Contortion Vallisneria | Vallisneria asiatica

Contortion Vallisneria or Asiatica Vals are one of the most common background plants for aquariums. Many confuse these types of Vals with jungle vals who look somewhat similar, but the difference is contortion vals are slimmer and grow very tall. The rotating blades are able to grow within a wide array of aquarium parameters; it can definitely add its grace to one of your aquariums. Like other Vallisneria species, Contortion Val reproduces primarily by sending out runners.

Common Name: Contortion Val
Proper Name: Vallisneria sp. contortionist
Category:  Stem Plants
Temperature:  72 - 80 C
PH:  6.0-7.5
Lighting: Medium,High
Growth Rate: Medium
Difficulty:  Easy
Origin:  Asia
Position in Aquascape: Background

Hornwort | Coontail | Easy aquarium plant for beginners

The hornwort or coontail is one of my favorite plants for fish tanks. It is easy to maintain, grows fast with little requirements and can be placed as background plants or floating. In addition, it provides excellent shelter to small fry so it's a wonderful plant for beginners and experts alike. This plant has layered hair like foliage that helps oxygenate and clarify the water and keep algae growth to a minimum. It is found around the world in both moving and still waters, somethings anchored to muddy bottoms. i

Basic Information

Care Level: Easy
Lighting: Moderate
Placement: Background
Water Conditions: 59-86° F, KH 5-15, pH 6.0-7.5
Propagation: Side Shoots
Color Form: Green
Family: Ceratophyllaceae

Anacharis | Elodea | Brazilian Waterweed Information, Care, Grow

The Anacharis is probably the easiest and the best plant for beginning aquarium enthusiasts. Originally from the Amazon region, this plant will grow floating or planted in gravel. It will grow in both tropical and cold water and it can grow very fast under the best conditions. To many, this is the first aquatic plant they will ever come into contact since it is the most common plant used in our schools.

Care Level: Easy
Lighting: Medium-High
Aquascape Placement: Background if planted
Water Conditions: Nearly Immaterial
Propagation: Cuttings
Origin: Amazon region in Northern South America
Family: Hydrocharitacea

Below is a video on the care for the Anacharis

Banana Aquarium Plant | Nymphoides aquatica

Name: Banana Plant
Latin Name: Nymphoides aquatica
Category: Rosette Plants
Temperature:  20 - 27 Celsius
PH:  6.0 - 7.2
Lighting:  Low-Medium
Difficulty: Easy
Position in Aquascape:  Foreground or Midground

This is probably one of my favorite plants to look at because it is so different from others. It's not really easy to fit into the typical aquascape but you can combine it with Java Moss and have it in the midground or foreground. And obviously, it should be planted "floating" like the one on the picture in order to appreciate the banana like body. They're relatively easy to maintain so its recommended to beginners and experts alike.

Rotala Indica | Rotala Rotundifolia - Information, Care, Grow.

Hardiness: Moderate
Light Needs: Medium to High
Genus: Rotala
Family: Lythraceae
Region: South East Asia
Growth Rate: Slow

Rotala Indica is a plant with small leaves that are usually green on top with shades of pink on the bottom. It is originally from South East Asia and it is ideal for middle ground placement in an aquascape. Its small leaves can grow densely and might require some trimming over time.

This plant is perfect for fish that are not aggressive towards plants. It requires medium to high lighting and it does better in warmer water. The Rotala Indica can benefit from the addition of CO2 and iron fertilizers to its roots. To reproduce this plant, simply cut the height you desire and plant it into the gravel. In time, roots will form and get a foothold in the gravel.

Here is a video I found on the care of Rotala Indica

Java Fern | Microsorum Pteropus - Information, Care, Grow

Name in stores:  Java Fern
Latin Name: Microsorum Pteropus 
Ideal Water Temperature:  68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius
Ideal Water PH:  KH 3-8, pH 6.0-7.5
Ligh Requirements: Moderate or Low Lighting
Rate of Growth:  Slow
Difficulty Level: Easy
Origin:  South East Asia
Ideal Position in Aquarium: Middle Ground

Java Fern is one of my favorite aquarium plants because of its beauty and low maintenance. They can easily attach to driftwood or rocks so they give a very natural look to the aquascape. They are also serve as an excellent place for baby fish to hide in. 

How to Propagate Java Fern in an Aquarium Video

Dwarf Baby Tears | Hemianthus Callitrichoides - Information, Care, Growing

Name in stores:  Dwarf Baby Tears, Angel's Tears
Latin Name: Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Ideal Water Temperature:  68 - 82.4 Fahrenheit | 20 - 28 Celsius
Ideal Water PH:  5.0 - 7.5
Ligh Requirements: Bright Lighting
Rate of Growth:  Slow
Difficulty Level: Easy
Origin:  Northern Mediterranear
Ideal Position in Aquarium: Foreground

This is a great plant for placing in the foreground of an aquarium. They can grow on rocks, wood, or thinner gravel in the aquarium. Due to their density and small leaves, they can serve as a good place for spawning fish. The new baby fish can hide in between the leaves and avoid being eaten by other fish in the tank.

Below is a video of how to plant Dwarf Baby Tears in an aquarium.