Live Aquarium Plant: Egeria Densa for Low-Tech Tanks, Easy-Growing Green Anacharis for Planting or Floating

Egeria Densa gives beginner aquarists a forgiving way to add lush, living greenery to a low-tech tank. Also known as Anacharis, this moderate-to-fast-growing stem plant produces dense whorls of vibrant green leaves along flexible, upright stems.

Grow it in the background or midground for a fuller planted look, or leave the stems floating to create cover and shade for shy fish, fry, and shrimp. Its adaptable care needs make it practical for a wide range of freshwater aquarium routines.

Key Features

• Hardy growth tolerates varied water conditions, giving new plant keepers a more forgiving start.
• Dense, bushy foliage absorbs excess nutrients, supporting clearer water and helping reduce unwanted algae growth.
• Stems may be anchored in substrate or left free-floating, letting you adjust the layout around your fish and aquascape.
• Low-to-medium lighting is sufficient, and pressurized CO2 is not required for healthy growth in a low-tech setup.
• Floating stems provide useful cover and shade, creating sheltered areas for shy fish, fry, and shrimp.
• Trimming stems at the water surface encourages lateral side branches, making routine shaping straightforward.

Specifications

• Scientific name: Egeria densa
• Common names: Anacharis, Elodea, Brazilian Waterweed, Large-Flowered Waterweed
• Family: Hydrocharitaceae
• Plant type: Stem plant
• Care difficulty: Easy / Beginner
• Light requirement: Low to Medium
• CO2 requirement: Not Required
• Placement: Background, Midground, or Floating
• Height: 4–12 inches or more
• Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
• Water pH: 6.5–7.5
• Propagation: Cuttings; cut stems and replant the tops
• Origin: South America
• Planting depth: Push individual stems 1–2 inches into substrate
• Options: Bunch; 3 Bunches + 1 Free

Before planting, remove the lead weight and any cotton wrap or foam around the base. Strip foliage from the lower inch, then space individual stems slightly apart so light can reach the lower growth. This plant cannot be sold or shipped to IL, WA, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, or WI.