Do Betta Fish Need Live Plants?

Live plants aren’t a must-have for betta tanks. But they do make a big difference.

Bettas feel more at home in tanks with real plants. It mimics their natural habitat, keeps them calm, and even helps them live longer.

If you’re thinking about getting some plants, I’ll walk you through the benefits, things to watch out for, and some super easy plant choices.

Why Betta Prefers Live Plants?

Bettas originally come from shallow rice paddies in Thailand. These waters are full of real plants.

So it’s not just about looks. Live plants feel right to them. They give bettas places to hide, rest, and play—just like in the wild.

Fake plants might work, but they don’t feel the same. Some even have sharp edges that can tear delicate fins.

Do You Have to Use Soil and CO2?

Not always. A lot of beginner-friendly plants grow just fine without fancy setups. Here’s what to know:

Substrate (Soil):

Most rooted plants like having something to hold onto. But some plants don’t need soil at all—just tie them to rocks or driftwood.

Lighting:

Low-light plants will survive under normal tank lights. High-light plants need brighter setups made for aquariums.

CO2:

All plants use CO2. But many can live without extra CO2 injection. Avoid high-demand plants unless you’re ready to maintain them.

Fertilizer:

If your tank has strong lights and extra CO2, you’ll need to dose fertilizer. But with low-tech setups, you often don’t need any.

My 10 Favorite Live Plants for Betta Tanks

These are all low-maintenance and betta-safe. Perfect for beginners.

Plant	Needs Soil?	Needs CO2?	Why I Like It
Anubias	No	No	Super hardy. Attach to wood or rock.
Java Fern	No	No	Grows slow, never causes problems.
Moss (Java, Christmas, etc.)	No	No	Makes hiding spots. Easy to grow.
Marimo Moss Ball	No	No	Looks cute, keeps tank cleaner.
Amazon Sword	Yes	Optional	Great for big tanks. Tough plant.
Anacharis	No	No	Float it or anchor it. Grows fast.
Hornwort	Optional	No	Absorbs waste but gets messy.
Wisteria	Yes	Optional	Leaf shape changes with conditions.
Vallisneria	Yes	Optional	Grass-like. Very forgiving.
Cryptocoryne	Yes	Optional	Pick beginner types like C. Petchii.

If Betta piqued your interest, this article will take you even further. The No-Stress Betta Tank Setup Guide (Even Beginners Can Nail It)

Easy Floating Plants for Bettas

Want plants with zero effort? Floating plants are your best friend.

Plant	My Thoughts
Duckweed	Tiny leaves, spreads fast. I avoid it.
Amazon Frogbit	Pretty rosettes. Easy to control.
Water Lettuce	Big, manageable, looks great.
Water Spangles	Keeps algae in check. Low effort.
Riccia Fluitans	Float or tie down. Betta breeders love it.
Azolla	Red-green colors. Needs trimming or it’ll take over.

Can Plants Be Toxic to Bettas?

Not directly. Most real aquatic plants are safe.

But here’s when they can become dangerous:

• If a plant starts to rot, it releases ammonia into the water. That’s toxic to fish.
• If you use non-aquatic or semi-aquatic plants fully submerged, they’ll die and rot.

Always research your plants. If a plant looks mushy or smells bad, pull it out fast.

Final Tip

If you’re not sure where to start, just grab a small Anubias or Java Fern. Tie it to a rock and drop it in. That’s it.

You’ll get the natural vibe, your betta will love it, and you won’t need to worry about soil, lights, or CO2.