Ever scrolled through Pinterest and seen those breathtaking photos of lush, green succulents cascading over the top of an aquarium? It’s a stunning look that perfectly blends the worlds of terrestrial gardening and aquatic life. You’ve probably felt that spark of inspiration and thought, “I have to try that!”
But then, doubt creeps in. You’ve also likely heard the warnings from fellow hobbyists: succulents will rot and die underwater! And let’s be clear, for the most part, that’s absolutely true. Throwing your favorite Echeveria into your tank is a recipe for a mushy, cloudy disaster.
What if I told you there’s a way to get that stunning, terrestrial-meets-aquatic look without harming your plants or your fish? Imagine a vibrant, living ecosystem where the greenery isn’t just in the tank, but growing out of it, creating a truly unique and natural masterpiece.
In this complete guide, we’re going to dive deep into the art of using succulents in aquarium setups—the right way. We’ll bust the myths, show you which plants actually work, and give you the confidence to create a beautiful, thriving display. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of aquascaping!
The Big Misconception: Can You Really Put Succulents in an Aquarium?
Let’s tackle the biggest question right away. The short answer is: yes, but not in the way you think. The key to success lies in understanding one crucial difference: submerged vs. emersed growth.
Submerged means the entire plant is underwater. Most common succulents—the fleshy, desert-loving plants you find at garden centers—are not aquatic. Their leaves and stems are designed to store water in arid environments, not to live in it. Submerge them, and they will quickly suffocate, rot, and pollute your aquarium water.
The secret is emersed growth. This is the technique we’re focusing on. It means the plant’s roots are in the water, while its leaves and stem are in the open air. This setup turns your aquarium into a hydroponics system for your succulent! The roots get a constant supply of nutrient-rich water, while the leaves get the air and light they need to thrive. This is the cornerstone of any successful succulents in aquarium guide.
The Best “Succulents” for Your Aquarium: Choosing the Right Plants
Success starts with choosing the right candidates. Not all plants can handle having “wet feet” 24/7. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for and, just as importantly, what to avoid. Following these succulents in aquarium best practices will save you a world of trouble.
True Aquatic “Succulent-Like” Plants (The Fully Submersible Options)
If you love the chunky, fleshy look of succulents but want something that lives entirely underwater, you’re in luck! Nature has provided some amazing aquatic plants that fit the bill.
- Anubias Species (especially Anubias nana ‘Petite’): With its thick, dark green leaves and hardy nature, Anubias is the king of succulent mimics. It’s slow-growing, low-light tolerant, and perfect for beginners.
- Bucephalandra: “Buce” plants are gorgeous, often iridescent, and have a similar growth style to Anubias. They come in countless varieties of shapes and colors.
- Sarcococca (e.g., *S. saligna*): While less common, some species have a very succulent-like appearance and can be adapted to aquarium life.
The Best Emersed Succulents (Roots-in, Leaves-out)
This is where the real fun begins! These are the plants you can grow out of the top of your tank. Remember to wash their roots completely free of soil before placing them in your setup.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The undisputed champion of emersed aquarium plants. While not a true succulent, its vining nature and incredible hardiness make it perfect. It’s also a nitrate-sucking machine, drastically improving your water quality.
- Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Very similar to Pothos, the heartleaf philodendron is another vining superstar that thrives with its roots in the tank.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): Don’t be fooled—it’s not actually bamboo! This plant does wonderfully with its stalks and leaves in the air and its base in the water. Just ensure the leaves stay dry.
- Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata): You can take a cutting or a small “pup” from a larger snake plant and place its base in the water. They are incredibly tough and slow-growing.
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Some aquarists have success with Jade Plant cuttings, but they can be a bit more sensitive to rot. It’s a worthy experiment for the more adventurous keeper.
Succulents to AVOID at All Costs
To prevent heartache and a messy tank, please do not attempt to submerge or even grow these emersed. They are simply not suited for it and will rot.
- Echeveria, Sempervivum (“Hens and Chicks”), Graptopetalum: These classic rosette-forming succulents will turn to mush.
- Most Cacti: Their spiny bodies are not made for constant moisture.
- Fuzzy Succulents (e.g., Panda Plant, Kalanchoe tomentosa): The fuzzy coating on their leaves, called trichomes, will trap water and lead to rapid decay.
- Sedum (most varieties): While some creeping sedums might look like they’d work, they generally rot from the stem up.
How to Prepare and Plant Succulents in Your Aquarium
Ready to get your hands dirty (or, rather, clean)? This step-by-step process will show you exactly how to succulents in aquarium setups for the best chance of success. This is a crucial part of our succulents in aquarium care guide.
- The Cleansing Ritual: Take your chosen plant out of its pot and gently work all of the soil from its roots. Be patient. You can use a soft stream of lukewarm water. It is critical to remove all soil, as it can contain fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria that are harmful to your fish.
- The Root Inspection: Once the roots are clean, inspect them closely. Trim away any that are black, mushy, or look dead. Healthy roots are typically white or light tan and feel firm. This prevents rot from spreading.
- The Acclimation Period (Pro Tip!): This optional step is highly recommended. Place the clean-rooted plant in a separate jar of dechlorinated aquarium water for a week. This lets you monitor for any early signs of rot before introducing it to your main tank.
- Positioning Your Plant: Now for the placement. You need a way to hold the plant so its roots are submerged but its stem and leaves are not.
- Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filters: The media baskets of many HOB filters are perfect spots for Pothos or Philodendron cuttings.
- Aquarium Planters: You can buy or DIY small baskets with suction cups that hang on the inside or outside of the tank rim.
- Custom Lids: If you’re handy, you can modify an aquarium lid by cutting a hole for the plant to sit in.
- Paludarium/Riparium Setups: For the truly dedicated, these setups have built-in land portions, making them ideal for a variety of emersed plants.
The Amazing Benefits of Succulents in an Aquarium Setup
Beyond looking incredible, adding emersed plants to your tank offers some powerful advantages. Understanding the benefits of succulents in aquarium keeping can show you why this is such a fantastic, eco-friendly practice.
Natural Filtration Powerhouse
This is the biggest benefit. Those dangling roots act as a powerful, natural filter. They actively pull nitrates, phosphates, and other organic waste compounds directly from the water to fuel their growth. Less nitrates means cleaner water, healthier fish, and less algae! This is the heart of creating a sustainable succulents in aquarium ecosystem.
Creating a More Natural Habitat
For your fish, overhanging leaves and dangling roots create a sense of security. They provide shade and cover, mimicking the natural riverbanks and shorelines where many species live. Shy fish will feel safer, and it provides a great hiding spot for fry.
Unbeatable Aesthetics
Let’s be honest—it just looks cool! Emersed plants add a vertical dimension to your aquascape that is hard to achieve otherwise. They soften the hard lines of the tank and beautifully integrate it with the room’s decor, creating a living piece of art.
Common Problems with Succulents in Aquariums (And How to Fix Them!)
Even with the best planning, you might run into a few hiccups. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with succulents in aquarium setups and their easy solutions.
Problem: Root or Stem Rot
The Signs: The base of the stem is mushy and brown/black, roots are slimy, and you may notice a foul smell in the water.
The Cause: The wrong plant was chosen, or the stem/leaves are sitting in the water instead of just the roots.
The Fix: Immediately remove the plant. Cut away all rotted parts with a sterile blade, well into the healthy tissue. Let the cutting dry and “callus” over for a day or two before trying again, ensuring only the very bottom touches the water.
Problem: Yellowing Leaves
The Signs: The plant’s leaves are turning yellow and may feel soft.
The Cause: This could be a nutrient deficiency (if your tank is too “clean”) or, more likely, an issue with lighting. The leaves need adequate light, which may be more than your aquarium light provides.
The Fix: Try moving the plant closer to a window (but avoid direct, scorching sun) or supplement with a small grow light. You can also dose a comprehensive, fish-safe liquid fertilizer in the water.
Problem: Pests on the Leaves
The Signs: You spot common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs on the leaves (not in the water).
The Cause: The plant may have had them when you bought it.
The Fix: Do not use commercial pesticides! They will drip into the water and kill your fish and invertebrates. Instead, wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. This kills the pests on contact and evaporates safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Succulents in Aquariums
Can I put a cactus in my aquarium?
Generally, no. Almost all desert cacti will rot immediately. The rare exception might be epiphytic or “jungle” cacti like Rhipsalis, but even then, it’s an expert-level challenge. It’s best to stick to the proven winners on our list.
Do I need special lighting for succulents growing out of my aquarium?
Yes, most likely. The leaves of the plant are out of the water and need light to photosynthesize. Your aquarium light is designed to penetrate water and may not be strong enough or the right spectrum for the emersed plant. A nearby sunny window or a small, dedicated LED grow light is a great idea.
Will using succulents this way harm my fish?
When done correctly, it’s incredibly beneficial for your fish! The key is to use non-toxic plants (like the ones listed above) and to thoroughly wash all soil from the roots. The plant will then act as a natural filter, making the water healthier for your aquatic pets.
Can I use fertilizer for the emersed plants?
Yes, but you must use a liquid fertilizer that is explicitly labeled as “aquarium safe” or “fish safe.” Never use standard houseplant fertilizer (like Miracle-Gro), as it contains levels of copper and other chemicals that are highly toxic to fish and especially invertebrates like shrimp and snails.
Your Aquarium, Your Canvas
Adding emersed plants is one of the most rewarding and visually stunning projects you can undertake as an aquarist. It challenges the traditional “glass box” and transforms your tank into a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem.
Remember the key takeaways from our succulents in aquarium tips: choose the right plant, focus on emersed growth with roots in the water and leaves in the air, and wash those roots thoroughly. The benefits of natural filtration and a gorgeous aesthetic are well worth the effort.
So don’t be afraid to experiment. Your aquarium is a canvas, and now you have a whole new palette of colors and textures to play with. Go create something beautiful, sustainable, and uniquely you!
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