There are a few plants that do well in sand substrates, and they make great additions to any aquarium. Some of the best carpet plants for sand include Java ferns, Anubias barteri, and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Java ferns are some of the easiest plants to care for, and they thrive in a wide range of water conditions. They can grow attached to rocks or driftwood, or they can be planted in the substrate.
Anubias barteri is also an easy plant to care for, and it does well in both acidic and alkaline water conditions. It can also withstand low light levels making it a good choice for tanks with limited lighting options. Cryptocoryne wendtii is another hardy plant that does well in both high-and low-light environments
There are a number of plants that do well in sand substrate and make great carpet plants. Some good options include:
- Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana) – This plant is a great option for beginners, as it is easy to care for and grows quickly. It does well in low light conditions and can be used to cover large areas.
- Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei) – Another fast-growing option, Christmas moss can be used to create a lush green carpet on the bottom of your tank. It does best in moderate light levels and can tolerate some saltwater exposure.
- Peacock Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.) – A beautiful, delicate moss that thrives in high humidity environments, peacock moss makes an excellent carpet plant for tanks with lots of water movement or those that are regularly misted/sprayed with water droplets .
Table of Contents:
Java moss (Vesicularia duby)
- Java moss is a great beginner plant because it can be cultivated in almost any kind of water.
- It doesn’t require a lot of light, and it grows quickly.
- Java moss is also very undemanding, so it’s the perfect plant for people who don’t have a lot of experience with aquariums.
Plant or Animal Product Type | Moss |
Brand | AquaPlants |
Unit Count | 1 Count |

Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei)
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT:
Christmas moss is a beautiful, slow-growing moss that can be used to create a lush and vibrant foreground in any aquarium. This moss is native to Asia and does well in low-to-high lighting conditions with a pH range of 5-7.5.
It requires little care and grows at a slow rate, making it the perfect plant for those who are new to aquariums or those who want an easy care plant that will still make an impact. Christmas moss can be placed in the foreground or background of your tank, but should not be left in standing water as it will eventually rot.

Peacock Moss (Taxiphyllum sp.)
Moss is a great way to decorate your aquarium and provide some extra shade and coverage for your fish and shrimp. Peacock moss is similar to Christmas moss, but the fronds are generally less puffy with a softer and more velvet-like texture.
This plant provides excellent shade and coverage for shrimp and fish. Moss is very versatile can be attached to hardscape or left free floating. It can be grown under a wide range of aquarium conditions, making it recommended for breeders, beginners, and all hobbyists alike!
Moss is a great choice for any aquarium, as it is extremely hardy and will survive in a wide range of aquarium parameters. However, most moss species can contain brown bits and while suitable for low tech tanks, CO2 injection will yield better growth and coloration.
Do not make drastic changes to the aquarium. Unstable parameters will result in melt and rotting of the aquarium plant. CO2 injection and quality aquarium soil will yield better growth. Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
