Yoshelb
plants

Fast Growing

If you are going with only a few types of plants I would do all fast growing plants. They will clean the water faster, and create a lot of oxygen.

Ludwigia Natants Superred

I love the color and dimension this plant adds. Even without a high tech set up this one will have amazing color.

Vallisneria Spiralis

Vallisneria are just fantastic. They produce oxygen like nobody's business. Plants that produce a lot of oxygen are a must in a filterless tank.

Water Wysteria

This plant is super hard to kill so awesome for beginners. It's got great texture and shrimp and fish love to hide in it.

Egeria Densa

This is one of the easiest aquarium plants to keep. It will grow and grow and add lots of color and texture to the tank. You'll really get your money's worth with this one.

Hydrocoytle Tripartita

I'm obsessed with this plant. It looks like underwater clovers. It says CO2 required but it has done very well in my low tech tanks. I think with CO2 you would get that carpeting effect, but I love to attach it to driftwood or rocks to look like a vine growing up.

Juncus Repens

This is easy to care for and it looks like a tiny palm tree under water.

Java Moss

Java moss is one of the easiest plants to care for. It grows quickly and can be attached to rocks or driftwood to create a natural vibe.

Ludwigia Arcuata

This is another easy to grow plant that has beautiful color. It's not as red as the Ludwigia Natans super red, but I love the different leaf shape on this one.

Dwarf Hair Grass

This fast growing plant will spread out to create a grassy looking lawn. This one does very well in Walstad Setups.

Floating

Floating plants are a very helpful in Walstad tanks. You could find a work around if you really don't want them- like adding pothos to grow out the top instead. Floating plants are the best at removing nitrites and excess nutrients from the water column and do a lot to keep algae at bay. If you're struggling with algae I'd add some floating plants. Many of them are invasive plants, meaning many states will not allow you to sell them, but the ones below should be available in most places.

WATER SPANGLES (SALVINIA MINIMA)

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Ludwigia Sedioides

Azolla Filiculoides

Salvinia Natans/ Floating Fern

This one is so unique, and great for low tech tanks. It grow shorter rust red roots that look really beautiful in the water. I also suggest regular Salvina as well.

Red Root Floaters

These are a favorite for many people. Under high lighting conditions they become very red

Statement Plants

These are the big gorgeous plants that get all the complements. Make sure you've got enough of your meat and potatoes foundation of fast growing plants and then pepper these guys in. These are where it really gets fun.

Nymphaea Tiger Lotus

This is the plant I get the most comments on. It can take a little time to get used to your tank, it may melt at first but it should come back with time. Make sure this one isn't too deeply buried in the substrate or the bulb can rot. Keep it well trimmed and it shouldn't outgrow your tank.

Nymphaea Stellata (Dwarf Water Lilly)

Another great centerpiece plant with great color and big leaves. It has the same concerns at the Tiger Lotus when planting.

Bucephalandra Brownie Phoenix

These are a favorite for many people. Under high lighting conditions they become very red

Bucephalandra Brownie Firebird

Another lovely Buce. You can attach these to rocks or driftwood. They shouldn't be planted in the substrate. This is a picture of it actually in my tank.

Anubias Barteri 'Coffeefolia'

Almost any kind of Anubias is going to be easy to care for and awesome for a low tech tank. They are slow growing so they don't fit into our meat and potatoes column but they are still a really beautiful addition and will grow happily attached to rocks or driftwood.