Best Plants To Grow On Top Of Aquarium – The Ultimate Guide To Lush Tank

Do you ever feel like you are fighting a losing battle against rising nitrate levels in your fish tank? We have all been there, staring at a test tube that is a little too orange or red for comfort.

Fortunately, there is a natural, beautiful, and highly effective solution right at your fingertips. By choosing the best plants to grow on top of aquarium setups, you can turn your tank into a self-cleaning ecosystem that looks like a slice of the Amazon rainforest.

In this guide, I am going to share my years of experience in riparium gardening to help you select the right species, mount them safely, and ensure your fish thrive in crystal-clear water. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Magic of Emersed Growth

When we talk about the best plants to grow on top of aquarium glass or rims, we are talking about emersed growth. This means the roots are submerged in the water, while the leaves grow in the open air.

Plants growing this way have a massive advantage over fully submerged plants. They have unlimited access to atmospheric CO2, which is often the limiting factor for growth inside a tank.

Because they grow faster in the air, they “breathe” more and consume nitrogenous waste—like nitrates and phosphates—at an incredible rate. It is like having a living, breathing secondary filter for your Aquifarm setup.

A Detailed Look at the best plants to grow on top of aquarium setups

Choosing the right species is the difference between a thriving jungle and a soggy mess. Not every houseplant likes having “wet feet,” so you need to pick varieties that naturally grow in bogs or near riverbanks.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

If you ask any veteran aquarist, they will tell you that Pothos is the undisputed king of riparium plants. It is incredibly hardy and can survive in almost any lighting condition.

Pothos is a nitrate-hungry monster. A single vine can significantly reduce the frequency of your water changes by soaking up waste products as soon as they are produced.

To start, simply take a cutting, let the end “callous” for an hour, and then secure it so only the nodes are touching the water. Within a week, you will see thick, white roots reaching for the substrate.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is one of the best plants to grow on top of aquarium rims if you want beautiful, white flowers. They love high humidity and constant moisture at their roots.

These plants are fantastic for larger tanks because they grow vertically and create a dense canopy. They are also excellent at removing toxins from the air in your home.

Be sure to wash all the soil off the roots before placing them in the tank. Any leftover potting mix can cause ammonia spikes or introduce unwanted fertilizers to your fish.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are famous for their “babies” or runners. These small plantlets are perfect for tucking into the corner of a rimmed tank or a small HOB (hang-on-back) filter.

They have thick, tuberous roots that store energy, making them very resilient. They provide a unique texture with their long, thin leaves that can drape down over the sides of your aquarium.

I have found that Spider plants are particularly good for shrimp tanks. The fine root structures provide a wonderful foraging ground for baby shrimp to hide and find biofilm.

4. Philodendron Species

Often confused with Pothos, Philodendrons offer a wider variety of leaf shapes and colors, including deep reds and neon greens. The Heartleaf Philodendron is a personal favorite for smaller setups.

These plants are slightly slower growers than Pothos, but they are just as effective at nutrient export. They prefer indirect light, making them perfect if your tank isn’t directly under a window.

Using a mix of Philodendron and Pothos creates a naturalistic aesthetic that mimics the tangled banks of a tropical stream.

5. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Despite the name, this isn’t actually bamboo. However, it is one of the most popular choices for a reason. It grows perfectly straight and adds a sense of height to your display.

The key with Lucky Bamboo is to ensure the leaves are above the water. If the leaves stay submerged for too long, they will eventually rot and foul your water quality.

You can bundle several stalks together with a rubber band or fishing line to create a “forest” look in the corner of your tank.

How to Secure Plants on Top of Your Tank

Now that you have chosen from the best plants to grow on top of aquarium lists, how do you actually keep them from falling in? You don’t want your plants swimming with the fish!

Using Riparium Planters and Baskets

The most professional way to do this is by using plastic mesh baskets. These can be attached to the side of the glass using suction cups or specialized rim-hangers.

Fill the basket with an inert media like LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregates). This provides a surface for the roots to grip while allowing water to flow freely through the root zone.

The HOB Filter Method

If you have a hang-on-back filter, you have a built-in hydroponic system! You can place cuttings directly into the filter box behind the media sponges.

The constant flow of oxygenated water over the roots makes plants grow like crazy. Just be careful that the roots don’t grow into the impeller and stop the motor.

The DIY Eggcrate Method

For a budget-friendly option, you can use “eggcrate” (plastic light diffuser) cut to the size of your tank opening. You can poke the stems of your plants through the holes.

This is a great way to cover the entire back of the tank with greenery. It also acts as a jumping guard for adventurous fish like Bettas or Platies.

Why Your Fish Will Thank You

When you implement the best plants to grow on top of aquarium systems, you aren’t just decorating. You are improving the biological health of the environment.

The root systems of these plants create a “biological curtain.” This provides visual barriers for territorial fish, reducing stress and aggression in community tanks.

Furthermore, these roots host beneficial bacteria. Just like your filter media, the roots provide surface area for the nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia into less harmful substances.

In my experience, tanks with heavy emersed growth are much more stable. You will notice fewer algae outbreaks because the plants are out-competing the algae for nutrients.

Maintenance and Safety Precautions

While this setup is relatively low-maintenance, there are a few things you need to keep an eye on to ensure everything stays healthy.

Managing Root Growth

Roots can grow incredibly fast. Once every few months, you should check to make sure they aren’t taking over the entire swimming space or getting tangled in your heaters.

You can safely trim the roots with a pair of clean scissors. Just don’t remove more than 30% of the root mass at one time to avoid shocking the plant.

Lighting Requirements

Most of the best plants to grow on top of aquarium choices are low-to-medium light plants. However, they still need some light to perform photosynthesis effectively.

If your room is dark, you may need to add a small LED clip-on light or a floor lamp nearby. Standard aquarium lights are often directed downward, so the leaves above might not get enough “par” value.

Fertilization Needs

In a heavily planted riparium, the plants might actually strip the water of all nutrients. If you notice yellowing leaves (chlorosis), it might be time to add a liquid fertilizer.

Look for a “comprehensive” aquarium fertilizer that includes iron and potassium. These are often the first elements to be depleted in a high-growth environment.

Watch for Toxic Saps

Plants like Pothos and Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals. While they are safe once established, be careful when taking fresh cuttings.

Never cut the plant directly over the tank. The “bleeding” sap can be irritating to fish. Always let the cut end dry out or “scab” before placing it back into the water column.

The Aesthetic Value of a Riparium

Beyond the biological benefits, there is something incredibly soothing about seeing a lush garden growing out of your aquarium. It blurs the line between the water and your living space.

You can even experiment with flowering plants like Anthuriums or Orchids once you become more experienced. The possibilities are truly endless when you start exploring the best plants to grow on top of aquarium variety.

I often find that my guests spend more time looking at the plants above the water than the fish inside! It creates a 3D effect that makes the aquarium feel much larger than it actually is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a CO2 system for these plants?

No! That is the beauty of this method. Because the leaves are in the air, they get all the CO2 they need from the atmosphere. You get high-tech growth rates without the expensive gas cylinders.

Can I grow herbs like Basil or Mint on my aquarium?

Absolutely! Mint is an incredible nutrient sponge. However, herbs usually require much higher light levels than Pothos. If you have a sunny window or a dedicated grow light, you can grow an edible garden on your tank.

Will my fish eat the roots?

Some herbivorous fish like Goldfish or large Cichlids might nibble on the roots. For these fish, it is best to protect the roots inside a mesh basket or a plastic container that the fish cannot reach.

How often should I change the water if I have many plants?

While plants help, you still need to perform water changes to replenish minerals and remove organic compounds that plants don’t consume. However, you may find you only need to do it once every two weeks instead of every week.

What is the easiest plant for a beginner?

Without a doubt, Golden Pothos is the best starting point. It is nearly impossible to kill and provides immediate results in terms of water clarity and nitrate reduction.

Conclusion: Start Your Over-Tank Garden Today

Integrating the best plants to grow on top of aquarium setups is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make for your hobby. It combines the worlds of indoor gardening and aquascaping into one beautiful, functional system.

Whether you are looking to lower your nitrates, hide unsightly equipment, or simply create a more natural environment for your fish, emersed plants are the answer. Start small with a few Pothos cuttings and watch as your aquarium transforms into a thriving, green oasis.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different species and mounting techniques. Every tank is unique, and finding the perfect balance is part of the fun of being an aquarist. Happy planting, and may your nitrate levels always be low!