Best Plants for Axolotls – 2023 Top 10 Picks

If you are a proud axolotl owner looking to enhance your aquatic buddy’s environment, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we have selected some of the best plants for axolotls to reduce nitrates, beautify your aquarium, and enhance the aquatic environment for your axolotl’s well-being.

We have chosen each plant based on its compatibility with axolotl tanks, its ability to thrive in aquatic conditions, and its impact on water quality.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, we are sure this guide will assist you in selecting the perfect live plants for axolotls to create an enriched and harmonious environment for your companion.

10 Best Plants for Axolotl Tank – 2023 Top Picks

1. Our Editor’s Pick – AquaLeaf Aquatics Java Fern

When it comes to the best live plants for the axolotl tank, our top choice is this Java Fern from Aqua Leaf Aquatics

This remarkable plant is sure to add natural beauty to your aquarium and also offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for axolotl tanks.

One of the best features of the Aqua Leaf Aquatics Java Fern is its ability to create natural resting and hiding places within your tank. For smaller fish and invertebrates, this plant serves as a sanctuary, mimicking their natural environment and giving them a sense of security. Your axolotl will appreciate these cozy nooks, providing them with spaces to explore, rest, and feel at ease.

Beyond its functional benefits, the Java Fern adds a touch of elegance to your tank’s landscape. Its lush, vibrant green leaves sway gracefully in the water, creating a picturesque underwater scene that imitates the beauty of nature. Whether you’re aiming for a tranquil aquatic retreat or a lively underwater jungle, this plant seamlessly fits into your design vision.

AquaLeaf Aquatics Java Fern is suitable for tanks of any size. Whether you have a compact setup or a sprawling aquatic landscape, this plant adapts flawlessly to its surroundings, enhances the ambiance, and provides a touch of authenticity to your axolotl’s habitat.

Installing the Aqua Leaf Aquatics Java Fern is a breeze, thanks to its convenient attachment options. If you’re looking for an effortless way to integrate plants into your tank decor, this fern is your answer. Easily attach it to driftwood, rocks, or other aquarium features, allowing you to create captivating focal points that both you and your axolotl will admire.

2. Best Overall – Florida 10 Species Live Aquarium Plant Bundle

With the Florida 10 species bundle, you get 10 different plants, so you can easily start your axolotl’s tank and create a perfect natural ecosystem.

The plants included in the bundle are -Anubias Barteri, Marble Queen, Hygrophila Pinnatifida, Altlandsberg Sword, Telanthera, Red Melon Sword, Lobelia Cardinalis, Hygrophila Araguaya, Java Fern, Vallisneria

These plants are best suited for 10-gallon aquariums.

They provide a natural hiding place and clean filtration by reducing nitrates and ammonia.

3. Best Starter Plants for a New Axolotl Tank – Mainam 30+ Stems of 6 Species of Live Aquarium Plants

Mainam is a specialist in aquarium plants. They have a wide selection of plants for all your axolotl aquarium needs.

The plants included in this kit are Micro Sword, Echinodorus Parviflorus, Anubias barteri Broad Leaf, Microsorum Pteropus (Java Fern), Cryptocoryne Wendtii Brown, and Java Moss.

These plants are safe for axolotls and will help create a thriving environment for them. Your pets will love hiding in these plants, and they also help clean the water.

4. Best Budget Buy- Shore Aquatic 24 Water Spangles (Salvinia Minima)

Axolotls love floating plants, and they feel calmer once you add some to the top of their aquarium.

These pocket-friendly water spangles, or Salvinia minima, are floating plants that arrive clean and healthy. The Seller – Shore Aquatic- gives clear instructions as to the type of axolotl tanks they are best suited for. They are also willing to replace the ones that arrive dead.

Please avoid buying these plants if you live in an area where temperatures fall below 35 or over 85 F. The plants don’t need substrate, but they do need special light.

5. Best Value for Money – Mainam 3 Different Tropical Freshwater Live Aquarium Plants

Mainam provides these plants that are all suited for axolotls – water lettuce, hyacinths, and elodea densa. They provide shade for your axolotls, filter out waste, and keep the tank water clean. They also provide shade and hiding areas for a stress-free environment.

Mainam is a well-known brand as far as aquatic plants are concerned. They grow their plants using high technology, a clean facility, and hygienic equipment. This ensures optimum health for all your plants upon arrival.

6. Best Plants for Sand Aquarium- Aqualeaf Aquatics 30 Stems, 8 Species

Aqualeaf Aquatics has created this assortment of plants that grow well in Bahama sand substrate and gravel. These live plants also work for most freshwater aquariums. In addition to creating a natural habitat, they also provide a natural resting place for your axies.

The plants included in this bundle include- Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) , Anacharis Bunch, Cryptocoryne Wendtii Bronze, Ludwigia Repens, Hornwort Bunch, Cryptocoryne Wendtii Green, Rotala Indica, Moneywort, and Kleiner Sword.

The plants arrive in bunches and have roots. They are easy to separate and mostly easy to plant. Some plants, like moneywort, may not need sand as they are buoyant and need to be weighed down.

7. Best Floating Plants for Axolotl Tanks – Aquatic Arts Duckweed

Duckweed or Lemna minor is one of the best plants for axolotls. It grows fast and is low-maintenance. It also improves your water’s quality. Duckweed is also ornamental and looks beautiful. It floats and does not need substrate or sand.

Aquatic Arts Duckweed arrives healthy and is a hardy floating plant. It removes nitrates and pollutants from the axolotl tank. It also prevents smelly tank syndrome and reduces the number of water changes needed. Your axolotls will thrive when you add this floating plant to their tank.

8. Best Fake Plants for Axolotl Tank – biOrb Silk Plant

These fake silk plants are perfect for axolotls and other fish with delicate fins. Their delicate and soft leaves won’t hurt or harm your axie’s delicate and flowing fins, making them the best axolotl safe plants.

biOrb fake silk plants are compatible with freshwater/saltwater/and tropical aquariums as well. These silky and gentle plants also add color and a decorative element to the water.

9. Best Tall Live Aquarium Plants – Big Pete’s Aquatic Java Fern and Anubias Bundle

Big Pete’s Aquatic live, tall plants for axolotls will add a hideout in your tank and also enhance the water quality. Both types of plants are safe for axolotls. They are also healthy, fresh, and robust.

10. Best Aquarium Plant for Oxygenation – CANTON AQUATICS Live Aquarium Ludwigia Repens Plants

Ludwigia Repens is a natural oxygenator, and it is mostly safe for axies. However, they need a higher-quality substrate and low lighting. They do well in cool water and add a nice decorative and ornamental touch to the tank. Your axies will love hiding in this plant, which is provided by Canon Aquatics.

How to Choose Live Axolotl Plants for an Axolotl Tank?

Choosing live aquarium plants for an axolotl tank requires careful consideration to ensure the plants are compatible with your axolotl’s needs.

 Here are some steps to help you choose the right plants:

Compatibility

Opt for hardy and robust plant species that are safe for axolotls. Do note that axolotls can sometimes uproot or nibble on plants, so choose plants that can tolerate this behavior. Some suitable options include Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss, Amazon Sword, and Hornwort.

Ensure that the plants you choose are non-toxic to axolotls. Axolotls are sensitive creatures, and toxic plants can harm them if ingested. Research the plants thoroughly to make sure they are safe.

Select plants that provide hiding spots and cover for the axolotls. Larger, leafier plants can offer shelter, making the axolotls feel more secure.

Light and Temperature Needs

Axolotls prefer dim lighting, so select plants that can thrive in low to moderate light conditions. Plants that require intense lighting might not do well in an axolotl tank.

Similarly, axolotls prefer cooler water temperatures around 60-68°F (15-20°C). Make sure the plants you choose can thrive within this temperature range.

Anchored Plants

Since axolotls can sometimes uproot plants, choose plants that can be easily anchored to the substrate or decorations in the tank. Rhizome plants like Anubias and Java Fern can be attached to rocks or driftwood.

Substrate Needs

Some axolotl keepers prefer a bare-bottom tank to make cleaning easier, while others use a soft sand substrate. If you’re using a substrate, make sure it’s not too sharp or abrasive to prevent injuries to the axolotl’s delicate skin.

Plant Growth Rate

Consider the growth rate of the plants. You don’t want plants to overtake the tank or require frequent trimming. Slow to moderate growers are generally better suited for axolotl tanks.

Maintenance

 Choose plants that are relatively low-maintenance. Axolotl tanks need regular cleaning, and plants that require excessive maintenance might become a burden.

Once you introduce the plants to the tank, monitor how the axolotls interact with them. If you notice excessive nibbling or uprooting, you may need to adjust the plants or add more suitable hiding spots.

Variety

Consider a variety of plant species to create a visually appealing and natural-looking environment. A mix of foreground, midground, and background plants can add depth to the tank.

What are Some of The Best Plants for Axolotls?

Some of the best plants for axolotl tanks include hardy species like Anubias, Java Fern, Java Moss, Amazon Sword, and Hornwort.

 These plants can tolerate the axolotls’ nibbling, provide cover and hiding spots, and thrive in the low light conditions preferred by axolotls. They are also non-toxic and won’t harm your axolotl’s delicate fins.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plants for your axolotl tank is crucial for creating a balanced and engaging habitat. Our top choice for the best plants for axolotl tanks is the Java Fern from Aqua Leaf Aquatics. Its hardy nature, compatibility with low light, and ability to be anchored make it an ideal addition to any axolotl environment.

For those seeking a comprehensive solution, the Florida 10 species bundle stands out as the best overall choice. This bundle is ideal for low-tech tanks, offers variety and resilience, and is sure to enhance the overall appeal of your axolotl tank.

Floating plants add beauty and hideouts to axolotl tanks, and among the options available, we recommend the Aquatic Arts Duckweed. Do explore our other suggestions to find the perfect combination of plants that suits your axolotl’s needs.