Over the years, I’ve experimented with many types of plants in my axolotl tanks, and I’ve learned what really works. Adding the right greenery is a great way to make the environment more peaceful and natural. It helps your axolotls show instinctive behavior and also keeps the aquarium healthier.
The presence of live plants can help maintain clean water, which is important for their skin, as they absorb oxygen through it. Plus, plants support better water conditions and keep the water column chemical-free. I always suggest avoiding anything that needs fertilizer or liquid boosters, especially in coldwater tanks where axolotls truly thrive.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry—there are easy, safe, and suitable options out there. The best ones don’t need much substrate, care, or attention to tank temperature, as long as you keep it around 60-65 degrees F, the sweet spot for axolotls.
Some cool water plants are a good choice, but be sure to rinse them and even do a bleach dip before placing them in the tank. That way, you won’t introduce unwanted pests, like snails or other hitchhikers, that may tag along.
Every plant should be grown in clean environments and carefully purchased to protect your tank inhabitants. From my experience, choosing the right plant isn’t just about looks—it’s about benefit, use, and helping your axolotl survive and stay healthy. I’ll be sharing a list of the best ones that I’ve found, so stay tuned for that good news.
What Plants Can I Put In Axolotl Tank
I’ve tried many plants in my axolotl tanks, and the right ones make the tank healthier and more natural. Live plants improve water quality, give hiding spots, and help axolotls feel safe. Choose coldwater plants that don’t need fertilizer, CO2, or bright light. Always clean new plants to remove hitchhikers.
Avoid invasive species and check local laws before buying. Use safe options like Java Fern, Anubias, Elodea, and Hornwort. Some plants must be tied to hardscape or planted in fine sand once your axolotl is big enough. Watch out for delicate plants, toxic types, or anything that blocks the surface. The goal is simple—durable, safe plants that help your axolotl thrive in cool, low-light water.
Best Plants for Axolotl Aquariums
Some of the best plants for axolotl aquariums are easy to care for and do well in cool water. They make the tank look more natural and help keep the water clean. These plants also give your axolotl places to hide and feel safe.
When choosing plants for your axolotl tank, always start with a general list that includes safe species from different genus groups. I personally keep a printed plant list taped to my cabinet just so I don’t forget which ones are safe.
But before buying, make sure you check your local laws because not all options are legal—some can be invasive and cause damage to the local ecosystem. Always research first so you can enjoy a healthy setup without breaking any rules.
Stem Plants
One thing I love about stem plants is how easily they can be propagated just by taking cuttings from larger plants. Even a small bundle can multiply fast and cover the background of your axolotl tank. Some do well floating at the top, but if you want the best results, try planting the base of the stems into the substrate.
List of stem plants Species:
- Bacopa australis
- Hygrophila difformis
- Hygrophila polysperma
- Hygrophila polysperma
- Elodea canadensis
- Elodea nuttallii
- Najas guadalupensis
- Hornwort
- Hemianthus micranthemoides
- Ludwigia repens
- Rotala rotundifolia
- Cabomba caroliniana
From these species, we will learn more about a few in detail.
Elodea
I always suggest Elodea as one of the top picks for any axolotl aquarium, especially because it’s known as water weed for a reason. It easily adapts to different environments, even surviving in cold glacial lakes like the ones in Mexico where axolotls used to live.
The best part? It’s a stem plant that doesn’t need substrate, CO2, or fertilizers to grow. It thrives in low light and cold water, and thanks to its rapid growth, it helps in removing pollutants from the water, keeping the tank naturally clean.
Hornwort
If you’re looking for a plant that can handle anything, Hornwort is a great choice. It’s one of the strongest plants I’ve used and is difficult to kill, even in the coldest temperature. This aquarium plant has amazing cold durability, and under the right conditions, it grows fast.
It’s also similar to Elodea when it comes to care needs, which makes it easy to manage. One drawback, though, is that it sheds its needles while it adjusts to new water, and this can go on for about a month before things settle.
Brazilian Pennywort
One of my favorite plants for any axolotl tank is Brazilian Pennywort. It’s a fast-growing, vine-like, stem plant that’s super versatile. You can plant it in a substrate, but I prefer letting it float near the surface.
This way, it gives your axolotls some nice shade, especially since bright lights tend to irritate their eyes. I usually take a bunch and spread it around the top. Over time, its natural growth takes over the surface, creating a calm, shaded bottom in the aquarium.
Some axolotl caretakers also go for duckweed as a surface-covering plant. It’s a cool option, but I always warn newbies in the hobby — duckweed is extremely invasive. Once it’s in your aquarium, it’s really hard to get rid of, and you need to be fully prepared to keep it in perpetuity.
So if you want something simple and manageable, Brazilian Pennywort is a safer pick.
Watersprite
Watersprite is a super versatile plant that works well in any axolotl tank setup. You can either plant it in the substrate or let it float at the surface. It’s a fast-growing option that helps by eating up nitrates from the water column.
Its leaves tend to branch out quickly, and if left floating, the pieces will slowly consume the surface area while the roots drape down, creating a soft curtain-like effect. When planted, the leaves also provide nice shade or a cozy place where your axolotl can hide and relax.
Rhizome Plants and Mosses
One of my favorite choices for my axolotl tank has always been rhizome plants and mosses because they do well in lower lighting and still grow beautifully. These plants slowly become established and cover the foreground of the tank, creating a natural look.
I usually shove them into crevices or glue them onto driftwood using cyanoacrylate glue, also called gel super glue, which is the safest option for aquarium use. Just be sure to use it with caution, avoiding the roots, and only attach the rhizome part to the chosen surface.
Some even free float in the water, and if you’re lucky, they might flower under the right conditions.
List of Rhizome Plants & Mosses Species:
- Weeping Moss
- Anubias barteri
- Anubias barteri var
- Microsorum pteropus
- Anubias nana Bonsai
- Java Moss
- Christmas Moss
- Anubias nana Round Leaf
- Marimo Moss Balls
- Anubias nana Petite
- Microsorum pteropus
- Anubias nana Golden
- Microsorum pteropus
- Microsorum pteropus
- Anubias lanceolata
From these species, we will learn more about a few in detail.
Anubias & Anubias Nana
There’s a wide range of anubias species, and I’ve used several in my axolotl tanks because each one looks slightly different and adds variety to aquascapes, which can turn out looking truly amazing.
The leaves of this plant feel kind of rubbery, and they thrive even in the lowest light with the littlest care, often growing well with just animal waste providing enough nutrients. However, due to their slow growth, they’re not great at purifying the water.
One thing I always keep in mind is to avoid them being planted in substrate, because if the rhizome gets buried, the plant might rot and eventually die.
Java Fern
If you’re looking for an attractive plant that thrives with minimal care, java fern is an excellent choice. Just like anubias, it shouldn’t be buried in the substrate—instead, it should be weighed or tied down to a hardscape using twine or glue. I usually go with aquarium-safe glue to avoid any issues.
Its rhizome must stay above ground; burying it can cause it to rot and eventually die, which may have a negative impact on your water quality.
What makes this green, tall plant so special is how it grows tiny baby plants at the ends of its leaves, multiplying gradually and forming a bushier shape over time. It fits perfectly in the background or midground, offering a shaded hiding place that gives your axolotls the privacy they enjoy.
It also does really well in cooler waters and under dim lighting, which makes it a perfect match for axolotl tanks. You can even find cool varieties like the needle leaf type for a different look.
Java Moss
One of my favorite plants to keep in an axolotl tank is Java Moss because it can survive in a wide variety of aquarium conditions without much effort. It’s a slow-grower, but over time, it creates a nice, soft carpeting that looks natural and feels gentle under my axolotl’s sensitive feet.
What I love is how little maintenance is required, and my axolotl seems to really appreciate the texture. You can easily have it tied down or glued to any hardscape, and it will eventually spread out and provide a calming effect to the whole setup.
Rooted Plants
I’ve found that rooted plants make a great addition to an axolotl tank, but they require their roots to be buried in loose substrate to stay healthy. If your axolotls are smaller than 15 cm or 6 inches, avoid using loose substrate, as it can significantly increase the risk of impaction.
Once they’ve grown large enough, you can safely use fine sand that’s 1 mm or less in diameter—this is the safest choice. I usually consider using these plants in my aquarium with adult axolotls and place them in the background of the tank for a natural look.
List of Rooted Plants Species:
- Vallisneria
- Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)
- Cryptocoryne (various types like Cryptocoryne wendtii)
- Dwarf Sagittaria
- Chain Sword (Echinodorus tenellus)
- Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
- Italian Vallisneria
- Red Rubin Sword
- Jungle Val
- Helanthium tenellum
From these species, we will learn more about a few in detail.
Jungle Vallisneria
One of my favorite plants for my axolotl tank is Vallisneria Jungle. It’s a fast-growing, grassy type of plant that adds a natural background look to the setup. The tall, grass-like blades grow upward and outward, creating space where your axolotl can run, hide, and feel safe.
What I love most is how it spreads easily and grows undisturbed, forming a soft curtain over time. It truly makes your axolotl plant section feel wild, just like a jungle. But keep in mind, since it grows fast, you’ll need to keep it trimmed frequently. I once bought mine from Wetplants, and it turned out perfect for both looks and comfort.
Dwarf Hairgrass
I’ve found Dwarf Hairgrass to be an excellent choice for the foreground of my axolotl tank. It’s a versatile and resilient plant that keeps growing well in a variety of conditions. Since it stays short, it fits perfectly in the front part of the aquarium, also providing little hiding spots where my axolotl loves to rest and feel safe.
Floating Plants
Floating plants rest on the surface of the water and are a peaceful touch in any aquarium, especially for an axolotl setup. These plants come in many varieties and can multiply fast, so if left unchecked, they may completely cover the top, blocking light and the air your axolotl needs.
To prevent that, I usually corral them or manually remove the excess to keep the path to the surface clear. This also lessens the likelihood of my axolotl accidentally ingesting any floating pieces, which keeps things safe and balanced.
Duckweed
Duckweed has always been a helpful friend in my tank when I need to block excess light and give my axolotls a more peaceful environment. It forms a soft layer of tiny green plantlets on the surface of the water, naturally purifying it and creating a shaded space for my axies to relax.
While it’s a good food source for some fish, I’ve noticed my axolotls aren’t too fond of eating it, which makes it even better for just keeping the tank balanced and calm.
Why Live Plants Are a Smart Choice
Adding live plants to your axolotl aquarium gives many advantages. They help purify the water by removing nitrates, which is something most aquarium filters don’t do well. These filters usually handle toxic substances like ammonia and nitrite, but live plants offer extra support.
This means fewer water changes, and that’s been a big help for me! Besides keeping things cleaner, they also make the tank look more beautiful and feel more natural for the inhabitants. I’ve seen how they create shelter for small fish, inverts, and even guppies or shrimp.
Their babies use the plants as hides, which the plants kindly afford without any work from your side.
Floating plants are especially great. They float at the top and help shield your axolotl from excess light entering the tank. Since axolotls don’t like bright light, this is a huge advantage. There’s even a double bonus — floating plants are more efficient at purifying the toxins in the water than ones that are fully submerged.
A well-planted tank makes the whole environment feel safer and more fun. From what I’ve noticed, my axolotl seems happier, more active, and the stimulating surroundings really bring the place to life. It’s a big upgrade from a dull, bare tank.
Disadvantages of Using Live Plants
Some plants can be risky for axolotls. Small floating plants like Duckweed or Salvinia can cover the whole top of the tank, which makes it hard for axolotls to come up for air. They might also accidentally swallow these small plants, which could block their throat.
Toxic plants like Elodea canadensis should be used very carefully. Even Marimo balls can be dangerous if they’re too small. Some houseplants with roots in the water—like peace lilies or pothos—can work, but you must secure them well so your axolotl doesn’t try to eat them.
Can I Use Fertilizers?
From my own experience, I’ve learned that axolotls are not like fish—they’re actually amphibians with semi-permeable skin, which means they can easily absorb harmful substances straight from their environment into their bodies.
Because of that, it’s much safer to avoid using fertilizers in their tank. These products are often untested on amphibians and may potentially cause long-term damage. That’s why I always recommend staying away from them, just to err on the side of caution.
Removing Hitchhikers
Before adding plants to your aquarium, I always make sure to do a chemical dip to stop any sneaky hitchhikers from getting in. Whether you’re buying from a local fish store or an online seller, it’s nearly impossible to guarantee the plants are free of unwanted pests like bladder snails or unidentified eggs.
For hardier species like Anubias, I’ve used a bleach dip, while more sensitive ones like mosses, ferns, or Elodea do better with a hydrogen peroxide dip—it’s gentle but still effective.
I also quarantined new plants in a separate tank for a minimum of 2 weeks as part of my usual treatment plan.
Considerations for Plants
When setting up planted tanks for axolotls, I always take time choosing the right species because it makes a big difference. Some plants offer great advantages, like improving water quality and giving hiding spots.
But the most important part is to consider a few key things—like whether the plant is soft, safe, and easy to care for—so your axolotl stays happy and stress-free.
There are a few important things to think about before picking plants.
Water Temperature
Not all plants can thrive in the cooler water that axolotls need, especially when compared to a tropical fish tank. If you pick the wrong species, you might end up with melty, mushy leaves that just fall apart.
I’ve learned to avoid sensitive types and stick to popular aquarium plants that can handle these lower temperatures. Some choices just don’t grow properly unless they’re kept in a higher range, so choosing carefully really matters.
Durability
Even though axolotls are carnivores and don’t eat aquarium plants like a leafy salad, they’re known as playful diggers that love to root around in the substrate. This behavior can disturb the roots of delicate species such as Monte Carlo, which easily get stomped on by their little feet.
These Mexican walking fish have messy tendencies that can uproot plants often, which is why experienced aquascapers usually pick tough fauna or plants that don’t require keeping their roots in the substrate to stay healthy.
Light
Some varieties of aquarium plants require high wattage light to grow and thrive, but that’s not ideal for axolotls. Do axolotls like light? Not really—They don’t appreciate being blinded by a bright light shining all day long.
I once tried using a cave hide to give my axolotl shade, but it would just spend all its time hiding, clearly unhappy. For the animal’s sake, the best method is my personal recommendation—pick plants that do not need powerful lighting.
These are usually less demanding species, making them better for anyone new to keeping planted tanks.
CO2
Plants that require CO2 are usually not a good pick for axolotls, since they tend to be picky and need more care. From what I’ve seen, beginners do best with easy options that are not CO2 demanding and can still thrive in low-tech setups without any extra effort.
Conclusion
Adding beautiful plants to your axolotl tank not only makes the tank look nice but also helps your little friend feel more at home. While this might not be a complete list of axolotl-compatible options, I’ve shared what works best from my own experience with both good and bad choices.
If you’ve missed a few options, that’s okay—what matters is choosing safe plants that both you and your axie can enjoy. Thanks again for reading and making your aquarium a better place for your pet!
FAQs
What plants are safe for axolotls?
In my axolotl tank, I always go for safe, beneficial plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Pothos because they don’t break easily and provide nice hiding places. I’ve even added Indian Almond leaves and a small Monstera, which not only look good but also help keep the water quality better. Some of these can be softly eaten by axolotls, which makes them a great choice.
What not to put in an axolotl tank?
Since axolotls are really sensitive, I always stay cautious about what goes into their tank. I make sure to avoid anything that could harm them, like aggressive fish, sharp edges on decorations, or small parts they might swallow. Even small rocks, gravel, and certain types of sand can be risky. And I never use table salt either—it’s not safe for them.
What do axolotls love the most?
Besides adding the right plants, I’ve found that axolotls really enjoy being feed soft and wriggly insects like Nightcrawlers, Daphnia, White worms, and Grindal worms. They’ll even go for bloodworms, maggots, and Mosquitos. Offering crickets as an occasional treat is also a good idea. These foods are common, pretty easy to find at any local pet store, and keep my axolotls active and satisfied.
How to put plants in an axolotl tank?
When setting up my axolotl tank, I found that Rhizome plants and mosses work best when they’re shoved into small crevices or gently glued onto pieces of driftwood. These plants can stay free floating too, which keeps things simple. Under the right conditions, they can even flower, adding a nice touch to the water. Since both are quite similar, I often mix them for variety.
