Who Gives A Fish Forums

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try some Java Fern and maybe Buce if I can find it cheap. Appreciate the help.

No problem. Let us know how it goes. Floating plants are a great backup if the others don't work out.

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