Ever look at the top of your aquarium and feel like something’s missing? You’ve perfected the underwater world, but there’s a disconnect between your beautiful tank and the rest of your room. It feels like two separate hobbies—aquascaping and houseplant care—that never get to meet.
I’m here to promise you that you can bridge that gap. You can create a breathtaking, seamless transition from water to air, turning your aquarium into a living, breathing piece of art that purifies its own water.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the best houseplants you can put in aquarium setups. We’ll cover which plants work, how to prepare them safely, the incredible benefits for your fish, and how to create a stunning, sustainable ecosystem right in your living room. Let’s get growing!
Why Bother? The Amazing Benefits of Houseplants in Your Aquarium
You might be wondering if this is just for looks. While the aesthetic is a huge plus, the benefits of houseplants you can put in aquarium water go much, much deeper. It’s about creating a tiny, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Superior Nitrate Removal (Your Fish Will Thank You!)
This is the big one. Fish waste breaks down into nitrates. While not instantly toxic in low amounts, high nitrates cause stress, stunt growth, and can lead to health problems. Your regular aquatic plants consume nitrates, but they have to compete for CO2 and light underwater.
Houseplants, with their leaves in the open air, have unlimited access to CO2. This allows them to grow incredibly fast, and to fuel that growth, they suck nitrates out of your water column with astonishing efficiency. They are, quite literally, super-powered natural filters.
A Natural, Lush Aesthetic
Imagine roots dangling down into the water, creating a mysterious, jungle-like vibe. Picture lush green leaves cascading down the sides of your tank. This method, often called a “riparian” setup, mimics the look of a natural riverbank where terrestrial plant roots reach into the water.
It creates a beautiful, organic connection between your aquatic world and your living space. It’s a high-impact look that makes your aquarium a true centerpiece.
Creating Shelter and Security for Fish
Those dangling roots aren’t just for show. They create a dense, shaded network that many fish adore. Shy species like certain tetras, gouramis, or wild-type bettas will feel much more secure weaving through the root maze.
It’s also the perfect nursery! If you have livebearers like guppies or platies, the fry will find invaluable protection from hungry adults within the root system.
A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Approach
By using plants to do the heavy lifting of nitrate removal, you’re creating a more balanced and sustainable houseplants you can put in aquarium system. This natural filtration reduces your reliance on chemical filter media and can even help extend the time between water changes (though it never replaces them!).
It’s an eco-friendly houseplants you can put in aquarium practice that puts nature to work, just as it would in a wild river or stream.
The Best Houseplants You Can Put in an Aquarium: Our Top Picks
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Not all houseplants are suitable, but many common ones thrive with their roots in water. Here are some of the easiest and most beautiful options to get you started.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Undisputed Champion
If you start with just one plant, make it Pothos. It’s incredibly hardy, grows fast, and is a nitrate-devouring machine. Its vining nature means you can let it trail down the side of your tank or guide it along the wall. Don’t worry about its reputation for being toxic to cats and dogs—it’s perfectly safe for fish as long as they don’t eat the leaves (which are out of the water anyway!).
Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) – The Vining Beauty
Very similar to Pothos in its care and benefits, the Heartleaf Philodendron offers a slightly different look with its iconic, heart-shaped leaves. It’s just as easy to grow and just as effective at keeping your water clean. You can find varieties in lush green, chartreuse, and even variegated patterns.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – The Air-Purifying Powerhouse
Spider Plants are fantastic because they are constantly producing little “pups” or baby plants. You can let the main plant’s roots sit in the water, or you can snip off a pup and place its base in the water to root. They have thick, fleshy roots that add a really interesting texture to the top of your tank.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) – The Elegant Flower
This is a showstopper, but it requires a crucial bit of knowledge. You can only place the roots of a Peace Lily in the water. The crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) must stay dry, or it will rot. When done correctly, it’s a beautiful, broad-leafed plant that may even reward you with its signature white flowers right above your aquarium.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) – Not Actually Bamboo!
Despite its name, this plant is a type of Dracaena. It’s perfect for adding vertical height to your setup. Like the Peace Lily, only the roots and a small portion of the stalk should be submerged. The leafy part needs to be in the air. It’s a very low-maintenance plant that adds a distinct, zen-like quality to your tank.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) – The Statement Plant
For larger aquariums, a Monstera cutting is a bold and beautiful choice. Take a cutting with at least one node (the little bump on the stem where roots grow from) and place it in your filter or a holder. The massive, fenestrated (split) leaves create a dramatic jungle canopy over your tank. It’s a slower grower, but the payoff is huge.
How to Add Houseplants to Your Aquarium: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty (or, well, wet)? Following this simple how to houseplants you can put in aquarium process will ensure a safe and successful transition for your new plant and your fish.
- Choose Your Plant: Start with a healthy plant from the list above. Look for one with vibrant leaves and no signs of pests or disease. A small cutting or a full plant will work.
- The All-Important Cleaning Process: This is the most critical step. You must remove ALL the soil from the roots. Gently work the roots free from the dirt under lukewarm running water. Be patient and thorough. Soil contains fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria that are harmful to your aquarium’s delicate balance.
- Inspect and Trim: Once the roots are sparkling clean, inspect them. Trim off any dead, mushy, or damaged sections with a clean pair of scissors. This prevents rot from spreading once it’s in your tank.
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Positioning Your Plant: Now, you need to secure the plant so its roots are in the water and its leaves are out. You have a few great options:
- The Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filter: This is the easiest method. Simply tuck the clean roots into the back of your HOB filter. The flow of water is perfect for the roots, and the plant will be held securely.
- Suction Cup Planters: You can buy small plastic baskets with suction cups that stick to the inside of your aquarium glass. Just place the plant inside and fill the basket with a bit of filter floss or gravel to hold it steady.
- DIY Holders: Get creative! A plastic soap dish with holes drilled in the bottom, hung over the side of the tank, works great. Some people even use custom 3D-printed planters.
- Acclimation and Patience: Your plant may experience a bit of shock. It might drop a leaf or two as it transitions from soil roots to water roots. This is normal! Give it a few weeks to adapt. Soon, you’ll see new, bright white water roots begin to sprout.
Houseplants You Can Put in an Aquarium: Best Practices for Success
To keep your new green friends thriving, follow this simple houseplants you can put in aquarium care guide. These are the pro tips that make all the difference.
Keep the Leaves Dry!
This is the golden rule. These are terrestrial plants, not true aquatics. While their roots love the water, their leaves and stems will rot if they are constantly submerged or wet. Ensure your setup keeps the main body of the plant completely out of the water.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Your aquarium light is designed to penetrate water; it might not be enough for the leaves up top. Your plant still needs light to photosynthesize. Placing the tank near a bright, indirect window is ideal. If not, a small, inexpensive desk lamp with an LED bulb pointed at the plant for a few hours a day works wonders.
Pruning and Maintenance
Just like any houseplant, a little upkeep is needed. Trim off any yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth. If the roots get incredibly long and dense, you can trim them back by about a third without harming the plant. This is one of the key houseplants you can put in aquarium tips for long-term health.
Choosing the Right Fish
Most community fish will completely ignore the roots. However, be cautious with certain species. Large, boisterous cichlids, Silver Dollars, or even some large Goldfish might see the tender new roots as a tasty snack. Know your inhabitants before you add your plants!
Common Problems with Houseplants in Your Aquarium (and How to Fix Them!)
Don’t panic if you hit a snag. Here are some common problems with houseplants you can put in aquarium setups and their simple solutions.
Problem: Yellowing Leaves
This is usually a sign of a nutrient or light issue. If the plant isn’t getting enough light, try moving it closer to a window or adding a small lamp. It could also be an iron deficiency. Never add terrestrial plant fertilizer to your aquarium water. Instead, you can use a leaf-shine spray that contains micronutrients, applying it directly to the leaves far away from the tank.
Problem: Slimy or Rotting Roots
If the roots feel mushy, it’s likely root rot. This can be caused by poor water circulation or by not cleaning the soil off properly. Gently remove the plant, trim away all the rotting sections with sterile scissors, rinse the healthy roots well, and place it back, ensuring there’s some water movement around it.
Problem: The Plant Isn’t Growing
Patience is key, especially at first. If it’s been a month with no change, check your lighting. The other possibility, ironically, is that your tank is too clean! If you have very few fish or a ton of underwater plants, there may not be enough nitrates in the water to feed the houseplant. This is a good problem to have, but it means growth will be slow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houseplants in Aquariums
Can I just stick any houseplant in my fish tank?
Absolutely not. Many common houseplants will rot immediately, and some are toxic and can leach harmful compounds into the water. Stick to the proven, safe list in this guide, like Pothos, Philodendron, and Spider Plants, to ensure the safety of your fish.
Will the houseplants harm my fish?
When you use the right plants and prepare them correctly by washing off all soil and chemicals, they are incredibly beneficial, not harmful. The roots are safe for fish to be around, and the nitrate removal directly improves their health and environment.
Do I still need to do water changes?
Yes, 100%. While these plants are nitrate-sucking superstars, they don’t remove everything. Water changes are still essential for replenishing trace minerals and removing dissolved organic compounds that plants don’t consume. Think of the plants as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for good maintenance.
Can I use houseplants in a betta tank?
It’s one of the best things you can do for a betta! Bettas in the wild live in shallow, densely vegetated waters. The dangling roots provide cover, security, and enrichment, mimicking their natural habitat perfectly. They will love exploring and resting among the roots.
Your Aquarium Is Ready for a Glow-Up
You now have a complete houseplants you can put in aquarium guide to transform your tank from a simple glass box into a dynamic, living ecosystem. You’re not just keeping fish anymore; you’re cultivating a tiny piece of a riverbank in your own home.
The process is simple: Choose a safe plant, clean it thoroughly, and position it carefully. The rewards—a healthier environment for your fish and a stunningly beautiful display for you—are more than worth the small effort.
So go ahead, grab that Pothos cutting you’ve been eyeing. Your journey into the beautiful world of riparian aquariums starts now. Happy planting!
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