Comprehensive Plant Inventory for Aquatic Forest Aquascaping

Introduction to Forest-Style Plant Selection

Creating an underwater forest requires strategic plant selection to achieve proper vertical stratification and natural aesthetics. This inventory categorizes plants by their ideal positioning and functional role in the aquascape.

Canopy Layer Plants (Emergent & Floating)

1. Moss Varieties (Tree Foliage)

  • Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)
    • Growth Rate: Moderate (1-2 cm/month)
    • Lighting: Medium
    • Special Requirement: Benefits from CO2 injection
  • Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)
    • Unique downward growth pattern
    • Ideal for creating willow effects
    • Temperature Range: 68-82°F
  • Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.)
    • Vertical growth habit
    • Creates conifer-like appearance
    • Attachment: Best tied to driftwood

2. Epiphytic Canopy Plants

  • Mini Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita)
    • Fern-like delicate leaves
    • Slow growth rate
    • Lighting: Low to medium
  • Bucephalandra Species
    • Color Variations: Green, blue, brown
    • Growth: Extremely slow
    • Water Flow Preference: Moderate

Mid-Story Plants (Understory Layer)

1. Stem Plants

  • Rotala 'H'ra'
    • Color Transformation: Green to orange-red
    • Height: 15-30 cm
    • Pruning Frequency: Weekly
  • Ludwigia arcuata
    • Needle-shaped leaves
    • Autumn coloration potential
    • Difficulty Level: Intermediate

2. Rosette Plants

  • Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green'
    • Leaf Size: 10-15 cm
    • Propagation: Runners
    • Substrate Requirements: Nutrient-rich
  • Echinodorus 'Red Diamond'
    • Focal Point Plant
    • Leaf Color: Deep red
    • Size: 20-25 cm diameter

Ground Cover Plants (Forest Floor)

1. Carpeting Species

  • Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei)
    • Growth Speed: Fast (with CO2)
    • Leaf Size: 5-8 mm
    • Planting Density: 1 bunch per 4 cm²
  • Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)
    • Height: 5-10 cm
    • Light Requirement: High
    • Maintenance: Regular trimming

2. Specialty Ground Covers

  • Hydrocotyle tripartita
    • Growth Pattern: Spreading/climbing
    • Leaf Shape: Tri-lobed
    • CO2: Highly recommended
  • Marsilea hirsuta
    • Appearance: Four-leaf clover
    • Growth Rate: Slow
    • Light: Low to medium

Accent & Specialty Plants

1. Red Accent Plants

  • Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
    • Height: 5-10 cm
    • Iron Requirement: High
    • Placement: Midground clusters
  • Ludwigia super red
    • Color Intensity: Bright red
    • Light Demand: High
    • Growth: Fast under ideal conditions

2. Floating Plants

  • Salvinia natans
    • Function: Light diffusion
    • Growth Control: Requires thinning
    • Benefit: Nutrient competitor
  • Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans)
    • Unique red roots
    • Surface Coverage: Moderate
    • Light Requirement: Medium to high

Plant Quantity Recommendations

For 10-Gallon Tank

  • Moss: 3-4 golf ball portions
  • Stem plants: 15-20 stems
  • Carpeting plants: 5-6 bunches
  • Epiphytes: 5-7 rhizomes

For 20-Gallon Tank

  • Moss: 6-8 golf ball portions
  • Stem plants: 30-40 stems
  • Carpeting plants: 8-10 bunches
  • Epiphytes: 10-12 rhizomes

Growth Parameter Summary

Plant TypeLight RequirementCO2 NeedGrowth SpeedTemp Range (°F)MossesLow-MediumLowSlow-Moderate68-82EpiphytesLow-MediumLowVery Slow72-82Stem PlantsMedium-HighMediumFast72-78Carpet PlantsHighHighFast70-78Floating PlantsMediumNoneVery Fast70-84

Maintenance Requirements

  1. Pruning Schedule
    • Moss: Every 4-6 weeks
    • Stem Plants: Weekly
    • Carpet: Every 2 weeks
    • Epiphytes: Rarely
  2. Fertilization Needs
    • Root Feeders: Cryptocorynes, Echinodorus
    • Water Column Feeders: Stem plants
    • Low Demand: Mosses, Anubias
  3. Propagation Methods
    • Division: Rosette plants
    • Cuttings: Stem plants
    • Runners: Carpeting plants
    • Spores: Ferns

Seasonal Variation Options

  1. Spring/Summer Look
    • Bright green dominant
    • Fast-growing species emphasized
    • Minimal red accents
  2. Autumn/Winter Look
    • Increase red plants
    • Add brown-toned botanicals
    • Slow growth species focus

Plant Source Recommendations

  1. Tissue Culture Advantages
    • Pest-free guarantee
    • Compact growth form
    • Easy separation
  2. Potted Plant Benefits
    • Established root systems
    • Hardier specimens
    • Often larger size
  3. Bunch Plants Considerations
    • Economical option
    • May require transition
    • Potential for pests

Troubleshooting Guide

  1. Common Issues
    • Moss Browning: Increase flow/CO2
    • Epiphyte Melt: Check KH/GH
    • Carpet Lift: Add substrate weight
  2. Deficiency Signs
    • Pale New Growth: Iron
    • Hole Formation: Potassium
    • Stunted Growth: Nitrogen
  3. Algae Solutions
    • Hair Algae: Reduce light period
    • Spot Algae: Increase CO2
    • Green Water: UV sterilizer

Final Design Considerations

  • Color Balance: 70% green, 20% texture, 10% color
  • Height Variation: Create natural tiers
  • Negative Space: Minimum 30% open area
  • Focal Points: 1-2 visual anchors per scape