What Kinds Of Plants Can I Put With My Axolotl?

Choosing the right plants for an axolotl tank requires considering both the axolotl's needs and the local water conditions. Axolotls have sensitive skin and prefer cooler temperatures than many tropical fish, which significantly limits suitable plant species. Here's a guide to selecting plants for your axolotl tank: 

Prioritizing Axolotl Safety and Comfort:

• Soft-Leaved Plants: Axolotls can accidentally ingest or brush against plants. Opt for species with soft, non-toxic leaves that won't cause irritation or injury. Avoid plants with sharp edges or tough, fibrous leaves.
• Low Light Requirements: Axolotls are nocturnal and prefer dimly lit environments. High-intensity lighting can stress them. Choose plants that thrive in low to moderate light conditions to avoid the need for strong lights.
• Temperature Tolerance: Axolotls thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-68°F (15-20°C). Many common aquarium plants are tropical and prefer warmer water. Select species known to tolerate these cooler ranges.
• Minimal Root Disruption: Axolotls can sometimes dig or disturb the substrate. Hardy plants with well-established root systems or those that can be attached to decorations are preferable to delicate plants easily uprooted.

Plant Species Suitable for Axolotl Tanks:

• Anubias species (Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, etc.): These are excellent choices. They have relatively tough but not sharp leaves, tolerate low light and cooler temperatures, and are best attached to driftwood or rocks, preventing uprooting. They are also slow-growing, reducing maintenance.
• Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus): Another very hardy option that tolerates low light and cooler temperatures. Like Anubias, it's best attached to hardscape. Different varieties offer varied leaf shapes.
• Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): This is a very popular choice for axolotl tanks. It's incredibly hardy, tolerates low light and cooler temperatures, and provides excellent hiding places and surfaces for biofilm growth (which small axolotls might nibble on). It can be attached to decorations or left as a mat on the substrate.
• Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei): These are actually algae but act like plants. They tolerate low light and cooler temperatures and are safe for axolotls. They add a unique visual element and help with minor nutrient absorption.
• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum): This fast-growing plant can tolerate cooler temperatures and varying light levels. It's a good oxygenator and provides cover. However, it can be a bit messy as it sheds needles and may need regular trimming. It can be floated or loosely anchored.
• Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides/cornuta): Can adapt to a range of conditions, including cooler temperatures. It grows relatively quickly and provides good cover. It can be floated or planted.
• Cryptocoryne species (Cryptocoryne wendtii, Cryptocoryne parva, etc.): Some species of Cryptocoryne can tolerate cooler temperatures once established and are generally hardy. They are root feeders and prefer to be planted in the substrate. Research specific species for their temperature tolerance.

Plants to Potentially Avoid (or Use with Caution):

• Soft or Delicate Stem Plants (e.g., Rotala, Ludwigia): These can be easily damaged by axolotls and often require higher light and warmer temperatures.
• Carpet Plants (e.g., Dwarf Hairgrass, Monte Carlo): These generally need high light and specific substrate conditions to thrive, which may not be ideal for axolotls. They are also easily disturbed.
• Plants with Very Fine or Dense Leaves: These can trap debris and be difficult to clean in an axolotl tank, which requires good water quality.
• Any Plant Known to be Toxic: Always research any plant thoroughly before introducing it to your axolotl tank.

Tips for Planting in an Axolotl Tank:

• Attach to Hardscape: As mentioned, attaching plants like Anubias and Java Fern to driftwood or rocks is often the most successful method in an axolotl tank, preventing uprooting and allowing for easier cleaning. Use cotton thread or aquarium-safe glue (cyanoacrylate gel) to secure them until they attach naturally.
• Use Larger, Heavier Substrates: If planting directly in the substrate, opt for larger gravel or sand that is less likely to be easily moved by your axolotl.
• Consider Potted Plants: Placing plants in small pots buried in the substrate can provide some protection for their roots.
• Start with Established Plants: More mature plants are generally hardier and better able to withstand the conditions of an axolotl tank.