Best Artificial Aquarium Plants: Realistic-looking & Safe For Fish (2024)

If you have an aquarium, then you know just how adding a few plants to it can transform its look. With the option of going for real or artificial plants, many often opt for artificial plants.

This is because the maintenance involved with real plants can often be too much. Also, the best artificial aquarium plants will just look as good as the real plants.

Today we look at some of the top models available on the market. By the end of the guide, you should be able to pick the right one for you.

Aquarium Plants Artificial vs. Real: Which Is Better?

It is common to find those who own aquariums having some difficulty choosing between artificial and real plants. This is because they both offer good results, but they can have different approaches. So, which one is better?

Let us start by checking out the real plants. Many people who own real plants are always proud of how they cared for the plants and turned them to looking good. The real plants can easily grow, thus expanding into the aquarium to make it look even better.

The real plants also do great things for the tank other than looking good. This is because the real plants would absorb the carbon dioxide produced by plants. This largely helps with cleaning the water.

These real plants also release oxygen that is important for the fish. This is a symbiotic relationship that cannot be experienced with artificial plants. Also, these plants can reduce algae development in the tank.

However, it is not all pros as there are some cons too. You will find that the plants will need a lot of maintenance. You will have to ensure they get the right nutrients if they are going to grow better. Also, a bit of pruning might be needed to keep them in shape.

Also, cleaning the tank is not easy with the real plants. You have to consider its substrate or you risk disrupting its overall growth.

If you find that the real plants have many cons, the alternative is artificial aquarium plants. These plants do not need any major maintenance. This is because they are made of plastic. You just have to take them out for a quick clean and you are done.

Cleaning the tank is also easy and fast. You will not deal with a substrate. The best part is that they just look as realistic as the real plants.

As much as they do not take away the carbon dioxide from the water, it is a con many people are willing to overlook.

So, which one is the best? It all comes down to personal preference. For those people who might not have enough time to care for the tank, using artificial plants is better. Just make sure you get one made of safe materials to keep the fish safe.

The 15 Best Artificial Plants For Your Aquariums Decorations

1. Smarlin Aquarium Plants Decoration, Artificial Plants for Fish Tank

If you need the best plants that will not poison the fish, this is what you get. The plant is built to be soft and non-toxic at the same time. Your fish will definitely be safe in the aquarium.

Another thing you will like about it should be the different sizes and heights for leaves available. For most people, they find it being good for mostly betta fish. They can always rest on these aquarium plants.

The leaves also easily move to give that realistic look. Anyone would also love the green color added to the tank. It just makes the whole thing look natural.

The presence of a heavy base helps to keep the plant in one position. Even if the water moves a bit, the base keeps the plant from moving around the aquarium.

2. Marina Ecoscaper Hydrocotyle Silk Plant

Good decoration for your aquarium does not have to be expensive. The good news is that you can now buy this one is cheap. Even though it is cheap, it will still change the overall look of your aquarium.

The model does come with a natural look that does not easily fade. You can have it in the aquarium for years and it would still maintain its look. This is better, unlike other models that might fade after a while.

Many find the plant being easy and fast to set up. It also features a secure placement to ensure you never have to worry about it moving around with the currents.

For its size, it is definitely going to be great for different aquariums. If 8-inches of plants is what you need, then it is the best size for you.

3. CNZ Aquarium Fish Tank Green Lifelike Underwater Plastic Plant

Coming from a top brand, we expect that this plant will be great. Well, the brand does not disappoint as the model delivers on some good look and overall durability.

Most find it easy to clean thanks to the materials used to make it. Yes, from time to time, you might have to clean it. Just know the process is simple and fast.

Having the ceramic base gives it the stability it needs to remain strong. It is going to work great generally for many.

Some find it being great for providing the best hiding place for the fish. Other than that, it should provide a beautiful decoration for the aquarium.

4. BEGONDIS Aquarium Decorations Fish Tank Artificial Green Water Plants

There is doubt the green color is going to make more people just love it. The model is built from silk fabric plastic. This material is able to remain looking good for years to come.

On the overall, the design is what makes it stand out from the rest. This when combined with a vibrant green color that does not fade, it results in the best aquarium decoration.

For the fish, it would feel as it is in any other natural environment. The fish can easily swim through the plants easily. It can also act as a place for the fish to hide or just relax.

To make sure it is the best, these plants are non-toxic to the fish. Also, they do not change the water quality.

5. CNZ Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decoration Ornament Artificial Plastic Plant

This is another artificial aquarium plant that has that natural look to it. Even when placed in the aquarium, you would not easily tell it apart from the real one. It is that good.

To make it even better, the manufacturer made it have vibrant green colors. It is definitely going to add life to the aquarium.

The best part about this plant is that it does not need a lot of maintenance. With just a bit of maintenance such as cleaning, it should remain looking good for longer.

The base is made of ceramic material. It is heavy enough to keep the plant from moving around in the aquarium. Since it is safe for the fish, you should love it.

6. COMSUN Artificial Aquarium Plants

You have the option of maximizing your imagination with these plants. If you have always wanted your aquarium to look its best, this is where you stand.

The low maintenance needs of this plant make it favorable to many. You will not have to think of lighting, fertilizers, and other needs of the real plants. Also, no worries about pruning just to keep the plants looking beautiful.

For many, they also see it as risk-free. They will not have to worry about the plant altering the overall quality. They just enjoy having it to keep the aquarium looking beautiful.

It might cost slightly more than others, but it is definitely good value for your money.

7. Jardin Plastic Aquarium Tank Plants Grass Decoration

If you feel the aquarium is no longer looking good, this is the best day to change it. Having these plants in the aquarium definitely makes it look good. The best part is that the green color does not fade easily.

As for the size, these plants are great for most aquariums. Setting them up is simple as they also come with a heavy base. The aim of such a base is to keep the plants from rocking around the aquarium.

For the money, you will be getting many plants. They should be enough to decorate the whole aquarium. You will also love that such plants provide rest areas for your fish in the tank.

8. CNZ Aquarium Aquascape Artificial Plastic Plant

The good thing about working with aquarium plants from top brands is that they are always good. As much as they are artificial, you will find these looking real. Well, that is good value for money.

Your fish loves the natural environment with plants. As a result of using this decoration, you will end up with a place for the fish to hide or simply rest.

There is also a weighted base. The purpose of such a base is to provide the best stability when it is in the tank. You never have to keep adjusting the position of the aquarium plant once it is set in position.

For some people, this can be a wonderful gift. If you have a friend with an aquarium, keep this in mind.

9. Tacobear Artificial Aquatic Plastic Plant

These plants are also popular thanks to their resemble to the real plants. The plants will offer you the best aquarium look at half the maintenance needs. For many, they find this one being the best to choose today.

The plant will add the best serenity to the aquarium without adding toxins. It is also soft so that it does not harm the fish. For many, it is going to be the best option for them to opt for.

The manufacturer uses high-quality materials combined with a ceramic base. The material is good for flexibility so that it gives you the realistic sway in the water.

The deep green color can attract many people to consider it. That being said, it is also fade resistant. This makes it good for your aquarium years to come.

10. QUMY Tall Artificial Aquarium Plants Plastic

This model is another top option for many aquarium owners. It does come with a non-toxic composition to keep the water safe for fish. It will also not rot or rush and thus good for the water.

You cannot ignore the vibrant colors that the product offers. These colors will change how you view your aquarium. The landscape definitely changes in an instant from the time you set it in place.

Low maintenance needs for artificial plants is what makes such great. You never have to worry about the nutrients you need to provide to the plant.

With the natural environment replicated, your fish should find the aquarium relaxing.

11. Pietypet Artificial Aquatic Plants

If you are looking for a set with more variety, then this is what you opt for. The set comes with 7 pieces each having something different to offer. You will also note they are at various heights to make it even better.

All the plants present you with bright colors. These colors include purple, pink, and green. With such vibrant and vivid colors, the aquarium should definitely look great.

The use of plastic material means you will not have to worry about maintenance. With a bit of regular cleaning, you should be done. Also, the plants are free from rust and rot as compared to other alternatives.

The plants also come with a pedestal. It is set at the bottom of the aquarium to hold the plant firmly.

12. Blue Ribbon Vibran-Sea Flowering Cluster Assortment

The model comes from a brand known for making some of the best aquarium plants. This is no exception as it stands out as one of the best. Also, the price is within the affordable range to help you afford one.

The material used to make the plants is generally safe. It will not in any way alter the water quality. You will not have to change the tank water just because of plants.

The use of a weighted resin base is good for stability. The plant should remain in one place once you have it set up. Also, it does not have metal stems, so no rust problems for you.

The bushy floral clusters give it a nice look on overall as compared to other options.

13. Marina Naturals Foreground Silk Plant

This model is all about giving you top quality plants and amazing aquarium transformation. Once you set it into position, the bright colors just make it all worthwhile.

The best part is that the colors do not fade. You will not have to buy a new plant every few months. Even the maintenance is not an issue as you can have it cleaned in no time.

It is going to give the aquarium that natural look you have always wanted. Setting it up is fast and easy. Having a weighted base always keeps it from rocking around in the aquarium.

For its size, many find it good for many aquarium sizes. You can try it today.

14. Marina Betta Pink Orchid Aquarium Plastic Plant

You can always end up with an aquarium looking good if you opt for this plant. The plant is designed to have a natural look. You might easily be fooled to thinking that it is actually real once it is in the water.

For its color, many find it appealing. You can set it up in any aquarium environment and it will look great. The manufacturer recommends using the marina betta aquarium kits. It should definitely look in the right place once it is set up.

Another thing that makes it great should be that the colors do not easily fade. You will always love working with it overall. No need to buy a new one every few months.

15. biOrb Easy Plant Sets

You will get up to 12 pieces of aquarium decoration whenever you buy this model. It is going to be enough to decorate the whole aquarium and keep it looking great. The model does also feature sculptures to give the aquarium a different look.

Another thing you will like about the model should be the colors. Vibrant colors always make things better. You will always have more visitors asking you how you achieved the decorations.

Since the décor is made of high-grade materials, the durability is always guaranteed. The materials are still safe for your fish to play around them.

The best part is that the model is safe for saltwater, freshwater, or tropical aquariums. It should be more reason to get it today.

How to Decorate Aquarium with Artificial Plants?

First, you have to get the best aquarium artificial plants. This means choosing the right shape, size, color, and type of plant. You can get several if you want to give your aquarium a dynamic look.

Once you have the plants, you have to mark out the layout in the aquarium. You need to set up the plants in an order that makes them look good once installed. This is mostly for those who might have to use several artificial plants.

It is now time to place the plant to the base of the aquarium. Most would come with a weighted base. Such a base allows for placing the plants at the bottom and keep there. Put the plant carefully to the bottom.

Some add pebbles around the plants as a way of keeping it down. Well, you can now add the fish and let it enjoy the new environment.

How to Clean Artificial Aquarium Plants?

It is common that algae tends to build around artificial plants. It is worth cleaning these plants more often to keep the algae buildup down. First, you need to rinse the artificial plant in running hot water.

The hot water will remove the algae and other dirt fast. Next is to bleach the plant to further remove any remaining on the plants. Do not worry about the bleach as the plants have a protective layer to prevent discoloration.

Whenever using bleach, make sure to wear gloves and eye protection. Rinse the plants in hot water again before reinstalling them back in the aquarium.

Conclusion

Artificial plants have often been preferred over real plants thanks to the many benefits they offer. It is easy for you to transform your aquarium with good quality artificial aquarium plants in a snap without having to wait for them to grow. That is the limitation you get with real plants.

With many options available, it is possible to choose what works great for your aquarium. Check out the various models we have reviewed above to find one that is compatible with your tank. Choosing the best plant will definitely make it look better thanks to the commonly used vibrant colors.