4 Plants For Hard Water

Many U.S. homes have hard water—as high as 85%, according to one source.

If you shower with it, hard water can leave your skin feeling dry. And if you use it for your aquarium, some plants may be negatively affected. 

While most species thrive in these conditions, others struggle to adapt.

Fortunately, certain plants have evolved to not only tolerate hard water but also flourish in it. 

Top Plants for Hard Water Aquariums

Here are some additional options for plants that thrive in hard water conditions.

African Water Fern (Bolbitis Heudelotii) 

This delicate fern-like beauty packs a hardy punch when it comes to hard water living. Its slowly unfurling green leaves create an ultra-lush, naturalistic vibe without any high-maintenance diva behavior on its part.

To keep it happy, just attach African Water Fern to some rocks or driftwood in your tank. Give it moderate light and make sure that the water's flowing nice and steady.

Oh, and occasionally snip off any brown bits – that's literally all the care this easy-going plant needs.

Hygrophila Compacta 

Hygro Compacta can rapidly fill out your tank with those cute little green leaves while thriving effortlessly in hard water conditions. Hygro adapts to basically anything you throw at it, making it an awesome option.

It's similar to Hygro Corymbosa (Temple Plant), but a shorter variant.

Planting's easy – just stick it in the substrate and provide moderate to high light. You may need to do some regular trimming to keep its height in check, though.

Sagittaria Subulata (Dwarf Sagittaria) 

If you want a carpeted, grassy meadow look, Dwarf Sagittaria's your gal. This easy plant grows in thick, low clusters that make the perfect verdant foreground in hard water setups. Even better, it's wonderfully low-key on the care requirements.

Get it planted in that substrate with some moderate lighting, and Sagittaria will naturally spread out via runners. Just do a little uprooting or snipping now and then to neaten up any scraggly areas.

Ludwigia Repens 

For a splash of vibrant color, check out Ludwigia's eye-catching red and green leaves. This plant grows in tall, bushy towers that'll liven up your aquarium.

Keep Ludwigia in high light to really make those red tones pop, then sit back and enjoy the show. A little regular trimming keeps it healthy and compact.

Ludwigia has a few different variants to keep things fresh. Check out the Red mini version, or even a white Ludwigia.

Cabomba 

This finely textured, feathery plant is a total overachiever in hard water environments. Cabomba grows prolifically in thick, bushy clusters that create perfect hiding spots for any shy little fish friends.

It can reach up to two feet tall with the right lighting, so prune  and re-plant occasionally to control the spread.

Takeaway

Choosing the right plants is crucial for thriving in those hard water conditions. Do some research, get adventurous, and experiment with the beneficial species highlighted here. 

After all, having lively greens in your tank does wonders for your small fish – oxygenating the water, providing cozy hideaways, and creating a welcoming underwater ecosystem!