Stem Plants
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Stem Plants

Stem plants for colorful background growth, aquascaping, and freshwater planted tanks.

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Shrimp-Safe Plants

Great for shrimp, grazing, and planted tanks.

Carefully Packed

Wrapped and packed to arrive in good condition.

Ships Mon–Thu

Ground shipping. Delivery varies by location.

Free Shipping at $75+

Free shipping unlocks at $75.

14 products

Quick Comparison

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Stem Plant TypeBest UseCare Note
Green StemsBeginner background growthUsually forgiving in low-tech tanks
Red StemsColor contrastOften need stronger light and nutrients
Fine-Leaf StemsAquascaping textureNeed regular trimming
Fast GrowersNutrient uptakeGreat for filling new tanks

Have Questions?

Quick Answers

How do I plant stem plants?
Plant individual stems or small groups into the substrate with enough spacing for light and flow. Remove leaves that would be buried.
Can stem plants be trimmed?
Yes. Trimming encourages bushier growth, and healthy tops can often be replanted.
Do red stem plants need high light?
Many red stem plants show stronger color under higher light, steady nutrients, and sometimes CO2. Check each product page for requirements.
Are stem plants good for shrimp tanks?
Yes. Dense stem plants provide cover and grazing surfaces for shrimp and shrimplets.
Are stem plants covered by the Live Arrival Guarantee?
Yes. Photograph any issue in the original packaging on the day of delivery before trimming or replanting.

About This Collection

Stem Plants

Stem plants are fast-growing aquarium plants used for background growth, color, nutrient uptake, and dense planted-tank structure. They are popular in aquascapes, shrimp tanks, and community aquariums because they fill in quickly and can be trimmed into shape. Most stem plants are planted directly into the substrate and trimmed as they grow. Healthy cuttings can often be replanted to create thicker groups. Lighting, nutrients, and CO2 can influence color, growth rate, and compactness. Live stem plants are covered by our Live Plant Arrival Guarantee. Photograph any issue in the original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting.

Shrimp-Safe Plants

Great for shrimp, grazing, and planted tanks.