Looking to level up your aquascape? These popular aquarium ground covers will blanket your tank floor with lush, beautiful foliage. Not only do they look stunning, but they also provide the perfect little hideouts for your fish to feel safe and at home.
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++Waterpepper Elatine (Elatine hydropiper)
In the wild, Waterpepper Elatine is usually found in marshy wetlands and slow-moving streams. It’s a super versatile choice for hobbyists because it can handle a wide range of water temperatures. This plant creates a gorgeous carpet of tiny, vibrant green leaves and has become a real staple in the aquascaping world.
++Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)
Often called Brazilian Micro Sword, this plant features long, blade-like leaves that look just like a perfectly manicured lawn—only underwater! It’s the go-to choice if you want that “green meadow” look. If you aren’t planning on covering the entire floor, try planting it in the foreground to create some really cool depth and 3D effects in your tank.
++Glossostigma (Glossostigma elatinoides)
Glossostigma hails from “Down Under,” naturally occurring in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. It’s happiest when your water temperature sits between 68° and 79° F. While the individual leaves can reach up to four inches, the plant grows by crawling along the substrate, making it a fantastic, low-profile ground cover.
++Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis pusilla)
Dwarf Hairgrass brings a delicate, wispy texture to your aquarium with its thin, bright green blades. Since it only grows about two inches tall, it’s not just for big setups—it looks amazing in nano tanks, too! It spreads via runners to fill in gaps and is pretty hardy, tolerating temperatures anywhere from 54° to 82° F.
++Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
Don’t overlook mosses when picking a ground cover! Java Moss is a fan favorite because it’s incredibly tough and adapts to almost any water hardness. It’s a low-maintenance superstar that creates a soft, “fuzzy” carpet on the bottom of the tank, giving your underwater world a cozy, natural feel.
++Grass-Leaved Bladderwort (Utricularia graminifolia)
This Asian native is a hit with aquarists worldwide. It loves warmer water (up to 82° F) and creates a thick, grassy mat. Here’s a fun fact: it’s actually a carnivorous plant! But don’t worry—it only “hunts” microscopic organisms smaller than 1mm, so your fish and shrimp are perfectly safe.
++Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’)
Dwarf Baby Tears (or “HC”) is legendary in the hobby for creating those lush, professional-looking landscapes. You can plant it in the substrate or even tie it to rocks to let it crawl over them. Just a heads-up: this little beauty is a light-hog! Make sure you have a strong lighting setup, or it won’t thrive in the shadows.
++Dwarf Parrot Leaf (Alternanthera reineckii “Mini”)
If you’re looking for a pop of color to break up all that green, the Mini Parrot Leaf is your best friend. Unlike most ground covers, this one features stunning deep red leaves. It stays very low to the ground and grows in compact, bushy clusters that really make your aquarium floor stand out.