The 10 Best Aquarium Background Plants for Aquascaping in 2027

Tropica describes Vallisneria Gigantea from Asia as an easy, fast-growing plant suited to large aquariums. In most tanks the leaves (50-150 cm, 2 cm wide) float on the surface, so it needs pruning to stop it taking light from plants beneath. The leaves are tough and are not normally eaten by herbivorous fish, and it spreads by runners.

Tropica calls the cosmopolitan Egeria densa a good plant for beginners whose rapid growth helps create balance from the start. Stems grow fast to 40-100 cm and help prevent algae because they absorb many nutrients from the water. Growth does not stop in unfavourable conditions, but the plant turns light in color and the tendrils grow thin.

Tropica describes Echinodorus grisebachii Bleherae from South America as undemanding and beautiful, 20-50 cm tall. It does well even in poorly lit aquariums because it grows towards the light, and a nutritious bottom promotes growth. It is a hardy solitary plant for large aquariums and needs pruning so it does not shade plants beneath.

Tropica calls Limnophila sessiliflora from South-East Asia a pretty, undemanding plant and a great alternative to Cabomba that does not need a lot of light. Stems grow fast up to 40 cm. It grows leggy in poor light, which CO2 can partly counteract, and in good conditions it sends out runners.

Tropica says Rotala rotundifolia is relatively undemanding compared with other Rotala species, but needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly and becomes compact and bushy, which also makes it hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so frequent pruning is needed. It is also known as Rotala indica.

Tropica calls Cabomba aquatica from South America very popular for its foliage, reaching 30-80 cm, and the least demanding of the Cabomba species. It still causes problems in poorly lit aquariums, and Tropica points to Limnophila sessiliflora as the option for less light. It is most decorative planted in groups.

Tropica describes Ludwigia repens Rubin from North America as a variety with striking dark red leaves and stalk, with stems of 20-50 cm. It gives a colour contrast to green plants and is best planted in large groups and pruned regularly. It has few demands, but if light is insufficient the lower leaves fall off, and strong light intensifies the color.

Tropica says Myriophyllum mattogrossense from Mato Grosso, Brazil has feather-like reddish stems of 30-60 cm and finely divided bright green leaves. It is relatively easy and suitable for the background, a good starter plant, but fast growing, needs frequent trims and a good deal of nutrition. Tropica lists medium light and medium CO2 demand.

Tropica says the pink underside of Alternanthera reineckii Pink gives an effective contrast to green plants, especially in groups. Stems become 25-50 cm tall and good light encourages red leaves. It is easy to propagate by nipping off the terminal bud, which also makes the mother plant bushier. Tropica lists medium light and medium CO2 demand.

Tropica says Pogostemon stellata from Asia and Australia is distinguished by its shape and color, with stems of 20-60 cm. It is difficult to grow, needs intensive light and added CO2, and growth sometimes stops suddenly even in good conditions. Pale leaves can point to a shortage of micronutrients, and shop plants are low, compact marsh-grown specimens.