If you've been in the aquarium hobby for a while, you've probably noticed the same plants appearing in various aquascapes. While there's nothing wrong with these tried-and-true options, sometimes you want to add a touch of uniqueness to your tank. If you're looking to introduce some distinctive and interesting flora, you're in the right place. Here are some unusual plants that can bring a fresh and exciting look to your aquatic setup. Let's break away from the ordinary and explore some fun, eye-catching options for your aquarium!

Banana Plant

Starting strong with one of my personal favorites the banana plant. This oddball plant is so fun because it looks like a bushel of bananas in your tank, but the fun doesn’t stop there! This plant also has lilies that grow to the surface of your tank, where their leaves float like lily pads. If you allow them to grow, they may even produce small white flowers! 
The banana plant is a beginner plant that is common in the aquarium hobby. It gets its name from the banana resembling roots. They  have  long stems with rounded or heart-shaped leaves, these plants grow from a base of swollen green tubers resembling bananas. They can either float or be planted, but it's important not to bury their tubers more than ¼ inch. Preferring calm water, floating banana plants will develop white roots that reach down into the substrate to anchor the plant.

Scientific Name:Nymphoides Aquatica
Care Level:  Easy
Light: Medium
CO2: Not Necessary 
Fertilizer or Shrimp Safe Fertilizer 
Propagation: Leaves that are trimmed and left floating on the water's surface will start to grow roots.

 

Madagascar Lace

Madagascar Lace gets its name due to the plant leaves, which look almost woven together. As it grows, its new leaves are light green and perforated, hence the lace name. It’s quite a demanding species requiring some care but with proper maintenance, its leaves grow rapidly and it can get quite large. It thrives in nutrient-rich aquarium soil and needs regular upkeep to stay healthy. Adequate water circulation is crucial for its well-being, ensuring a good flow in the tank.

Like with some similar bulb plants, it’s important to bury only half of the bulb in the substrate to prevent bulb rot. Regularly trim dead leaf tips to prevent decay and keep algae or debris from settling on the leaves.

 
Scientific name:Aponogeton Madagascariensis
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting Requirement: Low to Medium
CO2:Not Required
Fertilizer or Shrimp Safe Fertilizer 
Propagation:Cut side shoots

 

Crinum Calamistratum

This is a fun onion-like bulb plant with dark green leaves that have a fun and funky texture on them, they curl and crimp at the edges. This aquatic plant is ideal for beginners who prefer a plant that doesn't overpower their tank. It grows slowly and thrives without needing special attention to remain healthy. It may produce cute white flowers when it reaches the water's surface. 

Crinum Calamistratum is very adaptable to aquarium conditions, thriving in slightly acidic or alkaline waters with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Water hardness is not critical and doesn't require intense lighting or regular fertilizer supplementation, making it a fairly good plant for some beginners. 

Care: Moderate
Light: Medium to High
CO2: Recommended 
Fertilizer or Shrimp Safe Fertilizer 
Propagation:through daughter bulbs

Adding real aquarium plants to your tank offers numerous benefits. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium, but they also contribute to a healthier ecosystem by oxygenating the water, absorbing nitrates, and providing shelter for fish and shrimp. Beyond the typical selections, exploring these oddball plants can bring a fascinating dimension to your underwater environment. They can spark creativity, inspire new aquascaping ideas, and create interesting habitats that mimic natural ecosystems. Whether it's unusual shapes, vibrant colors, or distinctive growth patterns, these plants add diversity and intrigue, making your aquarium a captivating centerpiece in any space.