Aquarium plants that grow without CO2

Anubias barteri var. barteri

easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth

Do not bury the rhizome, it will rot. Tie to wood or rock and allow roots to anchor naturally. Very low light suits it fine; algae on leaves is common in high-light tanks.

Microsorum pteropus

easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth

Attach to driftwood with fishing line or plant-safe superglue; never bury the rhizome. Plantlets can be separated and reattached once they have a few roots.

Ceratophyllum demersum

easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth

Can be floated or loosely planted; will shed needles when conditions change. Trims frequently, cut the top growth and replant. Good for cycling tanks due to high nutrient uptake.

Ceratopteris thalictroides

easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth

Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.

Cryptocoryne wendtii

easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth

Expect melting leaves after purchase, do not uproot; wait for recovery. Root tabs help in inert substrate. Once established, it is very hardy. Spreads slowly to form a mid-tank cluster.

Vallisneria spiralis

easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth

Do not bury the crown. Plant individual runners in sand or fine gravel. Fast-spreading: thin runners regularly to prevent them from overtaking the tank. Good option for alkaline tap water setups.

Limnobium laevigatum

easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth

Roots provide cover and biofilm for shrimp and fry. Trim regularly so it does not block all light. Needs surface agitation to be gentle, strong spray bars will push it around and stunt growth. Good for bettas and shy surface fish.

Lemna minor

easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth

Good for tanks with goldfish or other herbivores that will eat it as food. Nearly impossible to fully eradicate, only introduce if you accept a permanent presence. Skimmer/overflow tanks spread it fast.

Hygrophila polysperma

easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth

Almost impossible to kill. Trim frequently, it becomes a jungle fast. Plant cuttings directly in substrate. Good for giving a new tank a head start on nutrient cycling.

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

easy · medium light · no CO2 · fast growth

Can be grown planted or floating, floating growth is fastest. Trim frequently. Leaves are distinctive and add visual interest to mid or background zones. Low maintenance and adapts to a wide range of conditions.

Anubias barteri var. nana

easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth

Tie or superglue to hardscape; roots will grip the surface. Never bury the rhizome. Under very high light, algae may grow on the slow leaves, moderate light prevents this. Long-lived once established.

Aegagropila linnaei

easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth

Keep cool: they prefer temperatures below 25°C and may brown and decompose in tropical tanks above 28°C. Roll them gently once a week to maintain their round shape. Rinse in dechlorinated water if they smell. Do not keep with strong plant-eating fish.