Betta Plant Selection – Top 5 Live Plants For Your Betta Tank

Betta Plant Selection – Top 5 Live Plants For Your Betta Tank

Betta plant selection provides an excellent opportunity for you to improve your betta’s lifestyle. All bettas live longer and fuller lives when they co-habitate with plants as opposed to in an empty tank. The right plants release much needed oxygen, and provided much needed cover for betta fry and betta females in a betta mating tank. Let’s take a look at the top 5 choices for your betta aquarium.

Betta plant #1 – Vallis
The best possible plant for your tank is the Vallisneria spiralis. Commonly called simply Vallis, it requires little light, and can survive in pretty much any climate. Very hardy, and able to live at temperatures as low as 59 degrees, it is the perfect plant for cover, refuge and building bubble nests.

Vallis and happy Betta fish

Betta plant #2 – Amazon Sword
This plant is actually native to the Amazon River basin, and is very adaptable. It has long, flat sword like leaves extending from the root cluster. Bettas love it, but it does require planting in gravel, and fertilizing. This plant does an amazing job in breeding tanks with fry and betta females.

Betta plant #3 – Java Fern
This lush, green plant can be anchored in your gravel or rocks, and reaches up to the top of your tank. It lives well in uncirculated water, and has long “arms” wave and flow with the current. They thrive in low to medium light. Java moss is a variation, but be forewarned. It can grow out of control and actually take over your betta’s swimming area.

Betta plant #4 – Hornwort
Like the Java Fern, Hornwort is long and flowing. It does not need to be anchored, but when anchored in your substrate, it provides great cover for fry and females. Put the long, vertical hornwort in the back of your betta tank, and smaller plants up front for a visually appealing aquascape.

Betta plant #5 – Foxtail
If you can imagine a deep-rust colored fox’s tail, you know this plant! Tall and wavy, it adds a color variation to all the typical green plants in a betta tank. I like to alternate it with Java ferns with shorter Amazon swords in front.

Whatever plant you decide to use in your tank, make sure it does not infringe on your betta’s space. He needs room to grow, and providing him with a controlled betta plant environment that is good for breeding and oxygen creation will extend his life extensively.

“Want to know the Betta Facts for successful betta set-up and care? I have enjoyed raising healthy, happy bettas for over 20 years. Head to this special web site for some incredible betta care tips (and a limited time offer). See you there!”
Elizabeth Christopher

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Sincerely, Elizabeth Christopher