Aquascaping your aquarium with live plants can have several beneficial results. First, plants help to provide a stable system in the aquarium, acting as a buffer against rapid increases in nitrate levels, fluctuating pH levels, and sudden bacterial blooms. Second, your fish will certainly enjoy them. Third, you can unleash your creative side and design a splendid underwater garden!

One of the easiest plants to establish successfully is the java fern (microsorium pteropus). It is tolerant of most water conditions, growing longer, dark green leaves in hard water and shorter, paler leaves in soft water. The java fern is not buried in the substrate; instead, you attach it to wood, rocks or even a cork background using green garden wire or fishing line. Eventually it will root onto the rock or wood and spread. It multiplies by growing small plantlets along the leaf margins. When these are large enough to handle, you can detach…