30+ Must-Have Midground Plants for Your Planted Tank

Updated: March 23, 2025 - By: Lucas - Categories: Planted aquarium

The midground is the heartbeat of your aquascape—bridging the foreground and background with style and purpose. It adds depth, hides those scruffy lower stems of background plants, and sets the tone for a low-maintenance layout. Pick slow-growers like Anubias, ferns, or mosses that cling to driftwood or rocks, and you’ve got a winning midground that’s easy on the upkeep. Ready to build a stunning centerpiece? Here are over 30 popular plants to inspire your next tank masterpiece—let’s dive in!

Anubias Species

Anubias Bundle - 4 Species #ad

Type: epiphytic plant
Position: attach to driftwood/stones in the midground
Care level: easy
Growth: slow
Lighting: low
CO2: low

Anubias plants are the chill heroes of the midground—slow-growing, low-light lovers that latch onto rocks and driftwood with tangled, artsy roots. Their tough, broad leaves are like little shelters for shrimp or algae-munching buddies like Otos. Minimal care, maximum impact—perfect for screening those background stems with a natural vibe.

Fern Species

Java Fern Bundle - 4 Species #ad

Type: epiphytic plant
Position: attach to driftwood/stones in the midground
Care level: easy
Growth: slow
Lighting: low
CO2: low

Ferns, like the trusty Java fern, are midground rockstars for medium tanks. They stand tall with minimal light and fuss, attaching to hardscape instead of rooting in substrate—move them around without a hitch! Variants like trident, windelov, or needle-leaf add flair to your driftwood jungle.

Cryptocoryne Species

Cryptocoryne wendtii Brown #ad

Position: midground
Care level: easy
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 12+ inches (10 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

With over 60 varieties, Cryptocorynes—or “crypts”—are midground royalty. Big, colorful leaves in shades of green, brown, or red thrive in low light with little trimming. Rooted in substrate, they anchor your layout with strong, sprawling roots. Curious? Check out more at this link.

Alternanthera reineckii

alternanthera-reineckii

Position: carpet, midground, background
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Alternanthera reineckii, or “AR,” is a South American stunner with deep red leaves that pop against green textures. It loves good light to show off its color, though it’ll hang on in low-tech setups. Once rooted, leave it be—trim as needed to keep it tidy, but watch out for nibbling Amano shrimp!

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Mini’

Alternanthera reineckii Mini #ad

Position: carpet, foreground, midground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 2 – 4+ inches (5 – 10+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

This pint-sized AR tops out at 3-4 inches—perfect for small tank midgrounds. It craves decent light and CO2 for vibrant reds but toughs it out in simpler setups. A little red jewel for your layout!

Staurogyne repens

Staurogyne repens #ad

Position: carpet, foreground, midground
Care level: easy
Growth: average
Height: 1.2 – 4+ inches (3 – 10+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

Staurogyne repens is a South American gem with bright green, broad leaves. It spreads dense and low as a carpet or climbs higher for midground glory—tie it to rocks or driftwood to keep it in check. Low-tech friendly, it kicks into high gear with light and CO2.

Red Dwarf Hygrophila – Hygrophila ‘Araguaia’

hygrophila-araguaia

Position: carpet, foreground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 8+ inches (10 – 20+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

This Southeast Asian beauty flaunts narrow, red-to-purple leaves—like a splash of wine in your tank. It shines with good light, CO2, and a fertile substrate, making it a midground star in small setups or a foreground accent in big ones.

Blyxa Short Leaf – Blyxa novoguineensis

blyxa-novoguineensis

Position: midground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 12+ inches (30+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Blyxa novoguineensis is a grassy, reddish-brown clump that’s pure eye candy. It loves strong light and nutrients—keep it away from big fish or strong currents that might shred its soft leaves. A unique midground pick with a wild, natural edge!

Chain Sword – Echinodorus quadricostatus

echinodorus-quadricostatus

CC 3.0, Tommy Kronkvist

Usages: high carpet, foreground, midground
Care level: easy
Growth: fast
Height: 4 – 6+ inches (10 – 15+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

The chain sword is a beginner’s dream—fast-growing, broad-leaved, and happy with low light. It spreads like wildfire in a fertile substrate, so trim it to keep it midground-sized. A lush, green filler that’s hard to mess up!

Dwarf Cardinal Plant – Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis

Position: midground, groundcover
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 12+ inches (10 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Lobelia cardinalis, a terrestrial-turned-aquatic wonder, glows bright green underwater—sometimes with purple hints. It thrives with decent light, CO2, and fertile substrate. Grab submersed-grown plants for a smooth start in your midground!

Downoi – Pogostemon helferi

pogostemon-helferi

Position: high carpet, foreground, midground
Care level: average
Type: stem
Growth: average
Height: 1.2 – 4+ inches (3 – 10+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Pogostemon helferi, aka Downoi, is a Thai treasure with crinkled leaves like tiny green stars. Compact under bright light and CO2, it stretches taller in low light—perfect midground height. Snip side shoots to propagate this quirky gem!

Lagenandra meeboldii

Lagenandra meeboldii #ad

Position: midground
Care level: easy
Appearance: rosette
Growth: slow
Height: 4 – 8+ inches (10 – 20+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

From India, Lagenandra meeboldii unfurls big, lush leaves from a rhizome—red-tinged in bright light, green in low. It’s a slow, steady midground addition that brings a bold, rosette flair with zero drama.

Orchid Lily – Barclaya longifolia

barclaya-longifolia

Position: midground, background
Care level: easy
Growth: average
Height: 10 – 15 inches (25 – 38 cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: low

Barclaya longifolia from Southeast Asia is a showstopper—olive-to-red leaves above, violet below, sprouting from a rootstock (keep it above soil!). It loves bright light and nutrients but sheds leaves during short dormancy spells. Watch out for snail munchers!

River Buttercup – Ranunculus inundatus

River Buttercup #ad

Position: foreground, midground
Care level: average
Type: none
Growth: average
Height: 2+ inches (5+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Australia’s river buttercup creeps along with rhizomes, stretching taller in moderate light—ideal for a midground focal point. It’s a breeze with decent light and CO2, adding a playful, leafy vibe.

Pearlweed – Hemianthus micranthemoides

Pearlweed #ad

Synonym: Micranthemum micranthemoides
Common names: pearlweed, pearl grass, baby tears
Position: high carpet, foreground, midground
Care level: advanced
Growth: average
Height: 2 – 6+ inches (5 – 15+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Pearlweed from Cuba and the US is a delicate, light green mound—perfect with darker Crypts. It thrives in acidic water with moderate light; trim stray shoots to keep it neat and tidy.

Basil Leaf – Limnophila rugosa

limnophila-rugosa

Position: foreground, midground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Limnophila rugosa’s glossy, textured green leaves are midground eye-catchers. Group them up—it’s a slow grower that shines with moderate light, CO2, and a nutrient boost. Think of it as your tank’s basil garnish!

Rotala indica ‘Bonsai’

rotala-indica-bonsai

Synonym: Ammania ‘Bonsai’, Rotala ‘Bonsai’
Position: midground, background, nano tank
Care level: average
Growth: slow
Height: 2 – 8+ inches (5 – 20+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

Rotala ‘Bonsai’ from Southeast Asia is a sparse-leaved, upright gem—cluster it for a dense, bonsai-like effect. Bright light turns tips pink; moderate light keeps it slow and steady. A nano-tank midground dream!

Water Hyssop – Bacopa caroliniana

Bacopa caroliniana #ad

Care level: easy
Growth: slow
Height: 4 – 12+ inches (10 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

Bacopa caroliniana’s fleshy, bright green leaves stack up on upright stems—solo it’s sparse, but grouped at 1-2 inches apart, it’s a lush midground wall. Tough as nails with decent light, it grows at a chill pace.

Creeping Jenny – Lysimachia nummularia

Lysimachia nummularia #ad

Position: midground
Care level: easy
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: low

Creeping Jenny thrives in cool tanks (up to 72°F) with round, bright green leaves that spread slowly. Give it strong light and rich substrate—it’s an easy, creeping midground delight from Europe.

Large Pearl Grass – Micranthemum umbrosum

Micranthemum umbrosum #ad

Position: foreground, midground
Care level: average
Growth: fast
Height: 4 – 6+ inches (10 – 15+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

US-native large pearl grass is a fine-textured speedster—bright green and dense with strong light and CO2. Trim often to tame its rapid sprawl; it’s a midground filler that keeps you on your toes!

Tonina fluviatilis

tonina-fluviatilis

Position: midground
Care level: advanced
Growth: average
Height: 8 – 12 inches (20 – 30 cm)
Lighting: high
CO2: average

Tonina fluviatilis is a bright green challenge from South America—think strong light, CO2, and soft water. Group it in varied heights for a striking midground glow that rewards the seasoned aquarist.

Tonina ‘Belem’

tonina-belem

Position: midground, background
Care level: advanced
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm)
Lighting: high
CO2: average

Brazil’s Tonina ‘Belem’ demands very bright light and a fertile substrate. It’s slow and finicky—give it space to shine, as it hates instability. A midground gem for pros!

Gratiola viscidula

gratiola-viscidula

Position: foreground, midground
Care level: average
Growth: slow
Height: 1.2 – 4+ inches (3 – 10+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

This North American spiky cushion thrives in cool water with bright light—trim it to any height for a quirky midground twist. Delicate but doable, it’s a slow-growing standout.

Didiplis diandra

didiplis-diandra

Position: midground
Care level: average
Growth: fast
Height: 4 – 6+ inches (10 – 15+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: low

Didiplis diandra’s needle-like leaves turn red in bright light—a North American treat for seasoned growers. It’s fragile, chemical-sensitive, and needs a rich substrate, but the midground payoff is worth it!

Proserpinaca palustris

Proserpinaca palustris #ad

Position: midground, background
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 12+ inches (10 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

North America’s Proserpinaca palustris rocks serrated leaves that shift colors with light and iron—green to reddish. It’s an upright midground staple that’s easy to grow with moderate care.

Water Violet – Hottonia palustris

hottonia-palustris

Position: midground
Care level: easy
Type: stem
Growth: average
Height: 4 – 8+ inches (10 – 20+ cm)
Lighting: low
CO2: low

Hottonia palustris from Asia and Europe flaunts feathery leaves—perfect for coldwater tanks up to 77°F. Plant its rhizome in substrate and let it weave a fine-textured midground magic with good light.

Nesaea pedicellata

nesaea-pedicellata

Position: midground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 8 – 12+ inches (20 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

East Africa’s Nesaea pedicellata dazzles with yellow-to-green leaves on red stems. Moderate to high light keeps it vibrant—shade too much, and leaves suffer. A midground specimen that grabs attention!

Nesaea crassicaulis

nesaea-crassicaulis

Position: midground
Care level: average
Growth: average
Height: 8 – 12+ inches (20 – 30+ cm)
Lighting: average
CO2: average

From Madagascar and Central Africa, Nesaea crassicaulis demands top-notch light, CO2, and fertilizers for its golden-red glory. It’s a midground challenge worth tackling for that fiery foliage payoff!