There are hundreds of aquarium plants available in the shops, though many tropical plants will also tolerate unheated aquaria — like Vallisneria, Cabomba, Java fern and Java moss.
Many coldwater plants have traditionally done poorly in coldwater aquariums because of goldfish which eat them, or poor lighting, and unsuitable nutrients and substrate. Provide good conditions for growing as you would for a tropical tank.
Pond plants can also be grown inside, though stick to true aquatics like Egeria or some of the interesting, low growing plants like Callitriche, Eleocharis, Lileaopsis and Hydrocotyle. Add CO2 and watch your coldwater aquarium plants rocket!
This item was first published in the October 2009 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.