plants that don't need substrate

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bronzecod
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:13 pm

plants that don't need substrate

Post by bronzecod »

What are some good plants that can grow without substrate? I've got a bare bottom tank and wanna add some greenery but don't wanna mess with gravel or sand. Heard Java Fern and Anubias are options, but wanna know if there's more.
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staraqua
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Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2024 6:56 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by staraqua »

Java Fern and Anubias are solid choices. You can also try floating plants like Frogbit or Water Sprite. They just chill on the surface and don't need anything to root in. My tank's got both and they're doing great.
beastlord
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Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:42 am

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by beastlord »

I love how easy these plants are to care for. They're perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn't wanna deal with substrate. Just tie them to driftwood or rocks and they'll thrive. My Anubias has been growing like crazy.
polar
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Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:13 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by polar »

Yep, Java Fern and Anubias are the go-tos. You can also check out Bucephalandra. It's kinda pricey but looks dope and doesn't need substrate. Just glue it to something and let it do its thing.
fablest
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:07 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by fablest »

If you're looking for something different, try Hornwort. It's a stem plant that can float or be anchored. Grows fast and doesn't care about substrate. Just be ready to trim it often.
zenix
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:01 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by zenix »

polar wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 1:05 pm Yep, Java Fern and Anubias are the go-tos. You can also check out Bucephalandra. It's kinda pricey but looks dope and doesn't need substrate. Just glue it to something and let it do its thing.
Buce is awesome but yeah, it's not cheap. Worth it if you wanna spice up your tank though.
redFox33
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:11 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by redFox33 »

I've had good luck with Marimo moss balls. They just roll around the bottom and don't need anything special. Plus, they're super low maintenance.
bronzecod
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:13 pm

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by bronzecod »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try some Java Fern and maybe Buce if I can find it cheap. Appreciate the help.
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staraqua
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Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by staraqua »

No problem. Let us know how it goes. Floating plants are a great backup if the others don't work out.
beastlord
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:42 am

Re: plants that don't need substrate

Post by beastlord »

Good luck with your tank. It's always exciting to add new plants and see how they grow.
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