11 Popular Australian Native Aquarium Plants

Incorporating Australian native aquarium plants into your aquascape not only adds a touch of uniqueness but also contributes to the natural balance within the tank. Here are 11 popular Australian native aquarium plants to consider for your aquarium aquascape:

1) Vallisneria

Vallisneria is a genus of aquatic plants known for its tall, ribbon-like leaves that make it an excellent choice for background planting in aquarium aquascapes. Among the various species, Vallisneria nana and Vallisneria gigantea are commonly found in Australian waters. These plants are appreciated for their ability to thrive in various water conditions and their capacity to oxygenate the water, providing a healthy environment for aquatic life. Their tall and narrow growth habit creates a striking visual effect, making them an essential component in creating depth and dimension within the aquarium.


2) Hydrocotyle Triparita (Dwarf Pennywort)

Hydrocotyle triparita, also known as Dwarf Pennywort, is a compact aquatic plant native to Australia. It is characterized by its round, coin-shaped leaves that add a delightful contrast to the aquarium aquascape. Dwarf Pennywort is a versatile plant that can be used as a foreground or midground accent, providing texture and visual interest to the aquascape. Its relatively slow growth rate makes it suitable for low-maintenance aquariums, while its creeping habit can create lush carpets when grown in favorable conditions.

3) Lilaeopsis Brisbanica

Lilaeopsis brisbanica, commonly referred to as Australian Micro Sword, is a popular choice for aquarium foregrounds due to its grass-like appearance and manageable height. This plant forms dense mats of slender green leaves, resembling a miniature lawn when properly trimmed and maintained. Australian Micro Sword is well-suited for aquariums with moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich substrate. Its creeping rhizomes help stabilize the substrate and prevent erosion, making it both a decorative and functional addition to the aquarium aquascape.

4) Myriophyllum Diccocum

Myriophyllum diccocum, also known as Water Milfoil, is a delicate aquatic plant native to Australia. It features feathery, finely divided leaves arranged in whorls along the stem, giving it a graceful and ethereal appearance. Water Milfoil is valued for its oxygenating properties and its ability to provide shelter for small fish and invertebrates. In the aquarium, it can be used as a midground or background plant, where its vibrant green foliage adds a touch of elegance to the aquascape. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its bushy growth habit and prevent overcrowding.

5) Native Stringy Moss (Leptodictyum Riparium)

Native Stringy Moss, scientifically known as Leptodictyum riparium, is a unique moss species indigenous to Australia. Unlike traditional mosses, Native Stringy Moss features long, stringy filaments that form dense mats along rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces. Its distinctive appearance adds a naturalistic charm to the aquarium, mimicking the lush vegetation found in Australian waterways. Native Stringy Moss is relatively undemanding in terms of lighting and water parameters, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. It serves as an excellent habitat for microorganisms and small aquatic creatures, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the aquarium ecosystem.

6) Vallisneria Triptera

Vallisneria triptera, commonly known as Three-Ribbon Vallisneria, is a species within the Vallisneria genus native to Australia. Unlike typical Vallisneria species, Three-Ribbon Vallisneria features narrower leaves that give it the appearance of a stem plant rather than a traditional Vallisneria. This unique characteristic adds diversity to the aquarium aquascape, offering a different texture and visual interest. Three-Ribbon Vallisneria is suitable for background planting, where its slender foliage creates a dense backdrop for the rest of the aquascape. Its relatively undemanding nature and rapid growth make it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to establish lush greenery in their tanks.

7) Glossostigma Elatinoides

Glossostigma elatinoides is a low-growing aquatic plant native to Australia, prized for its carpeting effect in aquariums. With its small, round leaves and creeping growth habit, Glossostigma forms dense mats across the substrate, resembling a lush green carpet. This plant thrives in high light conditions and nutrient-rich substrate, making it ideal for creating vibrant foregrounds in planted aquariums. Regular trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and maintain its compact appearance. Glossostigma adds a pop of vibrant green to the aquascape while providing hiding places for small fish and invertebrates.

8) Blyxa Aubertii

Blyxa aubertii is a striking aquatic plant indigenous to Australia, known for its grass-like appearance and vibrant green foliage. This species belongs to the family Hydrocharitaceae and is commonly found in freshwater habitats throughout the continent. Blyxa aubertii forms dense clusters of narrow leaves, making it suitable for midground or background planting in aquariums. Its vertical growth habit adds height and dimension to the aquascape, creating visual interest and naturalistic beauty. With proper lighting and nutrient supplementation, Blyxa aubertii thrives in aquarium conditions, contributing to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

9) Eriocaulon Blood Vomit

Eriocaulon blood vomit is an intriguing aquatic plant native to Australia, distinguished by its unique name and distinctive appearance. This species belongs to the Eriocaulaceae family and is characterized by its rosette of narrow, reddish-brown leaves. Despite its unusual name, Eriocaulon blood vomit adds a splash of color to the aquarium aquascape, serving as a focal point or accent plant. It requires moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich substrate to thrive, making it suitable for planted aquariums with proper care and maintenance. Eriocaulon blood vomit is a favorite among aquascapers seeking to add a touch of drama and sophistication to their aquatic creations.

10) Rotala Mexicana

Rotala mexicana is a species of aquatic plant native to Australia, belonging to the family Lythraceae. It is valued for its delicate foliage and vibrant red hues, which intensify under high light conditions. Rotala mexicana is commonly used as a midground or background plant in planted aquariums, where its vertical growth habit adds depth and contrast to the aquascape. Regular pruning and nutrient supplementation are necessary to maintain its vibrant coloration and bushy appearance. Rotala mexicana is a popular choice among aquarists looking to create visually stunning aquatic aquascapes with a touch of Australian flair.

11) Limnophila Aromatica

Limnophila aromatica, also known as Aromatic Marshweed, is a fragrant aquatic plant native to Australia and Southeast Asia. It is prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant purple hues, which make it a standout addition to planted aquariums. Limnophila aromatica thrives in high light conditions and nutrient-rich water, where it exhibits rapid growth and lush foliage. Its vertical stems and narrow leaves create a striking contrast against other greenery in the aquascape, making it an eye-catching centerpiece or background plant. Regular pruning helps maintain its bushy growth habit and encourages branching, resulting in a dense and vibrant display of purple foliage.

Incorporating these native Australian aquarium plants into your aquatic setup not only enhances the visual appeal of your tank but also promotes biodiversity and ecosystem health. Whether you're a beginner or experienced aquarist, these plants offer versatility, beauty, and ecological benefits for both you and your aquatic inhabitants. Experiment with different combinations and layouts to create a captivating aquascape inspired by the natural beauty of Australia.