PetSmart lists live options including Top Fin Live Plant Variety Pack – Small, Top Fin Anubias Barteri Live Plant, and Top Fin Java Fern Live Plant. The best choice depends on your tank’s light, the plant’s size and placement, and whether you’re prepared to meet its care requirements. A catalog listing does not guarantee availability at your local store.
Which PetSmart aquarium plants are worth considering?
PetSmart’s live-plant catalog names a small variety pack, Anubias barteri, and Java fern. These are starting points, not a tested ranking: PetSmart’s catalog and care pages do not establish comparative survival rates or show that one plant is best for every aquarium. Check the current product listing for its exact contents and care details.
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- Top Fin Live Plant Variety Pack – Small: A way to consider more than one plant type; check the current listing for the included species and their individual requirements.
- Top Fin Anubias Barteri Live Plant: A named live-plant option that can be attached to rock or driftwood. Keep its rhizome above the substrate.
- Top Fin Java Fern Live Plant: Another named option that can be attached to rock or driftwood. Do not bury its rhizome.
See PetSmart’s live aquatic plant catalog for listings; prices, availability, delivery conditions, and catalog contents can change.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How should you choose a plant for your aquarium?
Match the plant to your lighting
PetSmart groups aquatic plants by light needs and notes that requirements vary by plant. Its Aquatic Plants Care Guide also notes that some plants may need a CO₂ source and can benefit from fertilizer. Check the care information for the particular listing or species rather than assuming every plant in a category has identical needs.
#1 Best Overall
- Echinodorus bleheri from South America is undemanding and beautiful, and becomes 20-50 cm tall.
- A nutritious bottom promotes growth, but the plant needs pruning to prevent it depriving plants underneath of light.
- Echinodorus bleheri does well even in poorly illuminated aquariums, as it grows towards the light. It is a hardy and easy solitary plant for both beginners and the more experienced with quite large aquariums. It has been sold under the name "Paniculatus".
PetSmart’s growing guide gives these LED-light categories: 40–80 lumens per gallon for low-light plants, 80–160 lumens per gallon for medium-light plants, and over 160 lumens per gallon for high-light plants. These are PetSmart’s published recommendations, not a universally validated rule; use the plant’s specific instructions and consider the lighting setup in your tank. The guide also provides example lighting by tank size.
Plan the plant’s position and size
PetSmart recommends arranging aquarium plants in foreground, midground, and background layers. Its growing guide suggests short plants toward the front, mid-height plants at the sides, and taller plants toward the back. Check the expected size of the specific plant so it fits the space you have.
Rank #2
- IMPORTANT: Please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will can suffer due to extreme temps. During winter, do not order live plants when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day.
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 1 anubias barteri and 1 Java fern
- SIZE: Anubias Barteri 2-6 inches Java fern 4-8 inches. Size will vary as these are live plants.
- LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE - We guarantee live arrival on all of our livestock provided you don't order when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day. If a plant ever arrives dead send us a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag and we will replace once verified.
- We do our very best to respond fast and ship happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns please message us we are always happy to help!
Use the right planting method
For Anubias and Java fern, PetSmart recommends attachment to rocks or driftwood rather than planting in substrate. Keep the rhizome—the thick horizontal stem—from being buried; PetSmart warns that it may rot if covered.
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Live plants need care suited to their species and tank. PetSmart’s growing guide discusses lighting, substrate, fertilizer, placement, and water maintenance; follow the specific plant or product instructions for the details that apply to your choice.
Rank #3
- Vibrant High Grade Colors: Neocaridina shrimp come in a wide array of vibrant colors, including cherry red, blue, yellow, green, and more. Their striking hues add visual interest and beauty to any aquarium setup.
- Size: Neocaridina shrimp will ship to you 20 shrimp that are in 0.5 - 1 inch in size, making them well-suited for nano and planted aquariums.Sending them in their near adults size helps signifcantly in the shipping process.
- Hardiness: These shrimp are known for their hardy nature, making them suitable for beginner aquarists. They can adapt well to a range of water parameters and conditions, making them resilient and easy to care for.
- Low Maintenance: Neocaridina shrimp have relatively low maintenance requirements, requiring basic care such as regular water changes, proper feeding, and monitoring of water parameters. Their ease of care makes them an ideal choice for aquarists of all experience levels.
- Check whether the plant needs a particular substrate, extra fertilizer, or a CO₂ source.
- Use lighting appropriate to its stated category and the plant-specific instructions.
- Keep up with water maintenance. PetSmart’s guide suggests changing 10% of aquarium water weekly or 25% monthly; treat these as the retailer’s guidance, not a universal schedule for every tank.
PetSmart says plants can help regulate an aquarium ecosystem by helping remove chemicals such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. That does not replace routine tank maintenance or establish that every plant will have the same effect.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Would artificial plants suit you better?
If you want aquarium decor with less upkeep, artificial plants are an alternative. PetSmart describes them as requiring less maintenance than live plants. They provide decoration, but they are not living plants and should not be treated as a substitute for the functions PetSmart attributes to live plants. See PetSmart’s aquascaping guide for its plant placement and attachment advice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IMPORTANT: Please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will can suffer due to extreme temps. During winter, do not order live plants when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day.
- LIVE AQUARIUM PLANT - 6 Jungle Val aquatic plants perfect beginner plants very easy to grow
- LIVE ARRIVAL - We stand behind live arrival on all of our livestock provided you don't order when temperatures are expected to go below 30F at the lowest point during the day. If a plant ever arrives dead send us a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag and and we will replace once verified.
- We do our very best to respond fast and ship happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns please message us we are always happy to help!
- Jungle val plants are easy to grow and are quite robust. Please keep in mind they tend to melt back a fair amount initially when transplanted so expect that. It's best to trim the tops and then plant as normal when you receive them.
Rank #4
- Swimming Creatures Live Aquarium Plants
- We carefully select from a wide variety of plant species, ensuring as much diversity and color as possible based on current stock. Sizes may vary to provide a mix of lush greens, delicate stems, and bold textures. These are just some of the popular plants we carry, though many more could be included in your bundle! 🙂
- Weather Advisory: Live Plants Shipping Notice Please note that these are live plants, and extreme weather conditions can cause damage during transit. If your region is experiencing freezing temperatures (below 32°F) or extreme heat (above 90°F), we recommend refraining from placing an order until conditions improve.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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