Have you ever looked at your beautiful betta fish and wished their home felt a little more like a vibrant, natural oasis? Bettas are stunning, but sometimes a bare vase can look a bit lonely. Finding the perfect live plant to not only look great but also keep your finned friend happy and healthy can feel like a real puzzle. Many plant options look pretty in the store, but they might wilt quickly, or worse, cause problems for your sensitive betta!
Choosing the right aquatic greenery involves balancing beauty with safety and ease of care. You want something that thrives in a vase environment without needing complex setups. This confusion stops here! In this guide, we dive deep into the best, most beginner-friendly plants that will transform your betta’s vase into a thriving underwater paradise. Get ready to discover which plants offer excellent shelter, help keep the water clean, and truly make your betta’s home sparkle.
Top Plant For Betta Fish Vase Recommendations
- BETTA TANK and HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks. Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
- YOUR BETTA’S NEW HOME: Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface. Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retain water and support the root growth for any plant you choose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the runoff to enter the tank. As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H) / Tank Interior = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H) / Enclosed Pot = 5.9" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
- 【Home for Betta Fish and Plants】It is suitable for a betta fish or two small gold fish and a simple plant, such as small plant cuttings, lucky bamboo. (It is also a great plant terrarium for plants with strong roots.)
- 【New Aquaponic Fish Tank and Plants Container】Keep small fish and growing a simple plant in our round glass container, the plant will help to purity the water, and waste of fish is good food for plants. It will bring you more fun and wonderful feeling while you take less time to take care of them.
- 【Creative Design and Superior Quality】Our Aquaponic Fish Tank Designed with wood lid and global glass. The glass is high quality man blown glass, they are high clear to watch the world in glass and very smooth to clean easily. The lid helps to fix plants, the round glass ball leaves enough room for fish to swim and roots of plants to growing.
- 【New Decorations for Home and Office】A small fish, a simple plant( even a cuttings with 3 leaves), at most a few stones, some water and our glass bowl, it will be a cute and beautiful view on your window sill, table, desktop, kitchen counter, bookshelf, wall shelf……
- 【Idea Gift】It is simple, but it is with green, life, nature, it will bring good feeling for all. So it is an ideal gift not only for plant and fish lovers, it is also good for kids, student, young, women, man and old.
- Dual-Purpose Design: This fish bowl serves as both a home for betta fish and a space for growing hydroponic plants, offering versatility and functionality
- Clear Glass Construction: Made with transparent glass, this betta fish bowl ensures a clear view of your fish and plants, while the bamboo mat adds stability
- Hydroponic Integration: The fish bowls for betta fish feature a hydroponic design, simplifying plant maintenance and creating a balanced ecosystem for fish life
- Thoughtful Present Idea: A fish tank vase makes a unique and practical gift for loved ones, blending aesthetics with functionality
- Elegant Decorative Piece: The desktop fish bowl enhances any setting, from homes to offices, with its stylish and functional design
- 【Perfect Betta Fish Tank for Desk】It is a simple and cute glass bowl for a betta or two goldfish or a few guppies and a small live plant or plant cuttings. The small mini aquarium is especially suitable for desk or table or kitchen counter or window decorations. It does not need much space to put on.
- 【Cute Round Shape for DIY Different Views】The round shape is very beautiful. Filled it with your love betta, a live plant or small plant cuttings, or lucky bamboo, or colorful crystal, or flowers, you will get surprising nature and lively views.
- 【High Quality】Our glass products are made of high borosilicate glass with high transmittance. They are high clear to watch fish swimming around and root growing of plant. They are very smooth and easy to clean. The small fish bowls are well made and checked without bubble, defect and scratch.
- 【Creative Design】The wood lid is used to hold plants, the glass container neck is easy to be held by hand when exchange water; the bottom is flat and the bubble glass fish bowls is very stable, the big round body keep enough room for fish swimming and plant root growing. The whole globe fish tank looks so cute!
- 【Great Gift】As a small desk fish tank, it is really a great live decoration for office and home, and it does not need you spend much time. We highly recommend it as great gift for young and old, women and man. It is good as birthday gift, housewarming gift, Christmas gift and so on.
- BETTA TANK & HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks! Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
- SUGGESTED FISH: While Bettas are the most popular fish for our 1.4 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank, they can also house Bloodfin Tetras, White Cloud Minnows, Danios, and Guppies (1 – 3 fish). For Bettas, please decrease the water level an inch, giving them enough space to breath from the water’s surface.
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retains water and supports root growth for any plant you chose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, as if it’s in a pot of soil. As for feeding your fish, there’s several side openings that are more than large enough for a pinch of food.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 7.75" (Dia) x 10.25" (H) / Black Base = 7.75" (Dia) x 1.75" (H) / Tank Interior = 7.75" (Dia) x 7.25" (H) / Enclosed Pot = 3.75" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
- 【Creative Design】Our fish bowl designed with wood lid and bamboo stand. It is good as plants terrarium and small fish tank. Wood lid helps to hold plants, clear glass helps to keep small fish, bamboo stand help to keep glass jars stable and prevent it from sliding. And with water drop shape, it looks very elegant.
- 【High Clear】Our fish bowls made of high quality glass, they are high transparent and clear, it is clear to watch fish and growing of roots.
- 【Easy to Clean】for smooth surface of glass, it is easy to clean.
- 【for Small Fish and Plants】Glass bowl measures 5.1"W*6.7"H. It is only suitable for small fishes, beta fish, goldfish to get funs and most houseplants or small plants cuttings to refresh air.
- 【Great Decorations】Our small glass fish tank are beautiful desktop and window decorations for home and office, when hold small fish and plants or plant cuttings.
- with Elevated Base: Solves the "hard-to-clean" pain point—easily move and lift the tank for water changes, no more bending or scraping desks. Combined with Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish, functional and practical
- Self-Sustaining Aquaponic Planter for Betta Fish: Plants filter water naturally, reducing maintenance and water changes. Betta fish tank creates a symbiotic ecosystem, ideal for beginners and busy users
- 0.5 gallon: Ultimate space-saving, palm-sized, can be placed in the corner of a desk or on the windowsill of a dormitory. It's a "small ecosystem that doesn't take up space" for renters or students. Portable and easy to move: with an anti-slip base, it's lightweight and easy to carry when moving or storing. No need to worry about spills. Just change the water once a week. No need to worry about maintenance
- Shatter-resistant Secure: made of plastic, this Plastic Fish Tank avoids breakage risks; The material keeps aquatic plants and fish safe in daily use; It provides a bright appearance, fitting well with various indoor settings without bringing safety concern; The sturdy anti-slip base can prevent the fish tank from toppling over and leaking
- Decorative Betta Fish Tank & Aquaponic Planter: Sleek round shape + hydroponic plants elevate home decor. Fits Nordic, ins, and modern styles—great for photos and social sharing
- Wall-mounted design saves space
- Ideal for small fish, goldfish and live plants
- High quality clear acrylic is bright and durable
- Size: 9inch x 9inch x 4inch
- Easy to install. One cute wall hanging fish bowl and planter. Ideal gifts and unique home decor and wall decor.
Choosing the Perfect Plant for Your Betta Vase: A Buying Guide
Bringing a betta fish home is exciting! Many owners want a beautiful, natural-looking home for their colorful friend. A betta vase with a live plant is a popular choice. This guide helps you pick the best option.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a plant for your betta vase, look closely at these features:
- Root System Strength: You need a plant that can anchor itself well. Strong roots keep the plant steady in the water flow of the vase.
- Leaf Texture: Bettas love to rest on leaves. Soft, broad leaves are better than sharp, stiff ones. Sharp leaves can tear their delicate fins.
- Light Needs: How much light does the plant need? Vases often sit on desks or shelves where light might be low. Choose low-light or medium-light plants.
- Growth Rate: Some plants grow very fast. A fast grower might quickly fill your small vase, making it crowded. Slower-growing plants are often easier to manage in a small space.
Important Materials and Plant Types
The “material” here refers to the type of plant. You usually have two main choices for betta vases:
Aquatic Plants (Fully Submerged)
These plants live entirely underwater. They pull nutrients directly from the water.
- Java Moss: This is a fantastic choice. It grows slowly and provides excellent hiding spots. It needs very little light.
- Anubias Nana: This plant has tough, dark green leaves. You should attach it to a small rock or piece of driftwood, not bury the roots deep in the substrate (if you use any).
Semi-Aquatic or Emergent Plants (Roots in Water, Leaves in Air)
These are very popular for betta vases because they look natural and help filter the water using their leaves above the waterline.
- Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): This is a favorite. Only the roots go into the water. The leaves stay out. This plant is tough and removes toxins very well. Make sure the cut end is healthy before placing it in the water.
- Lucky Bamboo: Similar to Pothos, the stalk sits above the water, and the roots grow down. It looks tall and elegant.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one plant better than another for your betta?
Quality Boosters:
- Pest-Free: Always check plants for snails or algae before putting them in the vase. A clean start prevents big problems later.
- Healthy Color: Bright green or vibrant colors show the plant is getting the nutrients it needs. Yellowing leaves signal a problem.
- No Chemical Treatments: Plants from large chain stores might be treated with copper or strong fertilizers. These chemicals can seriously harm or kill your betta. Buy from reputable aquarium or plant sellers when possible.
Quality Reducers:
- Melting: If you buy a plant that was fully submerged and move it to an air environment (like Pothos), some leaves might “melt” away. This is normal, but it makes the water dirty temporarily.
- Toxicity: Some common house plants are poisonous if a betta nibbles on them or if the leaves rot in the water. Stick to the proven safe list (like Anubias or Pothos roots).
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use this plant in your betta vase setup?
For Beginners: If you are new to fishkeeping, choose Pothos or Java Moss. They are very forgiving. You rarely need to worry about complex lighting or fertilizers.
For Aesthetics: If you want a jungle look, combine a low-growing aquatic plant at the bottom with a trailing Pothos above. This creates visual depth.
Maintenance: Remember that plants need occasional trimming. If you choose a fast grower, you must trim the leaves or roots regularly so your betta still has room to swim comfortably.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Betta Vase Plants
Q: Can I use any houseplant in my betta vase?
A: No. Many common houseplants are toxic to fish. Only use plants known to be safe, like Pothos roots or true aquatic aquarium plants.
Q: Do I need to use gravel or soil in the vase?
A: For semi-aquatic plants like Pothos, you only need the roots submerged. For true aquatic plants, a small layer of specialized aquarium substrate is best, but many can be tied to a rock instead.
Q: How often should I change the water if I have a plant?
A: Plants help keep the water clean, but they do not replace water changes. You still need to change about 25% of the water weekly to keep ammonia levels safe for your betta.
Q: Will my betta eat the plant?
A: Bettas sometimes nibble, but they usually do not destroy healthy, established plants. They might attack very delicate, new leaves.
Q: What is the best lighting for a betta vase plant?
A: Most safe vase plants do well with indirect, room light. Avoid direct, hot sunlight, which can overheat the vase water.
Q: My Pothos leaves are turning yellow. What is wrong?
A: Yellowing leaves usually mean the plant is getting too much water (if the stem is rotting) or not enough nutrients. Since the roots are in water, nutrient deficiency is common. A tiny amount of liquid fish fertilizer (made for plants, not fish) can help.
Q: Do I need to fertilize the water for the plant?
A: If you use Pothos, you might need a light fertilizer now and then. If you use Java Moss, it generally gets enough nutrients from fish waste.
Q: How do I attach Java Moss to a decoration?
A: You gently tie the moss to a small rock or piece of driftwood using clear fishing line or cotton thread. Do not use rubber bands, as they can break down.
Q: Can the plant roots block the flow of water in a small vase?
A: Yes, if the plant grows too large. You must trim back very dense root masses every month or two to ensure your betta has swimming space.
Q: Are artificial plants okay instead of live ones?
A: Artificial plants are easier to care for, but they do not help filter the water. If you use silk or plastic plants, ensure the edges are very soft so they don’t cut your betta’s fins.