Anacharis (Egeria densa) - Bunch

Anacharis (Egeria densa) is one of the easiest aquarium plants you can grow and a favorite for beginners. This fast-growing oxygenator pulls nitrates and excess nutrients straight out of the water, which helps starve out algae and keep your tank clear, all without CO2 or special equipment. Plant it in the substrate or let it float; either way it adds lush green cover for fish and fry. Browse our full selection of freshwater aquarium plants.

Care Guide

• Lighting: Low to moderate. It survives in low light but grows fuller and bushier under moderate light.
• CO2: Not required. Anacharis thrives in low-tech setups, though it will grow faster with added nutrients.
• Temperature: Adaptable from 60 to 82°F, so it works in tropical tanks and cooler coldwater setups alike.
• Growth: Fast. Trim the tops and replant them to keep it dense and to make new plants for free.
• Water column feeder: It takes in nutrients through its stems and leaves, so a liquid fertilizer keeps it lush.

Specifications

Planting and Propagation

First, gently remove the rubber band at the base of the bunch. Left in place, the band crushes the lower stems and causes them to rot. From there you have two easy options:

• Plant it: Push the stems about an inch into the substrate, spacing them out so each has room to fill in.
• Float it: Let the bunch drift at the surface, where it grows quickly and makes excellent cover for fry and shrimp.

To keep it bushy, trim the top few inches and replant the cuttings. Each trimming becomes a new plant, so a single bunch can fill a tank over time.

Pairs Well With

• Hornwort and Bacopa Monnieri for an easy low-tech planted tank
• Aquarium Co-Op Easy Potassium to feed the water column
• Nerite snails and Neocaridina shrimp that graze the leaves
• More freshwater aquarium plants

FAQ

Do I have to plant it, or can it float?
Either works. Anacharis grows just as well floating as it does rooted, so float it for quick fry cover or plant it for a background hedge.

Will my fish eat it?
Goldfish and some cichlids may nibble the soft leaves, which is fine since it grows back fast. In most community tanks it is left alone and simply provides cover and nutrient export.

Does it need CO2 or high light?
No. It is happiest in low-tech tanks with modest light and no CO2, which is what makes it such a reliable beginner plant.

Some leaves dropped after I added it, is that normal?
Yes. A little melt is common as the plant adjusts to your water. Keep the lighting steady and healthy new growth follows within a week or two.