What plants don't mind cold water?

[piaalexa]

Hi there,

I am just curious as to which plants can handle being in water below 20 degrees Celsius? This is because axolotls often require water chilling devices but not all plants enjoy the cold temperatures. Anyone have some experience on this topic? Many thanks :happy:

 

[AxolotlChris]

There are many plants that can withstand the colder temperatures.

This article mentions a few:

Axolotl Sanctuary

'Some recommend plants:

Anubias Nana - great plant, virtually indestructible, hardy and low maintenance.
Anubias Isabelle - very tough, taller than the Nana.
Anubias Barteri - just like the Nana, but a bit bigger and with rounder leaves.
Java Fern - one of the toughest aquatic plants you can get - grows anywhere!
Java Moss - grows anywhere as well, can be made into a sort-of "carpet"
Lilaeopsis - this is like grass, you can make a beautiful lawn in your tank with it.
Eleocharis (Hairgrass) - same as with Lilaeopsis tends to be a bit taller though.
Pongol - this is actually Mondo Grass, so it's not a true aquatic but survives (doesn't grow, just survives) for ages submerged, not really recommended.
Congensis - quite striking for a centrepiece plant.
Riccia - Riccia generally needs a lot of light to grow properly, thus only suitable for brighter tanks.
Narrow Chain Sword - another grassy-type thing. Looks pretty, grows happily.
I recommend that you purchase plants from only a trustworthy source that does not keep fish or any other animals in with their plants. Keeping fish with plants can potentially result in the plants carrying diseases or other unwanted things into your axolotl environment.'

 

[RupertxGiles]

Marimo moss balls are a cute addition as well and the axolotls seem to enjoy them!

 

[headFeed]

I have anacharis in my tank. It grows pretty fast with just regular ambient room light, I cut the new growths every month or so or else it'll grow wild.

 

[piaalexa]

Awesome - thanks so much everyone!

 

[NaterPotater]

Any Anubias is great, but I particularly like my Anubias congensis.

 

[AxolotlCafe]

do any of these plants require special light? or just light set ups?

 

[Kasye]

I know marimo balls actually prefer colder water (sometimes tropical tanks can be TOO warm for them)

Anacharis I can also vouch for, I've had it growing for years in an outdoor pond, and it gets pretty cold during winter.

Neither of these plants need special lighting.

 

[AxolotlCafe]

Thank you very much for your reply! I will look into getting these plants for my axie!

 

[Cwall88]

I use hornwort, i only use natural lighting and it really thrives. Kinda messy when being moved due to needles falling off but they clean up easily. Axies also love to hide in it!