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Is Water Rose a Good Plant for Licorice Gourami?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Water Rose is not recommended for Licorice Gourami. The issue is practical, not cosmetic: their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Water Rose

Samolus valerandi

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PlacementForeground
LightModerate
DifficultyIntermediate
Size15 × 15 cm

Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri

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TemperamentPeaceful
FamilyAnabantoids
Temp22–28°C
Water TypeFreshwater Only

Quick Decision

A plant can be technically compatible with a fish and still fail in the actual tank if the fish digs, chews, needs denser cover, or uses a different part of the layout.

Overall fit

58/100

The fish is likely to outgrow, uproot, or out-pressure the plant.

Water match

Limited overlap

One or more core water ranges does not overlap cleanly.

Plant pressure

Low

Licorice Gourami is not flagged as unusually hard on this plant.

Layout value

Low cover

Water Rose helps with good grazing surface.

Plant and Fish Fit Notes

Use these signals to decide whether the plant is doing useful work for the fish, or whether it is only surviving beside it.

Temperature
Water Rose15-26°C
Licorice Gourami22-28°C

Overlap: 22-26°C.

pH
Water Rose6.5-8
Licorice Gourami3-6

Overlap: pH No clean overlap.

Hardness
Water Rose4-20 dGH
Licorice Gourami0-4 dGH

Overlap: 4-4 dGH.

Water and flow
Water RoseBrackish Tolerant, Moderate (Standard)
Licorice GouramiFreshwater Only, Low (Still Water)

Flow expectations are close enough for one layout.

Space used
Water RoseForeground and Midground
Licorice GouramiMiddle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate)
Pressure signals
Water RoseModerate uproot resistance, Standard leaves
Licorice GouramiPeaceful, Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) and Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Plant pressure: Low.

Planting value
Water RoseGood grazing surface, Nutrient-rich substrate preferred
Licorice GouramiLeaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, and Plants - Floating

Shared Tank Conditions

Water Rose and Licorice Gourami do not share a clean environmental window, so the pairing is already under pressure before behaviour is even considered.

Their flow expectations are close enough to combine: Water Rose prefers moderate flow, while Licorice Gourami prefers gentle, low-flow water.

Water type can work if the tank stays in the shared part of freshwater to lightly brackish water and freshwater conditions.

Fish Pressure and Plant Resilience

Licorice Gourami does not put unusual pressure on this plant compared with harder fish-plant combinations.

Water Rose has low cover density, moderate uproot resistance, and standard leaves. It can also help with grazing surfaces.

Water Rose brings useful structure to the tank instead of serving only as decoration.

The limiting issue is their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Layout Fit

Water Rose is a rosette / crown plant usually used foreground and midground.

Licorice Gourami is an anabantoid fish, so the pairing works best when the planting style supports how that fish uses space and cover.

Water Rose reaches about 15 cm tall by 15 cm wide and is usually rooted in substrate with nutrient-rich substrate preferred. That makes placement and anchoring more important than simply adding a larger bunch of stems or leaves.

In this pairing, the useful plant values are grazing surfaces. Place it where Licorice Gourami can actually use that structure instead of hiding the plant where it cannot do much.

Practical Recommendation

For most keepers, a tougher or better-matched plant is the smarter choice. If you still try it, test with a small amount first and be ready to move the plant before it is badly damaged.

The decision should center on this signal: Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Best Use Case

Water Rose is usually the wrong plant for Licorice Gourami if your goal is a stable display tank. The issue is rarely one dramatic failure on day one; it is the steady mismatch between what the fish does in the scape and what the plant needs to stay attractive long term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Rose and Licorice Gourami

Is Water Rose a good plant for Licorice Gourami?

Water Rose is not recommended for Licorice Gourami. The issue is practical, not cosmetic: their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Can Licorice Gourami damage Water Rose?

Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Do Water Rose and Licorice Gourami share the same water conditions?

No. The biggest issue is that their water conditions do not line up cleanly enough for a long-term planted setup.

What does Water Rose add to a tank with Licorice Gourami?

Water Rose mainly adds structure, visual softness, and a more natural layout when the fish leaves it alone. Water Rose has low cover density, moderate uproot resistance, and standard leaves. It can also help with grazing surfaces.

What is the main risk in this plant and fish pairing?

Their pH ranges do not line up well enough for one stable setup.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
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