One of the greatest pleasures of life is watching your efforts yield meaningful results. Being able to nurture your aquarium plants from infancy to strong and beautiful mature plants is indeed a rewarding experience. In fact, an added advantage is having fast-growing aquarium plants.
The growth rate of fast-growing aquarium plants tends to reduce the hassle of nurturing for long periods. Plus, you are still guaranteed of having amazing plants that altogether change the aura of your aquarium.
You may want to ask, what types of aquarium plants are fast-growing, how can you make them grow faster, and which types of plants grow within two weeks? If these are your concerns, then you have come to the right place as this article hopes to answer these questions and more.
Let’s find out!
How Can I Make An Aquarium Plant Grow Faster
Making your aquarium plants grow fast is largely dependent on a host of factors, some of which include :
- Application of fertilizers
Fertilizers speed up the growth rate. Even when the substrate is poor, the application of fertilizers can help cover up for any deficiency. Choosing the right substrate area to watch closely when trying to grow aquarium plants fast.
Depending on the type of aquarium plant you select, ensure that you have a healthy substrate. A good substrate should be able to hold down substrate-based plants.
- Algae control mechanism
When not properly attended to, algae can be a menace. They eat valuable nutrients and space which are both essential to the health of your plants. To readily deal with algae, get a UV sterilizer or algae-eating animals like snails and fish.
- Water flow rate
Another useful technique to make your plants grow faster is having a steady water flow. Do all you can to ensure that the water in your aquarium doesn’t stay stagnant.
- Temperature balance
Maintain a fair temperature balance keeping in mind the requirements of your choice of plant.
- Lighting
Different plants require different light intensities and some can survive under any conditions. Know the peculiarities of your plant and provide lighting as required.
15 Amazing Fast-Growing Aquarium Plants
Considering buying an aquarium plant and needing one with fast growth? Let’s look at the top 15 you might like to have.
1. Pondweed
First on the list is the Pondweed. The pondweed is a perennial plant that is suitable for most types of aquariums regardless of shape and size. It is also known as the American waterweed or the Canadian pondweed.
One of its striking features is its appearance, which resembles that of a sizable chunk of grass. It is rugged and easy to grow even for beginners.
The appearance of this plant can also be said to be similar to that of freshwater plants giving it a more familiar look. Moreover, it grows perfectly when the pH range stays between 6.5 – 10 and it doesn’t require too much lightning.
2. Dwarf Sagittaria
Another fast-growing aquarium plant is the Dwarf Sagittaria. It is a mid-sized plant that can easily be grown by advanced aquarists and beginners. If you want a plant that grows close to the ground then this should be your ideal choice. It stays compact covering the bottom surface of your aquarium.
This plant has a grass-like appearance that gives your aquarium floor a rich green look. Plus, it grows strong and healthy under moderate lightning with a pH range that stays within 6.5 – 7.5. It also grows as high as 12 inches.
3. Hornwort
The hornwort is the perfect fit for large aquariums. Capable of growing up to 6 feet tall, the hornwort gives just the right backdrop for a background aquarium. Its lush green stems and bright green hue leaves a telling impression that accentuates the ambiance of your aquarium.
It can also be used for a medium-sized aquarium provided it is trimmed regularly. Additionally, it also adapts readily to varying water conditions.
The major challenge you may face when dealing with hornworts is their need for pruning. You must be able to discern the appropriate time for this. A hint to look out for is when the level of your substrate rises more than usual.
4. Java Moss
Another notable fast-growing aquarium plant is the Java Moss. Known for its versatility and gorgeous appearance, the Java Moss is the ideal plant for carpeting the bottom surface of your aquarium. Due to its shallow root system, it is a good fit for small tanks.
It requires a low level of lighting and grows within pH conditions of 5.0 – 8.0. It grows up to a moderate height of 10 inches within a temperature of about 70 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it is easy to nurture and grow, the java moss must be rinsed every week to avoid algae buildup.
5. Water Wisteria
The Water Wisteria is another fast-growing aquarium plant worthy of mention. It is easy to plant growing up to 20 inches in height. Its hassle-free nature makes it a popular candidate among beginners.
It is also capable of adapting to different temperature and lighting setups with no considerable change in its growth rate. Be it a low or a high tank setup, the water wisteria looks just at home.
6. Brazilian Pennywort
A standout feature of the Brazilian pennywort is its ability to aid in the cleaning of your aquarium. It possesses the distinct ability to absorb nutrients and debris which build up within your aquarium over time.
It is highly adaptable and capable of speedy growth especially when given minimal access to sunlight energy. Most fish species thrive in waters with slightly acidic and alkaline conditions. This type of pH condition is acceptable for the Brazilian Pennywort.
7. Micro Sword
The Micro Sword requires a lot of sunshine to maintain its bright green leaves. It also demands a high level of water quality, so be ready to change the water in your tank regularly. This aquarium plant grows up to 3 inches and requires a temperature between 70 – 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Giant Hygro
Next on the list is the Giant Hygro. The Giant Hygro as the name implies is one of the largest specimens in this group of aquarium plants. It grows as high as a remarkable 24 inches, thriving boldly in water with a pH level of 5.5 – 8.0.
It doesn’t require too much sunlight and would survive under the beaming light of a 15-watt bulb. It is sturdy yet requires little supervision. For best results, it is advisable to keep the temperature within 68 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Duckweed
Duckweed is a fast-growing plant in every sense of the word. It spreads at an alarming rate that will have your water tank filled in record time.
Plants like it give your aquarium an attractive yet functional appearance. Versatile enough to be used with a wide range of finish species, the duckweed is a winner on all fronts.
Despite its many advantages, the fast growth rate of duckweed can be a handful. If not well monitored, this may prove a major drawback.
10. Amazon Frogbit
Known for its resemblance to the traditional lily pad, the Amazon Frogbit plant is a special fast-growing plant. It thrives in most water conditions under the influence of a fairly bright lighting system.
The Amazon Frogbit is easy to plant, resilient, and grows up to a fairly measurable height of about 20 inches. At a pH level of 6.0 – 7.5, it grows steadily. It possesses a unique feature that requires close monitoring and its distinct ability to spread on the surface of the aquarium.
11. Marsilea Hirsuta
The Marselia Hisuta is an ideal choice if you want the floor of your aquarium to be covered with luscious greenery. It is easy to plant and maintain, requiring minimal supervision to reach maturity.
The ideal conditions for its growth include a 5.0 – 7.5 pH level. It is short and only grows up to 1 inch while thriving in temperature conditions that range between 64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Amazon Sword
The Amazon Sword is magnificent, standing tall at an incredible height of about 24 inches. Often regarded as an underwater palm, its tall thin and well-laced profile makes it stand out.
It thrives in well-fertilized, nutrient-filled waters under minimal lighting conditions. It usually outgrows the rest of the aquarium and may require to be occasionally trimmed.
13. Ruffled Sword Plant
The Ruffled Sword plant is another fast-growing plant capable of adding beauty to your aquarium. It helps in raising the oxygen levels in the water and cleaning your tank.
Moreover, it can also be used as a source of food for your fish. The Ruffled Sword Plant grows in moderate conditions like a pH level of 5.0 – 8.0 and a temperature level that keeps within 75 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prevent the growth of algae, it is advisable to plant the Ruffled Sword Plant on a coarse substrate. Plus, a frequent water change would also come in handy.
14. Anacharis
The Anacharis is also known as the Brazilian Waterweed. The Anacharis is a low-maintenance plant and an excellent food source for fish. Growing up to 6 feet in length it is the ideal choice for large aquariums.
It is easy to grow and is quite adaptable to varying water conditions. And it grows best at a pH level of 5.0 – 8.0, under moderate light conditions, and at a temperature of 50 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
15. Green Foxtail
Last on the list is the Green Foxtail. The Green Foxtail is tall, easy to grow, and readily gives a good shade for shy fishes. It grows up to 4 feet in height and can be under the right conditions.
Best results are attained under moderate lighting conditions, with a pH level that falls within 6.1 – 6.5 pH. The Green Foxtail requires a temperature between 60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Aquarium Plants Grow Faster in Warm Water
Generally, the temperature tends to affect all living creatures, and aquarium plants are no different. As you might know, heat increases the rate of metabolism of plants.
The availability of nutrients determines whether an increase in temperature will lead to growth or death. In other words, aquarium plants grow faster in warm water, if all the nutrients they require are produced in a way that matches their rate of metabolism.
How Do I Pick Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants come in different shapes and sizes. They can be categorized into 5 major groups:
- Floating-surface dwelling
- Epiphytes and mosses-rootless
- Foreground-carpet plants
- Midground- medium Height
- Background-tall
These varying plant types have contrasting characteristics. Arriving at a preferred choice depends greatly on what you desire.
If you prefer plants that cover your substrate region then you should go for Foreground Aquarium plants. Otherwise, if your preference is for a taller variety then, the Background plants are a suitable choice.
Better still, you could even choose to mix it up.
Why Are My Aquarium Plants Growing Slowly
Slow growth in aquarium plants is a function of two major factors. These factors include nutrient deficiency and certain imbalances within the aquarium environment.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Individual nutrients such as CO2, Nitrogen, and phosphorus may not be in adequate supply. Their absence or reduced availability greatly affects the growth rate of aquarium plants.
- General Imbalances: Elements such as light, temperature, and pH levels are important ingredients essential to the growth of plants. When not available in the desired quantity, the plant is affected.
Which Aquarium Plants Grow Fastest
The growth rate of aquarium plants differs. Root-based plants tend to take longer while non-root counterparts grow steadily at a slightly faster rate.
However, the fastest-growing aquarium plant can be said to be the Java Fern which grows almost instantly when planted. While root-based plants like the Amazon Sword take up to a few weeks before springing up.
How To Take Care of Fast Growing Aquarium Plants
Caring for your aquarium plants is no different from caring for terrestrial plants. Core elements such as lighting, temperature, moderate pH levels, and nutrients must be made available.
Other care practices include:
- Regular trimmings for tall plants
- Avoiding stagnation of the aquarium water
- Regular checks for algae and removal
Conclusion
Aquarium plants are not difficult to grow provided the right measures are put in place. If you are certain of getting a fast-growing one, then it’s best to choose from this many options.
Eventually, the aquarium plants will transform the appearance and health of your aquarium. Good luck!
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