How to Grow Easy Aquarium Plants (Beginner Guide UK)

Growing aquarium plants doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right setup and plant selection, it’s entirely possible to create a healthy, thriving planted tank without CO₂ injection or high-end equipment.

This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully grow easy aquarium plants in a simple, low-maintenance setup.

What Are Easy Aquarium Plants?

Easy aquarium plants are species that can grow in low light conditions and do not require CO₂ injection to thrive. These plants are ideal for beginners and are much more forgiving if conditions aren’t perfect.

Popular easy plants include Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, and aquarium mosses, all known for their durability and slow, steady growth.

1. Use the Right Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important factors for plant growth.

For easy aquarium plants:

• Use a low to medium intensity aquarium light

• Keep lighting on for 6–8 hours per day

• Avoid leaving lights on too long, as this can cause algae

You don’t need expensive lighting consistency matters more than power.

2. Choose the Right Substrate

While some easy plants can grow without specialised substrate, a good base helps improve growth.

• Use aquasoil or nutrient-rich substrate if possible

• For plants like Cryptocoryne, consider adding root tabs

• Epiphyte plants like Anubias and Java Fern don’t need to be planted in substrate and can just be attached to wood and rock using aquarium safe plant glue

3. Don’t Overcomplicate Fertilisation

Easy aquarium plants don’t need heavy dosing.

A simple approach:

• Use an all-in-one liquid fertiliser daily

• Avoid overdosing

• Monitor plant health and adjust gradually

Keeping things simple is key for beginners.

4. CO₂ Is Optional

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all planted tanks need CO₂.

For easy aquarium plants:

• CO₂ injection is not required

• Plants will grow slower, but still healthy

• Stability is more important than adding extra variables

5. Maintain Stable Water Conditions

Consistency is more important than perfection.

• Perform regular weekly water changes

• Keep temperature stable and not too warm we aim for 23 degrees depending on fish choices. 

• Avoid sudden changes in parameters

Stable conditions help plants adapt and grow steadily.

6. Be Patient

Aquarium plants take time to establish.

In the first few weeks:

• Growth may be slow

• Some leaves may die back

• New growth will gradually appear

Patience is one of the most important parts of successful aquascaping.

Best Easy Aquarium Plants for Beginners

If you're just starting out, these plants are among the easiest to grow:

• Anubias

• Java Fern

• Cryptocoryne

• Bucephalandra

• Mosses

These species are hardy, adaptable, and ideal for low-tech setups.

Final Thoughts

Growing aquarium plants doesn’t need to be difficult. By choosing easy, low-maintenance species and keeping your setup simple, you can build a successful planted aquarium without unnecessary complexity.

If you're looking for reliable beginner-friendly plants, explore our range of easy aquarium plants, perfect for low-tech tanks and first-time aquascapers.