What are the best aquarium foreground plants? Here’s my selection!

Looking for some pretty aquarium foreground plants? Or maybe you’re after an easy type?

I’ve put together a list of my personal favorites for you. A bit of everything, really 🙂 Foreground plants for aquarium setups that grow super fast, easy ones, or types that create a stunning aquarium carpet moss. Tested and approved: here they are!

Small aquarium foreground plants

It’s important to know that small aquarium foreground plants often need CO2 to grow well (more about that later). They sit down at substrate level, so CO2 doesn’t always reach them properly. That’s why your CO2 levels should definitely be good, and a reliable CO2 system is a must.

These tiny plants also get less light since they’re so close to the bottom. For nice, compact growth, strong lighting such as LED lighting is needed — but again, your CO2 has to be on point. Stronger light means faster, denser growth, but that also increases the plants’ nutrient demand. So you’ll need to add more fertilizers and CO2!

Here’s a list of my favorite small aquarium foreground plants:

• Hemianthus callitrichoides: this aquarium foreground plant loves bright conditions and is also great for nano tanks. It’s also known as “dwarf baby tears.” The tiny stems get two leaves about 3 to 4 millimeters each and are considered the smallest foreground plants on the market. So if you’re looking for low-growing foreground plants for aquarium — you’ve found one! Keep in mind, though, this plant is very CO2-sensitive. To get healthy growth, you’ll definitely need to add CO2.

  

• Hemianthus micranthemoides: this pretty plant comes from North America and looks a lot like Hemianthus callitrichoides. It’s a bit larger, but still grows nicely compact under strong light. Its light-green colors really pop and make it a great aquarium foreground plant choice.

  

• Glossostigma elatinoides: affectionately called “Glosso.” This aquarium foreground plant already does well in a moderately lit tank, but if you want that aquarium green carpet look, you’ll need strong light too.

  

You’ll often see this low-growing aquarium carpet in aquascapes. So no, Glossostigma elatinoides isn’t unique — but it’s definitely a great aquarium foreground choice!

Fast-growing aquarium foreground plants

If you want quick results, if you just started your tank for example, then fast-growing plants are a great choice! Here are my favorites:

• Hemianthus callitrichoides: I already mentioned this one above as a small foreground plant. It’s not just small, it’s also one of the best aquarium foreground plants if you want fast growth under strong light. Perfect for a near-instant result!
• Eleocharis acicularis: also called “needle grass.” I recommend dividing it into small parts and trimming both roots and leaves before planting (same goes for Hemianthus species). That’ll encourage faster, denser growth and help your aquarium carpet fill in quicker.

  

• Some aquarium mosses. Most mosses are very easy-going — the only thing you need to watch out for is securing them properly at first since it takes a while before they attach to surfaces. Attach some moss to driftwood or rock and nature will take care of the rest. Don’t forget to trim it regularly to keep a nice aquarium carpet moss.

  

Easy aquarium foreground plants and carpet plants

Not much experience with aquarium foreground plants yet? Or maybe the ones above just won’t cooperate? Then these plants are definitely worth trying! 🙂

• Micranthemum monte carlo: this easy aquarium foreground plant grows about 1 to 3 cm tall and doesn’t need much care. A great choice for anyone looking for an easy aquarium green carpet.

  

• Cryptocoryne parva: most Cryptocorynes are relatively easy aquarium plants, and parva is no exception! With its lance-shaped leaves, it brings a unique look. Tip: it grows very slowly, so plant a bunch if you want a full aquarium carpet sooner.

  

• Echinodorus tenellus: another easy, but slow-growing aquarium plant. It looks a bit like garden grass and grows more upward. A great beginner choice for creating a nice aquarium foreground.

  

• Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae or brasiliensis: this aquarium plant looks a lot like Echinodorus tenellus but is a bit narrower. A really fun little plant!

  

Is it possible to have an aquarium carpet without CO2?

Technically, CO2 isn’t an absolute must for a beautiful aquarium carpet. But it’s highly recommended. Your plants — including foreground plants — survive and grow better with CO2. Especially if you want to grow Hemianthus callitrichoides, which is super sensitive to poor CO2 levels, then adding CO2 is definitely necessary.

Below is what I call the “golden triangle.” This triangle needs to stay in balance for healthy aquarium plant growth. If one side (like too little CO2 compared to light) falls out of balance, your whole system collapses. This applies to all plants, including aquarium foreground plants.

Don’t have CO2 in your tank yet, or not the budget for it? Then go for the easy foreground plants mentioned above. These plants often do fine with much less CO2 (like the CO2 that naturally occurs in your tank). That way, you minimize risk and maximize your chances of success.

Conclusion

Not sure which aquarium foreground plants to pick? First, think about what kind of result you’re after and the environment your plants will be in. Every plant has its own preferences, requirements, and look.

Got a specific plant in mind but not sure if it’ll do well? Feel free to ask — I’ll be happy to help!