Anacharis Elodea

Egeria densa — Anacharis (Elodea)

A hardy, fast-growing oxygenator for tanks and ponds — bright green and beginner-easy

IMPORTANT — SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS (REGULATED PLANT). PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING. Anacharis is a fast-growing, hardy plant — qualities that also make it invasive if it escapes into natural waterways — so it is a regulated or prohibited species in a number of U.S. states, and we cannot ship it to them. Restricted states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you live in one of these states, please message us before ordering, and we'll gladly suggest a legal alternative. Wherever you live: never release Anacharis (or any aquarium plant) into lakes, rivers, or local waterways — always dispose of trimmings in the trash. Responsible use keeps it legal and protects native ecosystems.

Anacharis (also known as Elodea) is one of the most durable and beginner-friendly aquarium plants available. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and asks for very little care, growing fast into bright green, feathery stems. Beyond its lush look, it's a genuine workhorse: it helps filter and oxygenate the water, making it ideal for well-stocked community aquariums and ponds (where legal). It can be planted in the substrate or left to float, and it propagates in seconds from cuttings. Easy, fast, and beneficial — a timeless choice for aquarists of any level.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) Is this plant legal in my state?

= Not everywhere — please check before ordering. Because Anacharis grows so fast and can become invasive if it escapes into the wild, it's a regulated or prohibited species in these U.S. states, where we cannot ship it: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you're in one of these states, message us before ordering, and we'll suggest a legal alternative that gives you a similar look and function. And no matter where you live, never release it into natural waterways — dispose of any trimmings in the trash. This keeps it legal and protects native ecosystems.

(Q) What are its benefits — does it help with algae and oxygen, and can I use it in a pond?

= Yes on all counts — these are the reasons it's so popular. First, it's a fast-growing nutrient sponge: it rapidly absorbs excess nutrients and helps oxygenate the water, keeping it clean and healthy and helping to outcompete algae, which is especially valuable in well-stocked or newly set-up tanks. Second, it's cold-tolerant and extremely hardy, making it a favorite for ponds and coldwater/goldfish tanks (where it's legal) as well as tropical aquariums. As a bonus, its dense growth gives fish and shrimp welcome cover. It's a plant that looks good and actively improves your water.

(Q) Can I float it or plant it, and how do I care for it?

= It's versatile — you can plant the stems in the substrate, where they'll develop roots, or simply leave them floating; both work well, and it grows fast either way. Because it's such a quick grower, trim it regularly and replant the cuttings to keep it full — propagation is as easy as snipping a stem and replanting it. It needs no CO2 and does well in low-to-moderate light, though brighter light keeps it denser and helps prevent legginess. Net out any shed pieces now and then, and it's about as low-maintenance as a plant gets.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Anacharis (Egeria densa / Elodea) bundle, approximately 6 inches, ready to plant or float on arrival. Please review the shipping restrictions above — we cannot ship to the listed states; message us for a legal alternative. Never release into natural waterways. Rinse gently before adding to your tank. Photos are representative of the species; your specimen may vary slightly in size.

Ships within 10–15 business days (to non-restricted states).