Enhancing Aquascaping: The Art and Benefits of Incorporating Houseplants in Open-Top Aquariums

Aquascaping, the art of harmoniously arranging aquatic elements within an aquarium, has evolved beyond the traditional use of rocks and driftwood. An exciting trend gaining popularity among aquarium enthusiasts is the integration of houseplants into open-top aquariums. 

This innovative approach not only adds aesthetic appeal but also offers a myriad of benefits to the aquarium's overall health and the well-being of its aquatic inhabitants.

Benefits of Houseplants in Open-Top Aquariums:

Improved Water Oxygenation:

One of the primary advantages of introducing houseplants to open-top aquariums is enhanced water oxygenation. Plants undergo photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby improving the overall water quality for aquatic life.

Balanced Biotope Creation:

Houseplants play a crucial role in establishing a balanced biotope within the aquarium. By mimicking natural aquatic environments, including plants helps create a habitat ideal for the flourishing of aquatic life. This balance promotes overall health and vitality among the tank's inhabitants.

Shade and Refuge for Fish and Fry:

Houseplants offer valuable shade and refuge space for smaller fish and fry. Dense vegetation provides a natural hiding place, reducing stress and vulnerability for more timid species. This contributes to a healthier and more natural ecosystem within the aquarium.

Plant Care in Open-Top Aquariums:

Submerging Roots, Not Leaves:

It's essential to submerge only the roots of the chosen houseplants into the aquarium water. While the roots benefit from nutrient absorption, submerging the leaves can lead to rotting. Careful consideration of the plant's needs is vital to ensure optimal growth.

Securing Plants with Clips and Suction Cups:

To maintain a visually appealing aquascape, it's crucial to secure the houseplants effectively. Using clips or suction cups, attach the plants to rocks, driftwood, or other aquarium structures. This ensures stability and prevents the plants from floating or disrupting the overall design.

Recommended Houseplants for Open-Top Aquariums:

Cebu Blue:

With its vibrant blue-green leaves, Cebu Blue is an excellent choice for open-top aquariums. Its trailing growth pattern adds a dynamic element to the aquascape, creating a visually striking aquascape.

Neon Pothos:

Known for its hardiness and versatility, Neon Pothos is an ideal houseplant for aquariums. It's heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow colouration add a touch of lushness to the aquatic environment, and it can thrive in low-light conditions. The Neon Pothos plant adds a vibrant splash of colour to any collection and is super easy to look after. Tolerant to a wide range of light conditions, the Epipremnum aureum 'Neon' is a prolific grower, producing long cascading vines that can easily reach the floor. It is native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and a few western Pacific islands. 

Scindapsus 'N'joy

Scindapsus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and a few western Pacific islands. Imagine it in its natural Central American jungle habitat - it’s an epiphyte, so clings to the branches of other trees rather than living on the ground, which gives it a better chance to reach the rain and the light. Its easy care and adaptability make it suitable for novice and experienced aquarists.

Marble Queen:

The Marble Queen pothos, characterized by its marbled white and green leaves, add a touch of sophistication to the underwater landscape. Its versatility in lighting makes it a valuable addition to open-top aquariums. 

Scindapsus ‘Marble Queen’ has large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves of green marbled with cream. Scindapsus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and a few western Pacific islands. 

Its amazingly rich green foliage is a striking feature and it looks luscious and attractive in any room in your home. Imagine it in its natural Central American jungle habitat - it’s an epiphyte, so clings to the branches of other trees rather than living on the ground, which gives it a better chance to reach the rain and the light.

Devil's Ivy:

Also known as Devil's Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, this plant is well-suited for aquariums due to its low maintenance and impressive growth. Its trailing vines create a cascading effect, enhancing the overall visual appeal. 

Epipremnum Aureum is a native to Moorea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The plant has many common names often called devil's vine or devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill and it stays green even when kept in the dark. We love this plant for its easy care nature and jungle vibe. It works well as a potted plant or as a hanging plant.

It grows very fast producing new leaves almost weekly in summer with strong white, yellow and green variegated leaves. This plant will grow and fill any space and can be easily propagated. 

Incorporating houseplants into open-top aquariums is a captivating way to elevate aquascaping to new heights. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, these plants provide tangible benefits such as improved water oxygenation, balanced biotope creation, and essential refuge spaces for aquatic life.

With careful consideration of plant care and selection, aquarists can create stunning underwater landscapes that captivate the eye and foster a thriving and healthy aquatic environment. So, dive into aquatic gardening and watch your aquarium transform into a mesmerizing underwater oasis