They also are natural filters, adding some oxygen and removing fish waste from the aquarium. Aquatic plants do not all have the same requirements for survival. Certain lighting, temperature, hardness and pH conditions will allow some plants to survive and thrive while others perish. If you are unwilling to match your aquarium conditions to those required by a demanding species, stick to the varieties that will do well under your conditions. Plant them carefully.
Aquatic plants are much more fragile than their terrestrial cousins.
Rough handling can cause damage to leaves, stems and roots. Plant them in two to four inches of fine or medium aquarium gravel. Stemmed plants like Anacharis and Hygrophila should simply have an inch or two of stem pushed gently into the gravel. Any rubber bands, lead weights or plastic pots are meant to be temporary and are best removed if the plants have enough roots to hold themselves in place. Give them enough light.