The Ultimate Guide to Selecting The Best Plants For A Betta Fish Tank

Betta fish tanks can be used as simply as it is, or they can be elaborately decorated. An excellent place to start is by choosing plants that will look good with the décor of your tank while providing the fish inside with food and shelter.

In this article, we will tackle the needs of the betta fish and the best plants for a betta fish tank.

The Needs Of A Betta Fish

1. Temperature

Temperature is one of the most important factors when caring for a betta fish because Bettas thrive in warm water temperatures between 73 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold water bettas should be kept at 68 degrees or below, while high-temp bettas can handle temperatures up to 88 degrees.

One benefit of keeping your fish warm is that they will eat more. Bettas live on a diet composed mainly of small aquatic invertebrates, so raising their metabolism allows them to digest these nutrients better and get the protein they need.

Keeping your betta in an optimal temperature range also has other benefits. For example, if you have a high-temp betta, keeping your tank cool during the night can help them stay healthy and active during the day when you are sleeping.

2. Small Tanks

A small tank can be the perfect home for a betta fish since they can be very adaptable and playful, making them great candidates for smaller tanks. Some benefits of owning a betta in a small tank include the following:

The ability to keep your betta close by without having to worry about it getting lost in a large tank.
Less maintenance is required.
You can see your betta and monitor its health more quickly since there is less space to move around.

3. A Low Light Level

A low light level is a common need for betta fish. Bettas in low light levels are more active and spend less time hunting for food. This can lead to health problems with a high light level, such as stunted growth and decreased reproduction.

Though not all bettas require low-light levels, those that do tend to be healthier and more active; there are many benefits to having a betta in a low-light level environment, including:

Healthier fish. Bettas in low light levels are more likely to stay healthy and live longer due to increased activity.
Increased reproduction. Bettas in low light levels are more likely to reproduce successfully because of their increased activity level.

4. Like To Lounge

Betta fish, like much other fish, enjoy a good nap. This is especially true for the betta fish, which have a trait called “lazybones.” Lazybones means the betta fish will take advantage of any opportunity to rest and lounge around. This includes lying on its back in the water or even on algae covered rock.

This relaxation mode has several benefits for the betta fish. For one, it helps to keep the fish healthy and happy by giving it plenty of time to relax and heal from injuries.

It also allows bettas to conserve energy since they don’t have to expend as much energy swimming or chasing food. Some people even believe that lounging makes a betta fish happy.

5. Prefer Low Flow

Betta fish, like other tropical fish, thrive in an aquarium with a low flow rate. A low flow rate means that the water is moving slowly and consistently through the tank.

This type of aquarium is also known as a “preferred low” aquarium. Bettas prefer steady, slow-moving water because it helps to keep their environment clean and healthy.

Bettas usually do well in tanks with a minimal flow rate of 1-2 drops per second (DPS). A tank with a higher flow rate can be too turbulent for them and can even cause them to stress out.

Additionally, low flowing water contains more oxygen which is beneficial to Bettas. Too high a flow rate can remove oxygen from the water, proving deadly to bettas if not corrected quickly.

The 20 Best Plants For Betta Fish Tank

1. Java Fern

Java fern is an excellent plant for betta fish tanks. The benefits of having Java Fern in your tank include the following:

They provide cover and hiding places for your fish.
Provide oxygen and water filtration.
And it increases the overall humidity levels in the tank.
Additionally, Java fern can serve as an algae eater, which helps to keep your tank clean.

Another advantage of the Java fern is that it grows quickly and provides plenty of shade for your betta fish. This will help to reduce the amount of heat produced by the light fixture in your tank, making it a desirable plant for those who keep betta fish.

2. Betta Bulb

The betta bulb is a popular choice as the best plant for a betta fish tank due to its many benefits.

First, the betta bulb provides plenty of hiding places for the fish, allowing them to relax and escape potential threats.
Additionally, the betta bulb produces a lot of bubbles which can be fun for the fish and add an element of excitement to their environment.
Lastly, the leaves and roots of the betta bulb are highly nutritious and provide beneficial nutrients to the surrounding water.

3. Marimo Moss Ball

A marimo moss ball is a perfect plant for a betta fish tank. Not only do they provide shelter and some food, but they also add a touch of nature to the environment. Here are some of the benefits of having a marimo moss ball in your tank:

Marimo moss balls are gentle on the fish’s skin, so they’re a good choice for new or timid bettas.
They secrete slime, which helps to keep the tank clean and overall healthy.
The plants absorb toxins and other pollutants from the water, making them good filter plants.
The balls can be left alone in the tank or cut into smaller pieces, leading to the growth of more plants.

4. Pogostemon stellatus

Pogostemon stellatus is a popular plant for betta fish tanks. It has many benefits making it one of the best plants for betta fish tanks. These benefits include:

Pogostemon stellatus is easy to care for. Its leaves are small, and its stems do not get too long, so it does not require much maintenance.
Its leaves provide good cover for betta fish and other tropical fish.
Its flowers appeal to betta and other tropical fish, providing them with nectar and pollination services.
Its flowers produce nectar that helps to feed the betta fish and other tropical fish in the tank.

5. Cryptocoryne

Cryptocoryne plants are some of the best betta fish plants. They provide many benefits that make them a good choice for your aquarium. Some of the benefits of using cryptocorynes in your tank include:

These betta fish plants provide a lot of cover for your betta fish, which can help them feel safer and less exposed.
They also provide a place for your betta to hide, so they can relax and avoid being harassed by other fish.
Cryptocoryne are low-maintenance and easy to care for, making them ideal choices if you have trouble keeping plants alive or just want an easy plant to take care of.
Cryptocoryne produces oxygen gas, which helps keep your tank aerated and healthy.

6. Anubias

Anubias, a type of aquatic plant, is a popular choice for betta fish tanks. This plant is known for its many benefits.

Here are some key reasons why anubias plants make an excellent choice for your betta fish tank:

Anubias plants provide plenty of cover and hiding spots for the fish. They can grow quite large, making them perfect for covering a large tank area.
The plants produce a lot of oxygen, which is important for the health of the betta fish. In addition, they are very efficient at converting light into nutrients that are needed by the fish.

7. Water Sprite

Water sprites, also known as water fairies, are a type of plant that can make a great addition to your betta fish tank. These plants have many benefits for both your fish and the tank itself:

Water sprites are low-maintenance plants. They don’t require a lot of water or nutrients, and they don’t require sunlight. They can even thrive in low-light conditions.
They make good algae eaters. This means that they will help to clean the tank and reduce the number of algae that grows.
Water sprites are good for betta fish because they provide lots of hiding places and decorations. This can make your fish feel more secure and calm, which benefits their mental health.

8. Sword Plant

Many different types of plants can be used as an addition to a betta fish tank, but one of the best plants for this purpose is the sword plant.

Some benefits of this plant include:

Providing them with a safe and sound hiding home.
Giving the water that the betta fish needs.
And providing them with food.

But one of the most significant advantages of using a sword plant in your tank is that it is a safe plant for your betta to get close to.

Many other plants can be dangerous if you let your betta eat them or get close to them, but the sword plant is not likely to cause any harm. Additionally, this plant helps clean up water in your tank and provides food for your betta.

9. Floating Plants

Since betta fish require a lot of room to swim and play, it’s important to find the right plants for your tank. A floating plant is perfect because they don’t take up much space but still manages to deliver a variety of benefits to your pet:

They provide oxygen and food for your fish.
They can help keep the water clean.
And they’re great for adding a bit of beauty to your aquarium.

Some floating plants also have additional benefits, such as providing shelter from predators or being able to photosynthesise in sunlight.

10. Vallisneria

If you’re considering adding Vallisneria to your betta fish tank, there are a few things you should know.

First, Vallisneria is an aquatic plant that thrives in water with a moderate to high level of dissolved oxygen.

Secondly, Vallisneria plants provide numerous benefits for your betta fish, including:

They offer plenty of hiding places for your betta fish, which can be vital during times when they’re feeling stressed or threatened.
They produce oxygen bubbles that help keep the water clean and healthy for your betta fish.
They give off a sweet scent that may attract other fish into the tank.
In addition to being great plants for betta fish tanks, Vallisneria also make great decorating options!

11. Amazon Sword

The Amazon Sword is a popular plant choice for beginner fish keepers because it is easy to care for and relatively forgiving of poor water quality.

It’s also a very hardy plant, which can withstand low water conditions and occasional fluctuations in temperature.

As a result, the Amazon Sword makes an ideal plant for those who want to keep their betta in a planted environment without having to worry about maintaining live plants.

12. Java moss

Java moss is another excellent plant for creating a better habitat for beta fish.

Here are some key reasons why:

Java moss provides lots of hiding places and covers for betta fish. This can help to keep them safe from predators and other fish in the tank.
It’s low-maintenance, meaning that it doesn’t require a lot of water or fertiliser to grow well. This makes it a good choice for people who want to keep their tanks clean but don’t have time to do regular maintenance tasks.
It produces oxygen, which helps to keep the water in a betta fish tank healthy and oxygen-rich.
Finally, java moss is an easy plant to care for – you need some patience and regular water when the tank needs it.

13. Anacharis

Anacharis is an underwater plant that can be used as an addition to a betta fish tank. This plant has many benefits for both the fish and the owner, including:

Anacharis can help improve water quality by absorbing pollutants and removing foul smells.
It is also effective at providing cover for fish, which can reduce stress levels.
It can provide food sources for fish, as well as act as a natural filter.
Finally, an anacharis can add beauty and interest to a tank, making it a popular choice among aquarists.

14. Hygrophila

Hygrophila is one of the best plants for betta fish tanks. They have a lot of benefits that make them a popular choice for hobbyists. Here are a few key points to consider if you’re considering adding these plants to your tank:

Hygrophila is low-maintenance plant and can be left alone most of the time without worrying about them.
They provide plenty of hiding places for your betta, which can help to keep them safe from other fish in the tank.
They also provide a natural filtration system for your tank, helping to clean the water as it filters through the plant leaves.
Finally, hygrophila offers various colours and types of growth so that they can add variety and interest to your tank environment.

15. Pennywort

Pennywort is an excellent plant for betta fish tanks. The benefits of having pennywort in a tank include:

Pennywort is a low-maintenance plant. It does not require much water or fertiliser, and it can be easily removed if necessary.
It has a calming effect on betta fish. It makes them feel comfortable and secure in their environment, which can help to reduce stress levels.
It provides beneficial insects and bacteria to the tank. These creatures help to control algae and other harmful organisms, which can be detrimental to the health of your betta fish.
Plus, it can be highly decorative. Its dangling stems and small leaves create a pleasing visual display in any aquarium.

16. Hornwort

Hornwort has been used in fish tanks and other aquatic habitats for many years, and there are many reasons why people believe that it’s the best plant for betta fish tanks. Reasons such as:

It helps clean the water. Not only does this help with keeping your tank looking good, but it also helps to prevent disease and parasite problems in your fish.
It also provides your betta with some great dietary options. This includes carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, which are all critical for a healthy fish lifestyle.
Additionally, hornwort can help to improve water clarity while providing extra oxygenation to the tank.

17. Marsilea Minute

Marsilea Minuta is an attractive succulent plant that makes a beautiful centrepiece in any betta fish tank.

While it may not have an incredible variety of colours, Marsilea Minuta does offer some crucial benefits and advantages that make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers alike:

Marsilea Minuta is low-maintenance and easy to take care of. It doesn’t require a lot of water, sunlight, or fertiliser, making it perfect for beginner aquarium owners.
It’s excellent for new betta fish owners because they don’t need to worry about other plants competing with their betta for food or water.
Lastly, many people find that Marsilea Minuta helps to reduce stress in their tanks by providing a calming atmosphere.

18. Banana Plant

Banana Plants are one of the best plants for betta fish tanks, providing a variety of benefits to your fish, such as:

Banana plants are easy to grow and care for. They require little maintenance other than watering and occasional fertilization. They can be placed in any corner of the tank and will not take up much space.
They provide a safe place to hide. The leaves of banana plants are broad and rounded, making it difficult for predators to grab the betta.
And the plant provides food sources such as floating algae which the betta can eat.

Overall, Banana Plants are an excellent choice for a tank full of betta fish!

19. Pygmy Chain Sword Plant

The Pygmy chain sword (Myrtus communis) is popular for betta fish tanks. This plant has a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for your aquarium, including:

Pygmy Chain Sword Plants are small and easy to care for. They do not require a lot of water and prefer low-light conditions.
The leaves of Pygmy Chain Sword plants are sharp and can cut flesh if mishandled. As a result, they should only be placed in an aquarium where they will not come into contact with other aquatic creatures.
The flowers on Pygmy Chain Sword plants are pollinated by bees, providing beneficial insects to your tank.
Pygmy Chain Sword plants provide oxygen to your fish tank and help clean the water.

20. Wisteria

If you’re looking for a pretty and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of elegance to your betta fish tank, wisteria is the plant for you. Not only do these plants look great in any setting, but they also offer some great benefits for your betta fish:

Wisteria plants are very low-maintenance. They don’t require a lot of water or fertiliser, and they grow quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to see results.
Additionally, these plants resist common problems affecting betta fish, such as fungus and algae growth. Wisteria is even known to help improve water quality in aquariums!

Conclusion

So as you can see by the variety of options covered, many plants can be used in a betta fish tank. Much of it comes down to personal preference and intended purpose, though many plant species overlap in ability, so it’s tough to go wrong.

Some important tips to remember are:

The plants should be chosen based on the size of the tank, the type of water used, and the preferences of the fish keeper.
Some benefits of using plants in a betta fish tank include providing natural beauty and filtration, helping to control pH levels, and providing a variety of foods and hiding places for the fish.
It is important to note that betta fish only needs a low light level. A high level of light will harm them.

Use these as your guiding principles, and your beta fish will thank you!

FAQs

Are plastic plants OK for betta fish?

The short answer is yes. Plastic plants are OK for betta fish. However, there are some things to keep in mind when adding them to your tank.

Bettas need hiding places and surfaces to help them maintain their balance. Plastic plants are a great way of providing these features without worrying about the upkeep of live plants.

As long as they are not made from toxic materials, plastic plants will be safe for your betta fish and can provide them with all the necessary features they need in their tank.

Do Betta Fish Eat Plants?

Betta fish are one of the most famous aquarium fish. They originate from Thailand but have been bred in captivity for many years. They are often kept in a small bowl, vase or jar with a few inches of water and plants.

Betta fish usually have a long, flowing finnage which can be very beautiful to look at. However, they do not eat plants, and they must be given regular feedings of pellets or flakes that are specifically designed for these fish.

Are Bettas attracted to a live plant?

A novice aquarium keeper may find it more daunting to maintain a live plant than a fake one, but it isn’t that difficult. Many live pants on the market are low maintenance and sure to be a hit with your bettas.

Is there anything that betta likes in their tank?

It’s perfect for your Betta to swim in a tank with caves where it can hide and plants that provide plenty of shady areas. Bettas sleep and hide under leaves and enjoy lounging on them. Just be careful with ornaments, as their delicate fins could easily be snagged or torn.