Aquarium Makeover Plants: Instantly Transform Your Fish Tank
The difference between an attractive aquarium and an ugly one is often just a matter of presentation.
A tank can look off due to poor hardscape, bulky filters, exposed equipment, or outdated background panels. Fortunately, fixing this doesn’t require a full teardown. An aquarium makeover is simple — add real plants.
Once planted, even the most uninspiring aquarium can transform quickly. Live plants soften hard lines, hide equipment, neutralise awkward layouts, and turn your tank into a lush green feature that feels intentional and alive.
If you keep a tropical fish tank, the following plants are fast-growing, easy to care for, and ideal for improving both appearance and function.
Submerged Aquarium Plants
These plants grow fully underwater and are best suited to the back and midground of the aquarium.
Ambulia
Ambulia is a tall, dense stem plant that grows extremely quickly, making it ideal for filling space and hiding equipment at the rear of the tank. It requires regular trimming and replanting, but this fast growth is exactly what makes it so effective.
When maintained properly, ambulia creates a thick green wall that instantly improves the overall look of an aquarium.
Foxtail / Hornwort
Foxtail, also known as hornwort, is one of the most adaptable aquarium plants available. It thrives in both warm and cold water and can be planted in substrate or left floating freely.
While it can be fiddly to anchor at first, it rewards patience with rapid growth, feathery texture, and excellent coverage. Its tendency to spread outward makes its visual impact almost immediate.
Milfoil
Milfoil is similar to ambulia in care requirements but grows slightly slower and offers more colour variation. It can appear in green, bronze, or red tones depending on conditions.
Its growth pattern sits between ambulia and foxtail, making it a versatile option for mid-to-back placement where you want fullness without overwhelming the tank.
Honourable Mentions (Submerged)
Several other easy plants also perform exceptionally well in tropical aquariums:
These species are reliable, fast-growing, and excellent for filling space while maintaining a natural look.
Plants That Grow In and Out of the Aquarium
Some plants thrive fully submerged but truly shine when allowed to grow emersed above the waterline.
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Hydrocotyle tripartita grows well underwater, but if left unchecked, it will happily escape the tank and grow above it.
This plant is excellent for softening edges, hiding rims, and disguising visible cords. It’s important to note that it can only maintain one growth form at a time — as emersed growth develops, submerged leaves will gradually die back.
Whether grown submerged, emersed, or in both forms using separate plants, it’s a powerful visual upgrade.
Emersed / Terrestrial Plants for Aquariums
These plants grow above the aquarium with their roots in the water, creating a striking indoor jungle effect.
Creeping Fig
Creeping fig cannot grow underwater, but it compensates with extremely fast growth. Commonly used as a climbing plant outdoors, it adapts easily to aquarium use.
When trained along walls or supports, it can conceal cracks, cords, and background imperfections with ease.
Monstera
Monstera has become a staple in modern interiors for good reason. Its large, bold leaves make a dramatic statement.
When suspended so only the roots sit in the water, monstera slowly transforms an aquarium into a true feature piece. While it isn’t fast-growing, the end result is well worth the wait.
Other excellent options for growing out of aquariums include anthuriums and philodendrons.
Important Notes
As terrestrial plants establish and begin growing rapidly, additional lighting positioned above the aquarium may be required to support healthy growth.
Before tearing down a tank that just doesn’t seem to work, try adding a combination of fast-growing submerged plants and emersed plants from this list. Often, the solution isn’t a full reset — it’s simply more greenery.
If your challenge isn’t aesthetics but keeping plants alive, reviewing the fundamentals of plant care can make all the difference.
Thanks for reading, and happy planting 🌱
