Java Fern for the plant. A desktop aquarium with heater and filtration for the fish. One of the Eclipse complete set ups is good. Just add a heater. Theyhave a light and lid. If this is an office environment, I would get something to cover the tank when you leave or the night. The usual fluorescent lights on almost all day will really help the algae grow. Also marbles aren't the best choice for subastrate, even though they look cool.

I agree with woeisme. A bowl is not a suitable habitat for any fish, including a Beta.

The smaller Eclipse tanks, even the 3, make excellent habitats for Betas (and little else) and you could grow a few small live plants in it too.

As the lights are on a separate cord, they can be plugged it into a timer while leaving the filter running continually.

Hello! When I was on the hunt for good no-care aquarium plants, both the java fern and java moss were suggested to me, especially for lower light conditions (which doesn't seem to be a problem for you). The first plant I ever bought was the one linked below, and it has been wonderful. It has been in both low and medium lighting conditions without ever showing signs of distress. However, I have no idea what it's called!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:379739}}

A 5 gallon Mini bow isn't too expensive and comes with a nice Whisper filter.

Tom

I was concerned about the java fern because I've seen them listed as low-light, and I'm not sure that's what I have.
Thanks for the responsible pet ownership lecture.

Personally, I like to utilize Water Sprite. It floats or can be planted. And if you ever want to breed them, the floating plant can be incorporated into the bubblenest. It's also great for hiding livebearer fry.

Is that Ceratopteris cornuta? Or thalictroides? I'm finding both labeled as water sprite. (Probably doesn't matter for my purposes, anyway.) I haven't seen it locally, would probably have to order. Lots of comments that it's a strong grower, I might even have to trim! =)
Having watched a friend and her roommate breed their bettas a few years ago (and adopting the fry with lordosis for his two-ish months of life, refusing to call him "Humpy" as he had been named, poor thing), I think I can safely say that this fish's three-year run of bachelorhood will not be ended any time soon.