Planted aquariums have gained popularity in recent times due to their stunning natural appearance and remarkable capacity to absorb toxic nitrogen compounds generated by fish waste. However, many novices enthusiastically attempt and subsequently struggle to maintain their lush greenery from turning brown.
So, how can you identify the best aquarium plants for your tank? It’s simple – just research their specific needs and care requirements. We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 best aquarium plants in Malaysia for you. You can easily purchase them from online platforms like Shopee or Lazada. Here are the top 8 best aquarium plants in Malaysia.
How to Choose your Aquarium Plants?
Selecting live plants for your aquarium may appear to be as straightforward as visiting your nearby fish store and grabbing a few bunches. However, it’s essential to invest the same amount of consideration in selecting them as you did for your fish and other tank adornments to ensure your plants flourish.
Do Aquarium Plants Need Air Pump?
Whether or not a planted aquarium requires an air pump depends on the balance between plant and fish populations. During the day, plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen. However, the process reverses at night which leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in CO2 levels in the water. If the aquarium has a high fish population and a low plant population an air pump may be beneficial in maintaining oxygen levels especially during the night.
8 Best Aquarium Plants in Malaysia 2025
1. Red Floater
Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus Fluitans) are distinctive freshwater floating fern plants known for their eye-catching deep red roots and easy maintenance. These plants are highly sought after and can bring a vibrant touch to small ponds or guppy and Betta tanks with their uniquely attractive appearance. The leaves are larger than those of the green Salvinia floaters and can turn a deep red hue.
Specifications:
- Color: Red
- Plant type: Floating
Pros:
✅ Unique look
✅ Deep red roots
✅ Small floating fern
Price: RM1.08
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Anubias Barteri Var. Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana is a small plant from Cameroon that grows slowly and is perfect for all aquarium conditions. The plant’s leaves are long-lasting which allows slow-growing algae to establish themselves. For optimal results, attach the Anubias to a stone or tree root using fishing line. Ensure the rhizome isn’t covered to prevent rotting. This plant flowers underwater, thrives in shaded areas and is not consumed by herbivorous fish.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: Underwater
Pros:
✅ For shrimp tank
✅ Survive for several years
✅ Not eaten by herbivorous fish
Price: RM8.90 – RM9.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth is characterized by its broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves that can rise up to 1 meter above the water surface. This plant has long, spongy and bulbous stalks that enable it to float with leaves measuring 10-20 cm across. It is suitable for both aquariums and ponds. The water hyacinth requires minimal care although it appreciates good light for faster growth.
Specifications:
- Color: Purple flower
- Plant type: Floating
Pros:
✅ Free-floating
✅ Attractive flowers
✅ Temperature tolerance
Price: RM1.77
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Egeria Densa
Egeria Densa is a fast-growing aquatic plant that primarily feeds through its stems. The new plants can easily form from detached branchlets. While Egeria Densa can produce roots for anchorage, planting is not necessary; the plant can be weighted and placed in the aquarium or pond without soil.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: Underwater
Pros:
✅ Stems are erect
✅ Prevent algae
✅ Growth does not stop in unfavourable conditions
Price: RM4.00 – RM6.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Pistia Stratiotes
Pistia stratiotes is commonly known as water cabbage, water lettuce, Nile cabbage or shellflower. It is the sole species of the Pistia genus in the Araceae family. It often forms large, dense, impenetrable floating mats, limiting boat traffic, recreation, flood control and wildlife use.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: Floating
Pros:
✅ Help clean the water
✅ Repel algae
✅ Pretty green leaves
Price: RM1.20
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Amazon Frogbit
Amazon Frogbit is known for its extensive use in aquascaping and it is a perennial flowering plant that thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats. Amazon Frogbit prefers soft water and high lighting but with adaptive mechanisms that enable it to remain buoyant in water bodies. It is recommended to grow this fast-growing species in a tank of at least 10 gallons (~40 liters) to prevent it from overtaking the entire space.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: floating
Pros:
✅ Surviving in freshwater
✅ Adaptive mechanisms
✅ Fast frow rate
Price: RM1.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Hydrocotyle Tripartita
Hydrocotyle Tripartita is a popular plant in the aquascaping community. It is a South-East Asian variant characterized by its rapid, compact growth and small green leaves on vertical stems. This carpet-forming plant (5-10 cm tall) responds well to good lighting and can be encouraged to maintain compact growth by gently pressing the carpet during aquarium maintenance.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: Underwater
Pros:
✅ Very delicate
✅ Grow without CO2
✅ Easier to control
Price: RM5.00 – RM 10.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Pennyworth or Pennywort
Pennywort or Penny Worth Plant is native to swampy areas in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Its slender and creeping stolons varying from green to reddish-green, connect plants to each other. Pennywort features long-stalked and rounded apices with a smooth texture and palmately netted veins which make it an attractive addition to any aquatic environment.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Plant type: Floating
Pros:
✅ Requires minimal caring
✅ Fast-growing plants
✅ Either planted or floating
Price: RM0.36 – RM2.31
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
