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Plants will need to adapt from emersed to submersed form, so leaf shape and colour can change. Once settled, new growth will match.

Differences in light, fertiliser, or CO₂ balance can also affect their appearance. Refer to recommended growing parameters for each species of plant.

Lighting is the single greatest contributor to aquarium appearance. Choosing a light with RGB capabilities and balanced spectrum will make your plants and aquascape look super colourful and intense.

Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocorynes, Bucephalandra and Amazon Sword plants are excellent choices for beginners. These hardy plants can tolerate a range of water conditions and don't require specialised care. They're also widely available and accessible.

See our Essential Guide to Growing Aquatic Plants for more guidance.

Essential equipment for beginners includes:

• Aquarium
• Lighting suitable for plant growth
• Substrate (Aqua Soil)
• Fertiliser
• CO2 (recommended)
• Aquascaping tools (long tweezers, scissors)

See our Essential Guide to Setting Up a Planted Aquarium for more guidance.

Start with these steps:

1. Choose an appropriate tank size (10+ gallons recommended for beginners).
2. Research plants that match your conditions and commitment level.
3. Draw a basic layout considering plant growth patterns.
4. Start with a few hardy species rather than many different types.
5. Plant densely enough to prevent algae but leave room for growth.
6. Keep maintenance simple initially.

Watch out for these typical pitfalls:

1. Starting with too many different plant species.
2. Insufficient lighting duration or intensity.
3. Insufficient fertiliser or CO2.
4. Inconsistent maintenance routine.

Expect a 4-8 week adjustment period for most plants:

• Week 1-2: Plants may show signs of stress or melting.
• Week 3-4: New growth and roots should begin appearing.
• Week 5-8: Healthy and fuller growth appearing.
• After 2 months: Stable growth patterns emerge

During this period, maintain stable conditions and resist making major changes to your setup.

Light requirements vary by species, but most plants need 6 - 8 hours of light daily. Low-light plants like Anubias can survive under basic aquarium lights, while more advanced species like Dwarf Baby Tears require intense lighting.

Remember low-light plants can also thrive under high lighting so it is advised to use higher lighting if algae is under control.

While natural sunlight can support plant growth, it's generally not recommended as the primary light source. Sunlight intensity varies throughout the day and seasons, and excessive direct sunlight can cause algae blooms. Artificial lighting provides better control over light intensity and duration.

Plants require both macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micro-nutrients (iron, manganese, etc.), which is provided in fertiliser.

The type (liquid, root tab & aqua soil) and amount of fertilisation needed depends on your plant species, fish load, and water parameters. Refer to recommended doses stated on fertiliser products to achieve best results.

Root tabs are concentrated fertiliser capsules placed in the substrate near plant roots. They're ideal for heavy root feeders like Amazon Swords and Cryptocorynes.

Liquid fertilisers are added directly to the water column and benefit plants that absorb nutrients through their leaves.

While some plants can grow attached to decorations or driftwood, most rooted plants benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate such as aqua soil. Heavy root feeders will require aqua soil otherwise they will experience stunted growth, whereas epiphytes can growth perfectly fine without a substrate.

While not all plants require CO2 injection, it is strongly recommended as it significantly enhances growth and colour in many species. CO2 is especially beneficial for:

• High-light tanks.
• Demanding plant species.
• Dense plant arrangements.
• Achieving rapid growth.

CO2 is essential in creating many of the inspirational aquascapes we see today.

Some of our aquatic plants are grown emersed (above water) by suppliers and need time to adapt to submerged (underwater) growth. During transition:

• Expect some initial melting of leaves
• Maintain stable water parameters
• Provide appropriate lighting and nutrients
• Be patient as new submersed growth develops
• New growth adapted to underwater conditions will eventually replace old leaves.

While specific needs vary, most plants thrive in:

• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• KH: 2-6 dKH
• GH: 4-12 dGH

For more detailed parameters of each species, refer to care requirements section in plant listings.

While some plants prefer soft water, many common aquarium plants adapt well to various water hardness levels. Research specific plant requirements, as some species have distinct preferences for water parameters. Generally speaking, almost all species can grow in softwater but many advanced plants require it.