15 Best Aquarium Plants That Don’t Need Fertilizer | Easy Caring

There are aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer, and it’s a good thing to know so you can save money. It is not necessary for all aquarium plants to have fertilizer, but some aquarium plant species will benefit from fertilization. 

In this article, we’ll cover the 9 best aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer as well as the benefits of fertilizing aquarium plants. 

We’ll also touch on how to fertilize aquarium plants naturally and what type of fertilizer is best for them! Let’s get started with our list of these awesome aquarium plant species!

9 Best Aquarium Plants That Don’t Need Fertilizer

Here is a list of aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer:

Java Moss

Java Moss is easy to maintain, undemanding aquarium plant that does not need fertilizer. It can thrive in almost any aquarium conditions and it doesn’t require special lighting or CO levels.

It makes a good contrast with other aquarium plants because of its fine texture and slow growth rate (it only grows up to 12 inches). The leaves of this aquarium plant are small and green.

Java Moss can be attached to rocks or driftwood by tying a piece of the stem into them – it won’t fall off easily. It is advisable not to place Java Moss directly on top of gravel as fish might eat its fine leaves (this aquarium plant provides shelter for little fish).

Also read: 9 Aquarium plants that can grow in gravel | Easy to plant and care

Java Fern

Java Fern is another aquarium plant that doesn’t need fertilizer and it grows slowly (it only reaches up to 12 inches). It attaches itself with its roots on rocks, driftwood, or aquarium wall – therefore, there is no need for special equipment like a fishing line.

This aquarium plant has small green leaves with reddish-brown stems which make it stand out amongst other aquarium plants. The roots are also visible and they make the aquarium look natural.

It is advisable not to place Java Fern in direct sunlight, because its leaves may turn yellow or brown (it prefers shaded areas). It can thrive well without fertilizer but an additional amount of CO might increase its growth rate.

Anacharis

An aquarium plant that doesn’t need fertilizer is Anacharis, also called Eelgrass. It can be grown in aquariums without special equipment like air stones or pumps (it attaches itself to rocks and driftwood).

This aquarium plant has fine green leaves which provide shelter for little fish; it makes a good contrast with other aquarium plants because of its fine texture. It can be attached to the aquarium wall with a fishing line, but as it grows the roots will attach themselves to the aquarium bottom and rocks.

Anacharis doesn’t need fertilizer; it does well in almost any aquarium conditions (it prefers shaded areas). To make sure that Anacharis is healthy and won’t get eaten by your aquarium fish, don’t place it in direct sunlight (it prefers shaded areas).

Anubias Barteri Var. Nana

Anubias barteri var. Nana is one aquarium plant that doesn’t need fertilizer. In fact, anubias aquarium plants are better left unfertilized because too much nitrogen will inhibit the growth of roots which can lead to weaker stability in your aquarium tank. What makes this aquatic plant different from others is its ability to produce natural substances for self-defense and protection from aquarium fish and plant eaters.

Anubias aquarium plants do not need fertilizer because they can protect themselves naturally from aquarium tank predators such as ichthyophthirius, cryptocaryon irritants (marine velvet), gauge piscicida, or myxosporidian, fungus gnat larvae, and other types of worms.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii ‘Brown’ (Cape Horn)

Cryptocoryne Wendtii ‘Brown’ (Cape Horn) Crypt Wendtii aquarium plant is one of the most popular aquarium plants in some regions. This aquarium plant needs low light and moderate to high water flow, developing its best bright green coloring when provided with these conditions. It can grow up to twelve inches in aquariums. Crypt Wendtii aquarium plant has a very low growth rate and can grow to be approximately one inch per month when kept under proper lighting and water conditions.

Anubias Nana (African Water Fern) Anubias nana is an aquatic fern with long leaves that resemble grass blades that develop from creeping rhizomes. This aquarium plant is one of the most popular aquarium plants in some regions because it can grow under a variety of conditions. Unlike many aquarium plants that need high lighting and nutrient-rich water to thrive, Anubias nana grows best when provided with low light levels or partial shade as well as moderate levels of nutrients in aquariums.

Water Wisteria  

Water wisteria is one of the beautiful aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer. It is a submerged aquarium plant and can survive in most water conditions, as long as it has plenty of light. Fertilizer for aquarium plants should not be necessary since this aquarium plant doesn’t require nutrients from outside sources to live or prosper. However, if you feel that the aquarium plants are struggling then using aquarium plant fertilizer or aquarium plant liquid fertilizer is an alternative option. 

Glossostigma Elatinoides

Glossostigma Elatinodes is an aquarium plant that doesn’t need aquarium fertilizer. When it comes to aquarium plants, most people are concerned about fertilizing their aquarium plants with the best aquarium fertilizer because they have heard of the benefits of certain types of ingredients in making them grow bigger and better looking. However, some aquatic plants just don’t need any sort of aquarium fertilizer at all.

Glossostigma Elatinoides is one aquarium plant that doesn’t need aquarium fertilizer to grow, or stay healthy for that matter. This aquarium plant does not require nutrients because it grows naturally in nutrient-poor waters, such as swamps and mudholes where there are low levels of light penetration due to the thick layer of plant matter on the water’s surface.

Glossostigma Elatinoides aquarium plants have a form that closely resembles grass, with long leaves similar to blades of grass. The aquarium plant does not grow very high and is only about an inch tall when fully grown into its mature state; although it can be planted in aquarium substrate if desired, aquarium plant fertilizer is not necessary.

Blyxa Japonica (Oyster Plant)

Blyxa Japonica (Oysterwort) is a species of aquarium plant. It does not need fertilizer because it can absorb nutrients from the aquarium water naturally. If you use fertilizers, only a small amount of them is needed to provide enough nutrition for your plants and enhance their growth process.

Asian Ambulia Plant

This plant doesn’t need fertilizer when kept in an aquarium. It needs high light levels and lots of nutrients to thrive well. They also do better if they are planted directly into the substrate or attached to rocks/wood instead of being left floating.

The aquarium plant is one of the most fascinating and unique plants in the aquarium hobby. They provide a beautiful look to your aquarium and they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors – making them an attractive addition to any aquarium setup! Some aquarium plants can even change their appearance as time goes on, which makes them really fun to watch!

Anubias Barteri Var. Coffeefolia

An aquarium plant that doesn’t need fertilizer is the Anubias Barteri Var. Coffeefolia. It’s a very popular aquarium plant because of its hardiness, low maintenance, and attractive leaves.  The Anubias Barteri Var. Coffeefolia aquarium plant can grow in dim light and doesn’t need fertilizer to survive, but if you want faster growth it would be beneficial to add some liquid fertilizer once a week.

Ludwigia Sp. Mini Super Red (Mini Petite Super Red)

Ludwigia Sp. Mini Super Red (Mini Petite Super Red) is a very hardy aquarium plant that is fast-growing and easy to care for. It has bright red stems with soft, green leaves. This aquarium plant can be used in aquariums but requires nutrient-rich water to thrive. This aquarium plant does not need any fertilizer.

Water Sprite

Water sprite is a popular aquarium plant that can adapt to many aquarium conditions. It doesn’t need fertilizer, but it will benefit from the addition of fish food into your tank each week. Floating aquarium plants are able to absorb nutrients in the water which is ideal for beginners who don’t know how to fertilize aquarium plants naturally yet. If you have floating aquarium plants, then they can be placed in your aquarium for a short time to absorb nutrients.

Rotala Rotundifolia

 This aquarium plant is commonly known as Rotala Indica and Red Sprite. It has a lovely red color, but can also be green or pink depending on the conditions it is placed in.

Rotala Rotundifolia does not require fertilizer for healthy growth; however, adding extra CO occasionally won’t hurt this aquarium plant. This aquarium plant is a slow grower and can be pruned to keep it at the height you want. It also makes an excellent aquarium plant for background growth because it does not get too tall or wide.

For aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer, this one takes high lighting conditions without complaint and thrives in nutrient-rich aquarium water so adding extra CO occasionally won’t hurt. This aquarium plant is a slow grower and can be pruned to keep it at the height you want. It also makes an excellent aquarium plant for background growth because it does not get too tall or wide.

Blyxa Japonica ‘Taiwan Moss’

Blyxa japonica is a wonderful aquarium plant that does not need fertilizer. This aquarium plant prefers low lighting and medium to high water flow, making it perfect for the lower level of your aquarium, especially in tanks with fast-moving fish who might try to eat this beautiful green carpet.

Blyxa Japonica ‘Taiwan Moss’ is also known as Taiwanese moss or Blyxa aubergine. This aquarium plant prefers the lower light conditions of aquariums with fast-moving fish and medium to high water flow.

Among all aquarium plants, it is one of the best aquarium plants for beginners because this plant does not need fertilization at all! 

Cryptocoryne ‘Lutea’

It’s one of the best aquarium plant choices for aquariums with soft water. Although aquarium plants that don’t need fertilizer are rare, this aquarium plant is one of them. Cryptocoryne naturally grows in a nutrient-starved environment and it’s the most satisfactory aquarium plant for people who like to keep their aquarium clean.

Benefits of Fertilizer for Aquarium Plants

There are many benefits to using aquarium plant fertilizer! These include: 

– Faster growth in aquarium plants.

– Healthy leaves and roots with a rich green color.

– Fewer algae due to aquarium plants outcompeting the algae for nutrients.

– Aquarium plants will flower and produce seeds.

– Aquarium plants will bloom brighter and more consistently.

– More aquarium plants will grow from the aquarium plant’s seeds.

– Aquarium plants look more natural and realistic in an aquarium environment.

Do All Aquarium Plants Need Fertilizers? 

No, not all aquarium plants require nutrients from outside sources to survive in the aquarium so it would be unnecessary for you to use a nitrogen-rich aquarium plant nutrient solution on them. However, if your aquarium plants are struggling then using specialized aquarium plant fertilizer for aquarium plants would not hurt. 

Conclusion

There are many aquarium plants that don’t require fertilizer in order to grow successfully. While some types of aquarium plants will thrive with the help of little extra nutrients added to the aquarium, aquarium plants that do not need fertilizer are suitable for beginner aquarium owners. Not only will these types of aquarium plants flourish without any additional help from a fish tank fertilization kit, but they also come in many varieties and colors to give your aquarium an aesthetic appeal.

Do you have any plants in your aquarium that don’t need fertilizer that’s not on our list? Tell us in the comment section below!

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