Unboxing My New Aquarium Floating Plants Including The Rare Ricciocarpos Natans!

Here’s a quick unboxing of some rare floating aquarium plants I finally managed to track down here in the UK 🇬🇧🌱

As always, this isn’t sponsored—I bought everything here with my own money. I actually had to order from an eBay seller since I couldn’t find any shops stocking the main plant I was after.

When the package arrived, I was initially impressed. Both Salvinia minima and the plant I really wanted—Ricciocarpos natans—came in their own individual packets, which is always a good sign. The rest of the plants were grouped together in larger bags though, which might not bother everyone, but it’s something to be aware of—especially when mixing species like Riccia fluitans and duckweed.

The seller also included some extras like fish, shrimp, and plant food, plus a bonus portion of Amazon Frogbit. It’s a nice gesture, but personally I’d rather that value went into better separation and packaging for each plant to avoid mixing or contamination.

That said, everything arrived healthy, which is the most important part 👌

The highlight for me is definitely Ricciocarpos natans. It has such a unique look compared to other floating plants, and it’s surprisingly hard to find here in the UK—even though it’s actually native. I’m really excited to finally add it to my collection.

This bundle also included Lemna trisulca, a less common type of duckweed where the plantlets stay connected—so it might be much easier to manage compared to typical duckweed.

There were also red root floaters in their red form 🔴 but keep in mind, they’ll only stay that vibrant if your nitrate levels are low. Otherwise, they’ll turn more green over time.

Overall, I’d call this a solid purchase. Honestly, as a plant collector, I probably would’ve paid the same price just for the Ricciocarpos natans alone.

I’ll post an update in about a month to show how everything settles in—especially since I’ve heard this plant can be a bit tricky depending on the setup.

A Quick Amazon Sword Care Guide - Beginner-Friendly Option For Your Planted Tank!

Here’s a quick care guide for Echinodorus bleheri, commonly known as the Amazon Sword, plus a quick facts box in the video that you can screenshot for future reference. My Full Amazon Sword Care Guide - https://glassboxdiaries.com/plant/echinodorus-bleheri-amazon-sword/

Amazon Sword is one of the most popular aquarium plants in the hobby, and for good reason. It’s extremely hardy, beginner-friendly, and can grow in a wide range of aquarium conditions without much effort. Because of this, it’s often recommended as one of the best plants for new planted tank keepers.

One important thing to know right away is that Amazon Sword can get big. In the right conditions it can grow up to 70 cm or around 28 inches tall, so it’s not really suited to tiny aquariums.

It’s what’s known as a rosette plant, meaning all the leaves grow from a central crown and spread outward as the plant matures. Because of its growth pattern and size, it’s usually best used as a background or centerpiece plant in medium to large aquariums where it has space to develop properly.

The good news is that Amazon Sword is incredibly easy to care for. It grows well under low-intensity lighting, and thanks to modern aquarium LEDs, even a simple budget light is usually enough to keep it healthy.

Another reason this plant is so beginner friendly is that it doesn’t require a CO₂ system. In most aquariums it grows perfectly well using the natural CO₂ already produced by fish, plants, and microorganisms in the tank.

Amazon Sword is a heavy root feeder, so it benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate like aquasoil or dirt capped with sand or gravel. However, it can also absorb nutrients from the water column through its leaves, so liquid fertilizers can help support growth if your substrate is inert.

Overall, Amazon Sword is a beautiful, low-maintenance aquarium plant that can become a stunning focal point in your tank while also providing shelter and security for fish, shrimp, and other aquatic life.

Aquarium Plant Spacing Guidelines For A Thriving Planted Tank!

When setting up a planted aquarium, one question that comes up a lot is how far apart you should plant aquarium plants. The truth is, there isn’t a single perfect answer because spacing depends on the type of plant and how it grows.

Stem plants are the easiest to work with. You can plant them very close together without many problems. Many aquascapers actually place 2–5 stems in planting tweezers and plant them in the same hole to create a fuller, bushier look right away. That said, planting single stems also works well and can improve light penetration to the lower leaves, which helps prevent melting.

Stolon plants (plants that spread through runners) are usually best spaced about an inch apart during the initial planting phase. Over time, they send out runners that naturally fill in the gaps, eventually forming a carpet or dense patch.

Rosette plants are a bit trickier. Their spacing depends heavily on how large the plant grows once it’s established. For example, Echinodorus tropica and Cryptocoryne beckettii ‘Petchii’ are both rosette plants of the same age, but they grow in very different ways. Another challenge is that the size estimates listed online are often inaccurate—especially in low-tech aquariums—which can make planning spacing difficult.

Rhizome plants like Anubias are a little easier to predict. They’re typically attached to rocks or driftwood rather than planted in the substrate. As the rhizome grows horizontally and new leaves grow upward, the plant gradually spreads. My own Anubias island took around two years to triple in size, showing just how much they can expand over time.

Moss is one of the simplest plants to work with. Whether you start with a tiny strand or a large clump, moss will eventually spread and take over the area unless you trim it regularly.

Finally, bulb plants like aquarium lilies, Crinum, and Aponogetons are usually treated as solitary centerpiece plants and given their own space in the aquarium. However, some species will still send out runners and produce new plantlets elsewhere in the tank over time.

A vector art of water lilies.

Here is the link to the products available @redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/172281440

Blyxa Japonica Care Guide - Great Aquatic Plant For Planted Aquariums!

My Full Blyxa Japonica Care Guide - https://glassboxdiaries.com/plant/blyxa-japonica/

Despite what you may have heard, it does not require CO₂ injection to grow successfully. I don’t run CO₂ in any of my systems, and it still grows well for me in low-tech planted tanks. So if you’re running a simple setup with good lighting and nutrients, this plant is absolutely achievable.

Blyxa japonica has fine, grass-like leaves that grow in dense rosettes, typically reaching around 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall. That makes it perfect for the foreground or midground of a planted aquarium. It adds soft texture, gentle movement, and a slightly wild, natural look that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaf plants like Anubias or Crypts.

Lighting is one of the most important factors for success. Blyxa prefers moderate lighting. Under stronger light, it can develop stunning golden or reddish tones, especially when nutrients are balanced. In lower light, it can survive, but growth will be slower and less compact, and it may look a bit stretched or sparse.

When it comes to substrate, Blyxa japonica appreciates a nutrient-rich base like aquasoil or dirt capped with sand. That said, it can still grow in inert substrates like gravel or sand if you’re dosing liquid fertilisers consistently or running a tank with a higher bioload that provides nutrients naturally. Root tabs can also make a big difference in inert setups.

Water parameters matter too. Blyxa tends to grow best in soft to moderately hard water with a pH below 7, but it can adapt over time. Ideal temperatures range from 16–28°C (61–82°F). It can tolerate cooler water, though growth will slow down.

A Quick Anubias Coin Leaf Care Guide! (Great Aquarium Plant For Beginners)

Anubias Coin Leaf is one of the most unique and beginner-friendly aquarium plants you can keep, and it’s instantly recognizable thanks to its perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves.

My Full Anubias Coin Leaf Care Guide - https://glassboxdiaries.com/plant/anubias-coin-leaf/ 7 Easy, High-Impact Anubias Types That Will Transform Your Aquascape! - https://glassboxdiaries.com/anubias-types/ Anubias Vs Bucephalandra – Whats The Best Plant For Your Aquarium? - https://glassboxdiaries.com/anubias-vs-bucephalandra/

This plant is a rhizome plant, which means it shouldn’t be buried in the substrate. Instead, it’s best attached to rocks, driftwood, or aquarium decorations using thread or glue. Over time, it will naturally anchor itself and slowly spread, creating a beautiful, natural look in your aquascape.

One of the biggest reasons Anubias Coin Leaf is so popular is how easy it is to care for. It thrives in low light, so you don’t need expensive, high-powered lighting to grow it successfully. In fact, too much light can actually cause algae to grow on its leaves, so simple, affordable lighting is often the best option. This makes it perfect for low-tech setups and beginner aquariums.

You also don’t need to add CO₂ or fertilizers to keep it healthy. Because it grows slowly, it can get the nutrients it needs from fish waste and the natural balance of your aquarium. This makes it ideal for low-maintenance tanks, shrimp tanks, and natural planted aquariums.

Anubias Coin Leaf is also very adaptable. It can grow in a wide range of temperatures, pH levels, and water hardness, so most aquarists can grow it successfully using normal tap water without needing to make adjustments. Its slow growth means it rarely needs trimming, and its thick leaves are extremely durable.

These sturdy leaves also provide excellent cover and resting places for shrimp and small fish, helping them feel safe and reducing stress. You can even propagate it easily by dividing the rhizome once it grows larger.

Where I Buy My Aquarium Plants For My Planted Tanks!

If you’ve ever wondered where I get the aquatic plants for my tanks, this video breaks down my real experiences with the retailers I use most often here in the UK. Whether you’re setting up your first planted aquarium or looking to expand an established scape, choosing the right supplier can make a huge difference in plant health, value for money, and overall success.

I’ll start with Horizon Aquatics and Aquarium Gardens — two of the biggest names in UK aquascaping. While their plants are typically priced higher than many competitors, the quality has always been outstanding in my experience. Every order I’ve placed has arrived healthy, well-packaged, and ready to thrive, which can justify the extra cost if you want reliability.

Next up are Pro-Shrimp and Aquascaping Express, which operate under the same company. I’ve been openly critical in the past after a few questionable orders, but credit where it’s due — since launching the Aquascaping Express brand, things seem to have improved significantly. Their pricing is much more budget-friendly, and their plant selection is easily one of the largest I’ve seen in the UK. More importantly, every order I’ve placed within the last six months has shown up in great condition.

I’ve also tried ordering from K2 Aqua through their eBay store. They offer a wide variety of plants at very affordable prices, which can be tempting when you’re filling out a tank. However, the lower cost does tend to reflect the quality — I’ve received several plants that were already melting on arrival. Because of that, I’d personally only recommend them when you’re searching for a species that’s difficult to find elsewhere.

Finally, there are the smaller independent sellers on Etsy and eBay. These can be a bit of a gamble, but sometimes you’ll discover incredible deals and fantastic-quality plants from passionate hobbyists. Other times, the quality can vary from great to disappointing. I’ve even had surprise hitchhikers like duckweed and snails included in orders, so always inspect and quarantine your plants before adding them to your aquarium.