Ever thought about bringing a bit of aquatic magic indoors? Trust me, I never imagined my living room could use a mini pond until I stumbled upon floating plants.
From the timeless beauty of water lilies to the quirky charm of marimo moss balls, these plants can turn any old bowl or container into an underwater paradise.
Whether you’re an expert or just starting to dip your toes in the world of water plants (like I did), there’s something here for everyone. It’s like having your own little aquatic garden, minus the fishy smell, thankfully!
1. Water Lilies
Nothing says ‘classy’ like a bowl graced with these beauties. Water lilies are not just pretty faces; they’re cool companions for your indoor water garden adventures.
While they’re top contenders for elegance, be ready for them to demand some pampering. Their need for sunlight might mean positioning your container near a window.
But once settled, they’ll reward you with astonishing blooms. If you’re up for the challenge, these plants will certainly make a splash in your home!
2. Duckweed
Who knew such small plants could create such a big impact? Duckweed might look like mini green dots, but they’re powerhouse purifiers for your water bowl.
Just don’t let them fool you. These little ones can multiply fast, so keep an eye on them. They’re perfect if you’re after a low-maintenance, eco-friendly option.
Plus, the sight of these tiny clusters can be quite charming. A word of caution: they can take over if you’re not careful!
3. Frogbit
Looking for a plant that brings nature without the fuss? Enter frogbit, the charming little plant with heart-shaped leaves.
They’re like the easy-going cousin of water lilies, needing less sun and attention. Despite their laid-back nature, they add a nice aesthetic appeal to your aquatic setup.
But remember, they grow fast and can cover the surface quickly. Keep them in check, and you’ll have a fancy water garden with minimal effort!
4. Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinths are truly head-turners. They’re great for creating a mini jungle feel indoors. However, they can be a bit demanding when it comes to mobility. They enjoy moving around freely, so give them space to float.
While they’re not picky about water quality, they can clog up your bowl if not thinned out regularly. Keep them happy, and they’ll keep your indoor garden lively.
5. Water Lettuce
Feeling fancy? Water lettuce brings an elegance to any indoor container with its rosette form. These plants are great for adding texture and a bit of flair.
But watch out. They can get assertive, spreading quickly if left unchecked. They prefer warm, sunny spots, so a window perch is ideal.
While they’re known for their air-purifying abilities, they can also be invasive in some regions. Keep them contained, and they’ll be a classy addition to your indoor garden.
6. Salvinia
With small, oval leaves, these plants add a soothing texture to your indoor water bowl. They’re low-maintenance, making them great for beginners or those with busy lifestyles.
Despite their humble appearance, salvinia can quickly cover the surface, so a bit of regular thinning is needed.
They’re cool companions, adding a bit of nature without the fuss. Keep them contained, and they’ll play nicely in your watery wonderland.
7. Marimo Moss Balls
Who knew algae could be this cute? Marimo moss balls are like the quirky little friends every water container needs.
Simply change their water occasionally, and they’ll happily keep you company. Unlike other floating plants, they prefer to sink and roll around.
They’re perfect for those who appreciate the unusual and enjoy a bit of low-key vibe. Just make sure they get some indirect light, and they’ll stay plump and perky!
8. Pennywort
Ever thought about having a plant that’s both decorative and functional? Pennywort might be your answer. With round leaves that float gracefully, they add a charming vibe to any space.
These plants are not just about looks. They’re known for their medicinal properties too. While they’re easy to care for, they can become leggy if not trimmed.
Keep them neatly shaped, and they’ll reward you with big growth. A perfect choice for those who appreciate both beauty and utility in their indoor gardens.
9. Water Clover
Water clover is not just a charming addition but also an interesting one. These plants add a splash of green and character to your bowl. They’re not demanding, but do appreciate a sunny spot.
While they don’t need much pampering, you might find yourself wanting to prune them regularly to keep them tidy. With water clover, your indoor garden gets a cool boost of charm and maybe even a bit of luck!
10. Red Root Floater
Red root floaters might just be the accent you’re looking for. With their reddish roots and green leaves, they stand out in any setting.
They’re not overly demanding, but they do like a bit of light to show off their best hues. These floaters can grow quickly, so regular thinning might be needed to keep them from taking over.
Add these to your indoor garden, and you’ll have a striking, colorful water feature!
11. Azolla
Azolla is a fascinating choice. Not only do they add a delicate vibe to your container, but they’re great for nitrogen fixation, benefiting the water environment.
While they’re easy to care for, they do appreciate some light and might need thinning to prevent crowding. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re tough little workers.
12. Dwarf Water Lettuce
How about a smaller, charming version of a classic? Dwarf water lettuce is like the little sibling of its larger counterpart, adding a compact elegance to your bowl.
These easy-going plants are perfect for those who want a neat, controlled look. They prefer a sunny spot but are quite adaptable.
While they’re not demanding, they can multiply quickly, so regular maintenance is key. Ideal for creating a balanced, stylish indoor water garden without overpowering other elements.
13. Water Hawthorn
Water hawthorn might be your surprise addition. With its narrow leaves and small, white flowers, it adds elegance during the colder months.
These plants are perfect for bringing life to your indoor water garden when others might be dormant. They thrive in cooler water, making them unique companions for your container.
While they’re a bit different, they’re sure to add something special to your aquatic display.
14. Lotus (Dwarf varieties)
Lotus plants don’t just belong in faraway ponds. They can grace your home too. Dwarf varieties offer the opportunity to enjoy these iconic plants in a more manageable size.
With their stunning blooms and broad leaves, they create a focal point for any indoor water garden. While they do require sunlight and a bit of patience, the payoff is worth it.
These plants might be a commitment, but they bring an air of tranquility and beauty that’s hard to beat.
15. Floating Hearts
Floating hearts are like little love notes scattered across your water bowl. With heart-shaped leaves, they add a classy vibe to your space.
While they’re not demanding, they do like a bit of sun and regular trimming to keep them in check. These plants are great for those who want to add a playful yet elegant element to their indoor garden.
They might not be the center of attention, but they certainly add character!
16. Dwarf Water Hyacinth
Dwarf water hyacinths offer a compact version of these stunning plants. They bring the same floral beauty but in a more manageable size.
Perfect for small indoor bowls, these plants like a bit of sunlight and regular thinning to prevent overcrowding.
They’re a charming addition for those wanting to mix elegance with ease in their aquatic garden. A neat solution for creating a mini oasis without the hassle of larger varieties.
17. Water Poppy
Water poppies bring joy to any water bowl. They’re like little bursts of happiness floating around. While they’re stunning, they do need a bit of sunlight to keep those blooms coming.
These plants are perfect for adding character to your indoor garden. With regular care, they’ll brighten up your space and moods alike. A delightful choice for those who love a bit of color in their aquatic setups.
18. Floating Pennywort
Floating pennywort might just be your new favorite. With round, coin-like leaves, they add elegance to your water container.
Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also known for their medicinal properties. While they’re easy to care for, a bit of regular trimming helps maintain their shape.
These plants are great for those who love combining beauty with utility in their indoor water gardens.
19. Hydrocotyle Verticillata
Ever wanted a plant that’s as unique as your style? Hydrocotyle verticillata might just fit the bill. With umbrella-like leaves, they create an intriguing look in any container.
These plants are not only cool to look at but also easy to care for. They’re great for small spaces and require minimal maintenance. Just give them a bit of sunlight, and they’ll stay happy.
20. Giant Water Lily
Giant water lilies might sound appealing, but they’re more trouble than they’re worth indoors. These massive leaves need a lot of space. Something most indoor settings can’t offer.
While they’re stunning in large ponds, they quickly outgrow any container. If you’re not prepared for the headache of managing their size, it’s best to admire them from afar.
Save yourself the trouble and opt for their smaller relatives instead.
21. Water Chestnut
Water chestnuts might tempt you, but they’re a bit of a challenge indoors. These plants require deep containers and plenty of room to thrive, which isn’t always feasible.
While they do produce tasty treats, the effort involved often outweighs the reward. If you’re up for a challenge, they can be intriguing, but be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Consider them if you’re adventurous, but they’re not for the faint-hearted!
22. Giant Duckweed
Giant duckweed might seem ideal, but it’s a bit too much for indoor settings. They grow rapidly, covering the surface and blocking light to other plants.
While they’re efficient at water purification, they can overwhelm your container in no time. If you’re looking for something manageable, these might not be the best choice.
Consider sticking to smaller duckweed varieties to keep your indoor garden balanced and hassle-free.
23. Water Lettuce (Invasive in some regions)
Unfortunately, water lettuce, despite its elegance, is known for being invasive in some regions. While it adds a lovely touch to indoor bowls, it can spread rapidly, making it difficult to control.
If you’re not careful enough, they could escape and cause havoc in local waterways. It’s best to enjoy their beauty within contained environments and keep a watchful eye to prevent any unwanted spreading.
24. Golden Pothos (Not a true floating plant)
Ever thought about adding some greenery without the hassle of a true aquatic plant? Golden pothos might cross your mind. While they’re popular for their ease of care, they’re not true floating plants.
They can adapt to water containers, but they won’t float. If you’re imagining a true floating garden, you might be disappointed.
However, they do make great companions for other water plants, adding greenery without demanding much. Consider them as accents rather than main attractions in your container.