Best Fake Plants for Betta Fish

10 Best Fake Plants for Betta Fish: Bring Your Tank to Life

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Giving your betta an environment they will thrive in is vital to their health. To re-create their natural habitat, adding plants to your tank is important. Which plants are better? Real or fake? Do betta fish even like artificial plants?

Quick Summary: Best Fake Plants for Betta Fish

QUMY Aquarium Plants Artificial Plastic Fish Tank Plants Decoration Set for All Fish 5 PCS QUMY Artificial Aquarium Plants
  • Material: Plastic plants and ceramic base, do not affect the fish tank
  • Vibrant colors
  • Low maintenance
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Blue Spotted Betta Plant Red Anubias Leaf, Great for Betta Fish Blue Spotted Betta Plant Red Anubia Leaf
  • Color: Red and Green
  • The Blue Spotted Red Anubias Betta plant has a resin weighted rock base, keeping in place, in your bowl or aquarium
  • Leaves are made of cloth to prevent fin tearing
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CNZยฎ Aquarium Fish Tank Green Lifelike Underwater Plastic Plant Aquatic Water Grass Decor (Small,... CNZ Aquarium Fish Tank Lifelike Underwater Plant
  • Material: Plastic, Ceramic
  • Main Color: Green
  • Net Weight: 135g
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Read on to learn more about the best fake plants for betta fish.

QUMY Artificial Aquarium Plants

QUMY Aquarium Plants Artificial Plastic Fish Tank Plants Decoration Set for All Fish 5 PCS
  • 5PCS/SET, 13.3 inch tall - 1PC; 7.4 inch tall - 1PC; 5.5 inch tall - 1PC; 4.3 inch - 1PC; 3.9 inch - 1PC
  • Material: Plastic plants and ceramic base, do not affect the fish tank.
  • Vibrant colors: Invigorate aquarium decor with vibrantly-colored artificial plants, add a bold splash of color to brighten your aquarium landscape. Lifelike water plant ornament give you feelings of aquatic plants with water flowing.

QUMY Artificial Aquarium Plants are plastic plants with a ceramic base. They provide shelter for fish and add color to your tank. They come in a 5-piece set.

Things We Like:

  • Theyโ€™re low maintenance. They donโ€™t need special lighting, wonโ€™t grow too large, etc.
  • Color doesnโ€™t fade in the water
  • Affordable
  • The 5-piece set has variations in plant size
  • Easy to clean
  • Donโ€™t affect water conditions

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • If you have a smaller tank, the larger plants in the set may not fit in your tank.
  • Colors tend to look โ€œfake.โ€

Blue Spotted Betta Plant Red Anubia Leaf

Blue Spotted Betta Plant Red Anubias Leaf, Great for Betta Fish
  • Create a beautiful bowl or aquarium with ease, using Blue Spotted Red Anubias Betta plant, ideal for any bowl or tank, and great for your pet Betta!
  • The Blue Spotted Red Anubias Betta plant has a resin weighted rock base, keeping in place, in your bowl or aquarium.
  • Rinse with cool-running water after removing from package.

The Blue Spotted Betta Plant Red Anubias Plant is a natural-looking artificial plant with a resin-weighted rock base. It provides crucial hiding places for your betta.

Things We Like:

  • Resin-weighted rock base prevents tipping
  • Leaves are made of cloth to prevent fin tearing
  • Perfect for a small tank, even a 1-gallon tank

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • Green vines on the plant can scratch betta scales
  • Too small for a larger tank
  • Expensive for its size

CNZ Aquarium Fish Tank Lifelike Underwater Plant

CNZยฎ Aquarium Fish Tank Green Lifelike Underwater Plastic Plant Aquatic Water Grass Decor (Small,...
  • Product Name: CNZ Lifelike Aquarium Plastic Plant
  • Base Size (Approx.): 8.7 x 5.4cm / 3.4'' x 2.1'' (L*W)
  • Total Size (Approx.): 35 x 26.5cm / 11.5'' x 9'' (W*H)

This artificial plant by CNZ Aquarium has broad leaves and plastic roots. It’s anchored with a weighted ceramic base and has green leaves.

Things We Like:

  • A weighted ceramic base prevents tipping
  • Sturdier than a silk plant
  • Looks realistic
  • Leaves are soft enough for fish to touch

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • Stems have a metal wire core that can harm fish if they become uncovered
  • Too large for a smaller tank

Foxtail Silk-style Aquarium Plant by Vibran-Sea

Vibran-Sea Soft Foxtail Silk-Style Aquarium Plant, Medium 9-10 tall, Emerald Green
  • Safe for aquariums and terrariums
  • Soft leaves sway in water current
  • Weighted resin base with no metal stems

This silk-style aquarium plant has soft leaves that move with the tank water to create a natural feel. It has a weighted base and no metal stems to hurt your fish.

Things We Like:

  • The weighted resin base prevents tipping.
  • It comes in 3 separate sizes and 4 colors to customize to your tank.
  • Leaves are soft enough for fish to touch

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • Tend to catch debris like uneaten food, so they need to be cleaned often
  • Fabric comes loose from the stems over time
  • Very thin

Green Silk Plant 2-pack by biOrb

BiOrb 46083.0 Feather Fern Set Small Green Aquariums
  • Give your biorb a natural Planted look with these simple Green Feather ferns
  • Compatible with freshwater/Saltwater/Tropical Aquarium set ups
  • Fish friendly

These green silk plants by biOrb are compatible with freshwater, saltwater, and tropical aquariums. They are low maintenance making them a great choice for any tank.

Things We Like:

  • Soft leaves
  • Weighted bottom to prevent floating
  • Easy to clean

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • The larger bladed plant has sharp tips that can tear fins
  • They can look like unnatural plants due to their color

Marina Naturals, Foreground Silk Plant, Fish Tank Decorations

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Marina Naturals Red Foreground Silk Plant โ€“ Fish Tank Decoration Mimics Live Aquarium Plants Red...
  • Landscape Accessory: Enhance your aquascape with this lifelike Marina Naturals Red Foreground silk plant.
  • Mimics Live Plants: Natural-looking translucent colors closely mimic live aquarium plants by undulating with the currents and won't fade.
  • Easy Setup: Easy to install and secure, simply bury base in aquarium gravel

This red foreground silk plant from Marina Naturals has bright colors that wonโ€™t fade. Itโ€™s flexible and moves with the current of the tank water, giving it a natural look and feel.

Things We Like:

  • Perfect for a very small tank
  • Vibrant color
  • Soft material

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • The bottom isnโ€™t weighted, so it must be buried in the substrate
  • A little small, even for a 5-gallon tank
  • Silk sheds

biOrb Kelp Set Medium

BiOrb 46080.0 Kelp Set Medium Purple Aquariums
  • Give your biorb a colorful appeal with these Plastic and silk kelp Plants
  • Compatible with freshwater/Saltwater/Tropical Aquarium set ups
  • Fish friendly

This purple kelp set by biOrb is a fish-friendly medium-sized plant made from quality fabric that is low maintenance and visually pleasing. Similar to the green silk plant, this set is compatible with freshwater, saltwater, and tropical aquariums.

Things We Like:

  • Soft fabric leaves
  • Heavy rock bottom to prevent floating
  • Rich colors to add a pop to your tank

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • Grows algae quickly, which can dim color
  • Difficult to clean

Otimark 2-Piece Realistic Faux Silk Aquarium Ficus Trees

Otimark 2 Piece Realistic Faux Silk Aquarium Ficus Tree Cool Small Betta Fish Tank Grass Fake...
  • The simulation water grass has the advantages of no deformation, no fading, and always keeping as new, which is suitable for the scene making and decoration in the aquarium.
  • Brand New and High Quality !Lifelike water plant ornament. Once it's in the tank you can't even tell it's made of plastic.
  • Plant part, made of plastic. Base, made of ceramic.

These faux silk ficus treesย by Otimark are sturdy with a ceramic base. Their leaves are made of soft plastic with a protective film to make them safe for fish.

Things We Like:

  • Very sturdy weighted bottom
  • No sharp plastic stems
  • Soft Leaves

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • The paint comes off of the base
  • The rock base needs 12-24 hrs of soaking to prevent paint from coming off
  • Small for a larger aquarium

CousDUoBe 8-Pack Artificial Aquarium Plants

CousDUoBe 8 Pack Artificial Aquarium Plants, Used for Household and Office Aquarium Simulation...
  • The ceramic base is more stable, high quality plastic, do not damage to the water quality in the tank.
  • Low maintenance: no special care, no pruning required. The Artificial Aquatic Plants remain the same as they were before.
  • Color: gradient color makes our Artificial Plants more beautiful and real.

If you’re looking for many plants to fill your tank, this aquarium plant variety pack from CousDUoBe could be your solution. Their lifelike plants come in two different styles to create a vibrant environment for your tank.

Things We Like:

  • Made of plastic with no metal
  • It comes with size variations, 4 of the individual plants are 4.5 inches, and the other 4 are 7.8 inches tall.
  • Look very natural
  • Great price value

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • It can be hard to keep upright unless buried properly
  • Fairly small

Comsun 10-Pack Artificial Aquarium Plants

COMSUN 10 Pack Artificial Aquarium Plants, Small Size 4 inch Approximate Height Fish Tank...
  • MAXIMIZE YOUR IMAGINATION: With artificial plants, your aquascaping options are endless. You can place any type or size of plants anywhere you desire in your aquarium. Your selection is limited only by your imagination
  • FROM DULL TO EXTRAORDINARY: Invigorate aquarium dรฉcor with artificial plants, add a bold splash of green color to brighten your aquarium landscape. Our artificial plants instantly transform your tired-looking aquarium into an eye-catching show piece
  • LOW MAINTENANCE: Unlike live plants, artificial plants donโ€™t need specialised lighting, or carbon dioxide. they won't grow too large, or become unattractive. they don't need any pruning, and will stay beautiful season after season

This 10-pack of artificial plants by Comsun is made of plastic that is safe for fish. They are simple to install, easy to clean, and can give your tank a colorful look.

Things We Like:

  • Great price value
  • Weighted bottoms keep them from floating
  • Very colorful, nice contrast of plant
  • Great if you need to fill your tank with decorations

Things We Donโ€™t Like:

  • Strings of glue can detach from the plants and can be a hazard to fish
  • Sharp edges can tear fins

Why Do You Need Aquarium Plants?

Bettas come from a tropical environment where there are many plants. For your fish to thrive and feel safe, it’s best to try and re-create their natural environment as must as possible.

Whether you choose live or artificial plants, fish need plants to provide a place to rest, hide, and nest. Plants also provide other benefits to your aquarium and create a colorful environment.

Live Plants vs. Artificial Plants

If youโ€™re looking for plants to fill your tank, you may wonder if live plants or artificial plants would be best for your betta. Each plant type has pros and cons. Letโ€™s explore the differences between live and artificial plants.

Live Plants

Live plants are the best choice for a more natural habitat for your fish. They provide benefits that artificial plants cannot.

Live plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They also absorb toxins that could harm fish. They can serve as a food source, help prevent algae growth, and hold beneficial bacteria that aid in the breakdown of wastes.

Real plants also have their drawbacks. They can harbor parasites that can harm your fish and create waste when they die. If a plant decays and the debris isnโ€™t removed quickly, it can harm your fish.

Although they create oxygen during the day, they can create an oxygen deficiency at night. Live plants also require specialized lights and varying amounts of light to grow properly.

Artificial Plants

Artificial plants have become common in the aquarium world. They are convenient because they do not die, grow too large for your tank, and can be cleaned easily.

Artificial plants also have no light requirements. Artificial plants donโ€™t affect oxygen levels, create waste or carry parasites.

They can be easily cleaned to prevent algae buildup and disease. They also come in various colors and shapes to customize your tank.

There are also things that artificial plants lack. They do not absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen or absorb toxins.

They also donโ€™t provide beneficial bacteria. Artificial plants can also have sharp edges that can be a hazard to your fish.

Can Fish Tell the Difference Between Live and Artificial Plants?

It seems that fish can tell the difference between live and artificial plants. Many fish eat live plants and can tell when a plant isnโ€™t live.

This doesnโ€™t mean they have a preference between the two, simply that they can tell the difference between them.

Common Complaints About Artificial Plants

Choosing live or artificial plants for your tank is simply a preference. There are benefits and disadvantages to both types. However, there are many common complaints to do with artificial plants.

Artificial Plants Donโ€™t Help Absorb Nitrates.

High nitrate levels can cause damage to your fish. Living plants can prevent nitrate buildup, whichย artificial plants canโ€™t do.

Plastic Plants Can Damage Fish

Plastic artificial plants can be damaging to fish, especially bettas. Plastic artificial plants can have sharp edges that easily tear your bettaโ€™s tail and fins.

Artificial Plants Are More Expensive

To fill your tank, you will have to buy more artificial plants than you would live plants because artificial plants donโ€™t grow. This can make using all artificial plants more expensive than using live plants.

Artificial Plants Donโ€™t Prevent Algae Growth

Live plants in your tank compete for nutrients with algae, preventing algae overgrowth. You do not get this benefit with artificial plants, so algae will overgrow, and you will have to remove your artificial plants from the tank to clean them.

FAQ

Do Betta Fish Like Fake Plants?

Betta fish enjoy plants in their environment because they help to mimic their natural environment. They don’t seem to prefer live plants over fake plants.

Are Artificial Plants Safe for Bettas?

There are so many artificial plants out there that it can be difficult to pick one that will be safe for your betta. Here are a few general rules to follow when picking an artificial plant.

  • Avoid plants that have sharp points to prevent injury to your betta.
  • Make sure the plants are made of non-toxic materials and without chemicals that could make your betta sick.
  • Choose plastic plants that are designed only for use in tanks.

Should You Use Fake Plants Or Live Plants In Your Tank?

As discussed above, fake and live plants have pros and cons. This is more of a personal choice that depends on your preference, your availability to clean fake plants or monitor levels with live plants and do necessary trimming.

Final Thoughts

We hope you learned more about artificial plants and which one might be the right fit for your tank.

Our top pick for an artificial plant is the QUMY Artificial Aquarium Plant. This artificial plant is affordable and comes in a 5-piece set with variations in size and color to give a truly unique feel to your tank. Grab your set for a happier, healthier environment for your fish.

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