Anacharis Care Guide

Anacharis is a fast-growing freshwater aquarium plant that can be planted in the substrate or allowed to float. Its long green stems and closely spaced leaves provide a natural appearance and valuable shelter for fish, shrimp, and fry.

This plant is often recommended for beginners because it does not require injected carbon dioxide or specialized plant substrate. It can also absorb nutrients from the aquarium water as it grows.

Anacharis requires regular trimming because healthy stems can grow rapidly and reach the water’s surface. With suitable lighting, stable water conditions, and basic maintenance, it can become an attractive addition to many freshwater aquariums.

Anacharis at a Glance

Scientific name: Egeria densa
Common names: Anacharis, Brazilian waterweed or dense waterweed
Difficulty: Easy
Growth rate: Fast
Maximum length: Approximately 6 feet or more under favorable conditions
Recommended tank size: 10 gallons or larger
Temperature: Approximately 60–82°F
pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
Lighting: Low to moderate
Substrate: Optional
CO2: Not required
Placement: Background or floating
Propagation: Stem cuttings
Suitable for beginners: Yes

What Is Anacharis?

Anacharis is a true aquatic stem plant that lives completely underwater. It produces long stems covered with small, narrow green leaves arranged in groups around each stem.

It is commonly sold for freshwater aquariums and outdoor ponds. However, names can sometimes be confusing because several similar plants may be sold under the names Anacharis, Elodea or waterweed.

The aquarium plant commonly called Anacharis is usually Egeria densa. It can grow while rooted in the substrate or floating freely in the water.

Anacharis absorbs nutrients directly through its leaves and stems. This allows it to grow without nutrient-rich substrate, making it useful for bare-bottom tanks or aquariums with ordinary gravel.

Is Anacharis Good for Beginners?

Anacharis is generally a good beginner aquarium plant because it grows in a wide range of freshwater conditions.

It does not require:

• Injected carbon dioxide
• Expensive planted-tank lighting
• Nutrient-rich substrate
• Complicated propagation methods

It may grow quickly when it receives suitable light and nutrients. This rapid growth can help the plant use some of the nutrients in the aquarium water.

However, Anacharis does not replace a filter, regular water testing, partial water changes, or proper aquarium maintenance.

Newly purchased Anacharis may shed some leaves while adjusting to different water conditions. Remove damaged material and watch for healthy new growth.

Aquarium Size

Anacharis can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but it may need frequent trimming. A larger tank provides more room for its long stems to grow.

In small tanks, allow only a few stems to grow together. A thick group can quickly fill the aquarium, block light from other plants, and reduce swimming space.

In larger aquariums, Anacharis can be placed along the back wall to create a tall green background.

Floating stems may spread across the surface. Keep part of the surface open for feeding, light penetration, and fish that need access to the air above the water.

Water Parameters

Anacharis adapts to a broad range of freshwater conditions.

Recommended water conditions include:

• Temperature: Approximately 60–82°F
• pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
• Water hardness: Soft to hard
• Water movement: Gentle to moderate

Stable water conditions are more important than reaching one exact number. Sudden changes in temperature, pH, or water hardness can stress the plant.

Anacharis can grow in both cool-water and tropical aquariums. Extremely warm water may cause weaker growth in some tanks.

Always use a water conditioner when adding tap water to an aquarium. Untreated chlorine or chloramine can harm plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria.

Lighting Requirements

Anacharis grows under low to moderate aquarium lighting. Moderate lighting usually produces faster and fuller growth.

Under weak lighting, the stems may become thin, pale, or widely spaced as the plant reaches toward the surface.

Most beginners can use a standard LED aquarium light. Begin with approximately six to eight hours of light each day.

Use an automatic timer to keep the lighting schedule consistent. Leaving the light on too long can encourage algae growth on the plant and aquarium surfaces.

Floating Anacharis sits closer to the light and may grow faster than stems planted near the bottom.

Does Anacharis Need Substrate?

Anacharis does not require substrate because it can absorb nutrients from the water through its leaves and stems.

It can be grown in:

• Gravel
• Sand
• Aquarium plant substrate
• Bare-bottom aquariums

If you want a planted appearance, insert the lower part of each stem approximately one or two inches into the substrate. Space the stems apart so light and water can circulate around them.

Do not pack the stems tightly together or crush them beneath heavy decorations. Damaged or deeply buried stems may begin to rot.

How to Plant Anacharis

Before placing Anacharis in the aquarium, rinse it gently with clean, conditioned water.

Inspect it for:

• Brown or transparent leaves
• Broken stems
• Algae
• Snails or snail eggs
• Soft or decaying sections

Remove unhealthy material with clean aquarium scissors.

To plant Anacharis:

1. Separate the stems carefully.
2. Remove leaves from the lowest inch of each stem.
3. Place the bare portion into the substrate.
4. Space the stems about one or two inches apart.
5. Avoid burying healthy leaves.
6. Press the substrate gently around each stem.

An aquarium-safe plant weight may be used temporarily if the stems will not stay in place. Do not tighten the weight enough to crush them.

Can Anacharis Float?

Anacharis can be allowed to float freely. This is one of the easiest ways to grow it because the plant receives strong access to light and absorbs nutrients directly from the water.

Floating Anacharis can provide cover for:

• Guppy fry
• Molly fry
• Bettas
• Gouramis
• Shrimp
• Shy fish
• Newly hatched fish

Do not allow it to form a thick mat across the entire surface. Excessive floating growth can shade other plants and interfere with feeding.

Trim or remove extra stems when the surface becomes crowded.

Does Anacharis Need Fertilizer?

Anacharis may receive enough nutrients from fish waste and the aquarium water, especially in an established tank.

A complete liquid aquarium plant fertilizer can be used if the plant develops pale leaves or weak growth. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and use only a product intended for freshwater aquariums.

Root tabs are usually unnecessary because Anacharis can obtain nutrients through its leaves and stems. A planted stem may develop roots, but it does not depend entirely on root feeding.

Avoid adding more fertilizer than recommended. Excess nutrients may encourage algae and can be harmful to sensitive aquarium inhabitants.

Does Anacharis Need CO2?

Anacharis does not need injected carbon dioxide. It normally grows well in a low-tech aquarium without a CO2 system.

Added CO2 may increase growth, but that can lead to even more frequent trimming. Most beginners will get satisfactory results with stable water conditions, suitable lighting, and sufficient nutrients.

How to Trim Anacharis

Anacharis may need trimming every week or two when it is growing quickly.

Use clean aquarium scissors to cut long stems at the desired height. A healthy upper cutting can be replanted or allowed to float.

The remaining lower stem may produce new side shoots. Remove any bare, brown, or decaying sections.

After trimming:

• Collect all loose leaves.
• Remove broken stem pieces.
• Check the filter intake.
• Thin out crowded groups.
• Leave open swimming areas.

Loose plant pieces can clog the filter or decay in the aquarium if they are not removed.

How to Propagate Anacharis

Anacharis is easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Follow these steps:

1. Select a healthy green stem.
2. Cut off a section approximately four to six inches long.
3. Remove the leaves from the lowest part of the cutting.
4. Insert the bare stem into the substrate or let it float.
5. Provide stable light and water conditions.
6. Watch for new roots and growth.

Longer cuttings generally have more stored energy and may establish themselves more quickly than very short pieces.

One healthy group of Anacharis can eventually provide many new plants.

Benefits of Anacharis

Anacharis offers several benefits in a freshwater aquarium.

Shelter for Fish and Fry

Its closely spaced leaves provide hiding places for small fish, shrimp, and fry. This can help young or frightened fish feel more secure.

Nutrient Absorption

Fast-growing Anacharis absorbs nutrients from the water. Healthy growth may help compete with algae for some available nutrients.

It cannot correct overfeeding, overcrowding, poor filtration, or neglected water changes by itself.

Natural Background

Planted stems form a green background that can help hide heaters, filter tubes, and other aquarium equipment.

Flexible Placement

Anacharis can be planted, floated, or loosely secured near aquarium decorations.

Easy Propagation

New plants can be produced from simple stem cuttings without special equipment.

Additional Surface Area

Its many leaves provide surfaces where biofilm and tiny organisms can develop. Shrimp and small fish may search these areas for food.

Suitable Tank Mates

Anacharis can be kept with many freshwater aquarium inhabitants, including:

• Guppies
• Mollies
• Platies
• Swordtails
• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Danios
• Corydoras
• Bettas
• Gouramis
• Freshwater shrimp
• Aquarium snails

Goldfish may nibble on Anacharis, pull out the stems, or eat large portions of the plant. Some fish keepers still use it with goldfish because it grows quickly and provides enrichment.

Large cichlids and other destructive fish may tear it apart or repeatedly uproot it.

Common Anacharis Problems

Anacharis Losing Leaves

Leaf loss may occur after the plant is moved into different water conditions. Poor lighting, high temperatures, physical damage, or a nutrient problem can also cause shedding.

Remove loose leaves and inspect the remaining stems. If the stems stay firm and green, the plant may recover.

Brown or Transparent Leaves

Brown or transparent leaves are usually dying. Remove them before they decay.

Check the aquarium’s temperature, lighting, water parameters, and nutrient levels. Sudden changes may cause older growth to deteriorate.

Yellow or Pale Growth

Pale growth may indicate weak lighting or insufficient nutrients.

Make changes gradually. If the aquarium lighting is adequate, a properly dosed complete liquid fertilizer may help.

Lower Stems Rotting

A deeply buried or damaged stem may rot near the substrate.

Cut away the unhealthy portion and replant the healthy upper section. Remove the leaves from the part placed beneath the substrate.

Plant Will Not Stay Planted

Anacharis may float loose before developing roots.

Plant the bare lower stem slightly deeper, or temporarily use an aquarium-safe plant weight. Avoid crushing the stem.

Excessive Growth

Rapid growth can cause Anacharis to crowd the aquarium and block light.

Trim the stems regularly and remove unwanted growth. Never release extra aquarium plants into ponds, lakes, streams, storm drains, or other natural waterways.

Algae on the Leaves

The plant’s many small leaves can collect debris and algae.

Reduce excessive lighting, avoid overfeeding, and maintain a regular water-change schedule. Gently swish the stems in removed aquarium water to loosen debris.

Clogged Filter Intake

Loose leaves and stem pieces may collect around the filter intake.

Check the intake regularly. A prefilter sponge can help prevent plant debris from entering the filter while also protecting shrimp and small fish.

Is Anacharis Safe for Shrimp?

Anacharis is generally suitable for freshwater shrimp. It provides hiding places and surfaces where shrimp can search for biofilm and tiny food particles.

Rinse and inspect new plants carefully before placing them in a shrimp aquarium. Plants from an unknown source may have been treated with pesticides that can harm shrimp.

Use aquarium fertilizers only as directed and avoid overdosing.

Does Anacharis Produce Oxygen?

Like other healthy aquatic plants, Anacharis releases oxygen during photosynthesis when it receives sufficient light.

Small oxygen bubbles may sometimes appear on the leaves. This is often called pearling.

However, plants use oxygen when the lights are off. Anacharis should not be treated as a replacement for adequate water movement, filtration, or aeration when aeration is needed.

Does Anacharis Help Control Nitrate?

Growing Anacharis uses nitrogen compounds and other nutrients from the water. Fast growth may help reduce some nitrate accumulation.

Continue testing the water and performing regular partial water changes. Anacharis does not make an aquarium maintenance-free.

Trimming and removing excess growth permanently removes some of the nutrients stored inside the plant.

Anacharis Care Tips

For healthy Anacharis:

• Provide six to eight hours of light daily.
• Keep the water conditions stable.
• Remove damaged leaves and stems.
• Trim before the plant covers the surface.
• Space planted stems apart.
• Avoid burying healthy leaves.
• Use liquid fertilizer only when needed.
• Remove loose plant debris.
• Keep the filter intake clear.
• Never release Anacharis into natural waterways.

Is Anacharis Right for Your Aquarium?

Anacharis is a good choice for beginners who want a fast-growing plant that can be planted or floated. It requires no special substrate or added CO2 and can provide valuable cover for fish and shrimp.

Its main disadvantages are rapid growth and occasional leaf shedding. These issues can usually be controlled with regular trimming and stable aquarium conditions.

Final Thoughts

Anacharis is an adaptable and useful freshwater aquarium plant. It can form a green background, float near the surface, provide hiding places, and absorb nutrients as it grows.

Give it consistent lighting, stable water conditions, and enough room to grow. Trim it regularly and remove damaged material to keep both the plant and aquarium looking healthy.