Floating plants are a unique way to bring an artistic and refreshing vibe to your indoor spaces. Grown without the need for soil, these plants thrive directly on water, turning simple bowls and containers into breathtaking green displays. Perfect for plant enthusiasts looking to add variety to their collections, floating plants are not only visually stunning but also surprisingly low-maintenance.
Here are 15 floating plant ideas to elevate your home decor, complete with care tips to help them thrive indoors.
A Note on Invasiveness
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Many of these floaters (or semi-floaters) are invasive in native habitats. Therefore, it’s important to be responsible when disposing of these plants (or cutting) and not introducing them into natural bodies of water where they can cause harm to the ecosystem.
1. Water Mimosa (Neptunia oleracea)
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Water Mimosa makes an excellent addition to indoor spaces with its spongy, purple-tinted stems and mat-forming growth habit. This plant spreads horizontally across the water surface, adding texture and life to containers or bowls.
Care Tips: Place the plant in a medium-sized bowl near a south-facing window for bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the water level consistent, and change the water every two weeks to maintain freshness and prevent stagnation.
2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
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With its cascading growth and light-green foliage, Creeping Jenny creates a soft and whimsical look. This plant adapts perfectly to bowls with shallow water, rooting in just a couple of weeks. (Note: Not a true “floating” plant.)
Care Tips: Place it in indirect light and keep it in a location with moderate humidity. Refill the bowl with clean water to ensure root health, and prune regularly to maintain its graceful shape.
3. Indian Pennywort (Centella asiatica)
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Known for its round leaves and rich medicinal history, Indian Pennywort thrives beautifully in shallow water bowls. It’s perfect for creating a serene, minimalist aesthetic on shelves or windowsills.
Care Tips: Position the plant near a bright window with filtered light. Replace the water weekly and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive growth or discoloration.
4. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
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Soft, velvety rosettes make Water Lettuce a head-turning floating plant. Indoors, it stays manageable and provides an elegant cover for bowls or decorative containers.
Care Tips: Provide at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily and keep the water nutrient-rich. Remove excess foliage to prevent overcrowding, and place it away from drafty areas.
Warning: Toxic to pets.
5. Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans)
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With its vibrant red roots and small floating leaves, Red Root Floaters bring a splash of tropical color to water bowls or aquariums. These low-maintenance plants are sure to draw compliments.
Care Tips: Place under bright grow lights or a sunny window to encourage the development of bright red roots. Use nutrient-rich water, and lightly rinse the leaves to remove any debris.
6. European Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
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The heart-shaped leaves of European Frogbit float gracefully on water, creating a charming and natural look indoors. This sturdy plant mimics the appearance of miniature lily pads.
Care Tips: Place in full to partial sunlight near a window for best results. Use calcium-enriched water and monitor its growth to prevent overcrowding in small containers.
7. Watermoss (Salvinia molesta)
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Watermoss features attractive whorled leaves in sets of three, offering an effortless way to bring greenery indoors. Its soft texture and ease of care make it a favorite among plant lovers.
Care Tips: Position in medium to bright indirect light. Use filtered water for optimal health, and thin out the plant occasionally to prevent excessive growth in smaller containers.
8. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
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Water Hyacinths are an epitome of elegance with their broad leaves and lavender flowers. Though they are known for their invasive nature outdoors, they are easily contained indoors in water bowls.
Care Tips: Provide six hours of bright sunlight daily and maintain a shallow water level with the roots submerged. Clean the bowl periodically to keep water quality high.
9. Bowl Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
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Miniature Bowl Lotuses add a luxurious and serene touch to indoor spaces, with their delicate flowers and iconic leaves. These miniature beauties thrive in shallow water containers.
Care Tips: Place in full sunlight or near a bright window for at least six hours daily. Use warm water and add a slow-release fertilizer every three weeks to encourage blooming.
10. Duckweed (Lemna minor)
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Duckweed forms a dense, lush green carpet across the water surface. It’s ideal for adding natural aesthetics to small bowls or wider containers indoors.
Care Tips: Keep in a well-lit spot with either filtered sunlight or bright artificial light. Skim away excess growth every few weeks to keep it manageable and ensure healthy water conditions.
11. Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)
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With its penny-shaped leaves and gentle growth, Marsh Pennywort adds a timeless charm to water-filled containers. It grows quickly and thrives in shaded corners of your home.
Care Tips: Place in partial shade to filtered light, and change the water weekly. Make sure to trim excess growth to keep it from looking unruly in small containers.
12. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
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Amazon Frogbit is famous for its lush, leathery leaves that float beautifully across water surfaces. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their indoor decor with vibrant greenery.
Care Tips: Provide consistent bright but indirect light, and maintain nutrients in the water with diluted liquid fertilizer. Avoid placing it near air drafts or heaters that can dry out its delicate foliage.
13. Fairy Moss (Azolla caroliniana)
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Fairy Moss forms a soft, carpet-like mat with its small reddish-green fronds. This floating fern is ideal for creating a striking visual centerpiece indoors.
Care Tips: Place the container in indirect sunlight and maintain even water temperature. Occasionally, thin the mat to promote even growth and ensure the water doesn’t stagnate.
14. Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides)
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This aquatic fern offers a unique foliage structure with its feathery, bright green floating leaves. Its playful aesthetic complements modern decor styles.
Care Tips: Place in bright, indirect light and use soft or distilled water to avoid mineral build-up. Trim any browning leaves to keep its appearance tidy.
15. Giant Salvinia (Salvinia auriculata)
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Giant Salvinia lives up to its name with its larger leaves that form overlapping layers. It’s a dramatic and low-effort addition to any indoor water garden.
Care Tips: Keep under bright light and ensure the bowl or container has ample room for the plant to spread. Replace water bi-weekly and remove older leaves to refresh its look.
Bring Some Magic Indoors
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Floating plants are a simple yet stunning way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. Whether you’re enhancing your home decor, creating a conversation piece, or simply enjoying the calming effects of greenery, these 15 floating plants offer plenty of options.
With minimal effort and a splash of creativity, you can transform ordinary bowls and containers into living works of art. Choose your favorites, follow the care tips, and enjoy the magic of indoor water gardening!
