What Plants Work with Discus?

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flintix
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:30 pm

What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by flintix »

I'm setting up a 75 gallon discus tank and wanna add some plants. Heard they like it warm and soft, but not sure what'll thrive. Any recs? Got a sand substrate and CO2 running, lights are Fluval Plant 3.0.
LuminAxe
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:57 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by LuminAxe »

Discus prefer temps around 82-86°F, so you'll need hardy plants. Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices since they don't mind the heat. Just attach 'em to driftwood. Also, Amazon Swords work if you dose root tabs. What's your water change routine?
fluxonix
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:45 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by fluxonix »

LuminAxe wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:09 am Discus prefer temps around 82-86°F, so you'll need hardy plants. Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices since they don't mind the heat. Just attach 'em to driftwood. Also, Amazon Swords work if you dose root tabs. What's your water change routine?
Yep, seconding Anubias. Mine's been chilling in my discus tank for months, no melt. I do 30% changes twice a week, keeps the nitrates low. You got any tankmates yet?
gildon
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2024 10:32 am

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by gildon »

If you're running CO2, consider Rotala or Ludwigia. They'll add color and handle the warmth. Just watch the discus—they might nibble tender shoots. What's your pH? Below 7.0, Cryptocorynes are another bulletproof option. Mine's at 6.8, and the C. wendtii is spreading like crazy.
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Fjordy
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:38 am

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by Fjordy »

Dwarf Sagittaria is a vibe for foreground. Grows like a weed in my 90 gallon, and the discus don't mess with it. You got a pic of your hardscape? Might help with plant placement ideas.
flintix
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:30 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by flintix »

Thanks for the tips, folks. Gonna start with Anubias and Swords. pH is 6.5, and I've got a school of Cardinals as tankmates. No hardscape yet—still planning.
reelpro
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Joined: Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:27 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by reelpro »

How's your flow? Discus hate strong currents, but some plants like Vallisnera need movement. Maybe stick to slower-growers like Bucephalandra if your filter's cranking.
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Kodama
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Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:54 am

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by Kodama »

reelpro wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 3:52 pm How's your flow? Discus hate strong currents, but some plants like Vallisnera need movement. Maybe stick to slower-growers like Bucephalandra if your filter's cranking.
Buce is pricey but worth it. My discus love perching on the leaves. You dosing ferts? A lean regimen works best with sensitive fish.
daisyleaf
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:18 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by daisyleaf »

Honestly, floaters like Frogbit are clutch. They dim the light a bit, which keeps the discus calm, and soak up nitrates. Just gotta trim 'em weekly so they don't block all the light.
Falconer9
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:00 pm

Re: What Plants Work with Discus?

Post by Falconer9 »

My discus shredded the Hornwort I tried. Maybe avoid anything too feathery? Stick to tougher leaves like Anubias, like everyone's saying.
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