Floating plants are a fantastic addition to your indoor space. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also help purify water, reduce algae growth, and create a relaxing ambiance. Here’s a list of 10 floating plants perfect for indoor bowls, aquariums, or containers.
1. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
- Appearance: Rosette-shaped, velvety leaves resembling lettuce.
- Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light and warm water (70-80°F).
- Benefits: Excellent water purifier; provides shade to reduce algae.
2. Duckweed (Lemna minor)
- Appearance: Tiny, bright green, oval leaves that float in clusters.
- Care: Requires moderate light and grows rapidly in still water.
- Benefits: Absorbs excess nutrients, preventing algae growth.
3. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
- Appearance: Rounded, glossy leaves that float on the surface.
- Care: Needs moderate to bright light and warm, calm water.
- Benefits: Ideal for small indoor water gardens; easy to maintain.
4. Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans)
- Appearance: Small, reddish-green leaves with vibrant red roots.
- Care: Prefers bright light to enhance its red coloration.
- Benefits: Adds a splash of color and filters water naturally.
5. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
- Appearance: Broad, glossy leaves with lavender-blue flowers.
- Care: Requires bright light and warm temperatures (70-85°F).
- Benefits: Beautiful blooms; helps oxygenate water.
6. Salvinia (Salvinia minima)
- Appearance: Small, oval-shaped, fuzzy green leaves.
- Care: Thrives in low to moderate light and warm, still water.
- Benefits: Reduces evaporation and absorbs excess nutrients.
7. Floating Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans)
- Appearance: Bright green, moss-like clusters that float freely.
- Care: Prefers low to moderate light and nutrient-rich water.
- Benefits: Versatile for aquariums and small bowls.
8. Azolla (Azolla filiculoides)
- Appearance: Delicate, fern-like foliage that turns red in bright light.
- Care: Requires moderate light and grows quickly in still water.
- Benefits: Fixes nitrogen in water and prevents algae growth.
9. Dwarf Water Clover (Marsilea minuta)
- Appearance: Resembles a four-leaf clover with floating leaves.
- Care: Grows well in medium light and shallow water.
- Benefits: Adds charm to bowls and small water gardens.
10. Fairy Moss (Azolla caroliniana)
- Appearance: Tiny, overlapping leaves that form a dense mat.
- Care: Requires indirect light and warm water (68-80°F).
- Benefits: Provides shade and acts as a natural water purifier.
Tips for Growing Floating Plants Indoors
- Light: Most floating plants need bright, indirect sunlight or grow lights.
- Water: Use dechlorinated water to keep plants healthy.
- Humidity: Keep plants in a humid environment for optimal growth.
- Maintenance: Remove excess plants to prevent overcrowding and regularly clean the container.
Why Grow Floating Plants Indoors?
- Enhance indoor decor with lush greenery.
- Improve water quality by reducing algae and filtering impurities.
- Create a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.
Start your floating plant journey today with these beautiful and low-maintenance options. They’re perfect for any indoor water setup!