Here are 7 tips to help you grow freshwater aquarium plants:

1. Provide Adequate Lighting: Freshwater aquarium plants require adequate light to grow and photosynthesize. Invest in a high-quality aquarium light and adjust the duration and intensity of the light to suit the needs of your plants. Some plants like Java Fern and Anubias like low light levels, other plants like Ludwigia species prefer a much stronger light. 

2. Use Quality Substrate: A suitable substrate is necessary for growing healthy aquarium plants. Select a nutrient-rich substrate, such as an aquatic soil or clay balls, to provide the roots of your plants with the necessary nutrients for growth. We have found great success in using JBL aqua basis, capped with a sand like JBL Sansibar. 

3. Add Fertilizer: Fertilizer is essential for promoting healthy plant growth in your aquarium. Choose a balanced fertilizer that contains all the necessary nutrients and add it to your aquarium water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be carful not to over do liquid ferts, as too much nutrients in the water column can also cause algae. As a general rule, stem plants like to draw nutrients from the water, and Crypts and Echinodorus prefer to draw form the substrate. We like to use APT Complete or Seachem Flourish as our liquid ferts. 

4. Be consistent: Aquatic plants, love consistency, regular water changes, adding the same amount of fertiliser each time* and on a regular bases and a power timer for your light system, will go a very long way to helping you grow lush aquarium plants.  * As your plants get larger or more dense, you will need to add extra ferts as they will be taking more on each day.

5. Prune Regularly: Pruning your aquarium plants regularly is important to keep them healthy and promote growth. Remove any yellow or dead leaves, and trim back any overgrown or leggy plants. Pruning stem plants will encourage them to grow nice and bushy. But pruning stems regularly, it allows the light to penetrate deeper on the plant, allowing for stronger healthy growth. If you would like to check out the range of Aquarium Frenzy plant tools, you can follow this link

6. Provide CO2: Carbon dioxide is an essential nutrient for freshwater aquarium plants and helps to promote healthy growth. Consider adding a CO2 system to your aquarium, or use a product that contains CO2 to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients. 

7. Growing aquatic plants is all about balance, you are trying to balance, fertiliser, light and c02, if you can get all of it balanced, your plants will thrive. If you have too much light, you might get algae, if you have not enough light it might inhibit plant growth.  Tis is the same for ferts and co2, if you can balance it all, your plants will be spectacular.

By following these tips, you can help your freshwater aquarium plants grow strong and healthy, and add beauty and life to your aquarium.