Rhizome Aquarium Plants

Shop rhizome aquarium plants online from Aquaholics Online.

Rhizome plants are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums and aquascapes because they are hardy, attractive and easy to position on driftwood, rock and other hardscape.

Our range may include popular rhizome plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra and Bolbitis, with options suited to beginners, low-tech planted tanks and more detailed aquascapes.

What Are Rhizome Aquarium Plants?

Rhizome plants grow from a thick horizontal stem known as a rhizome.

Unlike many rooted aquarium plants, the rhizome should generally not be buried beneath the substrate. Instead, the plant can be attached to rock, driftwood or other hardscape while the roots gradually anchor themselves in place.

This makes rhizome plants especially useful in aquascaping, where they can be positioned around hardscape without needing to be planted directly into aquasoil or gravel.

Popular Rhizome Plants

Popular rhizome aquarium plants include:

• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Bucephalandra
• Bolbitis

Different varieties offer different leaf shapes, colours, sizes and growth habits, making it easy to find a plant that suits your aquarium layout.

Why Choose Rhizome Plants?

Rhizome plants are popular because they are:

• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Suitable for low-tech aquariums
• Ideal for attaching to driftwood and rock
• Well suited to aquascaping
• Available in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes
• Suitable for community and shrimp aquariums
• Relatively easy to maintain

Many rhizome plants are also slow growing, which can make them easier to manage than fast-growing stem plants.

How to Plant Rhizome Plants

The most important thing to remember is to keep the rhizome above the substrate.

Burying the rhizome can cause the plant to rot.

Instead, rhizome plants can be attached to:

• Driftwood
• Aquarium rock
• Aquascaping stone
• Decorations
• Other hardscape

Aquarium-safe thread, plant glue or wedges in natural hardscape can be used to hold the plant in place until the roots begin to attach naturally.

Do Rhizome Plants Need CO2?

Many rhizome plants can grow successfully without injected CO2, making them well suited to low-tech planted aquariums.

CO2 can support stronger growth in some setups, but stable water conditions, suitable lighting and regular nutrients are often enough for healthy growth.

Lighting for Rhizome Plants

Most rhizome plants perform well under low to moderate aquarium lighting.

Their slower growth can make them more susceptible to algae if they receive excessive light, so strong lighting is not always necessary.

They are often an excellent choice for shaded areas around rocks, driftwood and larger plants.

Rhizome Plants for Aquascaping

Rhizome plants are extremely useful in aquascaping because they can be positioned almost anywhere on hardscape.

Anubias and Bucephalandra are popular for adding detail to rock and driftwood, while Java Fern and Bolbitis can provide larger, flowing foliage in midground and background areas.

Combining different rhizome plants can add texture, depth and contrast to a planted aquarium without relying entirely on plants rooted in substrate.

Caring for Rhizome Aquarium Plants

For healthy growth:

• Keep the rhizome above the substrate
• Provide low to moderate lighting
• Maintain stable aquarium conditions
• Use a suitable aquarium fertiliser when required
• Remove damaged or algae-covered leaves
• Avoid unnecessarily intense lighting
• Secure plants to hardscape until established

Rhizome plants are generally slow and steady growers, making them a reliable option for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

Why Buy Rhizome Plants from Aquaholics Online?

• Australian aquarium specialist
• Quality live aquarium plants
• Plants for beginners and experienced aquascapers
• Aquascaping and planted aquarium supplies
• Australia-wide delivery
• Local Australian support

Browse our rhizome aquarium plants and find Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra and other hardy plants for your freshwater aquarium or aquascape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rhizome aquarium plant?

A rhizome aquarium plant grows from a thick horizontal stem called a rhizome. The rhizome should usually remain above the substrate to help prevent rot.

Can rhizome plants grow without CO2?

Yes. Many rhizome plants can grow successfully without injected CO2 and are suitable for low-tech planted aquariums.

Can rhizome plants be planted in gravel?

The roots can grow around or into gravel, but the rhizome itself should remain above the substrate.

Can I attach rhizome plants to driftwood?

Yes. Driftwood and aquarium rock are ideal surfaces for attaching rhizome plants.

Are rhizome plants suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many rhizome plants, particularly Anubias and Java Fern, are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

Are rhizome plants good for aquascaping?

Yes. Their ability to grow attached to hardscape makes rhizome plants especially useful for aquascaping.