Live plants that are safe for Bettas

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spance
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2022 11:27 pm

Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by spance »

I'm setting up a new 10-gallon tank for my betta and wanna add some live plants. What's safe for them? I've got a sponge filter, sand substrate, and a low-flow heater. Light's on for 8 hours a day.
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kayaklover
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:21 am

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by kayaklover »

Anubias and java fern are solid choices. They're low-light, don't need CO2, and won't mess with your betta's fins. Just attach 'em to driftwood or rocks since burying the rhizome can rot it. My betta loves lounging on the leaves.
bronzeo
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Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2024 4:18 am

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by bronzeo »

Yep, anubias is chill. I've also had luck with hornwort—it grows like crazy and gives your fish places to hide. Just gotta trim it weekly or it'll take over. My tank's got a sponge filter too, and the betta's cool with it.
gildon
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Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2024 10:32 am

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by gildon »

kayaklover wrote: Sun Jun 01, 2025 10:59 pm Anubias and java fern are solid choices. They're low-light, don't need CO2, and won't mess with your betta's fins. Just attach 'em to driftwood or rocks since burying the rhizome can rot it. My betta loves lounging on the leaves.
Second this. Java moss is another good one if you want something even lower maintenance. Just toss it in and let it float or tie it down. My betta's tank has all three, and the water params stay stable.
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polarkid
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:20 am

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by polarkid »

I've got a 5-gallon with a betta and some dwarf hairgrass. It's a bit trickier 'cause it needs more light, but my guy loves weaving through it. Just watch for algae if you go that route. :)
RivenOil
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:56 pm

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by RivenOil »

Avoid anything sharp or spiky—bettas' fins are delicate. I'd skip vals unless you're sure they're soft. My old betta got torn up on some sketchy plants I didn't research. Stick to the classics like anubias or moss.
spance
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2022 11:27 pm

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by spance »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab some anubias and java fern tomorrow. Appreciate the help!
ocean_dive
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:12 pm

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by ocean_dive »

No prob! Post pics when it's set up. My betta's tank is packed with plants, and he's the happiest lil dude. Just remember to rinse new plants to avoid hitchhikers.
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medicora
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Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:56 pm

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by medicora »

If you're into floating plants, frogbit or salvinia are safe. They dim the light a bit, which can help if your betta's stressed. Just don't let 'em cover the entire surface—leave some gaps for air.
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fisher1
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Joined: Sun May 08, 2022 11:52 am

Re: Live plants that are safe for Bettas

Post by fisher1 »

ocean_dive wrote: Mon Jun 02, 2025 6:38 am No prob! Post pics when it's set up. My betta's tank is packed with plants, and he's the happiest lil dude. Just remember to rinse new plants to avoid hitchhikers.
Yep, snails can be a pain. I dunk new plants in a weak bleach solution (5:1 water to bleach) for 2 minutes, then rinse well. Never lost a plant or fish doing it.
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