Most fish enthusiasts are drawn towards the more authentic and natural looking aquarium. The addition of plants enhances the esthetics as well as giving a stunning look. The plants also have important practical purposes in addition to being decorative.  They give the fish somewhere to hide and the fish feel more relaxed with the presence of plants much like in their own habitat.  They produce oxygen, which is important for the fish and use up any nitrogenous waste which the fish give out.

Stem plants which are sometimes called bunch plants, are often used for the background of the fish tank. They are relatively small and provide good cover for fish. These plants are not expensive and are purchased in bunches and plant very easily making them a favorite of many. To plant stem plants, simply place them at the base of the plant into the substrate, making sure that they are not placed too close together. Rooted plants are used for the foreground or the middle ground and are often short in stature  thus they cannot fit well in the background because they will not be able to be seen. The plants are sold on individually or in a pot with about three plants. A hole is dug within the substrate and the plant is carefully placed inside and the hole filled back again similarly to how plants are grown on land

Floating plants such as water lilies are another option. They grow on the surface of the tank and their size could expand with time. Not many should be planted in the aquarium because when they grow big, they tend to keep out sunlight which is important for the fish and the other plants. Specialty plants which ordinarily grow on wood or rocks can be attached to surfaces within the tank. The popular plants of this variety include java fern as well as java moss.  

Carpet plants keep to the ground and are able to spread with the use of runners. These plants need a lot of sunlight for their sustenance and are best used in aquariums that are not very deep. Some amount of research should be done to ensure that the right plants are bought and that they are well suited with the fish that are in the aquarium. The right combination of plants is also required to avoid any complications later on.