Anubias barteri var. nana
Tropica's Anubias barteri var. nana is a resilient, slow-growing epiphyte prized for attaching securely to wood and rock, making it an ideal foundational plant for epiphytic hardscape setups. Compared with the other plants on this list it offers one of the lowest per-plant costs and the greatest ease of care—more robust than delicate Bucephalandra and less costly than specialty Java fern cultivars—so it delivers reliable coverage with minimal maintenance.
Ultra hardy
Slow grower
Ultra hardy
Slow grower
Review Summary
"Extremely hardy, slow-growing epiphyte favored for low-light tanks; reviewers praise its ease of care, longevity, and resistance to algae, though some note slow propagation."
Clings like velcro
Compact, sturdy rhizome attaches easily to driftwood and rock.
Clings like velcro
Compact, sturdy rhizome attaches easily to driftwood and rock.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Tropica's Anubias barteri var. nana is a resilient, slow-growing epiphyte prized for attaching securely to wood and rock, making it an ideal foundational plant for epiphytic hardscape setups. Compared with the other plants on this list it offers one of the lowest per-plant costs and the greatest ease of care—more robust than delicate Bucephalandra and less costly than specialty Java fern cultivars—so it delivers reliable coverage with minimal maintenance.
Ultra hardy
Slow grower
Clings like velcro
Compact, sturdy rhizome attaches easily to driftwood and rock.
Thrives in low to moderate light and tolerates fluctuating water conditions.
Ultra hardy
Slow grower
Clings like velcro
Compact, sturdy rhizome attaches easily to driftwood and rock.
Thrives in low to moderate light and tolerates fluctuating water conditions.
$5-20 CAD
Java Fern Microsorum pteropus
ADA's Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a market-leading choice for hardscape-focused aquascapes because of its variety of attractive leaf forms and strong, fuss-free attachment to driftwood and rock under a broad range of light conditions. Technically it grows faster and provides more sculptural presence than mosses and compact Anubias varieties, and while typically priced higher than mass-market options, its visual impact and versatility justify the premium for feature plants.
Low-light champ
Rhizome anchor
Low-light champ
Rhizome anchor
Review Summary
"Very tolerant and tough, attaches easily to wood and rock and thrives in low-tech setups; users love its resilience, though occasional leaf melt can occur after relocation."
Tough as boots
Attaches quickly to hardscape surfaces with robust root holdfasts.
Tough as boots
Attaches quickly to hardscape surfaces with robust root holdfasts.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
ADA's Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a market-leading choice for hardscape-focused aquascapes because of its variety of attractive leaf forms and strong, fuss-free attachment to driftwood and rock under a broad range of light conditions. Technically it grows faster and provides more sculptural presence than mosses and compact Anubias varieties, and while typically priced higher than mass-market options, its visual impact and versatility justify the premium for feature plants.
Low-light champ
Rhizome anchor
Tough as boots
Attaches quickly to hardscape surfaces with robust root holdfasts.
Can grow emersed or submersed and tolerates wide temperature and pH ranges.
Low-light champ
Rhizome anchor
Tough as boots
Attaches quickly to hardscape surfaces with robust root holdfasts.
Can grow emersed or submersed and tolerates wide temperature and pH ranges.
$6-25 CAD
Bucephalandra Green Wavy
BucePlant Nursery's Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' is a boutique epiphyte valued for its undulating foliage and fine-texture contrast when tucked into crevices of hardscape pieces, elevating detail in premium aquascapes. It is slower-growing and commands a higher price than Anubias or Java moss, but that financial premium buys unique coloration and form that make it the choice accent plant for collectors and high-end layouts.
Compact wavy leaves
Likes shaded nooks
Compact wavy leaves
Likes shaded nooks
Review Summary
"Praised for unique wavy foliage and color but slower growth and sensitivity to shipping/placement lead to more mixed long-term experiences; many report excellent results when kept stable and attached to hardscape."
Collector's gem
Small, wavy leaves add texture and color contrast on rock and wood.
Collector's gem
Small, wavy leaves add texture and color contrast on rock and wood.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
BucePlant Nursery's Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' is a boutique epiphyte valued for its undulating foliage and fine-texture contrast when tucked into crevices of hardscape pieces, elevating detail in premium aquascapes. It is slower-growing and commands a higher price than Anubias or Java moss, but that financial premium buys unique coloration and form that make it the choice accent plant for collectors and high-end layouts.
Compact wavy leaves
Likes shaded nooks
Collector's gem
Small, wavy leaves add texture and color contrast on rock and wood.
Slow-growing epiphyte that prefers shaded areas and stable water parameters.
Compact wavy leaves
Likes shaded nooks
Collector's gem
Small, wavy leaves add texture and color contrast on rock and wood.
Slow-growing epiphyte that prefers shaded areas and stable water parameters.
Anubias Petite
Aquarium Co-Op's Anubias 'Petite' brings the durability of Anubias into tight niches and nano hardscapes with a compact rhizome and small leaves that won't overpower intricate rockwork. It provides a cost-effective middle ground between full-size Anubias and specialty Bucephalandra—cheaper than boutique variants but offering more sculptural presence than basic mosses—making it a practical selection for detailed planting on hard surfaces.
Miniature perfection
Slow, steady
Miniature perfection
Slow, steady
Review Summary
"Compact and hardy foreground Anubias ideal for small displays; buyers often praise durability and low maintenance though some receive smaller-than-expected rhizomes or variable leaf counts."
Nano tank star
Very small leaf size perfect for foreground placement on hardscape.
Nano tank star
Very small leaf size perfect for foreground placement on hardscape.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Aquarium Co-Op's Anubias 'Petite' brings the durability of Anubias into tight niches and nano hardscapes with a compact rhizome and small leaves that won't overpower intricate rockwork. It provides a cost-effective middle ground between full-size Anubias and specialty Bucephalandra—cheaper than boutique variants but offering more sculptural presence than basic mosses—making it a practical selection for detailed planting on hard surfaces.
Miniature perfection
Slow, steady
Nano tank star
Very small leaf size perfect for foreground placement on hardscape.
Grows from a tough rhizome that can be tied to small crevices.
Miniature perfection
Slow, steady
Nano tank star
Very small leaf size perfect for foreground placement on hardscape.
Grows from a tough rhizome that can be tied to small crevices.
$6-18 CAD
Java Moss Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fluval's Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is the budget and coverage leader among epiphytic hardscape plants, rapidly colonizing wood and stone to create dense carpets or soft transitions around hardscape elements. Compared with the slower, pricier Bucephalandra and the more architectural Java fern, Java moss delivers the fastest visual payoff and lowest cost per area, making it indispensable for large-scale coverage and fast aesthetic results.
Carpet builder
Fast spreader
Carpet builder
Fast spreader
Review Summary
"Extremely popular and versatile moss that attaches easily and grows quickly in varied conditions; users note it can trap debris or algae if not maintained but overall find it fast-growing and reliable."
Feels like velvet
Forms dense mats or cascades when attached to rock and driftwood.
Feels like velvet
Forms dense mats or cascades when attached to rock and driftwood.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Fluval's Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is the budget and coverage leader among epiphytic hardscape plants, rapidly colonizing wood and stone to create dense carpets or soft transitions around hardscape elements. Compared with the slower, pricier Bucephalandra and the more architectural Java fern, Java moss delivers the fastest visual payoff and lowest cost per area, making it indispensable for large-scale coverage and fast aesthetic results.
Carpet builder
Fast spreader
Feels like velvet
Forms dense mats or cascades when attached to rock and driftwood.
Fast-growing compared to other epiphytes and excellent for breeding hides.
Carpet builder
Fast spreader
Feels like velvet
Forms dense mats or cascades when attached to rock and driftwood.
Fast-growing compared to other epiphytes and excellent for breeding hides.
$5-20 CAD