Best Aquarium Carpeting Plants
When looking for a suitable carpet plant for your aquarium, you need to ensure you consider the characteristics of each plant and how they can add to or take away from your tank. This will include growth rate, height, lighting and CO2 requirements among other things. Factors such as whether your tank is low-tech or high-tech may influence which species you are able to house.
Monte Carlo Plant
| Scientific name | Micranthemum tweediei |
| Common name | Monte Carlo Plant |
| Growth Height | 2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 25°C |
| CO2 Requirement | medium levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | fairly easy |
The Monte Carlo plant is beginner friendly, relatively easy to care for and is a great carpet addition to your aquarium. It gives a fresh, soft look to the tank and although it is new to the scene, it has been proven to be a perfect choice no matter your experience level. Your tank setup will influence how the Monte Carlo plant grows but it is easy to alter depending on your desired outcome.
Dwarf Hairgrass
| Scientific name | Eleocharis parvula |
| Common name | Dwarf Hairgrass |
| Growth Height | 10 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 10°C to 30°C |
| CO2 Requirement | medium levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | medium |
Dwarf hairgrass is a popular carpet plant for those of all abilities due to how easy they are to raise and their versatility. They are a vibrant green shade that can provide shelter for fish, as well as using CO2, helping to keep the water quality high and healthy. They are unique in the sense that they have a ‘memory’, meaning if they are cut short, they tend to grow slower to maintain this length and the opposite for a smaller trim.
Dwarf Sagittaria
| Scientific name | Sagittaria Subulata |
| Common name | Dwarf Sagittaria |
| Growth Height | 1-2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 22°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | easy |
The Dwarf Sagittaria, or Sagittaria Subulata, is a bright carpet plant with short, stiff leaves and flowers that will develop if emerged. There are many other varieties of the Sagittaria species, however, the Dwarf variation is one of the most common due to their easy care and rapid growth, as well as the ability to thrive in any tank size as long as the rest of their conditions are met.
Java Moss
| Scientific name | Taxiphyllum barbieri |
| Common name | Java Moss |
| Growth Height | up to 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | low to medium |
| Temperature | 15°C to 30°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow to medium |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Java Moss is another popular carpet plant among aquariums as they create a vibrant, lush atmosphere while being easy to care for and affordable. They also grow fairly slowly with a maximum growth of around 4 inches, meaning they don’t need to be trimmed often. It also acts as both a hiding place and breeding ground as well as food for some species.
Dwarf Baby Tears
| Scientific name | Hemianthus callitrichoides |
| Common name | Dwarf Baby Tears |
| Growth Height | 2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 24°C |
| CO2 Requirement | high levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | difficult |
Dwarf baby tears, sometimes mistaken for Monte Carlo due to their similar appearance, is another popular carpet plant for aquariums that is readily available both online and in stores with an aquarium department. Lighting and temperature are the most important factors to control when growing these plants as they won’t thrive if the conditions aren’t suitable. This plant can easily be planted on driftwood, and they will quickly grow so make sure you stay on top of pruning and trimming.
Glossostigma elatinoides
| Scientific name | Glossostigma elatinoides |
| Common name | Glossostigma elatinoides |
| Growth Height | 1 inch |
| Lighting Requirement | high |
| Temperature | 5°C to 30°C |
| CO2 Requirement | high levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | difficult |
Glossostigma elatinoides is a carpet plant commonly used in Japanese style tank setups due to its iconic short, curling stems. They grow quickly, especially with the use of CO2 and is best placed in the front of the tank, ensuring that they are not towered over by larger plants as this will prevent them getting the light they need, and they will grow weaker upwards in search of light.
Christmas Moss
| Scientific name | Vesicularia montagnei |
| Common name | Christmas Moss |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | low to medium |
| Temperature | 22°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow to medium |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Christmas Moss, or Brazilian Willow Moss, gets its unique name from the shape of their branches that slope downwards on top of each other, creating an intricate web of stems, allowing for a beautiful, vibrant carpet. It is not a fast-growing species, though it is easy to care for and propagate, meaning anyone, regardless of aquarium experience can grow it.
Pygmy Chain Sword
| Scientific name | helanthium tenellum |
| Common name | Pygmy Chain Sword |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 22°C to 26°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary |
| Growth Speed | medium to fast |
| Ease of Care | easy to medium |
Pygmy chain sword is another popular carpet plant for aquariums as they can thrive in minimal conditions, have rapid growth, are durable and are relatively easy to care for. Due to their short height, they tend to be used in the foreground of tanks, though they may be used in the midground depending on the other selection of plants in the tank.
Brazilian Micro Sword
| Scientific name | Lilaeopsis brasiliensis |
| Common name | Brazilian Micro Sword |
| Growth Height | 5 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 21°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | medium levels of C2 is recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow to medium, depending on tank setup |
| Ease of Care | medium |
The Brazilian micro sword species may be recognized by a range of other names such as Micro Sword Grass, Copragrass and Carpet Grass. Their height tends to lend them to being in the foreground of a tank. Low-tech setups may lead to difficulty in growing this plant due to their more specific needs, however, once set up in the right conditions, they will thrive.
Elatine Hydropiper
| Scientific name | Elatine Hydropiper |
| Common name | Elatine Hydropiper, Eight-stamen waterwort |
| Growth Height | 1 inch |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 16°C to 26°C |
| CO2 Requirement | high levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | medium |
| Ease of Care | medium to difficult |
The Eight-stamen waterwort (Elatine hydropiper) is a carpet plant suited to more experienced hobbyists as they can be a very difficult plant to grow, however, upon success, can be extremely rewarding and create some stunning displays in the foreground of a tank. They require specific conditions and therefore, a low-tech set up may raise problems in controlling and monitoring the key factors in their environment.
Blyxa Japonica
| Scientific name | Blyxa Japonica |
| Common name | Blyxa Japonica, Japanese Bamboo Plant |
| Growth Height | 4 to 8 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | high |
| Temperature | 23°C to 27°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary with sufficient light |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Blyxa Japonica has a grass like appearance and is commonly found in shallow, slow moving areas of water in Japan such as streams. Their long blades help to create depth in an aquarium and are popularly used in aquascaping to make a tank look more appealing. They are also easy to care for and added CO2 can be added with dimmer lights (though still sufficient) to help stimulate growth.
Dwarf Four Leaf Clover
| Scientific name | Marsilea hirsuta |
| Common name | Dwarf Four Leaf Clover, Hairy Clover |
| Growth Height | 8 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 29°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | medium |
| Ease of Care | easy |
The Dwarf four leaf clover (Marsilea hirsuta) originated from Australia and is a great plant for all skill levels as they are easy to care for, propagate and are suitable for even low-tech setups. They can grow up to around 8 inches so can be used for aquascaping and either as a carpet or in the mid to background of a tank to create difference and hiding places for the fish.
Anubias Nana Petite
| Scientific name | anubias nana ‘petite’ |
| Common name | Anubias Nana Petite |
| Growth Height | 2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow |
| Ease of Care | easy |
The Anubias nana petite, or Anubias bartei var. nana ‘petite’, is a very popular carpet plant, being one of the most in demand species at the moment. It is easy to care for and suitable for all skill levels while being a lush addition to any tank, making this demand unsurprising. These plants are very small, though they tend to grow very slowly, which is the only potential drawback with this plant.
Liverwort
| Scientific name | monosolenium tenerum |
| Common name | Liverwort |
| Growth Height | 2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | low |
| Temperature | 5°C to 27°C |
| CO2 Requirement | low levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | medium |
| Ease of Care | easy to medium |
Liverwort is an aquatic carpet plant which is often compared to Crystalwort, the larger version of this species. Liverwort has very similar characteristics to moss rather than a plant, meaning it was mislabeled and categorized as such for years after discovery, though this has since been fixed. It tends to stick to the bottom of the tank as it is a heavy species therefore sinks.
Cryptocoryne Parva
| Scientific name | Cryptocoryne Parva |
| Common name | Cryptocoryne Parva |
| Growth Height | 2 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium |
| Temperature | 20°C to 29°C |
| CO2 Requirement | low levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow |
| Ease of Care | medium |
Cryptocoryne parva is another popular carpet plant, originating from Sri Lanka, it grows up to 2 inches and is therefore a great foreground option. Light is an important factor in the growth of this species and overshadowing it should be avoided to ensure it can grow and thrive as it should. Although it is a slow growing plant, extra nutrition can be added to speed this up.
Downoi
| Scientific name | pogostemon helferi |
| Common name | Downoi |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 30°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Downoi is an aquatic plant that means little star in Thailand, and earns its name from their distinctive star shape, with curled leaves spouting out of this vibrant plant to look like points. It is a perfect plant for beginners as it is easy to grow and creates a beautiful feature as a foreground plant.
Crystalwort
| Scientific name | riccia fluitans |
| Common name | Crystalwort |
| Growth Height | 1 inch |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 26°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | easy to medium |
Riccia fluitans is sometimes mistaken for the similar variety, Liverwort, as well as being a common alternative to Java Moss due to their great characteristics. It can be found in many parts of the world such as America, Africa and Eurasia, though it is classed as an invasive species in some states, so ensure you check local laws before purchasing.
Utricularia Graminifolia
| Scientific name | Utricularia Graminifolia |
| Common name | Utricularia Graminifolia |
| Growth Height | 16 inches (maximum) |
| Lighting Requirement | medium |
| Temperature | 18°C to 25°C |
| CO2 Requirement | medium levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | medium |
| Ease of Care | easy |
This stunning species, Utricularia graminifolia originates from parts of Asia and can be grown either submersed or immersed. This plant is carnivorous, meaning it uses the vesicles on their leaves to catch small organisms in the water and feeding on them. Its leafy texture creates a fluffy underwater lawn with a yellow green tint. This makes it a beautiful option for a foreground plant carpet as it provides a strong base for other plants.
Staurogyne Repens
| Scientific name | Staurogyne Repens |
| Common name | Staurogyne Repens |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 20°C to 30°C |
| CO2 Requirement | medium to high levels of CO2 recommended |
| Growth Speed | slow |
| Ease of Care | easy to medium |
Staurogyne repens is a small aquatic plant with small leaves and short brown stems, as well as growing slower than some similar species. It can be both grown as a carpet in the foreground or as a larger feature if left to grow and used in the midground. The slow growth rate means that it can last months without needing trimming, depending on the desired height, making it easy to sustain a neat look.
Flame Moss
| Scientific name | taxiphyllum ‘flame’ |
| Common name | Flame Moss |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | low to medium |
| Temperature | 20°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | medium to fast |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Flame moss is a unique moss that has a distinctive look, with lots of upwards twisting spires packed together. This moss is best kept submerged to see the best results and will grow to be thick and bushy. Flame moss tends to thrive whichever conditions it is in, from substrate to driftwood, making it a perfect little feature for any aquarium, or used as a carpet to cover the foreground.
Hydrocotyle Tripartita
| Scientific name | Hydrocotyle Tripartita |
| Common name | Hydrocotyle Tripartita |
| Growth Height | 4 inches |
| Lighting Requirement | medium to high |
| Temperature | 22°C to 28°C |
| CO2 Requirement | not necessary but recommended |
| Growth Speed | fast |
| Ease of Care | easy |
Hydrocotyle tripartita is a common aquatic plant used in Japanese aquarium trade due to their easy care and unique decoration. They are comparable to clover plants with their thin stems and lobed leaves and can be trimmed and flattened to create a carpet of dense vegetation, though they are usually used in the midground as a feature.
Aquarium Carpet Plants for Beginners
Some aquatic plants are easier to care for and grow than others due to the conditions they require to grow and thrive, as well as needing a certain level of tech setup to control these factors. Plants such as Hydrocotyle tripartita, Monte Carlo, Downoi, Anubias Nana Petite and Christmas moss are much more beginner friendly as they are simple to care for. The tank set up in an aquarium is very important as it needs to be individual depending on the species of fish and their requirements, and this includes the vegetation and layout of the plants. This is because some plants can cause chemical imbalances, as well as some species being better for hiding and breeding.
Low Light Aquarium Carpet Plants
Not all plants need a high level of light to thrive, all plants need to photosynthesize, but some require less light for this. These plants may be more suitable for individual circumstances such as not being able to provide high levels of light or having a low-tech setup. It also may be the consistency of light that may alter your decision such as relying on natural light, and it is changing with the seasons. Some plants with low light requirements are flame moss, liverwort, Christmas moss and java moss. It is also important to consider the other qualities of these plants such as growth rate and height.
Fast Growing Aquarium Carpet Plants
Fast growing plants have both benefits and drawbacks. They can fill your tank quickly and make it the perfect home for any creatures, however, it may become overcrowded and rely on heavy trimming to keep on top of which can be time consuming and disruptive to the inhabitants, especially if you need to remove them and replace them each time. Some fast-growing plants include: hydrocotyle tripartita, Crystalwort, Japanese bamboo plant, Glosso, dwarf baby tears, dwarf hairgrass, dwarf sagittaria and Monte Carlo.
Do I need CO2 for Aquarium Carpet Plants?
Not all plants require CO2 to survive, many can live without, however, in many cases, CO2 injections can increase the growth of plants which may be useful in particularly slow growing plants. Some plants which don’t need CO2 are hydrocotyle tripartita, flame moss, crystalwort, downoi, Anubias Nana Petite, Dwarf Four Leaf Clover, Japanese bamboo plant, pygmy chain sword, christmas moss, dwarf sagittaria and java moss.
Cold Water Aquarium Carpet Plants
A cold-water tank is generally classified to be below around 20°C to 22°C, meaning it is not actually cold, but rather room temperature with no heater to keep it to a certain level. There are many plants that thrive in cold water conditions, it is just important to ensure all vegetation and fish are suitable to live in these temperatures. Some cold-water plants are Java moss, utricularia graminifolia, liverwort, Eight-stamen Waterwort, Glosso and dwarf hairgrass. It is also important to note that some of these species will also survive in temperatures above cold, but this will vary from plant to plant.
How to Grow Aquarium Carpet Plants
Growing carpet plants in an aquarium may seem like a daunting task to some beginners out there so I put together a few things to consider and make sure you have the best shot at a successful growth. First off is proper research, it is important to make sure you can create the best combination of both plants and creatures in your aquarium who all require similar conditions and deciding on your species of carpet plant is a big part of this, making sure it is the right height, growth rate and water parameters to mix with everything else. Either pick a carpet plant and base other decisions off of this or do your research into a specific species and base it around this. I would also recommend having CO2 injections in the water to support as much growth as possible to have the healthiest plants. Not all will require it, but they will all benefit, just make sure there isn’t too much as this may cause an adverse, detrimental effect.
Do Aquarium Carpet Plants Spread?
In short, all carpet plants will grow to some extent, but the nature of this growth will be different across species. Some species will require regular trimming to keep short and growing horizontally, which tends to be the desired aim, while others will stop growing vertically after reaching a maximum height. Slow growing plants are usually easier to keep on top of, though they will take longer initially to grow. Plants spreading is again very variable and will mostly depend on your preference and requirements.
Are Carpet Plants Good for Aquariums?
Carpet plants can be an amazing addition to your aquarium if done right. They can create stunning displays and make the tank much more exciting for both you and your fish, adding color and personality. Finding a good substrate is an important start to allow your carpet plant to meet its maximum potential as this may be the difference between a big success and a flop. You also need to take continuous care of the plants as they make up such a large part of the tank. Different species will have different needs but no matter how complicated or simple this is, you need to meet it, whether that be keeping the water parameters stable or trimming regularly.
