Aquarium plants do more than just enhance the beauty of your tank — they play a critical role in water quality, oxygenation, and the overall well-being of aquatic life. If you're setting up a planted aquarium or looking to upgrade your current setup, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is: Should you choose floating aquarium plants or rooted ones?
In this blog, we'll break down the differences between floating and rooted aquarium plants, compare their benefits, and help you decide which type fits best with your tank goals. By the end, you'll know exactly which plants to choose and where to get them from.
What Are Floating Aquarium Plants?
Floating plants are free-floating aquatic plants that don't require planting into substrate. They drift on the surface of the water, with their roots hanging freely below. Popular examples include Duckweed, Water Hyacinth, and Amazon Frogbit.
These plants are ideal for:
Low-maintenance aquariums
Fish tanks with little or no substrate
Providing natural shade and hiding spots
What Are Rooted Aquarium Plants?
Rooted plants, as the name suggests, are anchored into the substrate at the bottom of the tank. These plants absorb nutrients primarily through their roots and often require specific substrates like aqua soil or gravel to thrive.
Popular rooted plants include Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Amazon Sword, and Java Fern (though technically rhizome-based, it's often grouped here).
These are ideal for:
Aquascaping and aesthetic layouts
Long-term planted tanks
Tanks with nutrient-rich substrates
Floating vs Rooted Aquarium Plants: Key Differences
Let’s compare the two based on essential factors so you can make an informed choice:
| Feature | Floating Plants | Rooted Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | No planting needed—simply drop in the tank | Requires planting in substrate |
| Light Requirements | Thrive in medium to high light | Varies—some need high light |
| CO₂ Needs | Generally low | Many rooted plants thrive with CO₂ |
| Maintenance | Easy to trim and manage | Needs regular pruning and substrate upkeep |
| Oxygenation | Excellent surface oxygenation | Good for overall oxygen balance |
| Water Filtration | Great at absorbing excess nutrients | Helps balance tank ecosystem |
| Fish Compatibility | Great for fry and shy fish hiding | Ideal for territorial or bottom-dwelling fish |
| Aquascaping Potential | Limited (surface only) | High—adds structure and depth |
Benefits of Floating Aquarium Plants
Natural Shade and Algae Control
Floating plants block excess light, preventing algae overgrowth—a common problem in many tanks.Great for Fish Health
Floating plants offer shelter for small or nervous fish. Species like bettas, guppies, and tetras love them.No Substrate? No Problem!
Perfect for tanks without a soil base or for beginners not ready to invest in aqua planting substrates.Nutrient Absorption
Duckweed and Water Hyacinth are excellent at absorbing nitrates and phosphates, making your tank cleaner.
Benefits of Rooted Aquarium Plants
Stable Growth and Long-Term Beauty
Rooted plants like Vallisneria create lush underwater gardens that grow steadily and beautifully.Aquascaping Flexibility
Want to create a stunning aquascape with midground, foreground, and background layers? Rooted plants are a must.Oxygenation and Water Health
They help improve water quality by absorbing ammonia and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.Compatible with a Wide Range of Fish
Rooted plants are safe for most freshwater fish, especially cichlids and bottom dwellers that love hiding spots.
Choosing the Right Aquarium Plant for You
✅ Go for Floating Plants if:
You’re new to aquarium gardening.
You want something low-maintenance.
Your tank lacks substrate.
You’re keeping surface-dwelling or shy fish.
You’re looking for fast-growing plants for nutrient absorption.
Best Picks: Duckweed, Amazon Frogbit, Water Hyacinth, Red Root Floater
✅ Choose Rooted Plants if:
You want to create a professional-looking aquascape.
You already have a nutrient-rich substrate.
You're experienced in plant care and willing to do regular maintenance.
You have fish species that prefer rooted plants or that dig around in the substrate.
Best Picks: Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Amazon Sword, Java Fern, Anubias
Pro Tip: Combine Both for Best Results
Why choose one when you can enjoy the benefits of both? A mixed approach with floating and rooted plants creates a balanced, visually rich ecosystem that supports water health and caters to a variety of fish behaviors.
For example:
Use Vallisneria and Anubias for structure and aquascaping.
Add Duckweed or Amazon Frogbit to regulate light and absorb surface nutrients.
Include Black Brush Algae eaters like Amano shrimp or otocinclus to keep algae in check.
Where to Buy the Best Aquarium Plants?
Whether you're buying for a freshwater planted tank, a betta tank, or a nano aquarium, quality matters. Always choose healthy, pest-free, nursery-grown aquatic plants.
For the best range of floating and rooted aquarium plants, we recommend buying from PaudheWale — India’s trusted online plant nursery.
Why Buy From PaudheWale?
✅ Premium quality, farm-grown aquarium plants
✅ Wide variety of floating, rooted, and aquatic species
✅ Fast delivery and safe packaging
✅ Excellent customer support and gardening tips
Don’t wait — shop now at PaudheWale and give your aquarium the lush, green upgrade it deserves!