Amazon Frogbit

Aponogeton robinsonii is a fast-growing, relatively uncommon bulb plant in the aquarium hobby originating from slow-flowing rivers in Vietnam and Laos. It is noted for its tendency to quickly produce floating leaves, making it an excellent background plant that provides natural surface cover and shaded zones for the aquarium. Unlike many other Aponogeton species, it typically thrives continuously without a dormant period under submerged conditions and frequently produces fragrant white flowers.

A popular houseplant and marginal terrarium plant frequently sold for aquariums. While its roots can be permanently submerged, its foliage must remain above the water line to prevent rotting. It is highly effective at absorbing nitrates when grown in open-top tanks, hang-on-back filters, or ripariums where its stems extend out of the water.

A highly sought-after floating plant characterized by its vibrant red roots and round, water-repellent leaves. Under high light and slightly limited nitrates, the entire plant can flush a deep crimson red. It is excellent for absorbing excess nutrients and providing habitat for fry and shrimp, but requires low surface flow as water splashing over its leaves can cause rot.

Salvinia natans is a fast-growing, rootless floating fern characterized by small, oval leaves covered in water-repellent hairs. It is excellent for absorbing excess nutrients from the water column and providing a secure canopy for shy fish and fry, but it requires regular culling to prevent it from completely blocking light to submerged plants.

The Banana Plant is a unique, eye-catching aquarium plant famous for its cluster of thick, banana-shaped root tubers that store nutrients. It initially produces light green, heart-shaped submerged leaves and will rapidly shoot lily-like pads to the water surface if allowed. To maintain bushy submerged growth, surface-reaching leaves should be routinely trimmed.

Glossostigma elatinoides, commonly known as Glosso, is a classic and highly popular aquarium carpeting plant native to the swamps and bogs of Australia and New Zealand. Prized for its ability to form a dense, bright green mat along the aquarium floor, it is often a centerpiece in high-tech nature aquariums. It is a demanding plant that requires intense lighting and carbon dioxide supplementation to creep horizontally; without these, it tends to grow leggy and vertical. Frequent trimming is necessary to prevent the carpet from overgrowing itself, which can lead to the lower layers dying off and the mat detaching from the substrate.