help improve water quality in the aquarium.
Attaches to existing tank decorations
Minimal light
Fish hideaways
- Attaches to existing tank decorations
- Minimal light
- Fish hideaways
Climate sensitive
Too small for big aquariums
- Climate sensitive
- Too small for big aquariums
Unlike plastic plant options, real plants are sensitive to temperature changes and don’t handle extreme climates well. The plants can also be damaged during the shipping process.
Pros
Beginner friendly
Improves water quality
Strong roots
Suitable for small tanks
Cons
Climate sensitive
Potential shipping damage
- CNZ Aquarium Aquascape Artificial Plastic Plant Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
The CNZ Aquarium Aquascape Artificial Plastic Plant is a large plant. Made from plastic, it has a weighted base and provides plenty of spaces for your fish to hide. It’s easy to clean with warm water if excrement and fish food get caught in the leaves. The bright color makes it an eye-catching addition to your tank’s décor.
Beginner friendly
Improves water quality
Strong roots
Suitable for small tanks
- Beginner friendly
- Improves water quality
- Strong roots
- Suitable for small tanks
Climate sensitive
Potential shipping damage
- Climate sensitive
- Potential shipping damage
Although it doesn’t require as much maintenance as real plants, the plastic construction can be problematic. The leaves are too stiff for some fish, and the glue used to hold the plant together is visible in places.
Pros
Weighted base
Fish hideaway
Suitable for large tanks
Cleans easily
Cons
Too hard for some fish
Cheap construction
- Aubnico Goodgrowlies Mainam Java Fern
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Balance your aquarium’s midground and background with plants suitable for both areas. The Aubnico Goodgrowlies Mainam Java Fern is simple to look after — even for beginners — and requires only minimal lighting. With plenty of leaves for your fish to hide in and no sharp plastic, the Aubnico Goodgrowlies can be used anywhere in your aquarium to make a scenic setting for your fish to roam.
Weighted base
Fish hideaway
Suitable for large tanks
Cleans easily
- Weighted base
- Fish hideaway
- Suitable for large tanks
- Cleans easily
Too hard for some fish
Cheap construction
- Too hard for some fish
- Cheap construction
Since it doesn’t have a weighted base, it needs to be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other decorations in your aquarium to stop it from floating away. Some owners have found that these plants arrived with snails.
Pros
Beginner friendly
Minimal light
Midground or background
Cons
Need to be anchored
May contain snails
- Greenpro Dwarf Pennywort
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
The Greenpro Dwarf Pennywort is grown in a sterile environment to prevent algae, pests, and disease. While it looks unassuming straight out of the box, it can be separated into portions so you can plant it in several places around your tank. It can be used in the foreground or midground of your aquarium and excels in substrate, driftwood, or rocks.
Beginner friendly
Minimal light
Midground or background
- Beginner friendly
- Minimal light
- Midground or background
Need to be anchored
May contain snails
- Need to be anchored
- May contain snails
As a tissue culture plant, it’s grown in a specialized gel to keep it sterile during shipping. The gel makes the plant look slimy and must be rinsed thoroughly before you plant the Dwarf Pennywort in your aquarium.
Pros
Pest free
Can be separated
Likes driftwood, rocks, or substrate
Cons
Sterile gel is slimy
Needs cleaning before planting
- Planterest Anacharis
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
The Planterest Anacharis is a beginner-friendly aquarium plant that can be used in both the midground and background of your fish tank. While it’s tall enough to add to the backdrop, it’s also versatile enough to be anchored to a variety of decorations in the center of the tank. It’s easy to care for with medium light and minimal CO2 requirements.
Pest free
Can be separated
Likes driftwood, rocks, or substrate
- Pest free
- Can be separated
- Likes driftwood, rocks, or substrate
Sterile gel is slimy
Needs cleaning before planting
- Sterile gel is slimy
- Needs cleaning before planting
Despite the plant coming with five stems to provide plenty of space for your fish to hide in, the strands vary in length and are often fragile, especially during shipping. It’s also incredibly sensitive to high and low temperatures.
Pros
Beginner friendly
CO2 not required
Medium light requirements
Cons
Fragile
Climate sensitive
- Microsorum Pteropus Freshwater Aquarium Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
With minimal light and CO2 requirements, the Microsorum Pteropus Freshwater Aquarium Plant is a beginner-friendly addition to your tank décor.
Beginner friendly
CO2 not required
Medium light requirements
- Beginner friendly
- CO2 not required
- Medium light requirements
Fragile
Climate sensitive
- Fragile
- Climate sensitive
Since it’s a real plant, it’s more sensitive to temperatures, especially if the climate is too warm or too cold. You’ll need to order it when the weather is likely to stay at a steady temperature, to help prevent the plant from dying during transport.
For the best results, it needs to be anchored to driftwood or rocks instead of buried. Several owners have also had issues with pests — snails, leeches, and mosquito larvae in particular — infesting some of these plants.
Pros
Tropical freshwater aquariums
Minimal CO2
Cons
Heat intolerant
Needs to be anchored
Some plants carry pests
- CNZ Aquarium Plastic Plant
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Vibrantly colored with blue, purple, and green leaves, the CNZ Aquarium Plastic Plant helps you create an interesting environment for your fish. Made with non-toxic materials, it’s designed to look real without requiring a green thumb to care for it. The ceramic base keeps it in place and is designed to blend in with the rest of the gravel in your aquarium.
Tropical freshwater aquariums
Minimal CO2
- Tropical freshwater aquariums
- Minimal CO2
Heat intolerant
Needs to be anchored
Some plants carry pests
- Heat intolerant
- Needs to be anchored
- Some plants carry pests
Despite the non-toxic material, some owners have noticed a chemical smell coming from this product. The plastic is too hard for some fish, and there are metal parts that rust if left submerged in water for extended periods.
Pros
Realistic
Non-toxic
Ceramic base
Cons
Smells
Too hard for some fish
Metal framework
- Comsun Artificial Aquarium Plants
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Buying plants in batches can help you decorate large aquariums more easily. The Comsun Artificial Aquarium Plants come in sets of 10 to help bring life to your tank’s décor. Made from plastic, they’re easier to care for than real plants and don’t require light to stay healthy. They’re also easy to clean if it gets debris stuck in the leaves.
Realistic
Non-toxic
Ceramic base
- Realistic
- Non-toxic
- Ceramic base
Smells
Too hard for some fish
Metal framework
- Smells
- Too hard for some fish
- Metal framework
These plants are made from a hard plastic and can be too sharp for some fish species. Some users have also said that they don’t look as real as some other artificial plants and they have a strong, chemical smell.
Pros
Low maintenance
Cleans easily
No light required
Cons
Sharp edges
Chemical smell
Looks fake
- Dwarf Hairgrass Freshwater Aquarium Plants
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Plastic plants can look rigid and fake. Real plants, like the Dwarf Hairgrass Freshwater Aquarium Plants, might require more maintenance than artificial alternatives but are worth the effort. A beginner-friendly option, these plants don’t contain any plastic and grow slowly to make maintaining them and your aquarium’s midground easy.
Low maintenance
Cleans easily
No light required
- Low maintenance
- Cleans easily
- No light required
Sharp edges
Chemical smell
Looks fake
- Sharp edges
- Chemical smell
- Looks fake
While real plants can be more beneficial to the environment in your aquarium, they also die easily if not taken care of. These plants don’t have a weighted base and need to be secured in place until the roots take hold. Some owners have received smaller plants than the picture shows.
Pros
No plastic
Beginner friendly
Slow growth
Cons
Needs care and attention
Smaller than pictured
No weighted base
- Echinodorus Bleheri Live Aquarium Plants
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Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Live plants are ideal for supplying oxygen to your aquarium. The Echinodorus Bleheri Live Aquarium Plants are beginner-friendly options that can be used in the midground and background of your tank. They have a sturdy root system to suit a range of growing locations, whether in the tank’s gravel or attached to driftwood.
No plastic
Beginner friendly
Slow growth
- No plastic
- Beginner friendly
- Slow growth
Needs care and attention
Smaller than pictured
No weighted base
- Needs care and attention
- Smaller than pictured
- No weighted base
As a live plant, the Echinodorus Bleheri requires light to ensure that it grows properly. Real plants are more likely to introduce harmful organisms into your aquarium if they’re not cleaned properly before planting. Some of these plants are too tall for small aquariums.
Pros
Sturdy roots
Beginner friendly
Cons
Needs light
May contain pests
Too tall for some aquariums
- Mainam Cryptocoryne Wendtii Live Aquarium Plants Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater
Care Medium
Although not an easy plant to care for, the Mainam Cryptocoryne Wendtii Live Aquarium Plant is a bright addition to your midground. With green and red leaves, it is an eye-catching feature in your tank. The company also offers a 3-day live guarantee to replace plants that are dead on arrival.
Sturdy roots
Beginner friendly
- Sturdy roots
- Beginner friendly
Needs light
May contain pests
Too tall for some aquariums
- Needs light
- May contain pests
- Too tall for some aquariums
Despite pictures showing a bulky plant, several owners have noted that it’s smaller than expected and might not be big enough for large tanks. The packaging is also insufficient and plants are often damaged during shipping.
Encouraging the plant to turn red can be a challenge due to the CO2 requirements.
Pros
Bright red and green
3-day live guarantee
Cons
Too small for large tanks
Potential shipping damage
Red color requires CO2
- BiOrb Sea Lily
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater, tropical
Care Low
Made from flexible plastic to mimic real sea lilies, the BiOrb Sea Lily is suitable for all aquariums whether they’re freshwater, saltwater, or tropical. It’s available in three colors — white, blue, or crimson — so you can add a splash of color to the usual greens, browns, and grays of most aquarium decorations. The weighted base keeps it anchored to the bottom of the aquarium.
Bright red and green
3-day live guarantee
- Bright red and green
- 3-day live guarantee
Too small for large tanks
Potential shipping damage
Red color requires CO2
- Too small for large tanks
- Potential shipping damage
- Red color requires CO2
Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater, tropical
Care Low
Plastic plants often use glue to hold their shape, and the cheap construction of this product makes it fragile. Several owners have complained about a bad smell, and the crimson color is more black than red.
Pros
Three colors
Weighted base
Flexible
Cons
Smells
Cheap construction
Colors are darker than expected
- JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants
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Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater
Care Low
Unlike real plants that need to be pruned, the plastic JIH Aquarium Plastic Plants remain the same size and don’t require light or CO2 to survive. With vibrant colors, they’re made from soft, flexible plastic that’s safe for your fish.
Three colors
Weighted base
Flexible
- Three colors
- Weighted base
- Flexible
Smells
Cheap construction
Colors are darker than expected
- Smells
- Cheap construction
- Colors are darker than expected
Despite the soft material, these plants are stiffer and look less natural than their real counterparts and don’t move when submerged in water. Your fish can get trapped when they hide in the plant due to the rigidity of the structure. The product is also easily damaged during shipping due to flimsy packaging.
Pros
Low maintenance
Soft material
Cons
Not flexible
Fish trap hazard
- BiOrb Silk Plant Set Check Latest Price
Aquarium Freshwater, saltwater, tropical
Care Low
Plastic can be too hard for some fish species and can damage their fins. The BiOrb Silk Plant Set is a medium-sized artificial plant made from silk, so it’s soft enough for more delicate fish. It comes in a pack of two with both red and green leaves to spruce up your aquarium décor.
Low maintenance
Soft material
- Low maintenance
- Soft material
Not flexible
Fish trap hazard
- Not flexible
- Fish trap hazard
While there are various options available, some of the artificial plants are made from plastic instead of silk. The plastic versions can be too sharp for some fish and can damage their fins. These plants are also stiffer than real ones and don’t look natural.
Pros
Suitable for fish with delicate fins
Two-pack
Cons
Not flexible
Sharp plastic edges
Look fake
Suitable for fish with delicate fins
Two-pack
- Suitable for fish with delicate fins
- Two-pack
Not flexible
Sharp plastic edges
Look fake
- Not flexible
- Sharp plastic edges
- Look fake
Conclusion
Designed to mimic real plants without needing the same level of care, the Penn-Plax Aquarium Plants are made from soft plastic. As the best overall option, the soft material is suitable for many fish. If you’re looking for more variety, the Otterly Pets Aquarium Plants come in a set of eight in a range of colors.
These reviews looked at a range of aquarium plants suitable for the midground of your tank. We hope that they have helped you find decorations for the home of your fish.
Featured Image credit: chonlasub woravichan, Shutterstock
