Are you looking to make your Betta fish happier and healthier? Adding live plants to your Betta tank is one of the best things you can do! Not only do plants make your tank look beautiful, but they also create a natural environment that helps your Betta feel at home.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top 10 plants that are perfect for Betta tanks. We’ll keep it simple and tell you exactly what you need to know to get started!
Why Live Plants Are Great for Betta Fish
Before we dive into the best plants, let’s talk about why live plants are so awesome for your Betta:
Live plants create a natural home for your Betta, similar to their native waters in Southeast Asia. They help clean the water by removing waste and give your fish places to explore and rest.
Plants also reduce stress, which keeps your Betta healthier and more colorful.
Now, let’s check out the best plants for your Betta tank!
1. Anubias Varieties
Why Bettas Love It: Anubias has broad leaves that make perfect resting spots for your Betta fish!
Ease of Care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Super easy)
Anubias is perfect for beginners because it’s nearly impossible to kill. Don’t bury the thick root part (rhizome) in the gravel. Instead, attach it to rocks or driftwood with aquarium-safe glue or string. It grows well in low light and barely needs any trimming.
The best varieties for Betta tanks include Anubias nana (perfect for small tanks), Anubias barteri (larger with wider leaves), Anubias nana petite (tiny version great for nano tanks), and Anubias coffeefolia (has cool wrinkled leaves).
2. Java Fern
Why Bettas Love It: Java Fern has sturdy leaves that create great hiding spots.
Ease of Care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Super easy)
Like Anubias, don’t bury the rhizome of Java Fern. Attach it to decorations or driftwood instead. This plant grows in low light and is very tough. When Java Fern makes baby plants on its leaves, you can gently remove them once they have roots and place them elsewhere in your tank.
3. Floating Plants
Why Bettas Love Them: Bettas naturally spend time near the water surface, so floating plants give them the perfect hangout spot!
Floating plants are ideal for Bettas because they create shade and hiding places near the surface where Bettas like to hang out. Make sure they don’t cover the entire surface, as Bettas need to breathe air from the surface.
| Plant Name | What It Looks Like | Why It’s Great for Bettas |
| Dwarf Water Lettuce | Rose-shaped with hanging roots | Creates a forest of roots for Bettas to explore |
| Frogbit | Round leaves with dangling roots | Provides shade and hiding places |
| Red Root Floaters | Small leaves with red roots | Adds color and creates a natural look |
| Salvinia Minima | Small floating fern | Easy to grow and provides gentle shade |
| Duckweed | Tiny green dots | Bettas love it, but grows FAST! |
4. Water Wisteria
Why Bettas Love It: The lacy leaves create fun spots for your Betta to swim through.
Water Wisteria can be planted in gravel or left floating. It grows quickly and helps clean the water by using your fish’s waste as food! It’s easy to trim and replant cuttings, and it thrives in most tank conditions. Your Betta will enjoy swimming through its soft, feathery leaves.
5. Bucephalandra (Buce)
Why Bettas Love It: Similar to Anubias but with more interesting colors and textures.
Bucephalandra (or “Buce”) shouldn’t have its rhizome buried, just like Anubias. Attach it to rocks or wood instead. This plant is slow-growing, making it very low maintenance. It comes in many colors and leaf shapes. Bucephalandra ‘Wavy Green’ is especially great for Betta tanks.
6. Moss Ball
Why Bettas Love It: Moss balls add interest to the bottom of the tank and give your Betta something to investigate.
Moss balls are the easiest plant to care for – just drop them in! Rinse them gently in tank water during water changes and roll them around occasionally to keep their round shape. Moss balls need almost no maintenance. Fun fact: they’re actually a type of algae, not moss!
7. Cryptocoryne (Crypts)
Why Bettas Love It: Crypts have beautiful leaves that create perfect hiding spots.
Plant Cryptocoryne (or “Crypts”) in gravel or sand. Once planted, don’t move them – they don’t like change! These plants come in many colors including green, red, and brown. They need very little care once established. Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘red’ adds a pop of color to your Betta tank.
8. Hornwort
Why Bettas Love It: This feathery plant creates a soft, natural environment.
Hornwort can be planted or left floating in your tank. It grows FAST and helps clean the water, making it perfect for beginners. Because it grows so quickly, you’ll need to trim it regularly to keep your tank from getting overcrowded. Your Betta will enjoy swimming through its feathery branches.
9. Bacopa
Why Bettas Love It: Bacopa creates vertical structure that Bettas enjoy swimming through.
Plant Bacopa stems in gravel or sand. When you trim the tops, it encourages bushier growth. Bacopa grows at a medium pace and works well as a background plant. Bettas love swimming in and out of the stems, using them like an underwater playground.
10. Amazon Sword
Why Bettas Love It: This classic aquarium plant has broad leaves that create a jungle-like environment.
Plant Amazon Sword in nutrient-rich substrate. It works well as a centerpiece in larger tanks and may need root tabs for best growth. Amazon Swords provide lots of hiding places for your Betta. Note that they can grow quite large, so they’re best for tanks that are at least 5 gallons.
4 Quick Amazon Sword Care Tips:
- Remove any yellowing leaves by cutting them at the base
- Add root tabs every 3 months for healthy growth
- Place in medium to high light for best results
- Trim outer leaves when the plant gets too large for your tank
Setting Up Your Planted Betta Tank: Quick Guide
Want to set up a planted tank for your Betta? Here’s what you need to know:
Tank Size
A 5-gallon tank is best for a planted Betta setup. Smaller tanks are harder to keep clean and don’t give your Betta enough swimming space.
Lighting
A simple LED light made for aquarium plants works well. Keep the light on for 8-10 hours per day to help your plants grow.
Filtration
Use a small sponge filter or gentle filter. Bettas hate strong water flow, so keep it gentle!
Substrate (Tank Bottom)
You can use regular aquarium gravel with root tabs for nutrients or special aquarium soil made for plants. Remember that some plants like Anubias and Java Fern don’t need to be planted in the substrate.
Easy Maintenance Tips
| Task | How Often | Tips |
| Water Changes | Once a week | Change about 25% of the water |
| Trimming Plants | When needed | Cut back fast-growing plants before they take over |
| Adding Fertilizer | Once a week | Use a gentle liquid fertilizer made for aquariums |
| Cleaning Algae | As needed | Use a soft sponge or algae scraper |
Common Questions About Betta Fish Plants
Do Betta fish need plants in their tank?
While Bettas can survive without plants, they are much happier and healthier with them. Plants create a natural environment that reduces stress and provides entertainment for your Betta.
Can I use fake plants instead of real ones?
Yes, but choose silk plants instead of plastic ones. Bettas have delicate fins that can tear on sharp plastic plants. Real plants are better because they help clean the water and look more natural.
How many plants should I put in my Betta tank?
Start with 3-5 plants and see how your Betta responds. You can always add more later! Make sure to leave some open swimming space.
Will my Betta eat the plants?
Bettas are meat-eaters (they eat insects in nature), so they won’t eat your plants. They might rest on them or play with them, but they won’t damage them.
Do I need special lighting for aquarium plants?
Many of the plants on this list (like Anubias and Java Fern) can grow in low light. A basic LED aquarium light is enough for most Betta-friendly plants.
Conclusion:
Adding live plants to your Betta tank is one of the best things you can do for your colorful friend. Plants create a natural home that helps your Betta feel safe and happy. They also help keep the water clean and give your Betta interesting places to explore and rest.
Start with easy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or floating plants. These are nearly impossible to kill and will make a huge difference in your Betta’s life. As you get more comfortable, you can try other plants from our list.
Remember, a happy Betta is a healthy Betta. With these plants, your underwater friend will be swimming happily for years to come!
