Anacharis (Elodea, Egeria Densa) Aquarium Plant Care Guide (India)

Anacharis, sold as Elodea or Egeria densa (Brazilian waterweed), is a fast-growing, cool-to-warm water stem plant that grows planted or floating, needs only low to medium light, soaks up excess nutrients that feed algae, and is one of the cheapest and easiest plants for goldfish, cichlid and beginner tanks in India. It grows so quickly that you can trim it every week or two, and every cutting becomes a new plant. This guide explains the name confusion between Anacharis, Elodea and Egeria densa, care, light, water, planting or floating it, how to trim it, what to do when it turns brown or loses leaves, and why you should never release it into natural water.

Anacharis at a glance

Anacharis, Elodea and Egeria densa: what is the difference?

In aquarium shops, the plant sold as Anacharis is almost always Egeria densa, also called Elodea densa. True Elodea (Elodea canadensis) is a different plant from cooler regions that prefers cold water and is less common in the aquarium trade. Another similar plant, Hydrilla, is a different species and a serious weed in some places. For aquarium purposes, a plant sold as Anacharis, Elodea or Brazilian waterweed with whorls of three or more narrow leaves along a stem behaves the same: it grows fast, likes cool to moderate water and does not need special care. If you are unsure, buy from an aquatic plant seller and ask for the name on the label.

Why Anacharis suits Indian aquariums

Anacharis is cheap, easy to find and tolerates tap water, so it is a popular beginner plant in India. It grows well in goldfish tanks, in cichlid tanks and in cool rooms during winter, and it takes up nitrate and ammonia from the water as it grows, which leaves less food for algae. In hot summers, however, it can melt when water stays above about 28-30 C, so shade the tank, keep the water moving and consider moving it to a cooler spot. Compare it with other fast plants in our fastest growing aquarium plants article, hornwort guide and floating plants guide.

Light and CO2

Medium light for 7-8 hours is enough; Anacharis grows in lower light but becomes thin and leggy. In bright light and rich water it grows faster and may catch algae if nutrients drop. See our planted aquarium lighting guide and how many hours to run an aquarium light. Suitable lights include the Sobo AL-380 (15.5W) (₹1,230) for 1-2 foot tanks and the Neo Helios Nano S3 Plus (₹1,050) for small and nano tanks. Anacharis does not need CO2; see our low-tech planted tank guide.

Sobo AL-380 (15.5W)Planted tanks, 1-2 ft Neo Helios Nano S3 Plus13W full spectrum

Planted tank lights by tank size (Fish Bazaar range)

Pick the row that matches your tank length, then choose by plant level: the cheaper full-spectrum lights suit low to medium light plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Cryptocoryne, while the Chihiros WRGB II Pro and B Series are built for red plants, carpets and CO2 tanks. Tank length is the longest side of the glass. Prices are in rupees as listed on Fish Bazaar on 9 October 2026 and can change, so check the product page for the current price and stock.

Chihiros sizes (30, 45, 60, 80, 90, 120) match the tank length in cm. Wattage alone does not decide plant growth, so match the light to your plants and add CO2 and fertilizer only if you want demanding species. Not sure which light fits your tank? See the full aquarium light range or message us with your tank size.

Planting or floating Anacharis

You can use Anacharis in two ways. Planted, the stems root in the substrate and grow upright into a green background. Floating, the stems drift near the surface and cover the water, which shades the tank and gives fish and fry shelter. Floating Anacharis is a good choice for a quarantine tank, a fry tank or a goldfish tank where fish uproot rooted plants. A bunch of ten to fifteen stems is a good start for a 2 foot tank.

1. Rinse the stems and quarantine them; see how to dip and quarantine new plants.
2. Remove any lead weights or rubber bands from the bunch.
3. Cut the base of each stem at an angle with sharp scissors.
4. Plant stems 3-4 cm deep in groups of three to five, or let them float.
5. Space groups 3-5 cm apart so that the stems do not shade each other.
6. Keep the light steady and remove loose leaves with a net.

See how to plant aquarium plants for other methods and plant holders, pots, weights and glue for tools that keep stems in place.

Water, temperature and fertilizer

Anacharis prefers water below about 28 C. In hot weather, use a fan or lower the heater, keep the lid open and check the temperature each day. It takes nutrients through the leaves, so a weekly dose of an all-in-one such as Sunken Garden Green (₹490) keeps growth strong, and a small amount of iron helps the leaf colour; see iron for aquarium plants. Rooted stems also benefit from a root tab such as Sunken Garden Root Tabs (₹290). Because Anacharis grows quickly, it can run out of nutrients and thin out at the base, so feed it lightly and trim often. Use a conditioner such as Sunken Garden Anti Chlorine (₹290) on water changes. Read our aquarium plant fertilizer guide and water conditioner guide for doses.

Sunken Garden GreenAll-in-one plant fertilizer Sunken Garden Root TabsRoot fertilizer, 6+1 pack Sunken Garden Anti ChlorineWater conditioner

Trimming and propagating Anacharis

Trim Anacharis every week or two. Cut stems at the length you want and replant the tops; the lower parts will branch. Every cut piece that has a few leaf whorls can be planted or floated and will form roots from the stem within days. This makes it one of the easiest plants to propagate; see how to propagate aquarium plants and how to grow aquarium plants faster. If you are trimming a floating bunch, use a net to remove every loose piece, because small fragments will keep growing and can clog filters.

Anacharis and goldfish, cichlids and other fish

Anacharis is a classic plant for goldfish, since it regrows quickly and gives them something to eat without leaving a bare tank. Many cichlids, plecos and silver dollars also eat it, so expect to replace stems from time to time. For tanks with fish that eat plants, float a thick bunch near the surface and plant a second bunch weighed down in the substrate. In community tanks with small fish, Anacharis provides hiding places for fry and shrimp. See goldfish care, cichlid care and winter aquarium care for how fish and plants cope with cool weather. For a wider list of plant-safe fish, read best fish for a planted aquarium.

Using Anacharis in your layout

Plant Anacharis in a thick clump at the back or in a corner. It looks best in groups of ten or more stems. Keep slower plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Cryptocoryne in front, because Anacharis will grow tall and shade them. If you want a clean look, trim the tops back to the same height and replant them in a line.

Common Anacharis problems and fixes

See why aquarium plants melt or turn brown and yellow and does fertilizer cause algae for more fixes.

Do not release Anacharis into natural water

Egeria densa is invasive in many countries, and its fragments can grow into new plants. In India, never throw trimmings, water from the tank or unwanted plants into a drain, pond, lake or river. Dry the trimmings in the sun, dispose of them in household waste or compost them far from water. The same advice applies to floating plants; see duckweed guide and floating plants guide.

Choosing healthy Anacharis

Look for stems with bright green, dense leaves and no brown, slimy or translucent patches. Avoid bunches that smell musty or have bare, thin stems. Anacharis often arrives with weights or bands; remove these as soon as you open the bag, because they can damage the stem and cause rot. Rinse the plant, quarantine it for a week and add it to the tank gradually. Buy a few extra stems, because some lower leaves are likely to drop while the plant adapts.

Buying Anacharis in India

Anacharis is sold as bunches by weight or count and is among the cheapest live plants in India. Ask the seller for the name and whether the plant was grown in clean water; see where to buy live aquarium plants in India and tissue culture plants for pest-free options. At the time of writing, Fish Bazaar does not list live Anacharis on the store; we stock the lights, fertilizers, root tabs and conditioners shown above, and you can message us on WhatsApp for help planning your tank.

हिंदी में संक्षेप: एनाचारिस (इलोडिया या एजेरिया डेंसा) तेज़ी से बढ़ने वाला पौधा है जो कम से मध्यम रोशनी में चलता है और CO2 नहीं माँगता। इसे मिट्टी में 3-4 सेमी लगाएँ या पानी पर तैरने दें। पानी 15 से 28 डिग्री के बीच रखें, क्योंकि ज़्यादा गर्मी में पत्ते झड़ जाते हैं। हर हफ़्ते थोड़ी तरल खाद दें और 1-2 हफ़्ते में छँटाई करें। गोल्डफ़िश इसे खाती हैं। छँटाई का कचरा कभी नाली, तालाब या नदी में न डालें।

Frequently asked questions

Is Anacharis the same as Elodea?

In aquarium shops, Anacharis and Elodea densa usually mean Egeria densa. True Elodea canadensis is a cold-water plant that is less common in the aquarium trade.

Is Anacharis easy to grow?

Yes. It grows in low to medium light, needs no CO2 and tolerates tap water. It dislikes hot water above about 28-30 C.

How do you plant Anacharis?

Plant stems 3-4 cm into the substrate in small groups, or let them float. Remove lead weights and bands first.

Why is my Anacharis losing leaves?

Hot water, low nutrients or low light are common causes. Keep the water below 28 C, add fertilizer and trim damaged stems.

Can goldfish eat Anacharis?

Yes. It is a classic goldfish plant that regrows quickly after being eaten.

Does Anacharis need CO2 or fertilizer?

It does not need CO2, but a weekly all-in-one fertilizer keeps growth strong and prevents thin, bare stems.

How fast does Anacharis grow?

It can grow several centimetres a week in good conditions, so trim it every one to two weeks.

Can Anacharis float?

Yes. Floating stems shade the tank and give fish and fry shelter, but they also lose their lower leaves more often.

Does Anacharis prevent algae?

It absorbs nutrients quickly, which leaves less for algae, but it does not remove algae on its own.

Can I throw Anacharis trimmings in a pond or drain?

No. Fragments grow into new plants and Egeria densa is invasive in many countries. Dry the trimmings and dispose of them in household waste.

Related plant guides

• Aquarium plants for fish tanks: the complete India guide
• Hornwort guide
• Fastest growing aquarium plants
• Floating plants guide
• How to propagate aquarium plants
• How to plant aquarium plants

Planning a planted tank with Anacharis for goldfish or cichlids? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 91523 30102 and we will help.