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Tropical Plants

Here you will find a few examples of popular tropical plant species commonly kept by aquarists.
 

• Arrowhead

The scientific name for Arrowhead is Sagittaria subulata.It is also known as Dwarf Sag and Narrow Leaf Sag. This plant has medium light requirements and is considered easy to keep. It grows fast, especially when planted in a nutrient rich substrate. It is usually planted in the front region of the aquarium. It produces flowers. Many fish species like to nibble on Arrowhead. Multiply by runners.

• Duckweed

The name Duckweed is used for several plant species and one of them is the popular Lemnia minor, a plant used in both aquariums and ponds. This plant has low light requirements and is easy to care for. It will float at the surface and help dimming strong light in the aquarium. Many fish species will feel much more comfortable when floating plants are included in the aquarium setup. This plant grows so fast that you might need to remove parts of it now and then to prevent it from taking over the tank. 

• Milfoil

The scientific name for Milfoil is Myriophyllum verticillatum. It is strong and adaptable, and is grown in aquariums as well as in ponds. The leaves have a beautiful red coloration. It is recommended for beginners since it is a very undemanding plant.

• Primrose

The scientific name for Primrose is Ludwigia repens, and the plant is therefore often referred to simply as Ludwigia. The name Ludwigia is however used for many other related aquatic plants too. The Primrose is considered medium hard to keep, and its light requirements are medium. It is often planted in the middle of the aquarium. It grows fast and can become tall. The colour is usually green, but if your keep the nitrate level down and provide the plant with plenty of light it can develop a beautiful red shade. Multiply by lateral shoots.

• Tape grass

The scientific name for Tape grass is Vallisneria spiralis. It is also known as Indian red sword. It is considered a medium difficult species and has medium high light requirements. The substrate must be nutrient rich. It is kept as a background plant in aquariums and its leaves resembles green tape. Many fish species like to hide among the long leaves. You can multiply your Tape grass plant from runners.