The Ultimate Guide: Best Plants That Grow on Wood – Perfect for Your Aquascape!

Hey aquarium lovers! I’ve been experimenting with attaching plants to driftwood in my tanks for years, and I’m super excited to share everything I’ve learned about the best plants that grow on wood Trust me, once you master this, your aquascape will look absolutely stunning!

Why Choose Plants That Grow on Wood?

Before diving into the specifics, let me tell you why I love these plants:

• They create natural-looking aquascapes
• They don’t need substrate to grow
• Perfect for vertical gardening in aquariums
• Great for hiding equipment
• Add depth and dimension to your tank

Top Plants That Thrive on Wood

1. Anubias Family

My absolute favorite! Here’s why I love them

• Difficulty Level: Super easy (perfect for beginners!)
• Light Requirements: Low to medium
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Price Range: £6.49 – £9.99

Popular varieties:

• Anubias Nana
• Anubias Barteri
• Anubias Coffeifolia
• Anubias Nana Mini

2. Java Fern Varieties

These are my go-to plants for background decoration:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Light Requirements: Low
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Price Range: £4.75 – £6.99

Available types:

• Regular Java Fern
• Windelov
• Trident
• Narrow Leaf

3. Aquarium Moss Types

I’ve had great success with these:

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
• Light Requirements: Low to Medium
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Price Range: £3.99 – £6.49

Popular moss varieties:

• Java Moss
• Christmas Moss
• Taiwan Moss
• Weeping Moss
• Flame Moss

How to Attach Plants to Wood (My Tried and Tested Methods)

Method 1: Super Glue Technique

What you’ll need

• Cyanoacrylate super glue
• Paper towel
• Your chosen plant
• Driftwood

Steps:

1. Pat dry the wood and plant rhizome
2. Apply small amount of glue
3. Press plant against wood
4. Wait 5 mins before putting in water

Method 2: Fishing Line Method

Perfect for mosses! Here’s what I do:

1. Spread moss evenly on wood
2. Wrap fishing line around
3. Secure with a knot
4. Wait 4-6 weeks for attachment

Care Tips for Wood-Growing Plants

1. Fertilization:

   • Use liquid fertilizers
   • Dose regularly (I do it weekly)
   • Plants can’t get nutrients from substrate

2. Lighting:

   • Most species prefer low-medium light
   • Avoid direct intense light
   • 6-8 hours daily is enough

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

   • Don’t bury the rhizome
   • Avoid super bright light
   • Don’t use regular glue

Advanced Tips for Success

1. Creating Natural Looks:

   • Mix different species
   • Use various wood shapes
   • Layer plants strategically

2. Maintenance:

   • Trim when needed
   • Remove dead leaves
   • Check attachments monthly

FAQ (Based on My Experience)

Q: How long until plants attach naturally?
A: Usually 4-8 weeks, depending on species.

Q: Can I use any super glue?
A: Yep! Just make sure it’s cyanoacrylate-based.

Q: Why are my plants not growing?
A: Probably need more fertilizer or better light balance.

Conclusion

Growing plants on wood isn’t rocket science, but it does need some patience and the right technique. I started with just one Anubias, and now I’m totally hooked! Start with easy plants like Anubias or Java Fern, and you’ll be creating amazing aquascapes in no time.

Would you like me to explain any part in more detail? Drop a comment below! And don’t forget to share your wood-growing plant success stories – I’d love to hear them!

Happy planting, fellow aquarists!

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Last updated: July 2025