5 Beautiful Red Aquarium Plants You Should Know About
In this post, we’re diving into five stunning red aquarium plants that can add a vibrant pop of color to your aquascape.
1. Phyllanthus Fluitans (Red Root Floater)
Phyllanthus Fluitans, also known as the Red Root Floater, is a floating plant known for its striking red hues under strong lighting. Native to South America, it’s available from Tropica in one-two grow cups—free from algae, snails, and harmful chemicals.
Care Level: Easy
Light Needs: Low to high (more light for red coloration)
Ideal Setup: Open-topped aquariums to allow heat dissipation
Growth Rate: Fast—requires regular thinning to avoid shading other plants
Feed regularly with Tropica Premium or Specialized Nutrition for best results. It’s a perfect choice for surface coverage and color.
2. Ludwigia Palustris
Ludwigia Palustris is a vibrant red-stem plant with smaller leaves than its relative plant Ludwigia Repens. It’s a hardy, fast-growing plant that is suitable for the newbies and advanced aquarists alike.
Care Level: Easy
Light & CO₂: Better coloration with strong light and CO₂ injection
Growth Habit: Produces side shoots and aerial roots
Placement: Background
Due to its quick nutrient uptake, it’s great for new tanks and algae prevention. Trim regularly and propagate by replanting cuttings.
3. Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala Rotundifolia is a variable stem plant that turns a stunning red under high light and CO₂ conditions. It's a classic in aquascaping for good reason.
Care Level: Medium
Lighting: Strong light enhances red coloration
Best Use: Background plant, planted in dense groups
Effect: Cascading, drooping aesthetic
Keep lower leaves healthy by ensuring adequate light penetration or planting it behind lower hardscape elements.
4. Hygrophila Pinnatifida
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a versatile and unique red plant that is native to India. It features bold, red-tinted foliage when grown under the right conditions.
Care Level: Medium
Lighting & CO₂: Required for compact growth and red hues
Growth Forms: Can be used as a rooted or epiphytic plant
Ideal Placement: Midground or background, or attached to decor
It is a fast-growing and visually impactful plant; it adds a dramatic flair to any tank.
5. Nymphaea Lotus (Red Tiger Lotus)
A tropical lily from West Africa and Madagascar, the Red Tiger Lotus is a show-stopper in large aquariums. It’s known for its bold red leaves and rapid growth.
Care Level: Medium
Lighting: Moderate to strong
Substrate: Nutrient-rich; add root tabs or capsules for optimal growth
Growth Pattern: Can grow to the surface; regular trimming is essential
It works best in spacious tanks due to its size and potential spread.
Which red aquarium plant is your personal favorite? Drop your pick in the comments below. Until next time—take care and happy planting!